Jesus has opened the door for absolutely everyone. Why not step inside?

How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!

It is like precious oil poured on the head,
    running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
    down on the collar of his robe.
 It is as if the dew of Hermon
    were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
    even life forevermore. – Psalm 133

Today’s post is a modified “re-blog” of something I wrote back in 2017, the day Rebekah returned to the WFPC pulpit following a three-month absence after serious surgery.

We were so excited to be in worship together. But then we are every Sunday, and that is the whole point.

I want to talk about what a great privilege it is for any one of us to be in worship, regardless of the brand name on the building. So if you’re one of those folk who doesn’t “do church” very often (if at all), or if you fell out of the habit, I’d like you to consider the following ten thoughts about being present at a place of public worship.

1. Jesus has opened the door for absolutely everyone. Why not step inside?
2. Many governments and regimes forbid Christian worship because its power to transform lives makes them nervous. Aren’t you curious as to why?
3. At our church the music is arrestingly beautiful, the preaching is both interesting and motivational, the people are delightful and the opportunities to learn and to serve are exceptional. Believer or not, church is still the best way possible to spend a Sunday morning.
4. Gratitude to God for the gift of new life has to be more compelling than any social, political, or theological issues you could possibly have.
5. There is a profound beauty to Christian worship that feeds the soul.
6. The company of other enthusiastic, grateful people is invariably healing and redemptive.
7. Churches are dynamic forces for good in the community. Aligning ourselves with that quality of positive energy is invigorating.
8. Congregations offer exciting opportunities for people to make a difference in the lives of others; your presence makes the church a better place – and makes you a better you.
9. This is not only the beginning of a new school year, but a huge opportunity to reset and recalibrate, going forward. What better way to play your part than through the powerful witness of a genuine faith community?
10. Regardless of who we are, we all need to move closer to God and to put ourselves in a place where we can grow not only in faith, but in faithfulness. Church gives us the best possible context to do this… and more.

So be encouraged. If you’re anywhere within the orbit of a church, show up for worship today. Let’s not miss this opportunity to reconnect ourselves with the peace, the purpose, and the promises of God.

Peace, love, blessings, and promise – DEREK

There is a profound beauty to Christian worship that feeds the soul.