CD - The Third Commandment - Acts 2:42

The word “Sabbath” is a Hebrew word literally meaning rest. We of the New Covenant no longer worship (rest) on Saturday (although many churches now offer Saturday evening services for the convenience of their members who cannot worship on Sunday because of work or some other reason). That does not mean we do not obey the Third Commandment. Today, we worship on Sunday because that is the day Jesus rose from the dead. Each and every Sunday, then, is an Easter celebration for us.

Many people today question this practice however. They say that going to church and/or Sunday School (Bible class, or whatever you wish to call it) is not that important. Other excuses range from, I get my spirituality (whatever that may be) from just talking about God, or I can listen to the preaching on the radio or television or by being outside (in nature).

I can see several reasons, though, why we should attend divine service (church) regularly, every Sunday if possible. The simplest and most direct reason is because God commands us to attend worship and give Him praise, honor, and respect. After all, our faith is seen in our actions; therefore, if we truly believe, our natural response will be to attend worship regularly.

A second reason is for good Christian fellowship. The best way I can explain this concept is by an illustration. When you barbecue, or grill meat, you normally use some sort of charcoal. What happens when you take one of those pieces of burning charcoal away from the fire and set it by itself? It goes out. So, too, with our Christian faith; without the burning warmth of Christian fellowship, we, too, would soon burn out.

In order to stay in shape, in good physical condition, one must work out on a regular basis. In order to perform musically or use any other gift or talent, one must practice on a regular basis. So, too, with our Christian faith, we must regularly attend worship and Bible Study to maintain and strengthen our faith. A faith that is not growing is also not idling, but it is weakening.

Of course, God is everywhere, not just in church. You can, indeed, practice your faith at home, but the church is the place designed for corporate worship. It is like going to the gymnasium, or practice hall or field instead of practicing alone at home.

There is also the argument that, “I never get anything out of going to church. I do not like to sing, and do not do so very well. And I do not like the pastor’s preaching, that is, when I understand it.” As the saying goes, “any excuse is a good excuse.” However, more true in this case would be, “any excuse is a bad excuse.” At any rate, these people miss the whole point. If you do not put anything into your worship, why should you expect to get anything out of it. (Sort of like, “no pain, no gain?”) Worship is active. Liturgy means work, literally. The pastor delivers the Word of God and His body and blood in His Holy Supper. The choir sings the Word of God. We are there to be given to and to respond to the gifts God has to give. God is the One doing the doing, doing the giving.

This Sunday, try thinking about the words you are saying and singing. What do the words of the song you are singing mean? Try to pick out the Law (what we have done wrong) and the Gospel (salvation by grace through faith) in the pastor’s sermon. Take notes, and ask the pastor about ideas you do not understand. Jesus died and rose for us; are we given His forgiveness or do we refuse?

Dear Lord, thank You for Your many gifts and blessings, especially for the freedom to worship when and where I want. Forgive me when I have failed to worship You. Be with me, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, especially when I am in worship, so that Your Word may take root in my heart, spring up, and bear abundant fruit. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.