McEwen church of Christ

McEWEN church of Christ

Most of those in the church know that we are commanded to worship God. When we study through the book of Acts and the epistles, it is obvious to see that worship was an important part in the lives of Christians. Even when they were under heavy persecution, they met for prayer and worship. �And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers� (Acts 2:42; cf. Acts 12:12; 20:7). The early Christians did not consider it a burden or a forced obligation, but rather a privilege. They felt the need to honor God and His Son by lifting Him up in worship. To show that physical circumcision was not binding, Paul described himself and other Jews as Christians with these words:�For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh� (Philippians 3:3). As Jesus prepared for the coming of His church or kingdom, He taught the Samaritan woman, the only kind of worship that pleases God: �God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth� (John 4:24). Therefore, worship must first please God, and then the one who is worshiping is blessed. Someone has suggested the following blessings that come to Christians who seek to worship God in spirit and truth:

1. I go to every service of the church because Jesus is there (Mt. 18:20).

2. I go to every service of the church because I am made stronger. Why should I want to miss?

3. I go to every service of the church because God wants the church to grow.

4. I go to every service of the church to set a good example. When I neglect service, my influence is for Satan.

5. I go to every service to prove my love and gratitude. One who truly loves God does not ask if he must attend all services. His love compels.

6. I go to every service of the church to obey God (Heb. 10:25; Jas. 4:17).

7. I go to every service of the church to put first things first (Mt. 6:33).

8. I go to every service of the church because it is safe to do so. Dangerous risks are taken in forsaking any assembly of the church. Christ may return at any time, death may come, a life of neglect may begin, and others may be lost by a bad example.

9. I go to every service of the church to abound in the Lord�s work (1 Cor. 15:58). Even after doing all possible, I am still an unprofitable servant (Lk. 17:10).

Do we consider receiving these blessings when we attend worship? When John saw the scenes recorded in the book of Revelation, he saw God�s throne surrounded by worship (Rev. 4:10).