Why going to church?
Notes
Transcript
OUR THEME TODAY IS:
OUR THEME TODAY IS:
OUR THEME TODAY IS:
OUR THEME TODAY IS:
Why going to church?
Why going to church?
OUR THEME TODAY IS: Why going to church?
OUR THEME TODAY IS: Why going to church?
Before anything, let me clarify that today’s message is for ALL of us, not for those who ARE NOT here. Some people say: “Shouldn’t the pastor be preaching on this matter to those who DO NOT ATTEND church, for those who are not here?”
Even though there might have some truth in that, the fact of the matter is that every time we open the Scriptures, it is teaching from the Lord to all of us.
INTRO
INTRO
A recent research shows that from 210 millions adults in the US, 65 million left a church at some point. 2.7 million leave a church per year!
A recent research shows that from 210 millions adults in the US, 65 million left a church at some point, and 2.7 million people leave a church per year!
According to a research conducted by Pew Foundation, and published by CNN, these are the reasons people GO to church:
According to a research conducted by Pew Foundation, and published by CNN, these are the reasons people GO to church:
According to a research conducted by Pew Foundation, published by CNN, these are the results:
According to a research conducted by Pew Foundation, published by CNN, these are the results:
To become closer to God. (81%)
So their children will have a moral foundation. (69%)
To become a better person. (68%)
For comfort in times of trouble or sorrow. (66%)
They find the sermons valuable. (59%)
First, here are the top 10 reasons given by Americans who attend religious services at least once a month, according to Pew. Survey respondents were allowed to give more than one reason. The percentage refers to people who said this was a "very important" reason for their decision:
To be part of a faith community. (57%)
To continue their family's religious traditions. (37%)
To become closer to God. (81%)So their children will have a moral foundation. (69%)To become a better person. (68%)For comfort in times of trouble or sorrow. (66%)They find the sermons valuable. (59%)To be part of a faith community. (57%)To continue their family's religious traditions. (37%)They feel obligated to go. (31%)To meet new people or socialize. (19%)To please their family, spouse or partner. (16%)
They feel obligated to go. (31%)
To meet new people or socialize. (19%)
To please their family, spouse or partner. (16%)
On the other hand, these are the Top 9 reasons people gave for skipping regular religious services:
On the other hand, these are the Top 9 reasons people gave for skipping regular religious services:
Top 9 reasons survey respondents gave for skipping regular religious services:
1. They practice their faith in "other ways." (37%)
2. They are not believers. (28%)
3. No reason. (26%)
No reason is "very important." (26%)
4. They haven't found a house of worship they like. (23%)
5. They don't like the sermons. (18%)
6. They don't feel welcome. (14%)
7. They don't have the time. (12%)
8. Poor health or mobility. (9%)
9. No house of worship in their area. (7%)
This is my church. It is composed of people just like me. It will be friendly if I am. It will do a great work if I work. It will make generous gifts to many causes if I am generous. It will bring others into its fellowship if I bring them. Its seats will be filled if I fill them. It will be a church of loyalty and love, of faith and service. If I who make it what it is, am filled with these, Therefore, with God’s help, I dedicate myself to the task of being all these things I want my church to be.
According to my own experience and research, 3 Other major reasons people also give are:
According to my own experience and research, 3 Other major reasons people also give are:
1. “Christians are hypocrites”;
1. “Christians are hypocrites”;
2. “I was hurt by the Church”;
2. “I was hurt by the Church”;
3. “The only thing the Church wants is my money”.
3. “The only thing the Church wants is my money”.
The reality is, people leave the Church! And however reasons people may have, that is NOT what the Lord wants from us.
The reality is, people leave the Church! And however reasons people may have, that is NOT what the Lord wants from us.
Illustration “CHURCH ON THE ISLAND”
Illustration “CHURCH ON THE ISLAND”
A Christian man was marooned on a desolate island. After he had been there for five years he was found and rescued. As he climbed into the rescue boat the curious rescuers noticed three grass huts (Spanish “choza”). “We thought you were alone, why are there three huts,” they asked.
The man replied, “The first hut is my home; the second is my church.”
“What about the third hut?”
“Oh, that’s the church I used to belong to!”
Today, there is also a thinking, and even an article on the web stating that “You don’t go to church; you are the church.”
Today, there is also a thinking, and even an article on the web stating that “You don’t go to church; you are the church.”
“They only want your money”
“They only want your money”
That’s a complete deviation of what the Scriptures say about attending church.
INFO ON CHURCHES CLOSING
CHURCHES CLOSING
CHURCHES CLOSING
The number of churches that close each year is nearly 3 times the number that open, and no County in the Nation reports a higher percentage of church attendance than ten years ago.
CHURCH ON THE ISLAND
CHURCH ON THE ISLAND
A man was marooned on a desolate island. After he had been there for five years he was found and rescued. As he climbed into the rescue boat the curious rescuers noticed three grass huts. “We thought you were alone, why are there three huts,” they asked.
The man replied, “The first hut is my home; the second is my church.”
“What about the third hut?”
“Oh, that’s the church I used to belong to!”
Let’s make some considerations first, about what the church IS NOT:
Let’s make some considerations first, about what the church IS NOT:
It’s not a SHOW OR CONCERT - where you come and you start analyzing the music, the preacher, how people dress, and if everything is according to you, but the opposite, is a place where you come to serve, worship and pay tribute to the Almighty God.
It’s not a CLUB - where you come to meet new people and have a good time with your friends, with no commitment, no altruism and everything is based on personal interest; but it is an assembly of saints washed by the blood of the Lamb.
It’s not a SUPERMARKET - where you come and start picking what you want or not, put them on your cart, deciding if that is good or not for your health, pay and go away;
It’s not a SPA - where you come to massage your ego;
It’s not a RESTAURANT - where you get to pick the menu and only appreciate the food that you enjoy, and if it’s not tasty, you just leave; (and no tips!)
It’s not HEAVEN - where all the participants are perfect and have nothing to change.
(In fact some say that “the church is like Noah’s Ark, it stinks inside sometimes, but if you get out, you die drowned.” The Church is not Heaven, it’s a Hospital!)
John Sampson says:
John Sampson says:
“Church is not about satisfaction, but about sanctification. Church is not about individuals, but about the Body. Church is not about emotion, but about mission. Church is not about consumption, but about communion.
“Church is not about satisfaction, but about sanctification. Church is not about individuals, but about the Body. Church is not about emotion, but about mission. Church is not about consumption, but about communion.
“Church is not about satisfaction, but about sanctification.Church is not about individuals, but about the Body.Church is not about emotion, but about mission.Church is not about consumption, but about communion.
Church is not about individuals, but about the Body. Church is not about emotion, but about mission.Church is not about consumption, but about communion.
Church is not about individuals, but about the Body. Church is not about emotion, but about mission.Church is not about consumption, but about communion.
So, what is the Church, then??
So, what is the Church, then??
What is the Church then??
What is the Church then??
The original word for church (greek “ekklesia”) is “those called out”. (of the world).
Basically, it is a community of believers who received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, getting together on a regular basis to be built in love and unity, in order to establish the Kingdom of God in their lives and wherever they are.
Let’s take a look on our Text for today:
Let’s take a look on our Text for today:
Cántico para los peregrinos que suben a Jerusalén. Salmo de David. 1 ¡Qué maravilloso y agradable es cuando los hermanos conviven en armonía! 2 Pues la armonía es tan preciosa como el aceite de la unción que se derramó sobre la cabeza de Aarón, que corrió por su barba hasta llegar al borde de su túnica. 3 La armonía es tan refrescante como el rocío del monte Hermón que cae sobre las montañas de Sión. Y allí el Señor ha pronunciado su bendición, incluso la vida eterna.
Psalm 133
A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.
Psalm 133
Since the beginning of times registered in the Old Testament, mankind has the need to adore and revere His Creator, and many examples are seen in the Scriptures where people would meet to worship, whether in the Tabernacle, in the temple or another place of gathering.
In the New Testament that happened in the Temple or in houses.
Even pagans throughout history gather for worship, and countless temples were built for that purpose. Gathering is inherent to human beings.
THE CONTEXT OF THE TEXT:
THE CONTEXT OF THE TEXT:
In this Psalm, King David reveals important truths about what the Church is all about, and how meeting together is so fundamental and vital for those called to be the Church of Jesus.
In this Psalm, King David reveals important truths about what the Church is all about, and how meeting together is so fundamental and vital for those called to be the Church of Jesus.
WE CAN SEE AT LEAST 3 PRINCIPLES ON THIS PSALM ABOUT THE GATHERING OF THE SAINTS:
WE CAN SEE AT LEAST 3 PRINCIPLES ON THIS PSALM ABOUT THE GATHERING OF THE SAINTS:
1. IT’S GOOD AND PLEASANT
1. IT’S GOOD AND PLEASANT
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Dwelling together in Unity is both GOOD and PLEASANT.
Unity is both good and pleasant. It is not easy to combine these two. Something might be good, but not pleasant… and vice versa.
It is not easy to combine these two. Something might be good, but not pleasant… and vice versa. It reminds us that, in the same way God intends us to experiment His “good and pleasant” will, as well.
To experience the joy of the Lord among brothers and sisters is such a privilege! When we are gathered we listen to the Word of God, we worship together, we sing hymns to the Lord, we grow as people, we serve, we encourage each other, we see our kids growing in a safe environment, we find Godly mentors, we bear each other’s burdens, we exercise our gifts, and we are obeying a commandment of the Lord!
we worship together, we sing hymns to the Lord, we grow as people, we serve, we encourage each other, we see our kids growing in a safe environment, we find Godly mentors, we bear each other’s burdens, we exercise our gifts, and we are obeying a commandment of the Lord!
2. IT’S LIKE PRECIOUS OIL
2. IT’S LIKE PRECIOUS OIL
2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.
ELEMENTS OF THE ANOINTING OIL:
Holy -
Holy - In the same way the oil was holy, Holiness is poured out when we are together;
Healing - Oil is mentioned as a healing symbol in the NT; serving the Lord together brings healing to the congregation.
Perfume - also used as a fragrance; the oil is a reminder that when we are together, our service is like a sweet aroma to the Lord;
Anointing - used to anoint kings, priests. Reminds us of our priesthood.
ALL THESE ELEMENTS ARE PRESENT WHEN THE CHURCH IS TOGETHER.
3. IT’S LIKE THE DEW OF HEAVEN
3. IT’S LIKE THE DEW OF HEAVEN
3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.
psalm 133:
Hermon/Zion - Hermon today is a ridge of Mountains between Lebanon and Syria borders, west of Damascus, extending to Israel in the Golan-Heights
Hermon/Zion -
It’s a figure of Blessing into our Drought - Here at the church our dryness is quenched by the Lord and by our brothers and sisters. It’s like the Heavenly moist watering our dry hearts, sprinkling life into our souls.
“Running down” - Notice that 3 main words are: “running down” (2x) and “descending”, it all comes from above, when we are together.
4. IT’S A PLACE OF BLESSINGS AND LIFE
4. IT’S A PLACE OF BLESSINGS AND LIFE
3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.
It DOES NOT SAY “The Lord commanded perfection”, but blessing and life.
The importance of the word “THERE”.
The PRIORITY Issue - Relatives, laziness, the rain, the sun, headache, children, a game, soup operas, work (when it’s not your regular day of work), the cat who is sick, anything is a reason to skip church.
The PRIORITY Issue - Relatives, laziness, the rain, the sun, headache, children, a game, soup operas, work (when it’s not your regular day of work), the cat who is sick, anything is a reason to skip church.
WE SHOULD PLACE MUCH MORE ATTENTION THAT 1 DAY OF THE WEEK SHOULD BE COMPLETELY DEDICATED TO THE LORD
And then we wonder: “Where is the blessing and life?” Well, the answer is simple: it’s “THERE”, in the house of the Lord.
And then we wonder: “Where is the blessing and life?” Well, the answer is simple: it’s “THERE”, in the house of the Lord.
1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
The church is a safe environment for the whole family, here we can raise our kids in the presence of the Lord, protected from the world, where there are programs for all ages and there are activities for all, if you are a more mature christian or not, or a new believer, there is space and opportunity for all.
The church is a safe environment for the whole family, here we can raise our kids in the presence of the Lord, protected from the world, where there are programs for all ages and there are activities for all, if you are a more mature christian or not, or a new believer, there is space and opportunity for all.
We are a BODY, and without each other we are INCOMPLETE!
We are a BODY, and without each other we are INCOMPLETE!
BESIDES ALL THESE PRIVILEGES, WE SHOULD PUT MUCH MORE ATTENTION THAT 1 DAY OF THE WEEK SHOULD BE COMPLETELY DEDICATED TO THE LORD!. THIS IS A COMMANDMENT, NOT AN OPTION.
BESIDES ALL THESE PRIVILEGES, WE SHOULD PUT MUCH MORE ATTENTION THAT 1 DAY OF THE WEEK SHOULD BE COMPLETELY DEDICATED TO THE LORD!. THIS IS A COMMANDMENT, NOT AN OPTION.
With Blessings and Life, our numbers will increase.
With Blessings and Life, our numbers will increase.
We cannot be a church that suffers with NUMBEROLATRY or NUMBER-PHOBIA
The number of churches that close each year is nearly three times the number that open, and no county in the nation reports a higher percentage of church attendance than ten years ago.
Numberolatry is to be obsessed with only numbers; numbers are more important than people; and we have to have numbers at any cost;
CHURCH ON THE ISLAND
CHURCH ON THE ISLAND
A man was marooned on a desolate island. After he had been there for five years he was found and rescued. As he climbed into the rescue boat the curious rescuers noticed three grass huts. “We thought you were alone, why are there three huts,” they asked.
Number-phobia is fear of growth. Any living organism grows and multiply, and the church will only grow and multiply if we attend its services, programs and activities.
The man replied, “The first hut is my home; the second is my church.”
“What about the third hut?”
“Oh, that’s the church I used to belong to!”
FINAL APPLICATIONS
FINAL APPLICATIONS
FINAL APPLICATIONS
FINAL APPLICATIONS
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”
This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I…XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
- We must see how our Great Role Model dealt with this issue: Going to church was really important to Jesus!
- We must see how our Great Role Model dealt with this issue: Going to church was really important to Jesus!
- Going to church was really important to Jesus!
- Going to church was really important to Jesus!
Yes, there was a bunch of hypocrites and imperfect people worshipping in the synagogues and in the temple in Jerusalem when Jesus was living in Israel, they blasphemed Him, He was hurt by them, accused by them, judged by them, condemned by them and killed by them, and even expelled from their temple! But even so, until only 2 days before His death, HE STILL WENT TO THE TEMPLE, THAT IS TO SAY, HE NEVER STOPPED GOING TO CHURCH!!
Going to church was His custom!
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet.
luke 21
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
The Enemy will NEVER be able to stop the Church!
The Enemy will NEVER be able to stop the Church!
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Luke 4:16
The Author of Hebrews also wrote about being together to worship
The Author of Hebrews also wrote about being together to worship
,
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
The Lord listens and records our time together seeking Him
The Lord listens and records our time together seeking Him
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed. 5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.” 8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? 11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed. 5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.” 8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? 11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
MAT 1:18
:18
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
M
16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name.
32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Illustration
Illustration
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”
This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this commentary:
“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals.
“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals.
But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"
“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals.
“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals.
But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.
But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.
But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"
Look at what the says:
Look at what the says:
1 How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young— Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, My King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Text for Reflexion:
Text for Reflexion:
THIS IS MY CHURCH
THIS IS MY CHURCH
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”
This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I…XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
THIS IS MY CHURCH!
THIS IS MY CHURCH!
THIS IS MY CHURCH
THIS IS MY CHURCH
This is my church. It is composed of people just like me. It will be friendly if I am. It will do a great work if I work. It will make generous gifts to many causes if I am generous. It will bring others into its fellowship if I bring them. It will be a church of loyalty and love, of faith and service. If I who make it what it is, am filled with these, its seats will be filled if I fill them. Therefore, with God’s help, I dedicate myself to the task of being all these things I want my church to be.
This is my church. It is composed of people just like me. It will be friendly if I am. It will do a great work if I work. It will make generous gifts to many causes if I am generous. It will bring others into its fellowship if I bring them. It will be a church of loyalty and love, of faith and service. If I who make it what it is, am filled with these, its seats will be filled if I fill them. Therefore, with God’s help, I dedicate myself to the task of being all these things I want my church to be.