Many people consider church attendance unnecessary.
They think it a waste of their time.
God is everywhere so why bother?
What is the point of turning up on a Sunday to sing a few songs, recite a few verses and listen to your priest’s sermon?
“FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER IN MY NAME, THERE I AM IN THE MIDST OF THEM”.
MATTHEW 18:20
This is a direct instruction from God.
Why would he say such a thing?
For our good… everything our creator commands us to do is for our good.
God does not make these requests simply for his own amusement.
He knows what his children need.
He is always guiding us in the right direction… just sometimes we choose not to listen.
Do you accept that God knows what is best for us?
We are made to worship… if we do not go to church and worship God… what else will we be worshipping?
Church is a place where we can show thanks and praise to God.
Why would we not want to do that?
Why would we not want to show God that we are truly grateful for everything he has done for us? When we consider how magnificent God is, how extraordinarily sublime and great he is… surely we should be overcome with the desire to worship him?
We are worshipping the greatest thing we can conceive..
We are worshipping holiness and goodness, power and might beyond our comprehension.
Church is also a place of learning about God.
The weekly bible passages used in the readings and gospel help us to stay in the word.
Hopefully they inspire us to read further, to seek God’s guidance and wisdom.
The sermons should also be a source of knowledge and insight, helping us to understand God’s word and how it impacts our lives.
Church is a place of fellowship and community.
A wonderful opportunity to mix and make friends with likeminded Christians.
If you do not like the people at your church… either change your church or yourself.
It is possible that you do not like the people because you are not following God’s path for you and you either sense their disapproval or feel amiss in their presence…
knowing that you are deliberately following a life of sin.
It is also possible that you are not at the right church for you.
What sort of service makes you feel closest to God?
A very traditional service?
One where the congregation sings modern songs?
One where the atmosphere is less formal and the prayers are more instinctive?
It is important to pray to God for direction.
Where does he want you to attend?
Visit lots of different churches in your local area and get a feel for them.
You will know when you find the right one.
You will feel at home.
You will feel God’s presence and his love for you.
You will look forward to going, you will want to be with your church community.
You will want t get to know people and get involved on church life.
Church also provides comfort and security when times are hard.
A funeral for a loved one.
A place to pray and cry when you are facing hardships.
A place to cry out for help.
Both from God and your fellow parishioners.
A place to feel the love and support of those around you.
COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND BURDENED, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.MATTHEW 11:28
Anyone who says they can’t find God – go to church.
Kneel and pray.
Seek his message.
He is there waiting or you with open arms.
DEAR FATHER IN HEAVEN, WE ASK THAT YOU BLESS OUR CHURCHES AND HELP US TO GROW IN LOVE FOR YOU AND EACH OTHER AS WE COME TOGETHER TO WORSHIP YOU. IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY. AMEN