Why do people attend a Christian church? Why take time to
worship, volunteer, give gifts or even spend a lifetime of service as a
church worker? While the harpies of modernism chant their mantras for
secularism and the “evils” of religion all around, why do millions still
go to God’s House for worship?
Palm Sunday is this coming weekend. It recalls Jesus’ entry into
Jerusalem, hailed by onlookers with palm branches, declaring Him to be
the Messiah promised by God long ago. Although it is a joyful Sunday, it
ironically begins the week during which Jesus was arrested, tried,
crucified, died and was buried.
Last year on Palm Sunday, Carol and I gathered with our son and
his family at Christ Lutheran Church, Phoenix, to stand with their
eldest child before the congregation as he confessed his faith in Jesus
in the Rite of Confirmation. It was a memorable time as each of us gave
him our personal blessing and love.
This year it will be his sister’s turn. She will now stand to
declare her faith in Jesus, and be given a memory verse to treasure. Her
brother’s was John 15:5, of Jesus the Vine and we the branches. Hers
will be Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I
have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm
you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What a great Bible verse to have for one’s life!
We hear so much today about youth and adults struggling to find an identity, or seek a life’s purpose, or experience the love and acceptance of those around us. But those essentials are part of why there is a church. Being in a Christian congregation which observes the rituals on which we base our faith and life can help youth and adults hold fast to those needed elements of life.
My Confirmation Day was May 10, 1959, and my memory verse was John 15:5. Relatives and close friends greeted me with congratulations and encouragement after I'd promised to be faithful to Jesus. It was a needed step on my Christian journey. I also remember many classmates, some who have remained friends for life.
Why attend a Christian church? Why learn of Jesus in the Bible? Because these are things eternal in a world that is fleeting, among people who are falling away. Because in God’s Word we will find what are seeking - identity, purpose, love and acceptance - for eternity.
We hear so much today about youth and adults struggling to find an identity, or seek a life’s purpose, or experience the love and acceptance of those around us. But those essentials are part of why there is a church. Being in a Christian congregation which observes the rituals on which we base our faith and life can help youth and adults hold fast to those needed elements of life.
My Confirmation Day was May 10, 1959, and my memory verse was John 15:5. Relatives and close friends greeted me with congratulations and encouragement after I'd promised to be faithful to Jesus. It was a needed step on my Christian journey. I also remember many classmates, some who have remained friends for life.
Why attend a Christian church? Why learn of Jesus in the Bible? Because these are things eternal in a world that is fleeting, among people who are falling away. Because in God’s Word we will find what are seeking - identity, purpose, love and acceptance - for eternity.
Thank You, Holy Spirit, for giving us the Church and faithful believers.
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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