Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday

Readers, Below is a bulletin insert I've used now and then over the years on Memorial Day weekend:

            The Summer season is almost upon us. There will be so very many activities to entertain and entice us over these next months. Thus, for the edification and enlightenment of Christian believers, we learn . . .

Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday

Unlike on T.V., we're going to start at the top – first things first, as they say.

The Number One Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: Our LORD deserves for us to be in Church on Sunday. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) What else could any believer do but come to God's House and give Him thanks and praise or sending His Son to pay for the sins of the world? Surely, this question answers itself!

So, OK, that's it, we're done, right? Reason enough, right?

Of course, right. But in case we need a bit more encouragement . . .

The Number Two Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: God desires  for us to be in Church on Sunday. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8) God truly wants to see us in His House. If not, He would have clearly said so.

The Number Three Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: Our

immortal souls require us to be in Church on Sunday. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) Sure, we can read the Bible anywhere, but in Church it is presented and explained, and the holy sacraments administered, especially for the benefit of our souls – to strengthen and maintain our saving faith. Nothing is more important than that!

The Number Four Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: Our  sanctified Christian Lives need us to be in Church on Sunday. "Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:13) The devil wants us to turn against God, lose our faith and our eternal salvation. Our life of sanctification works against this plot. In Church we learn how to live according to God's will and thwart Satan's evil attacks.

The Number Five Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: Our families need us to be with them in Church on Sunday. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) "Do as I DO," is an excellent teaching method for children, spouses, and even parents; much more so than merely, "Do as I say."

The Number Six Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: Our fellow members need to have us with them in Church on Sunday. "Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25) Whether it should be this way or not, the simple truth is that our fellow members often become discouraged and disheartened when far too many seats remain empty in church. We are in this struggle against the devil together, and we need to show our unity especially in our Sunday worship.

The Number Seven Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: Our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and community should observe us going to Church on Sunday. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) It's one thing to say we're Christians; it's another to actually show it. One of the best ways to show this is to be seen heading off to church on Sunday morning – and to invite others along!

The Number Eight Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: Visitors to our worship service need to see us in Church on Sunday. "And you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Suppose someone we invite to church shows up on Sunday and finds our church more than half empty? What can we expect them to think – perhaps that our members don't care enough about what they say they believe to actually attend? Who would want to join a hypocritical group like that?

The Number Nine Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: The volunteer workers at our Church should see us in Church on Sunday. "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13) Yes, there are many things we could be doing on a Sunday morning. Yet, some of our fellow members have gone to the effort of serving that morning as ushers, teachers, musicians, counters and the like. We need to support them with our encouragement – and with our presence!  

 

. . . and . . .

The Number Ten Reason Why We Need to Be in Church on Sunday Is: Our Pastor works hard for us to be in Church on Sunday. "Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. . . . Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:7 & 17) Any truly Biblical Pastor is trained to gladly preach and teach if even only two or three gather around God's Word. But he is also human, and can become dispirited and even hurt when many seem to reject his shepherding by their absence. This is certainly not a wise way to treat those who are supposed to care for our eternal souls!

Let's See one another in Church as often as possible, this Summer, and all year long!

Pastor Spencer