================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
WHY IS THE
MEETING IN THE CHURCH
How did the
psalmist feel as he sought to glorify God among the people?
“I rejoiced
when they said to me: “Let us go to the house of the Lord”” (Ps 122.1).
“My soul is
weary, longing for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the
living God... For one day in your courts is better than a thousand. I wish it
were better to be at the threshold of the house of God than to live in the
tents of wickedness” (Ps 84.3,11).
What
counsel does Paul give regarding attending public worship?
“Let us not
leave our assembly, as is the custom of some; but let us exhort one another,
and the more so, the more you see that day drawing near” (Heb 10.25).
Does God
keep a record of how fellowship occurs among His people?
“But those
who fear God say to one another: The Lord listens and hears this, and a book of
remembrance is written before Him for those who fear the Lord and honor His
name. And they will be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my property in the day
that I make, and I will have mercy on them, as a man has mercy on his son who
serves Him“ (Mal 3.16-17).
What
warning is given regarding behavior in the house of God?
“Watch your
foot when you go to the house of God, and be more ready to listen than to
sacrifice; for they do not think that they are doing evil“ (Eccl 4.17, see 1
Tim 3.15).
Are gifts
and offerings an integral part of worship?
“Give the
Lord the glory of His name, bring gifts, and go into His courts” (Ps 96.8).
“Make and
pay vows to the Lord your God; all who are around Him, let them bring gifts to
the Terrible (Glorious)” (Ps 76.12).
YOU SHOULD
KNOW IT !
1. Come to
church early. Be punctual and arrive at your seat a few minutes before the start
of the service.
2. Maintain
a spirit of reverence when you go to church. Along the way, remember where you
are going. Do not be frivolous and avoid talking on worldly topics.
3. Before
entering and entering the temple, pray silently to be under the influence of
the Holy Spirit.
4. Before
you take your seat, bow your head in reverence and pray for yourself and for
those who enter the sanctuary.
5.
Determine firmly that you will not think, look, or speak of anything that might
distract you from the holy purposes for which you have come here.
6. When the
minister enters the pulpit, pray sincerely for him.
7. While
the service is going on, take an active part in it as a listener and a
worshiper.
8. At the
end of the service, after the prayer has been made, greet with joy and good
will everyone you meet, remembering that Christian fellowship is part of
Christian worship.
(Bishop
Vincent)
Note. At
the entrance to many churches, there are signs posted with great advice:
“Whenever you come to this church, remember that this is the house of God. Be
respectful, laconic and considerate. As you leave the church, pray to God for
yourself, for those who serve here, and for those who worship here”.
