Going to church?

I received the new Zondervan church resource magazine today in the mail and was struck by a quote from Life Bible Study to promote their 12 study curriculum. "Most people don't get excited about the idea of hearing two sermons in one day, or of going to small group only to get a lecture. But they do want to learn about the God they serve and how He desires to be in relationship with them."

I look forward to the intimate settings with friends to share the depth of God's love for us through the written Word. I rarely find myself being refreshed from a Sunday evening or an outpouring of Biblical information in any setting. There is a time and place for sermons and lectures, but there is a time and place for relational connection. Having multiple services and events on Sundays often leads to weary souls. Is it possible to restore a true Sabbath and in turn find the abundant life Christ promised when we follow His teachings?

Information rarely leads to transformation of the heart. Transformation happens through discipleship and discipleship is often equated to church attendance. Jesus equated discipleship with leaving everything behind to follow him. What have you left behind? Is your soul finding rest by having one more service or event to attend on Sunday? Or could the church facilitate a real Sabbath with families, which leads to relational connections both horizontal and vertical?