(Submitted by Kerry Patton)
…and let
us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking
our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you
see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
In preparing for teaching a
Bible Study class at our church recently, I was taken by the impact of four
questions I felt impressed to present along with the lesson I was to
bring. The four questions were as
follows:
·
Why
Are You Here?
·
What
Have You Brought with You?
·
What
Will You Take with You When You Leave?
·
What
Will You Do with That?
Question One: Why Are You Here?
This is not a question asking why
you were born, or what brought you to our church, but why are you at our church
on this day? Everyone who attends church
goes to church for a reason. Think about
your particular reason. Perhaps you go
to church so that your spouse will leave you alone. You could be a business woman or man and have
learned that places such as churches are excellent places to network and
generate contacts.
Maybe you attend church because you
are lonesome and need fellowship. It
could be that you have a very strong sense of propriety…It is Sunday, and
people should be in church on Sundays.
Your parents went to church, so you go to church. It is what you do.
OR…How about this: Maybe you are
going to church because you are hungry…not for food, but for spiritual
nourishment. You are seeking to
encounter the living God. You desire to
learn more about Jesus, and have become consumed by experiencing more of his
presence, fellowship and power in your life.
Think about this. It seems
important to me…that you know why you are here this Sunday or Wednesday, or
attending a small group or study. Ask
yourself. Why am I here?
Question Two: What Have You Brought with You?
It is very seldom that I don’t
bring something with me to church. And
I’m not speaking about my Bible or cell phone.
I’m not even speaking of my tithe!
I’m addressing the needs that we bring with us…the concerns that weigh
upon the heart. One may bring with him
or her work frustrations, relationship problems, financial issues, secret sins,
a matter from years ago that he or she simply can’t let go of. Whatever it is, it is my hope that you KNOW
what you are bringing with you, and that you are earnestly seeking answers to
your problem by bringing them to your loving heavenly Father.
You see, coming to church, Bible
Study, or other small group can’t simply be about “learning about Jesus, and
how to be good and not sin.” Yes, that is very, very important. But coming to church, Bible Study, or other
small group fellowship must also be…and perhaps primarily so…be about encountering God! And if you are going to encounter God, what
will you bring to him? Bring him your
hurts, hopes, needs, failures, and fears.
But also your worship, love, adoration, praises, and dreams. Just as any child hopes to bring his or her
need to a loving father and say “Daddy, I need your help…” What will you bring with you to church?
