GET UP, GET READY, and GO

Unless there are people who are responding to the love of God as revealed in Christ and so are worshipping Him, the Church is not very important. -Blake

Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Have you ever given thought to what a church looks like in North Korea or Iraq? It’s really different that what it is in much of the world. They don’t have a sign out front saying, The First Baptist Church of Anju or Ad-war Baptist Tabernacle. No, they are underground churches, hidden from the mainstream of society. Yet, these men and women choose to put their lives in danger to worship their Lord and Saviour. They meet in small groups to sing songs, study Scripture, and learn more of God’s wondrous grace.

Think about that this morning, while you’re lying in the comfort of your bed trying to decide whether you’re going to church or not, there are some this morning that would love to have that privilege. So, will you just lay there or will you GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH?

STUDYING FOR PURPOSE

It is always in season for old men to learn. -Aeschylus

2 Timothy 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

You know, the day and age we live in, there are a lot of parents that don’t care enough about their children to push them to do better in school. Some teachers are behind the lectern just for a pay check. A perfect attendance trophy may look good at the end of the year but if you’re not studying what the teacher is teaching, you may as well stay at home.

Child of God, we are not getting up this morning, getting ready, and going to church to check a blank off of our TO DO list. We are getting up to go worship our Saviour! We are getting ready so we might study to show ourselves approved unto God! We are going to honor and glorify Him! Are you studying for a purpose?

CHURCH- GLUE FOR THE WORLD

The living Church, though never neat, keeps God's world from complete disaster. -Macleod

1 John 1:3, That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

You don’t have to look around too long before you see how much of a mess this world is in. Abortion on demand, Christians being martyred, good being called evil and evil being called good, women with women, men with men, Gender Neutral, Gender Plural (whatever that is), destruction of property without recourse, theft without punishment, criminals running prisons. Friend, this world is in a mess! In many cases, the church is even in a mess. Yet, it is what keeps the world from being in utter turmoil, turned upside down, and completely going to hell.

But what in the world is going on? One word—sin. The world is growing worse and worse because of sin. That is why we, the living church, need to GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH! Will you join me this morning by attending your local body of believers?

LET’S GO TO CHURCH

Church is the best place to invest time together!

Psalm 55:14, We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

I don’t know about you but I enjoy going to church! I enjoy singing the songs. I enjoy hearing God’s Word. I enjoy worshipping and praising the Lord together with other believers.

So, this morning, GET UP, GET READY, and LET’S GO TO CHURCH!

MAKING PLANS FOR TOMORROW

The living Church, though never neat, keeps God's world from complete disaster.

-Macleod

Acts 2:46-47, And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The early church met daily. They met in the temple and from house to house. I imagine with all that church going they probably had some type of organization of the day-to-day events. If they didn’t, could you imagine the chaos? Whose house are we meeting at today? I thought it was yours! I thought it was yours! Where is John? Where is Peter at; he said he was going to be here. (Knock, knock; Hey James, where haveyou been? I thought the meeting was at Thomas’ house today.) Do you see how chaotic it would be without planning?

Hey friend, make plans today to go to church tomorrow! Let your family know where you will be at. Make sure your children know and tell them they are going with you! Make it a priority, not an option!

GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH

The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones. -Beecher

Hebrews 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Since the Church House is the place to learn of our Saviour the best, we ought to be there each and every time the doors are open. You see, when we are in the House of God, we hear the Word preached and that is what grows us in our walk with the Lord. When we miss a service, that very service could be the one God was going to use to help us the most!

So, friend, GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH this morning!

I’M GOING, ARE YOU

The difference between listening to a radio sermon and going to church, someone has said, is almost like the difference between calling your girl on the telephone and spending an evening with her. -Moody

Revelation 2:4, Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Do you remember the day you got saved? Do you remember the desire to go to church? Do you remember the burning desire to get with fellow Christians worshipping the Lord with them? Do you still have it? If not, why not? Friend, I have learned the times that I didn’t feel like going to church is when I needed to go the most!

This morning, I’m going to church, are you? Will you GET UP, GET READY, and GO?

HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL

The Church lives on!

Matthew 16:18, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Though he may ravage this body of death; though he may cause havoc inside the walls, though he may have some of his henchmen slay my body; we, the church of the living God, we will never be defeated by Satan and his cohorts.

Child of God, don’t loose hope! Don’t worry about this life! Don’t quit serving God! Keep on, keeping on because Hell shall not prevail!

GO TO CHURCH

The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones. -Beecher

Colossians 3:16, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Going to church is not just for show. Going to church is for those of us that are not perfect. Going to church is for those who seek to know the Lord better. Going to church is a fundamental thing we can do to make us better servants for the Lord.

What are you doing today that would prevent you from GETTING UP, GETTING READY, and GOING TO CHURCH? If you want a closer walk with the Lord, reevaluate your plans and GO TO CHURCH!

THE CHURCH IS OPEN

Our lives are a manifestation of what we think about God. –Anonymous

Psalm 103:2, Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

There are so many benefits to serving the Lord we cannot begin to number them all. However, one of the greatest benefits is the local church. Where on Sundays and other days, we come together and worship our Lord and Saviour in spiritual and in truth.

Have you been forsaking the privilege of the local body of believers? One day you might just wake up and the local church may not be there. It may have a chain on the doors. It may have a sign in the front yard- For Sale. It may be leveled to the ground by our government. So, while the doors are open, GO TO CHURCH!

DWELLING IN THE BEST

The difference between listening to a radio sermon and going to church, someone has said, is almost like the difference between calling your girl on the telephone and spending an evening with her. -Moody

Psalm 92:13, Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

What was your Sunday like? Did you have your normal routine? Get up, have a cup of coffee, eat some breakfast, mow the yard, eat some lunch, work in the yard a bit, maybe watch some TV, eat supper out somewhere with the family, or maybe it wasn’t like that but you did something to occupy your time other than being where you should have been—in church!

Child of God, if you want the best outcome in your life, you must be dwelling in the best. The best is the local church. One that believes the Bible is perfect, without error, exalting our Saviour in every aspect of its ministry. Don’t dwell in the mistakes of yesterday though, you be in church Wednesday night for Prayer meeting and Bible Study!

CHURCH DAY

GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH

Psalm 111:1, Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

What is keeping you from attending church? Have you been to a church in which someone hurt your feelings? Did something the pastor say make you upset? Did the choir not sing your special song? Was the church rude or unpleasant to be in? What is it that keeps you from following Scripture?

Friend, it’s church day! Nothing or no one should come in between you; praising God, worshipping God, praying to God, fulfilling His command to not forsake the assembling of the local New Testament church! Will you go to church today?

SUPPORT LOCAL BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCHES

The living Church, though never neat, keeps God's world from complete disaster.- Macleod

Luke 9:50, And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Do you know what Satan likes; he likes for churches and Christians to be against one another. He doesn’t like unity. He doesn’t like people being spiritually minded. He doesn’t like unity in the church or amongst God’s people. So, he sows discord. He creates competition. He desires for the church to be worldly, destroying God’s plans of peace!

We need spiritually minded Christians to follow God’s example of unity! We need to support like-minded, Bible-believing churches in our community. We need to pray for one another. We need to help one another. We need to honor and exhort one another with brotherly love and compassion. We need to do what Jesus said to do; Love one-another.  

PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH

           The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones. -Beecher

1 Corinthians 14:12, Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

            The church has a two-fold purpose; to evangelize the lost and to edify the believer. They go hand in hand. To exalt one above the other will cause the other to wane. A church that is not growing spiritually will not see the need to soul win. On the other hand, a church that only soul wins, never teaching its congregation to grow spiritually, will be struggling with sin.

            It is important for us to be in church this morning; both the believer and the unbeliever. So, GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH! Hey, you’ve still got time to make it to Sunday School!  

CHURCH MATTERS

           The living Church, though never neat, keeps God's world from complete disaster. -Macleod

Hebrews 10:23-25, Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

            Some folks believe that just because they are saved, they don’t need the local church. This is far from the truth. We need the local church for personal growth. We need the local church for accountability. We need the local church for responsibility. We need the local church for missions. We need the local church for our own assurance.  

            Sure, you can catch a message online but there is nothing like being in person with fellow believers worshipping and praise the Lord for His goodness to us. Church matters because God commands us to worship together! By the way, do you reckon one of those online preachers will preach your funeral for yah?  

SO GOES THE HOME, SO GOES THE CHURCH, SO GOES THE NATION

           When the world seems large and complex, we need to remember that great world ideals all begin in some home neighborhood. -Adenauer

Psalm 16:6, The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

            The home is the foundation to society. That is why Satan attacks the home. The homosexual, transgender, gender dysphoria society that has been created by our godless and anti-god culture will be the downfall of this great republic.

            What we do in our home is essential for our churches, our neighborhoods, and yes, even our nation. So, as we start this new week, let us all start this week off by getting into God’s Word, staying in God’s Word, and sharing God’s Word to this lost, dying, and hurting world. Start this off praying for your family, for your community, and for our country. For you and your home is what will make a difference in the world we live in.

MAN’S FOLLY

Jesus knew that He had come to kindle a fire on earth... He saw that what was exalted among man was an abomination before God. --Walter Rauschenbush

Luke 19:10, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Sunday morning has come again and I am praying for the services at the church God has called me to pastor. I was reminded while praying, there are still men and women lost, dying, hurting, and going to hell. I was reminded of the need. I was reminded of my call. I was reminded of my desire to see God build a church rooted and grounded in the Word of God. I was reminded of how so many will choose to neglect what God has given them the privilege to be a part of.

What are you doing this morning? Have you made plans to go to the lake? Mow the yard? Wash some clothes? Have you prepared a special meal for guest arriving? Have you entertained any thoughts of going to church? Friend, quit your folly! CHANGE YOUR PLANS, GET UP, GET READY AND TO GO TO CHURCH THIS MORNING! Want to surprise Mom? Want to see Dad whelp up in tears? Want to give the pastor a bit of encouragement—make it to Sunday School!

CHRIST’S CHURCH

The Christian church is a society of sinners. It is the only society in the world, membership in which is based upon the single qualification that the candidate shall be unworthy of membership. -Morrison

Ephesians 5:25-27, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

This thing we call the church should be the central part of our lives. It should be the reason we miss other things. Unfortunately, the church has lost its power and importance in the average person’s life. We could discuss some of the reasons why but I will spare us the time. However, when the church removes God from the throne of its heart, it won’t be long before God is removed from the prominent places in society as well.

Friend, while this world neglects Christ’s church, you be faithful to it. You support it with your tithes and offerings. You support it with your presence for service. You support it with prayer. You be the church Christ died and gave Himself for!

BE IN CHURCH

           This was posted on a Bronx, New York, church bulletin board: "Do come in-Trespassers will be forgiven." -Anonymous

Psalm 55:14, We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

            While this world is being turned upside down by an apparent pandemic, the church must go on. It goes on by those that are members, the body of Christ, giving, supporting in prayer, and most importantly by attending. Nothing will ever take the place of our sweet time of fellowship and corporate worship are when we come together each Lord’s Day.

            Are you planning on being in a Bible preaching, Bible teaching church today? If not, change your plans! Then GET UP, GET READY, and GO learn what Jesus has done for you today! BE- IN CHURCH!

CHRIST BUILDS THE CHURCH

This was posted on a Bronx, New York, church bulletin board: "Do come in-Trespassers will be forgiven." -Anonymous

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

            Jesus is the foundation which the church is built upon. He adds to the church. He builds those in the church. Without Him as the chief cornerstone in our life and in the church, everything within the church and our life will be out of square and leaning toward destruction. Either Jesus will be the ruler by which you measure everything with or you will come up short every single time!

            Is Christ building you? If He isn’t, before your life falls apart you need to find another contractor!