Church is more important than some people believe, but I also know that sometimes church isn’t all that exciting. For me, church wasn’t exciting when I was younger because I wasn’t as passionate about God, but I was also going to churches that weren’t passionate about God. So, let’s start there, being passionate about God ourselves and then going to a church that is passionate about God. Because if a church does not care too much about God’s presence, then none of these tips will genuinely be helpful. So, let that be your first step. Moving along, Hebrews 10:25 says, “[let’s] not [forsake] the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The Bible tells us not to forsake the gathering of ourselves, which means not to abandon the congregation of saints, and what does that sound like? Church! Bingo, you got it right. Church and church events are where Christians gather and come together to seek God. The Bible tells us that this is very important, and more important, as the second coming of Jesus approaches. So, I wanted to give you some tips on making this gathering of saints more meaningful and impactful!
Pray For an Open Spirit
Before a church service starts, we should ask God for an open spirit. Ask Him to reveal to us what He wants to get out of the service and invite His Holy Spirit into our hearts. This allows God to have His way with us during church and open our eyes to revelation we otherwise would’ve missed. I Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV says, “Pray without ceasing,” so we must also apply this to attending church. We cannot assume just because we’re at church, we’re going to be fed spiritually. We must come in looking for that and be open to it. Come to church expecting something from God, and it’s easier to do that when you pray because God always answers our prayers that are in His will. So, next time you’re going to church, pray for an open spirit to receive from God in the service, and go in expecting to experience the presence of God.
Dwell on God’s Goodness During Praise and Worship
I know during the week, life can be hectic, but church is the perfect time just to get rid of all distractions and focus on God. The best time to do this is during praise and worship. Philippians 4:8 NKJV says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” We should be meditating on these things during worship, meditating on God’s goodness and His glory. I always think of what God has done for me, what He has brought me out of, and how the current song the worship team is singing relates to that. The praise team should be ushering in the presence of God, and Psalms 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy,” so this time should make you feel joyful and grateful all because of God. And if praise and worship don’t do that, then the presence of God is not there.
Also, when I really focus on God during worship and His goodness, He’ll begin to reveal things to me, such as things about my future, His plans, and what He wants for me. So spend this time during the service to really hone in on who God’s been in your life and get some joy you don’t get during the week!
Take Notes
Taking notes is a good habit because you can always go back and see what was helpful and how to apply it to your life! You can bring a journal or just use your phone. I typically use my phone and note the scriptures that the pastor is using. This helps me go back and understand the message; also, it helps with retaining it. Have you ever been to church, and once the service is over, you forget entirely what the sermon is about? Yea, I’m guilty of that, so that’s why I take notes now, so I can really meditate on the Word. And that’s what church is about, meditating on the Word and really getting it into your Spirit.
Think About How the Service Applies to You and Live it Out!
After praying, dwelling on God’s goodness, and taking some notes, you are equipped to think about how the service applies to you and, more importantly, live it out! Luke 11:28 says, “But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” You will be blessed when you actually put God’s Word into action! God rewards those who diligently seek Him, and applying what you learned in church and going to church, in general, is seeking Him! So, it’s more than just going to church on Sunday to say you went to church. Church is an experience and an encounter with God that is meant to challenge your thinking and way of life. We are meant to be different and changed after encountering God; that’s why sometimes, in service, you’ll hear, “Let’s not leave the same way we came.” The Word has life-changing power, and when we hear it, God expects us to keep it! So, take what you learned in church and apply it to your everyday life. And what does that look like? It could be as simple as living out a verse. I’ve been reading Proverbs lately, and it talks a lot about being wise, not entertaining foolishness, and not being lazy. So, in my everyday life, that looks like being productive, not arguing with people, and seeking God’s face for direction. You don’t have to change all at once but start taking small steps, and one day you’ll realize you’re a completely different person!
Don’t have a church home yet? Feel free to contact me! I’ll happily search for a God-filled church near you and send you the information! I hope this helped and God bless!
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