Greetings in the name of our risen savior Jesus,
I hope that each of you had a wonderful and enjoyable summer. Now as summer comes to a close, we begin getting back into the swing of our daily routine. Students will be returning to school and things get back to normal in the church as well. Meetings start up and we begin planning programs and events for the year.
Bible Study will resume at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 4 at Charleston UMC and at 6:00 PM, Thursday, September 5 at Clark Trinity. Please plan to attend as these class meetings are fun, full of fellowship and discussion about our lives and how they relate to scripture.
I’ve heard a million and one excuses why people don’t attend worship or participate in any church functions.
Here are five reasons why anyone who professes to be a Christian should attend “church”. (From www.christianpost.com article by Rick McDaniel)
It Is What Jesus Did. Luke 14:6 says, "Jesus went back to Nazareth, where he'd been brought up and as usual he went to the meeting place on the Sabbath." This is in keeping with obeying one of the Ten Commandments which is, "Observe the Sabbath by keeping it holy." When we say we are followers of Christ, we're supposed to do what Jesus has done. What would Jesus do? Jesus would go to church and we as followers of Christ should do the same.
It Is a Good Habit. Hebrews 10:25 says, "Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship”. But we must not do that. When you practice the good habit of regular church attendance you reap some very good outcomes.
It Is a Positive Example. Going to church is a positive example. When you go each Sunday, you're setting an example. You are setting an example that other people notice. It is an example that becomes an inspiration for others. People who are trying to make their lives better, people who want a positive change are going to be impacted by an example of someone who is committed to regular church attendance.
It Is Important for Encouragement. We all need encouragement. Life is hard. Life is difficult. We all run into various kinds of challenges; health problems, financial issues, conflict within our families. We have an opportunity to encourage one another and that is part of what church is about. Sunday service is where fellowship begins.
It Is Essential for Growth. You can praise and worship God and you can learn things that you didn't know before. You will be challenged. You're going to be motivated. You will come to understand why you're here on this earth: to serve, to give and to love.
Make regular church attendance a priority and let it be a good habit that becomes a part of who you are. Nothing does more for your spiritual health than regularly being in church. Being in a church service is irreplaceable. It is a moment in time and once it's gone, it's gone forever. There will always be competition for your time and other things that you could do on a Sunday. But these are really good reasons you should regularly attend church.
Pastor Bill