What can you do right now to develop an "Attitude of Gratitude?"
Matthew Henry once said, after being robbed late one night, “Let me be thankful, first, because I was never robbed before; second, because, although the thieves took my all, it was not much; and third, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”
Take a moment and write three things you are thankful for today. Put them in a place you can see them and look at them throughout the day.
I know many people would prefer to say, “We are the church and we go to the building”, but the term, “go to church” can mean when one attends or goes to the assembly.
The question this week is, “Why do you go to church?”
In a recent article found in the Spring 2020 issue of Preaching magazine, J. D. Greear cites some research from Great Britain regarding religious practices. The research referenced that “70% of British people never anticipate going into a church in their lifetime.” These results shown the British may be more secularized than anyone may think.
Dr. Greear also stated that these results did not indicate they were mad at the church or trying to avoid it. The research shows those surveyed could not see a reason to go to church.
Can you imagine 70% of a nation (if the survey is consistent) would see no reason to attend services of the church? What if those results were the same in our country? What about in our state? What about in the Gadsden area?
Acts, the book of history in the New Testament, reveals that the early church met together every day and found encouragement. Not only did they continue to teach one another (Acts 5.42) but they also shared what they had with each other (Acts 2.44).
Not only did the early church meet to worship (Acts 2.42) but they continued to meet because of their relationship. It was necessary for them to meet to “stir up one another.” (Hebrews 10.24)
So, back to the question, “Why do you go to church?”
Non-Christians, do not read this. It will be depressing.
A few weeks ago I told my family that wearing a mask would become a “fellowship issue” among Christians. Last week I told a few others the same thing.
In the past two days I have seen this exact thing happen all over Social Media. It is disappointing. It is saddening.
Churches are already divided among races: white churches, black churches, Asian churches, Korean churches, Hispanic churches, etc. This is also disappointing. It is saddening.
Now, we are in a worldwide panic over a virus. Honestly, I do not care what you think about masks. I mean that in a nice way, but I really do not care.
For years, Christians have divided over stupid stuff: color of carpet, which songbook to use, translations, steeple or no steeple, Bible class or no Bible class Communion tray lids on or off when you pray, and the list could go on.
Now, fellowship is being broken over masks.
The first century church dealt with real persecution, real death because of beliefs and real hatred.
What have we come to? What will we allow to get in our way among our brethren?
The world is watching. The world needs Christians to be lights now more than ever.
We, as a people are more scared of a virus than we are of going to Hell. Think about that.
I heard a few years ago that “there are things worse than death.” Remember that.
That is all. Go resume your bickering on Facebook now.
To my non-Christian friends, I am sorry you have to see Christians bickering like spoiled little children. Please accept my apologies.
“This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through…”
For years, the churches of Christ have been known for emphasis on the topic of baptism. Baptism has been a constant discussion among theologicals for hundreds, it not a couple thousand years.
As various religious groups have found themselves divided over baptism, it is key to look at what the Bible says regarding baptism. One overlooked passage is Romans 6.1-14. For instance, look at a few of the questions and let Romans 6 answer them:
Is baptism really important?
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6.3)
When one is baptized they are baptized into Christ – that is really important.
What does baptism do?
“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6.4)
Baptism connects one with the death of Jesus and the raising to walk in a new life – that is really important.
Is baptism necessary?
“For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. (Romans 6:5)
To be united with Christ, you must be baptized – that is really important.
Singing is powerful aspect of our worship that motivates one to a greater attitude and a greater desire to worship. Music has a tendency to transport the mind into a higher realm.
In 1780, John Wesley published his rules for singing as a part of a hymnal he produced that same year.. The list is fascinating and the points apply to this year even more than the year they were written. The list is contained below:
Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.
Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all.
Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can.
Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep.
Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation.
Sing in tune. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before or stay behind it. Take care not to sing too slow.
Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing.
A few years before the hymnal was published, Mr. Wesley wrote his views on a new song in a journal entry dated, July 3, 1764,
“I seldom relish verses at first hearing. Till I have heard them over and over, they give me no pleasure, and they give me next to none when I have heard them a few times more, so as to be quite familiar.”
I find it interesting that emphasis John Wesley put on singing. He knew there are something about worshipping God in song that brought delight to the worship of God.
