They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house. Ps. 36:8
A nagging wife said to her sleeping husband, “Wake up! It’s time to go to church.” “I don’t want to go to church today,” he grumbled. “Oh, but you must!” she retorted. “Give me two reasons and I’ll think about it,” yawned the sleep-deprived soul. “Okay. 1) It’s Sunday. 2) You’re a Christian. 3) You’re the pastor!”
Did you know that you’ll receive things from the Lord at your church that you can never receive on your own? Once that light bulb turns on, there is no rain, flu, or after-school activity that can keep you home. We can follow Jesus’ custom, which was to attend His synagogue weekly. (Lk. 4:16)
As believers, we attend church primarily to honor God. We put Him first in our hearts realizing that, if He never did another thing for us, our salvation alone would be reason enough to praise Him forever. Yet, being the good Father that He is, there are benefits attached to being in His presence with like-faith believers. What are those benefits of being committed to your local church and honoring the house of God? Here are just a few:
1. To Hear From God Deut. 4:10
“…Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, …”
How important it is for you and your family to start your week in God’s house! Let Him speak to you through His Word and your pastor. Get His perspective on living as a new creation. Compare it to the chaos and confusion of those you who don’t know Him. From politics to parenting, their opinions fly, but “As for God, His way is perfect.” Ps. 18:30
Regular church attendance is more than positive peer pressure; it is the Life that will guide and glue your family together forever.
Pastor Tommy Burchfield
2. To Celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection Jn. 20:19
The resurrection of Jesus is the distinguishing factor from all other religions. It proves that death, disease, and destruction of all kinds have lost their power over those who believe. The same “Peace be with you,” which was spoken to His disillusioned disciples is released to you each time you experience His presence. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Not the bloody, crucified Christ, but it is the resurrected Jesus who dwells in your midst.
3. A Strength To Our Homes Jos. 24:15
When parents set their core values and family calendars on “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” a calm and quiet strength arrives. Attending your local church as a family is the single, most important activity of your week. Regular church attendance is more than positive peer pressure; it is the Life that will guide and glue your family together forever. It is a physical expression of your family’s priority. It silently screams, “We are a family who first honors God and our calendar revolves around our weekly worship to Him.”
4. To Learn Royal Living Rom. 5:17
Do you remember how exciting it was when you first realized that you, as a bold Bible believer, no longer need to be defeated in any area of your life? To “reign in life” is more than a sermon title; It’s your identity in Christ. You’re not trying to be more than a conqueror; in Christ, you already are.
5. To Bring His Tithe and Offerings Mal. 3:10, I Cor. 16:2
God’s financial plan for your abundance is clearly defined through tithes and offerings. Those who “get it,” never lack, while those who resist never flourish. Obedience will open the windows of heaven and rebuke the devourer. How it honors God for His family to prepare their offering on Saturday evening and bring it to God in obedience “on the first day of the week.”
6. Mutual Encouragement Heb. 10:24
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” Just as your physical body is designed to heal itself, the Body of Christ reaches out to love and encourage those who are in need; spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Sometimes His healing love flows through you, while other times, it flows to you. Growing in Him together is a great benefit.
7. To Receive The Spirit of Faith I Cor. 4:13
Those who keep learning how to operate in the Spirit of Faith are invincible, unshakeable, and doing the works of Jesus joyfully in their workplace and among their friends and relatives. Be sure that you attend a church where “All things are possible to those who believe” is being taught and demonstrated because faith pleases God. Heb. 11:6
Doesn’t this make you want to thank God for your local church? Let’s renew our commitment to God’s house and God’s people. You’ll be blessed if you do.
