I have to make a confession. I love what has been called “the pageantry of college football.” I manage to go to a couple of games of my favorite team every year.
In fact, I’m going today. I will meet my dad and we will gather with a few thousand of our closest friends and scream and yell like maniacs. But we will do even more than that.
We will walk around the stadium before the game, taking in the sights and sounds. We will smell the food as it is grilling, watch our team as they walk to their dressing room, and hear th e band play all of our favorite fight songs.
If I stayed home, I would probably have a better view of the game. After all, our seats are in the upper deck end zone. If I stayed home, it would be more convenient. I would be closer to food and the bathroom. I could save money on the tickets and the drive and the food. My seat would be more comfortable. I wouldn’t have to sit out in the hot sun or the rain.
It would make so much more sense for me to stay home. So of course, I’m going. Why? For the experience. Dad took me to my first game in 1966. I’ve been hooked ever sense. There’s nothing like it. You have to go to experience it.
I am convinced that going to church has many similarities to the college football experience. You see, I have been told by many people that they are Christians, but they just don’t like to go to church.
There are so many reasons not to go. After all, you have to get your children up and dressed. Everyone needs to be fed. You have to buy proper clothing. It can be crowded. It can be too loud or not loud enough. Sometimes the building is too hot or too cold. And they always pass that plate around expecting you to put money in it.
Many people have made the decision that they will not go. Maybe they will catch Charles or Andy Stanley on television. It’s much more convenient and comfortable. And no preacher in small town south Georgia can measure up to those guys. The music is usually better, too. So why not stay at home?
The problem is that you miss the experience of gathering with others. The Bible is clear on this issue. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another …”
There is something about “the pageantry of the local church in worship.” There is nothing quite like it. We all need it.
May I encourage you to get up tomorrow morning and attend worship at a local church. You need to worship with other believers. It will encourage you, and you will encourage others. I challenge you. Worship with others. It will change your life.
In fact, I’m going today. I will meet my dad and we will gather with a few thousand of our closest friends and scream and yell like maniacs. But we will do even more than that.
We will walk around the stadium before the game, taking in the sights and sounds. We will smell the food as it is grilling, watch our team as they walk to their dressing room, and hear th e band play all of our favorite fight songs.
If I stayed home, I would probably have a better view of the game. After all, our seats are in the upper deck end zone. If I stayed home, it would be more convenient. I would be closer to food and the bathroom. I could save money on the tickets and the drive and the food. My seat would be more comfortable. I wouldn’t have to sit out in the hot sun or the rain.
It would make so much more sense for me to stay home. So of course, I’m going. Why? For the experience. Dad took me to my first game in 1966. I’ve been hooked ever sense. There’s nothing like it. You have to go to experience it.
I am convinced that going to church has many similarities to the college football experience. You see, I have been told by many people that they are Christians, but they just don’t like to go to church.
There are so many reasons not to go. After all, you have to get your children up and dressed. Everyone needs to be fed. You have to buy proper clothing. It can be crowded. It can be too loud or not loud enough. Sometimes the building is too hot or too cold. And they always pass that plate around expecting you to put money in it.
Many people have made the decision that they will not go. Maybe they will catch Charles or Andy Stanley on television. It’s much more convenient and comfortable. And no preacher in small town south Georgia can measure up to those guys. The music is usually better, too. So why not stay at home?
The problem is that you miss the experience of gathering with others. The Bible is clear on this issue. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another …”
There is something about “the pageantry of the local church in worship.” There is nothing quite like it. We all need it.
May I encourage you to get up tomorrow morning and attend worship at a local church. You need to worship with other believers. It will encourage you, and you will encourage others. I challenge you. Worship with others. It will change your life.