In the current sermon series, we've been seeing that the church is a truly extraordinary creation of the Lord: to think that we are the body of Christ, and the bride of Christ; we're part of the family of God, we're the sheep of his flock! And to think that God would go to such stunning lengths to demonstrate his love for this people he is forming and gathering, his church (e.g., Romans 5:8). It is a great wonder to be the cherished fellowship of Jesus--the church that he is "building" (Matthew 16:18).
A theme that's been emerging in our studies is that, since the church is so very important to the Lord and since involvement in the body-life of the church is so vital for us, it would be a tremendous loss--in every way--to settle for sporadic church involvement, for inconsistent participation in the life of the church family! You need the body and the body needs you (1 Corinthians 12:14-26).
Are you drifting into sporadic church involvement? Has your consistency of presence in the church family taken a major hit during Covid? Take a moment to read these brief articles that highlight the value and urgency of active, consistent participation with the fellowship of the church:
- Marshall Segal, who is married with young children, contends that "No Family Is Too Busy for Church."
- Pastor Cameron Cole, who know family ministry very well, issues a challenge: "Parents, Just Go to Church." And he links to this article, "Parents, Bring Your Children to Worship."
- But what about sports? Take time to read this interview with Mary Kassian, who's given a lot of thought to some tough issues: "Spring Sports and Sunday Church."
- Author and blogger Trevin Wax weighs in with several questions and insights: "Would You Skip Church for Football?" and "Are You a Part-Time Church Goer?"
- Jared Wilson has written a very helpful article in which he says, among many other things, "If you treat church like an option, your children will too." The article is, "How to 'Disciple' Your Kids into Church Dropout Status."
These are just a few of the many helpful resources on the topic of consistent church involvement. Ask the Lord to give you the resolve to do what you know is best!
