WHY WORSHIP?
Following the resurrection, the early Christians were very anxious to be with fellow believers. They had a faith and hope they never realized previously. No longer did they feel the oppressive nature of the Law. Saved by grace they looked forward to the day when Jesus would return or at least at their death, they knew the promise of eternal life with Him. Later, during the periods of persecution they would even meet in secret, hiding and worshipping in the catacombs (burial places for the dead) so the Romans would not disrupt their worship and put them to death.
Moving much later to the period following the Reformation (1500’s) our early Lutheran ancestors took seriously salvation by grace alone and faced persecution again, but the church grew stronger. Later in the 1800’s when rationalism became prevalent in the European countries our Missouri Synod founders fled Germany and came to America to be able to establish communities centered on worship of pure Scriptural principles. Worship was strong as each community sacrificed to see that churches were built to come together and praise and receive strength in Word and Sacrament. Schools were built also so that the next generation would learn what God’s Word said.
Our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, of which Faith is a member, remained very active in maintaining strong worship practices into the 50’s and 60’s. As a child I can remember large attendance at worship, even Advent, Lenten and Easter Sunrise Services. Special services outside the local church such as Mission Festivals and Reformation services and special Circuit and District services were fostered and well-attended.
But much of that has severely dwindled. Affluence, outside activities, and pleasures of this world have had a crucial effect on worship. God’s Word says: “Seek first the Kingdom of God.” I believe we need to pray fervently that God’s grace will help our society and our personal attitudes to realize the need to continue to worship our Creator and Redeemer. That His Holy Spirit draws us to realize His steadfast love that we need not know adversity to return to seek His preservation and care. Help us personally to remember His words: “And let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds, not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor
