Thank you Ginger and Charlotte for hosting Spiritual Sunday. For more inspiration please visit the many bloggers who share their thoughts on this the Lord's day.
An old Catholic Church right in the middle of the business district in Gardiner, Montana.
WHY DO WE NEED TO GO TO CHURCH?
We need church because it's a classroom. We're preparing for a mission. We're enrolled in a course of Christian discipleship for life.
We need church because it's a refuge. The sanctuary is a place to get away from the business of the world. It's a mini-retreat. It's a place to focus on heavenly things, to worship.
We need church because it's like a billboard. As neighbors watch us go to church week after week, they see what is important to us. They may wonder what is going on that attracts people so regularly.
We need church because it's a memorial service. Imagine you had been in a war and one of your buddies threw himself on an enemy grenade to save youand it killed him. Suppose you learned there was to be a memorial service for him in your hometown. Would you be there? Of course!
Since Jesus died for us, we honor him by attending church. We remember his death by taking communion.
We need church because it's a victory celebration. Jesus left an empty tomb, and we should celebrate his resurrection together. At least one day a week should be set aside for remembering Jesus' triumph over death and Satan.
Finally, we need church because it's time spent with God. As children, we are loved by the Father; he's not cold and aloof. He delights in spending time with us, and it's good to be with him. God has plans for each of us, and we want to cooperate with him. Jesus said that where two or three are gathered together in his name, he is there (Matt. 18:20).
We need church because we're a part of a family, we have lots to learn, and we need to have a retreat. We know our priorities, we respect Christ's death, and we are overjoyed by his resurrection. And, we want to spend time with our father and other believers.
That's why we need church...Stephen Bly
Being in Church means more than you think.
Blessings...Jeanne
Remember, I do not have internet this week. We are having fun in the Rocky Mountains.
Amen girl...that was so beautifully put! Hope you are having a fantastic time in the mountains you lucky thing you! lol
Posted by: Picket | June 14, 2009 at 06:44 AM
Wonderful!
"For wherever two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." --Matthew 18:20
Love you.
Posted by: Beverly | June 14, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Good post, Jeanne. I've missed seeing you on a daily basis, so it's especially good to visit today.
Posted by: Sally | June 14, 2009 at 07:53 AM
A great reminder of the many reasons we need the church. I can't imagine my life without a church. In fact, it is time for me to get ready to go right now. Thank you for sharing this with us. I love the picture of the little church at the top of the post.
Have a great day.
Charlotte
Posted by: Charlotte | June 14, 2009 at 09:25 AM
Excellent. Thank you for posting. We are getting ready now to go to the church building to meet with the church.
Posted by: Clif | June 14, 2009 at 09:46 AM
This reminds me of a quote from Zig Ziglar: "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing -- that's why we recommend it daily."
Have yourself a wonderful day!
Myra
Posted by: Myra | June 14, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Great post! And I couldn't agree more.
Posted by: Lisa | June 14, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Amen to all you said, Jeanne. Great post. I love sitting in our church service looking around at all my brothers and sisters in Christ and knowing that I can call on any one of them day or night and they would be there for me, just like I would be there for them. Jesus makes that possible. Thank God for His wonderful plan for us! Just think what family is going to mean in Heaven!!!!
Posted by: Vickie | June 14, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Jeanne,
Great Post, will miss you ...have fun, see you soon.
Posted by: Barbara | June 14, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Great post, Jeanne! Enjoy your trip!
Blessings,
Sandi
Posted by: Sandi | June 15, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Oh yes! We definitely need church. It's more than just a building - more than just a structure. It's people with their faith that gathers round. To be thankful and praising HIm always. :-)
Posted by: MyThoughtsMyVoice | June 19, 2009 at 09:15 PM