"Going To Church"

Most call it "going to church." They are young and old, some smiling, some frowning and some easy to get along with while others aren't so easy. Some come with words of encouragement while others have their few they like to see. Who are these people?

Why do they come? God knows! Some come with moodiness and different reasons. Maybe its to see someone or their parents make them come. Some come out of duty and obligation while others may come because their children need it. Still there are those who come because some young man or woman has caught their attention. There are so many reasons for coming together sometimes we can't begin to put it together but God does!

There are those who come simply because of the grace of God received through the death of Jesus. They gather for the proper reason and they simply want to thank God with those who want to thank God. And there is SO MUCH to thank God for!!

We also have those who come seeking for forgiveness. Oh, they realize it's not the church that forgives, or the preacher, or elders or even the place of worship. But sometimes forgiveness is found there in the presence of the Lord and Savior, in the midst of His people that are dedicated and committed to His cause. They find a cleansing in the midst and walk away feeling free again to honor and serve in their daily lives.

There are those who come seeking the face of God to challenge their faith to a deeper trust and commitment. They don't want a pat on the back, good job and a hand shake. They want to be stirred in their heart, confronted by God through His word to take their blood-bought lives seriously.

There are those who want to worship in a serious and respectful atmosphere with the brothers and sisters. Their daily lives are busy, rushing here to there and it is a time to reflect and sit in quietness just to give praise to their Savior for their salvation.

There are those there who simply wants to hear again the gospel of God in His search for them! The cross amazes and His life consoles. They draw strength to face an up-coming week with all the vile and ungodly behavior surrounding them while they hold up the cross of Christ before the lost world's eyes.

No matter how we cut it, it all boils down to this...we do it together as His body of people! Together we sing as one. As His congregation we pray when one person shapes our prayer for us to which we say "AMEN"! We place ourselves under the guidance of His word as one body. We share our blessings in giving as one in Christ Jesus. The Supper is passed and we take it as one. We witness people repent. We see them baptized into Christ Jesus and our hearts are over-joyed and eyes filled with tears because we share in the one body!

Yes, we all do this thing called "going to church" but we aren't alone. We gather as His people and fellowship our Lord. We come together because our Leader is one with us and we do it as one!!!