Mark Twain in chapter five of his book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, wrote of Tom at a church service: The service began with a list of announcements which he thought would go on “to the crack of doom.” He talked about the prayer which was generous in its detail and he resented it whenever anything new was added in. The preacher’s sermon “droned along [so] monotonously… and was so prosy that many a head began to nod.
This reminds us of what happens when we come together to worship. The announcements are a little long, the songs aren’t to our liking, the preacher is a little boring. Some of us even do things to keep ourselves awake. We are at a different time. Forty years ago people didn’t ask, why do I have to go to church (worship)? Things have changed, culturally and intellectually so that we look at life a little differently. Sunday morning is now seen as a time to relax. If we don’t like the way things are where we presently worship, we will look for a place where things are the way we want them to be. Most people when they think about worship do not think about it as essential or the most critical thing they will do during the week.
We come together every Lord’s Day to be in the presence of God. Even though it may not look like much, and even when we don’t leave with a feeling of excitement, what happens during worship is of great importance because this is where we approach Mount Zion and we offer our praise to the One who is worthy of all praise. May we never as Christians take this opportunity in a light manner!
Let's get very personal for a moment. Ask yourself this question, Did I live as I should have in 2013? Take a responsible look back over this past year and…
What is your philosophy of life? Is it that of the robbers? "It's MINE if I can take it from you." Is it that of the Priest and the Levite?…
Many of you have heard the statement, "there are two things you should never discuss in public - religion and politics." One reason often given is that the discussion of…
The best hope for peace with the family comes from above. Don't listen to "family experts" whose own lives and families are a mess. Listen to the God of peace…
Who are you? I am not talking about your given name, or your profession, but your standing before God. For those of us who are Christians, who we are should…
Jesus offers peace with oneself, or peace of mind; which is defined as the absence of mental stress or anxiety, also as serenity, calm, quiet, comfort of mind. Anxiety with…
The Holy Spirit reminds us of who we are, what happens to those who reject Jesus, and the great privileges that is ours. Our life is found in Christ. Jesus…
Jesus died to break down divisions. The division between God and man, making peace with God. The division between man and man, making peace for mankind. What distinctions exist are…
Our faith is based upon it. It reveals to us the mind of God. there is nothing else like it in all the world. The central theme which unites the…
Nothing is going to get better, unless you care a whole awful lot, like Nehemiah did. Have you ever wept at the thought of sin and what Satan is doing?…
