๐ If we go to church because Jesus is there, does that mean Heโs not with us in our lives? ๐
The answer lies in God's promise to be present in a specific and meaningful way in churchโthrough His Word ๐ and Sacraments ๐๏ธ.
โจ God's Omnipresence vs. God's Presence "For You" โจ
This brings up questions about Godโs omnipresence. Rather than saying God is everywhere, the two words that bridge this gap are the little words โ for you. ๐
Psalm 139 says, โIf I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!โ (Psalm 139:8)
It's not just that God is anywhere. It's that He is wherever you happen to be. ๐
โช The Specific Promise in Church โช
In church, God promises to be present for you in a very specific way, offering forgiveness ๐, grace ๐ฟ, and comfort โค๏ธโ๐ฉน through His Word ๐, Baptism ๐, communion ๐ท, and absolution โฎ๏ธ.
Jesus is certainly with you in your daily life, but in church, He is doing something unique: forgiving your sins.
His promise of forgiveness is tied to the baptismal font ๐ฐ, the communion cup ๐๐ท, and the words of absolution you hear in church ๐๏ธ. These are tangible, concrete ways you can know Jesus is for you.
๐ช Carrying Church Into the World ๐ช
Going to church isn't about escaping the world ๐; it's about receiving what you need to go back into it.
Church is a place to bring your struggles ๐ and receive comfort ๐. It's where Jesus offers you the strength ๐ช, forgiveness ๐, and reassurance ๐ that you can carry with you throughout your week.
As a baptized child of God, wherever you go, He goes with you โจโbut itโs in church where you receive the gifts ๐ to face whatever lies ahead.
๐ Not an Escape, but Preparation ๐
Church isn't a monastery ๐ฐ or an escape from the world ๐. It's where you receive the forgiveness โ๏ธ and consolation you need to tackle the real world.
In church, we get the forgiveness of sins to cover our past week ๐๏ธ and the promise that God will not forsake us in the week to come โถ๏ธ.
It's the foundation ๐ ๏ธ that allows us to live out our vocations and serve our neighbors โค๏ธ.
Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.
Contributor Amelia is a college student and HTโs assistant webmaster.
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