How to Have A Blessed Sunday!

By: Min. Angela Lee Price
"Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near" Hebrews 10:25.

For many people, Sunday is their only day to sleep in, do yardwork, watch sports on television, do housework, or simply relax by the grill with family and friends. They guard their one special day with their lives, and even the "gates of hell" cannot prevent them from their self-appointed assignments. For them, church is not a mandate. It's an option, if at all, that often falls near the bottom on their list of things to do. They call it a blessed Sunday when the sun sets and they can sleep with their tasks complete.

And then there are the "bedside baptists," the people who feel they need God, but not the church and its "sanctified" traditions. They would rather spend Sundays perched in front of the television watching church on the cable stations, or by listening to it on the radio. They would rather "claim their blessing" by "sowing a seed" into a ministry in another state rather than to drop a dollar in the offering plate at their local church. Without a "Holy hug" nor handshake, nor a "Good Morning! Good to see you," they call it a blessed Sunday when the credits roll on their favorite televangelist or gospel show and they have "experienced God" alone, all by themselves.

These two groups of people are missing the real blessing Sundays bring. A blessed Sunday includes the worship of the True and Living God in fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 10:25 tells us worshipping and fellowshipping together is not an option, but a mandate. *Here are four reasons we should make it a habit of worshipping God together every Sunday in fellowship with other believers:

1.  Fellowship provides encouragement and love. Being in the presence of other believers can encourge us to live for Christ, as well as give us a sense of belonging and acceptance that we don't receive from the world
2. Fellowship allows us to learn from spiritually mature Christians.  In the biblical account of the early church, we are told how the apostle Paul's friends, Priscilla and Aquila, took time to help another believer lern more about Jesus (see Acts 18:26). Likewise, younger Christians and new believers will have the opportunity to gain spiritual wisdom and insight from more mature Christians.
3. Fellowship helps us discern false teachings.  The Bible warns of false teachers and teachings, to which the young and immature believe is especially susceptible because they lack spiritual understanding. A healthy, Bible-teaching chuch will encourage new believers in their growth and help them discern truth from error.
4. Fellowship prepares us for Christ's return.  As the day for Christ's return comes closer, we need to help each other through difficult times and keep our problems in perspective. We also need to encourage each other to live holy lives and to share God's Good News with others in the time that remains. God wants the body of Christ to stand out and be a light in these dark and evil days.

These are just four reasons to assemble together with other believers on Sundays. Also, God tells us in the Ten Commandments to honor the Sabbath Day and keep it holy (Deut. 5:12). God tells us to seek first His Kingdom and Righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Regardless of whether you or a Saturday or Sunday worshipper, the point is we are called to worship and fellowship together. There are no lone ranger Christians. Have a blessed Sunday this Sunday. If you have strayed away from Christian fellowship, step out on faith and begin again. Find a healthy, Bible-believing church and attend. Do it not for the preacher, nor for the choir, nor for your family and friends. Do it because it is the only way to truly have a blessed Sunday.

*4 reasons found in New Believer's Bible, first steps for new Christians, New Living Translation., page 1119.