David said in Psalm 122:1 (NKJV), "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the House of the Lord.'" This Psalm by David is titled, "The Joy of Going to the House of the Lord: A Song of Ascents Of David." Like him, I love going to the House of the Lord or church, in order to praise, worship, and learn about God and to fellowship with my Church family.
The church building is supposed to be a school house for the Church. This is where the Body of Christ gathers to worship, to learn and to grow in the knowledge of Jesus. This is where we learn the Word and how to apply the Word in our lives, so we can live victoriously in the life Jesus came to give us. The Body of Christ comes to the church to be taught and edified and strengthened and become ambassadors and ministers of Reconciliation.
When we are born-again, we become the temple or habitation of God, according to Ephesians 2:19-22 (Amplified) which says, "Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens) but you now share citizenship with the saints (God's Own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God's (Own) household. You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the Chief Cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord (a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the Presence of the Lord). In Him (and in fellowship with one another) you yourselves are being built up (into the structure) with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit."
God can work not only within us, but among us. I know some people who don't believe in going to church or that it is necessary to come together, but let's look at what the Word says in Hebrews 10:24,25 (Amplified) which says, "And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities; Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together (as believers) as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully, as you see the day approaching (the day of Christ's return)."
The Message Translation translates the above scripture like this, "Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."
The Worrell Translation says, "The gathering of ourselves together; for the public worship of God, The day approaching: the day of Christ's coming."
Are we respectful, when we come to church? How many people come to church fighting all the way there, then put on their "church faces" when pulling into the parking lot? Are we attentive in church or are we watching the time, planning lunch, texting or reading Emails?
Do you hinder the move of the Holy Spirit? Do you let the flesh distract you? Do you allow your children to disrupt the service and take the attention of others off the Message? Do we give the Holy Spirit respect? Are we sensitive to what God wants to do in our lives and in the lives of those attending the service?
God is not looking for phony Christians. He wants the REAL THING, not just people who "talk the talk." God wants people who will "WALK THE WALK."
We are supposed to come to church prayed up, expecting God to use us (as well as the preacher) to be a BLESSING and be sensitive to the move of the Holy Spirit.
God gives Gifts to ALL OF US, to use for His Glory. #YOU ARE SPECIAL. Every born-again child of God, has RESURRECTION POWER, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, on the inside of them.
Let's look at Ephesians 5:15-20 which says, "Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people). Making the very most of the time (buying up each opportunity), because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery but ever be filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit. Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices (and instruments) and making melody with all your heart to the Lord. At all times and for everything giving thanks in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father."
The King James Version says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is excess; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The above scriptures tell us that when we come together, we should see ourselves as God the Father sees us.
So, let's come to the House of the Lord EXPECTANTLY!!!
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If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your Savior, then let's pray now, saying, "Dear God, I know that I am a sinner, but I'm coming before You now, asking for forgiveness of my sins. Thank You, for forgiving me of ALL my sins and please, come into my heart to live. I thank You Lord, that I am now Your child and will some day live with You in eternity. Please, lead me to a place of worship, where I can learn more about You. Amen.
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If you are already saved and born-again, but you do not come into God's Church with thanksgiving, then pray for God to lead you, through His Word and by His Holy Spirit, to do so from now on.
