In our Western culture Sunday is no longer believed to be a day where we go to church; instead, it is a day of kicking back, working on household projects, and recreation.
And while there really isn’t anything wrong with any of these, going to church, unfortunately isn’t even a blip on people’s radar. Barbeques and football are what’s on most people’s mind, even those who call themselves Christians.
Throughout God’s word we’re encouraged to seek out other believers to worship, praise, magnify, and study to find out more about the greatness of our Lord.
The psalmist brings this out saying, “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them.” (Psalm 111:1-2)
The psalmist says he goes to church, that is, meeting with all the other believers where he worships God with every fiber of his being, along with learning all he can about the Lord God from His word, along with learning about God’s will and way for his life.
Unfortunately, this same testimony is lacking in God’s people today. Many want to worship the Lord from the convenience of their own home and the television set or Internet. Years ago, I even had a family member tell me that while they love the church and the teaching, they preferred to stay at home, and every so often watch religious programing on TV.
One gentleman left a church’s service saying to his pastor, “This just doesn’t do it for me. I just like watching so-in-so on T.V.”
Others say they like to worship the Lord in the great outdoors. But the truth is they are worshiping their recreational time, and the Lord barely if ever gets a nod.
God commands our coming together, especially given what we are facing in a world that is hostile towards Christians, which is getting worse by the day. We need one another now more than ever before.
Therefore, the writer of Hebrews says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
So, where will we be this Sunday?
I truly hope to see you this Sunday at 10 a.m. Last week we looked at the battle for our minds, and I ended saying, “That while the battle we are in is spiritual, the primary ground that this battle is fought is in our minds. But what ultimately determines the victory is the place we give to Christ in our hearts.”
Therefore, this Sunday message we’ll be, “The Battle for Our Hearts.”
Dennis Lee is the senior pastor of Living Waters Fellowship located at 211 West 1st South, behind ACE Hardware.
Sunday morning service begins at 10 a.m. either in-person or on-line (Children and Youth ministry available). All services and teachings, including Sunday 6 p.m. service, are available on our YouTube Channel, “Mesquite NV Living Waters Fellowship.”
To find more about Living Waters Fellowship visit, “mesquitelivingwaters.com.”
See You Sunday
As a brother in Christ stated several years ago far too many that profess to be Christians believe an occasional nod to God on Sunday is an adequate expression of worship. For me without corporate worship several times a week I soon begin to follow the ways of the world and that is a slippery slope!
Wes,
Absolutely correct. I use to hear it said that only attending once a week makes one “weak.” But I also know that for some, just once is a good start, when it used to be only occasional. I never want to put more on those who are new to this or who have had some unfortunately experiences in the past. It’s all about growing, and letting the Holy Spirit lead and guide. And as I have found out, He is a whole lot better at it than I am.
Take care my friend and give my love to Nancy.
Dennis
I love that scripture in Hebrews never forsake the gathering together. Even when I was out of town I found a Church to go to or went with to my families church but it was told to me by a family member that every Sunday was a battle because every Sunday the kids would dally around and they would scream and argue so they could get their on time and we’re always late and it was embarrassing so they would go through periods of going and then falling away. I brought this Scripture up to them and a few others and reminded them that on Sunday the enemy was doing his best to come against them to keep them from going and that every time they retreated he gained a foothold. I even experienced it when my husband wasn’t saved and I began to go to Church and every thing was fine until I got ready to walk out the door but I was so thankful at the time I had a strong Mentor and she said to me that the devil was doing everything he can to discourage you from coming to Church and you have to push through it and trust God that no matter what your husband says or does or if you get a flat tire or any obstacle that gets in your way you come to Church. She was was right because soon my husband gave up and started coming to Church and became a member and began to volunteer! So God showed me favor and gave me peace with my husband. My family member did the same and in time the enemy realized he was fighting a losing battle in that area of our life’s. I think what we are experiencing now is crisis of Faith maybe not in believing God exists but believing in the power of Jesus! Fear is not of God and a tool of the enemy. I haven’t determined whether he said it 365 times but He has said it so may times that He expects us to trust Him. It’s not just that we fear but our actions when we fear. Do we push forth and believe in God or Retreat thinking God can’t save or protect us. You know when God delivered the Israelites every time he held back a little they cried out and accused Him of trying to kill them and begging to go back into enslavement. Yet God loved them so much and kept showing up and providing for them with water, food and provisions. The least we can do is show up for Him and show Him we are thankful for all the water, food and shelter and love He provides for us❤️ Just my take🧎♀️🙏 He doesn’t need us to show up but wants us to strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ! Not to be fearful but to trust Him.
Hey Melissa, thanks for the testimony. Fear can be a killer, we just have to make sure we fear the right person, not the one who can kill the soul, but rather the Lord God who gives us eternal life. Have a great weekend. God bless
I wholeheartedly agree. I cannot imagine where I would be if I were not worshipping and fellowshipping together in the Lord’s house with my church family, with all my brothers and sisters in Christ. When anyone chooses not to be in fellowship and only opts for at the most watching teachings online, not only do they miss out on that accountability and encouragement in their faith by their brothers and sisters in Christ, but they also miss out on how God may want to use them to build up and edify their fellow believers. It goes both ways. We need God, but we also need each other to grow in our faith and to keep our focus and the whole of our lives on Jesus. As proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Finally fellowship is very key in allowing ourselves to be equipped to impact those around us for Christ for God’s kingdom.
Debbie,
Thank you for your wonderful observation on our need to come together in fellowship, and how not only we are ministered to by the Lord God and others, but also how we minister to others with the gifts and talents that the Lord has given to us.
Thank you and have a blessed Sunday.
Dennis