Thankful for times of corporate worship...

Very thankful...
Growing up, church was just a place to go to on Sundays, a social gathering of people with similar cultural background.  We all expressed a certain commonality in Christ, but that was purely superficial.  All of our discussions and interactions outside of church were about food, sports, entertainment...the things of this world.  I never saw church as this group of people, purchased by the blood of Christ, brothers and sisters fighting together, encouraging one another, loving and serving each other, glorifying God together.

I am so thankful that God has placed me here, equipping me to understand the biblical view of church.  I am not perfect.  My church is far from perfect because it's made up of imperfect sinners.  But we do have Christ.  We do have His perfect Word at the center, exalted high above any words of mere man.

Another part of corporate worship that I am growing in appreciation for is the times of singing together.  What a beautiful sound we make, not because we necessarily sound great to the ears, but because the hearts of those who love the Lord are joined together and overflow into joyous and thankful praise (the fruit of our lips) unto Christ, our Lord, Savior and soon and coming King.

My church is getting ready to read this book.  It seems to be a very biblical and practical book on what a healthy member of the local body of Christ looks like.  Avoiding the trappings of legalism, it hopefully will challenge and encourage us to be doing things that we should've been doing in the first place.  Looking forward to it!