Pastor Larry Sundin
Back in 2005, after returning from Canada where I had pastored for over eight years, I was invited to attend an Oregon State Football game. We had seats near the 40-yard line, about 10 rows up from the field. As great as those seats were, the thing that really hit me was when the team ran out on the field and everyone stood and cheered loudly. The amount of enthusiasm and joy being expressed for these wannabe pros was off the charts. I was immediately struck by the thought that this was a worship service. Every fan was expressing exuberant praise for their team. And it made me wonder why more people don’t worship God with the same kind of enthusiasm.
After all, we worship the Creator of the Universe who loved us so much that He gave His only Son to us, so we might be forgiven and enter into all the joy and beauty of a relationship with our Creator. And that made me realize that most people have no idea how much they miss out on when they neglect the Church. Now I’d be the first one to admit that people don’t need one more thing they need to squeeze into their week. But then again, most people don’t realize all the benefits that await them if they actually choose to spend an hour with their Creator each week.
For example, by coming to worship someone bigger and greater than yourself each Sunday, you provide spiritual nourishment for your soul. You’re reminded that there is someone in charge of the Universe and it’s not you. You’re reminded that there’s more to life than pursuing temporary pleasures. You’re reminded that you are not alone in this world, and that there is One who cares about every detail of your life. For one hour on Sunday, your soul can find rest and renewal in the presence of our good and merciful God.
Another benefit of gathering to worship on Sunday, is that you’ll get to learn directly from His Word. You’ll get to learn what God is like. That He is not some distant out of touch deity, but is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. You’ll learn how merciful and loving He is, and how He makes it possible for you to know Him personally. And you’ll discover the way He designed us to live with one another: with kindness, service, patience, goodness, and love. You’ll learn that there really is a better way to live than just living for the weekend.
In fact, there are so many benefits of gathering with God’s people that there’s not enough room to share them all. But one of the richest blessings is the people themselves. There’s no other place like it where you can find acceptance and belonging, where you can receive comfort and encouragement, and where you can find accountability and even a friend who sticks closer than a brother. So, maybe it’s time you find out what you’ve been missing and why you need Church. So let me invite you to join us this October on Back To Church Sunday, Oct. 19. But you would be welcome to join us any Sunday! Rock Springs Church meets every Sunday morning, 9 a.m. in the Ballroom. Stop missing out and come discover just what God has in store for you … in His Church. You just might be pleasantly surprised.