Article by Tera Winchenbach

Why do you go to church? A friend and I were discussing this topic a few weeks ago. She seemed like something was missing from her church or her relationship with God. So I posed the question, “Why do you go to church?” Her response, after some thinking was, “It’s what we are supposed to do.” Some of you might agree. I, at one time, did also. Other reasons I have heard people give are, “We were dragged to church as kids so that’s all we know” or “My parents make me come” or “We now have kids and they should be in church” or (my favorite) “We have to make God happy or He won’t take care of us.”
If you do go to church –Praise the Lord! If you go because of one of these or some other irrelevant reason, please stop and think about God’s command — “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1 Do you go to church to bless, praise and worship the great God we have? Do you thank Him often for his love, mercy and grace? I could go on and on writing about our Marvelous God!
I am no expert at this. I was raised in a great Christian home and attended a wonderful Baptist church and Christian school. I had strict standards and high morals. I was saved at the age of 9. From the outward looking in, people thought I lived the model Christian life. I played church. I did what was expected and little more. I went because I knew I was supposed to and most often I wanted to. But I did not understand how to worship God. Up until a few months ago did I really get it. Oh, I was thankful for what the Lord had done for me. He has always taken care of me and most of all, He saved me. But I never knew what it was to truly worship and praise him; what it was like to be in the middle of God’s palm and to experience His unconditional love. I have felt God’s presence in His House. I have witnessed His awesome power. Now, I’m not talking about some hokey-pokey junk or magic. I am talking about the true presence of God; the possibility that He just might speak to us if we would only listen.
Let me ask you a few more things. Why is it that the world accepts it if we cheer and go crazy for a professional sports player? Why is it okay to get excited at a music concert? Why do we yell at the TV when “our team” is not playing well? Why do new Presidents get so much fame and attention? Have we lost sight of our purpose in life?
If you are a child of God and you go to church, please evaluate your reasons. Do you go to give God the glory for all He has done? Do you go to worship and cheer for Him? Do you want to praise Him for His mighty power? Do you want to thank Him endlessly for sending His only Son to die for your sins? That alone should get you excited. You should want to be shouting your praises to Him! I know I do.
In whatever church you attend, please join me in worshipping God for everything He has done or will do. We are so undeserving, yet He just keeps giving. Thank you Lord!!!!