Monday, November 23, 2009

Too Long?

We were at a birthday party last week,  for one of my dd's co-workers.  I overheard a couple of women chatting about church.  One of the women annoyingly said, "I can't wait to get out of church after an hour, after the singing and announments they are just getting started."  I didn't hear the rest of the conversation...noisy party and my mind was reeling. All I could think of was "You're complaining about an hour?!"  So here's some thoughts....  :)  (hey I didn't get nominated for best opinionated blog for nothing-lol)


There's many ways of looking at this. 
1. An hour of your time, once a week to come together as a body
Isn't that the least you can do?  I mean hey JESUS was on the cross for you for more than one!


2. I would be ready to get out of church after an hour too, if I'm going to a dead church!
What's a dead church?  Religion vs Relationship!  There's no worshipping or ushering in the HOLY SPIRIT. There's no movement of GOD.  There is however, tradition and legalism week after week.


I loved going to church at home.  Often times we would be there 3 to 4 hours or even longer.  We would worship and praise the LORD sometimes for a few minutes or sometimes a few hours in song.  Many Christains do not understand the importance of praise and worship.  It's not about how long you sing or pray, it's about a relationship, humbling yourself to GOD, seeking HIS presence, thanking HIM for what HE has done and knowing (having the revelation) of the great things HE has done. It's welcoming  the HOLY SPIRIT.  Why would you want to go to a church where the HOLY SPIRIT isn't there?  sigh...I want to feel the presence of GOD!  I want to see miracles and signs and wonders!!!  Those things aren't going to take place, if the HOLY SPIRIT hasn't been ushered in.  (AND NO, those things didn't die with the saints of old-GOD is the same yesterday, today, and forever!) 

I encourage you if you're one of those people that just want to get in and out of church, to re-evaluate your purpose in going.  Why are you going?  What's the purpose and point?  Are you going to ease the guilt from the night before?  Are you going because it makes you feel good?  Are you going because you think this is what is required to enter into Heaven?  Are you going because the WORD says to "Not forsaking the assembly of the brethren"?  I assure you, none of these are the right reasons, and if you are going for  any of these only, you will never be satisified in going to church!

Go to church to worship and praise GOD for the great things HE has done!  Go to church to learn how to walk better as a Christian and to learn to grow in GOD's truth!  Go because HE loves you so much, and you want to show HIM love back. BUT by all means do NOT feel like you are forced to go- That is condemnation and then you'll end up hating going!  GO because you want and desire a more personal relationship with GOD-the creator of the universe, HIS SON, JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT, who comforts us until JESUS returns. 

Blessings until next time!

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