This is just the short list, but what a picnic basket full of luscious blessings! You live longer. Manage your financial resources more efficiently. Enjoy peace of mind. Receive supernatural courage to take a stand. Experience the breathtaking love of God and obtain the healing medicine of forgiveness.

Why do we need to go to church? "Because the church is still the best way to strengthen your relationship with God and with others, find your life's purpose and receive those special benefits."

Thanks to Zig Ziglar, I started attending church regularly again with a whole new attitude. Yes, at times, I was busy, the music was awful, the preacher was boring and people are still hypocrites. However, I also discovered an indescribable love and peace. I found a source for encouragement and a place of acceptance. The church isn't perfect, but what human institution is? The Bible says it best:

Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Here is a dramatic way to think about your current relationship with God and the church.

A newspaper ad designed by Church Ad Project shows a black and white photograph of six men carrying a coffin. The caption reads: "Will it take six strong men to bring you back into the church?"

My first reaction was shock but the ad made me pause and think. What about you?

Let's face it. You do need the church and the church definitely needs you. If you've not been to church in awhile ... come back. We've missed you. If you are already active with a church, share this story with a friend and invite him/her to join you. It sure beats the alternative offered by this ad. Ecch!!

So the choice is yours, you can choose seven wonderful blessings or six strong men for your next visit. I don't know about you, but I've already made my choice.

 

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© 2004 Larry Davies, Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Title: "Seven Blessings or Six Strong Men"
Author: Larry Davies
Publication Date: January 10, 2004