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!
The words spoken by Jesus to the eleven disciples only hours before His death in John 15:18-16:4 . He knew how these men would react to his arrest and eventual…
A call for leaders has been issued. The call charges each of us to search out the spiritual gift(s) God has given us for a specific area of ministry, our …
Today, many people the world over, have gathered and will gather to remember the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am afraid, however, that so much…
Have you ever been hurt, more than you ever thought you could. The scenarios are endless. Nothing tends to affect our relationships as much as an unforgiving spirit. Our continued…
What happens when a church prays? What happens when you and I are continually asking God to accomplish His purposes among us? The truth is, only God knows. Paul told…
Do you like jigsaw puzzles? Some of you who do. There are others of you who do not. Jigsaw puzzles rely on connecting pieces, and oftentimes one piece determines whether…
Tonight, in our final lesson in this series, I want us to look at the fact that concept of community in our lives as Christians. What I mean by this…
If there is something you could change about this world in which you and I live, what would it be? If there is something you could change about yourself, what…
I would like for us to look that the overarching responsibility which God has given to us. In order to introduce this responsibility, I need to direct your attention to…
Why does God allow the righteous to suffer? Have you ever stopped to seriously consider that question? At the end of Hebrews 11, the great chapter on faith, the writer…
