General News
24 August, 2025
In good faith
‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing’ (Hebrews 10:24, 25).
A little girl was taken to church by her grandmother for the first time.
‘What is church?’ the little girl asked.
‘Church is God’s house’, grandma replied.
‘What a nice house God has!’ the little girl replied. ‘Why don’t we visit Him more often?’
Why indeed?
If you count yourself as a Christian, and don’t go to church regularly, ask yourself: Why?
Is it too hot? Too cold? Too wet? Are you too tired? Too busy?
Going driving, fishing, visiting, working? These are all excuses I’ve heard during my time in Rainbow as a pastor. I don’t mind what excuses people may make to me.
But what sort of excuses does God accept?
He accepts none!
In Luke 14 Jesus told the parable of the banquet. The master of the feast sent out many invitations, but all those who were invited came back with excuses.
One said ‘I have bought a field and must inspect it.’ Another said ‘I’ve just bought some oxen.
I must look them over.’ Another said ‘I’ve just gotten married myself; I cannot come.’
The angry master exclaimed ‘I tell you, not one of these will get a taste of my banquet’ (Lk. 13:24).
This is not just an story; it’s a warning. How can one whose ignored Christ hope to enter His feast in heaven?
Many who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb will not enter it – because they’ve made all sorts of excuses to never pay any attention to Him.
Through the Gospel, proclaimed form the pulpit and the altar in church, God continually invites us to feast on His grace and goodness.
And more than that, He gives us His grace and His goodness. None of us can afford a casual attitude like the guests in the parable, when the Lord of all invites us to His house to receive His blessings – blessings which no-one else can possibly give!
This is why God doesn’t just suggest that Christians go to church – He commands it, because it is there that He renews and strengthens us in our souls, to life eternal.
The early Christians went to church regularly; they ‘devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship’ (Acts 2:42).
They rejoiced in every opportunity for public worship, Holy Communion and prayer, as the means of receiving God’s abundant gifts and enjoying new life in Christ.
In the same spirit as them, and in the same spirit as our own forefathers, let’s make time to hear from God Himself, to receive His gifts and blessings, in His house, week by week!
Contributed by LUCAS MATUSCHKA