God has given us timeless traditions and elements to practice that bring us into a closer relationship with Him.  In this third week of our series, we’ll study the church service by examining:

1. How society views church service
2. What the Bible says about church service
3. How we should approach church service

• Society’s views of church service have changed dramatically over recent years.

The statistics are sobering: 49% of Baby Boomers, 46% of Generation X, 35% of Millennials attend church twice a month. 

Outside of Northern America and Europe where christianity is often oppressed, church service is thriving.

As an American Christian, we are deeply affected by a distrust of man-made institutions and by consumerism.

• The Bible explains the meaning and significance of church service.

In Hebrews 10:19-25, the author helps us understand through two phrases he repeats three times each: “we have” and “let us.”

“We have” 

1.  “…we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place…”

2.  “…we have a great priest over the house of God…”

3.  “…having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water…”

“Let us”

1.  “…let us draw near to God…”

2.  “…let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess…”

3.  “…let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…”

In Ephesians 4:14-16, Paul tells us how to grow so that we aren’t immature infants in our faith.

Without intentional faith-building togetherness, it’s nearly impossible to live and progress in our spiritual walk.

• There are things we can do to be intentional in our approach to church service.

Show up early.

Show up often.

Show up to the same service.

Show up with a plan.

Show up expecting.