"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25
What does this mean? The short answer is go to church. Go every week. No, Zoom or YouTube do not count! Make it a priority, because the Bible says it's important and necessary. When we attend worship services, we give and receive so many blessings. As the writer of Hebrews tells us, we receive encouragement, and we are much more likely to participate in good works when we have others to help us.
There are other things, too. One author I read recently said that if you attend worship services each week, your prayer life is probably better than you think. Why? Well, if your congregation follows a liturgy, you are spending an hour or more in corporate prayer. The entire service is meant to bring you into the presence of God, to praise Him through words and music, to confess, receive forgiveness, give thanks and more.
A liturgical service is based on Scripture, and so each week, you are also studying. This study includes not only the sermon and readings, but memorization of Scripture through hymns and responses.
Then there are the sacraments. Receiving the body and blood of Christ strengthens us to face whatever trials the week can bring. It's a physical reminder of who we are and to whom we belong.
So don't give up that weekly hour of worship. Set aside the distractions, make the time, no excuses. It's our training in the discipline of faith, and I choice you will never regret.
For more posts about the liturgy see:
The Liturgy Teaches
The Laity and Liturgy
Liturgy as Prayer
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