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Why is it
important to keep the Sabbath? Why is it important to go to church?
The answers seem to elude a lot of people. Everything else in life seems to take
priority over going to church. People often sleep in or go to other activities.
Sports are a big problem for parents today. Sunday morning seems to be a prime
time to schedule kids sporting events. My family has had personal experience
with this one. Its a hard thing to fight unless you can get a majority of the
parents to agree that having games at that time are unacceptable.
I am really
concerned with my generation (generation X) and the generations close around me.
We seem to think that going to church is maybe a good thing but not really that
important.
I was looking
at a mainstream dating site the other day and quickly noticed how many claimed
to be Christians, but in no way reflected it. I know this may sound harsh, but
having your main picture on a dating site showing you out partying and holding a
beer or two, in a provocative outfit doesn't really scream follower of Christ.
What would He think of that behavior.
In some
profiles they maybe said that they used to go to church as a kid or their
parents go to church, but it wasn't really their thing. As if it was like going
to a dance or comedy club.
So what is the
importance? Taking the time to go to church and setting aside the whole day for
God has several levels. First of all, the all powerful Creator of the universe
told us to do it.
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and
do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On
it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor
your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your
gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and
all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD
blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (Exodus 20:8-11)
Even beyond
that (although that should be enough) it is a time to learn and build your
faith. It is also a time to spend time with other believers. It is important to
come together as a community. We need that support and encouragement. Some
churches are losing the feeling of being a family, but there are still churches
that do honesty care for and take care of the people in their church family. If
your church doesn't, take the initiative to start that movement. All it takes is
one person caring for another.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially
to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)
And let
us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let
us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let
us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
And of course
it is a time for worship. There should be many times throughout our week to
spend time with God. The Sabbath is the time every week to spend time with Him
as a family.
“For
where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
(Matt 18:20)
When we do go
to church it is important that we give the whole day to Him. When we just sing
one song and listen to a sermon for 15 min. we are not really giving our selves
to God in worship.
We hear a lot
about “coming as you are”, but in this case we run the risk of “coming as we are
and leaving in the same way”. Spending time with God should profoundly change
us. We shouldn't be in such a hurry to leave Him.
Obey
the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God. Do not be
in a hurry to leave the king's presence.
(Ecclesiastes 8:2-3)
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