Pastor's Thoughts
Conversation with God
THE THIRD COMMANDMENT
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not despise preaching and his Word, but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.
Lord God, you have given to us this commandment because you love us and desire that we should be your children for time and eternity. Through your word please answer some questions that your children sometimes raise.
Why is our hearing your word so important?
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation (1 Peter 2:2).
Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life (John 5:24).
Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).
But I can read and study your word at home. Going to church doesn’t make me a Christian, does it? So why do you want me to go to church?
They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts (Acts 2:42,46).
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 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 10:13-25).
But my life is so filled with activities. Sometimes it is hard to me to find time or to make time for church. Can you give me some encouragement here?
Be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you (1 Samuel 12:24).
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).
"Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).
"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28).
Lord, you know that I love you. I want to worship you. I want to hear your word. I want to be a blessing to your people. So how would you have me view the opportunities you give me to gather with your family at church?
I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells (Psalm 26:8).
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere (Psalm 84:10).
I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD (Psalm 122:1).
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word (Psalm 119:16).
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your free Spirit. Amen.