We Christians always seek to keep reforming our lives that we may better serve the Lord. Coming together with fellow Christians to worship God is a part of our lives that many need to reform. Many Christian denominations have been seeing continuous decline in worship attendance. Worship is something we all need for it sustains and improves our faith and service to God.

Regular corporate worship is so important and necessary because is benefits our spiritual health in at least two ways. First, gathering together in a formal worship setting is time when God comes to us. In that time we receive from Him His great gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation that were purchased for us by the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. We have no hope of eternal happiness without those gifts. Each time we worship we receive them anew and find the healing we need for our sinfulness. We are continually strengthened to try to live for our Lord. For as He gives such needed gifts to us we then respond with praise and thanks giving Him the honor and respect He deserves. Our response does not just happen during the worship time, but continues on in our lives for many days.

Another benefit is not just one we receive but also one we share. As we receive God’s gifts and respond to Him we also are there to benefit our fellow Christian worshippers. Gathered together with others we remind each other that we are not alone. Yes, God is with us, but we are also surrounded by fellow believers. We can depend on each other for help and encouragement. The prayers of others help us in struggles with Satan and our sins. Fellow Christians can also provide comfort and support in dealing with the struggles we face in life. Not only do we receive such help, but we are also then able to help others with their struggles.

Worship is truly a precious time for receiving help from God and our fellow believers, as we also give back to God and help our fellow Christians and all people. That is why the writer to the Hebrews shares with us those encouraging words: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as we see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

To learn more about God’s free gifts and how worship benefits us and others, please visit or contact St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fredonia (672-6731), Immanuel Lutheran Church, Gowanda (532-4342), or Trinity Lutheran Church, Silver Creek (934-2002).