Do you enjoy going to church?  Interesting question, isn’t it?  But here’s a more important question: Does God enjoy going to church?  And if God does go to church, what is He doing there?

Well, here is the amazing answer.  God does go to church.  Jesus says, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)  And why is God at church, you may ask?  He is there to serve you!  That’s right!  Church is the place where God comes to serve you.  That is why it is called a church service, or the “Divine Service”.

Our Lord is the Lord who serves.  Jesus said, “I did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give up my life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)  On the cross Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world and He is still a God that gives and serves.  Jesus said, “I am among you as the One who serves.” (Luke 22:27)  He graciously serves His church with His gifts of life, salvation, and forgiveness.

You see, here’s the deal: God doesn’t need anything from you.  It is you that needs everything that God freely has to offer you.  For at the end of His “Divine Service” (at the end of church service), you even hear Him say, “Take and eat, take and drink, this is My body and blood, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Remember, Jesus said, “God loved the world in this way, He gave His one and only Son.” (John 3:16)

Will, you remember that the next time you are in church?  I hope you do and I hope to see you soon.  For under the cross of Calvary, our Lord is here to give you His gifts!

In Christ’s service,

Pastor Eric Ahlemeyer