John 1:1–5 (NKJV) — 1 In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” In the beginning God. Jesus was in the beginning. Not only was He “the Word” “the Word was with God, and “the Word was God.”
This morning across the United States churches will be packed with believers in God and Jesus Christ. Well, at one time they would have been.
We must recognize the purpose of Sunday morning church is multifold. The primary reason is the worship of God. There will be a sermon given, songs sung, and fellowship among those present in this worship. The central focus of worship is God, our Creator and Savior.
Corporate worship is important, imperative, and absolutely essential for the follower of Christ. Christians need the fellowship of fellow Christians. Our private worship of God is essential, but we need one another.
We are family. We were not saved to stand alone. Sometimes we may think we are all alone in our walk with God. The testimony of others, their struggles, and their victories encourage us to know that whatever we go through we are not alone.
Corporate worship helps us in our growth. We come together for the “upbuilding and encouragement” not only for ourselves but to be there in helping others. 1 Corinthians 14:3 “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” Those times we feel we do not want to go to church or need to go is the time we need corporate worship the most.
The “Joy of the Lord” is my strength. It is also the strength of others. I may feel spiritually down. This is when I need to be with other believers in Jesus. We need one another.
“LET US NOT FORSAKE THE ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER, AS IS THE MANNER OF SOME, BUT EXHORTING ONE ANOTHER, AND SO MUCH THE MORE AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.” (Hebrews 10:25)