Sunday, July 31, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Dear Father PaulDear Father Paul: So many people seem to have a casual attitude about faithful and regular church attendance these days. It's the case at my (large) church, but many of my friends tell me it's also true at their (smaller) churches. What's going on? Does the Bible say anything about church attendance? Roberta, Fayetteville
Dear Roberta: I believe what you mention is a classic "sign of the times" phenomenon. Up until fairly recent times, especially here in the South, attending church was a big deal. For most people, not only their religious life, but their social life, including entertainment, centered around the local church. We didn't have cable and satellite TV with over 200 channels, giant multiplex cinemas, major league sports, mega malls, amusement parks, loads of youth sports and other activities and on and on. In addition, up until fairly recent times there was definite cultural pressure to be counted as among the pious. In short, church was the center of life for millions of people. Like it or not, that isn't as true today. The church has competition and in some ways it is loosing the battle. Studies and surveys tell us that over 75 percent of Americans go to church (at some time). And there is the problem. Many people feel that, "if I make it to church every month or so everything is fine." For many, church is just one more of a range of things to do. These folks have never really connected with God or with his church so if a more appealing opportunity for their time and attention comes along, they are ready to jump at the chance. Other people say (and they are right), "I work really...really hard. I need time on Sunday to rest. It is true, Americans work harder and longer than any people on earth. Many see Sunday as a "rest" day so sleeping in has become very popular. Lastly, we hear people say, "The church really isn't relative today, it doesn't meet my needs." All of these excuses basically come down to one thing an attitude that "it's all about me, my needs, my desires, my enjoyment." ME, ME, ME! "I am on the throne of my life, not God." I wonder what God thinks about this. The Bible teaches a different approach. Church is about worship; worship of God, not ourselves. It's about God, not us. We assemble every Sunday to present ourselves to God and worship HIM. Our songs, our prayers and our other acts of worship are directed to Him, not us. He is the audience, not us; an audience of one! In the Bible, in Luke 4:16, we find that Jesus himself set an example for us in the area of regular, faithful church attendance. It says, "He (Jesus) went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, AS WAS HIS CUSTOM. And he stood up to read." Wow! The son of God saw the importance of being in church faithfully, and not only that, he took an active role in the life of the church. The apostle Paul makes it even more clear when he says (commands) in Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up on meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the (last) Day approaching." Ask your friends, kindly, lovingly and gently, Roberta: "What do you have to do that is more important than spending time with God?"
Dear Father Paul: How would you define the word "peace" in a religious sense? Donnie, Fayetteville. Dear Donnie: The word in the Bible for "peace" (from the original Greek in which the New Testament was written) is "eirene," pronounced "i - ray - nay." It means not merely the absence of conflict, but the ability to remain calm and constant despite the circumstances. It also carries the connotation of quietness, rest, order and harmony. I find in my ministry talking with lots of people that one of THE major things men and women are seeking today is peace. Unfortunately, people seek peace in all of the wrong places and consequently never find it. They seek peace through a pill, an expensive vacation home or car, books, seminars, psychiatry and far out religious cults to name just a few things. Literally billions of dollars are spent annually on the quest for peace all to little avail. The really good news is that real, lasting peace is free. It comes through a relationship with "The Prince of Peace," Jesus Christ. Peace is one of the "fruits of the spirit" mentioned in Galatians 5 and comes naturally to those who have a relationship with Christ. Jesus himself said it best in John 14: 27 as he was preparing to leave earth, "Peace (eirene) I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you (peace) as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubles and do not be afraid." For those who are troubled and seeking real peace, why not take Jesus at his word? What have you got to loose except your pills, your striving, your anxiety and your depression?
Father Paul Massey will answer your question. Write him at paulmassey@earthlink.net or Box 510, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214.
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