Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalms 1:1-3 NLT
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Ephesians 2:16 NLT
And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. Hebrews 10:19 NLT
THE QUESTION IS NOT “AM I GOING TO BE A PART OF A COMMUNITY OF FAITH?” BUT “HOW AM I GOING TO LIVE IN THIS COMMUNITY OF FAITH?”
And 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 NLT
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Psalms 122:1
1. COMMUNAL WORSHIP IS A WORKABLE STRUCTURE FOR OUR LIFE.
And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem. Psalms 122:2 NLT
Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached. Psalms 122:3 NLT
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. Romans 12:16 AMPC
All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—make their pilgrimage here. Psalms 122:4 NLT
2. COMMUNAL WORSHIP NUTURES OUR NEED TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel. Psalms 122:4 NLT
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. James 3:5 NLT
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NLT
"Feelings are important in many areas but completely unreliable in matters of faith" Eugene Peterson
3. COMMUNAL WORSHIP ALLOWS OUR ATTENTION TO BE CENTERED ON GOD’S DIRECTION.
Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David. Psalms 122:5 NLT
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 NIV
4. COMMUNAL WORSHIP INFLUENCES OUR WEEK
Pray for peace in Jerusalem. Psalms 122:6 NLT
May all who love this city prosper. Psalms 122:6 NLT
O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem. Psalms 122:7-9 NLT