Do you know why I love going to church? It’s not because there is not a a multitude of people to hear a sermon from online; nor is it because I don’t have people to pray with; I go to church for three reasons. One is because there is nowhere else that I can get corporate worship on a weekly basis with the same people; two because this community has become my family; and three because I am reminded of who I am in Christ. Church is not a community center, it is not a social club, church is a place where the people of God gather with the presence of God and experience the power of God. This is why I go to church and why I am very selective and protective when it comes to what church I go to.

I say all that because I was reading Deuteronomy 28:27-29 this morning and it brought tears to my eyes as I remembered how blessed we are that we are saved; it reminded me of who God is; and it exhorted me to continue to remind us that we have been given authority over the enemy. Listen to how Moses said it, “The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms; And He drove out the enemy from before you, And said, ‘Destroy!’ So Israel dwells in security, The fountain of Jacob secluded, In a land of grain and new wine; His heavens also drop down dew. Blessed are you, O Israel; Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, Who is the shield of your help And the sword of your majesty! So your enemies will cringe before you, And you will tread upon their high places.”

Going to church this morning, we will hug a lot of necks, say a lot of hello’s, sing some great songs, and hear a powerful message, and it is all to remind us of how blessed we are that God saved us! He not only saved us from the enemy, He gave us power over the enemy. Going to church is a statement of who we belong to, what we value, and where our treasure is. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord and today we are ready and excited to go to church. I hope you feel the same way, for there is nothing more satisfying than being in the presence of God with the people of God.