Loving God’s House Psalm 122:1 NKJV 1I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” The Bible gives at least six benefits for coming to God's house: I. God’s Presence Is Experienced II. God’s Word Is Proclaimed Titus 1:7–9 NKJV 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Hebrews 13:17 NKJV 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. III. God’s People Are Encouraged and Strengthened Hebrews 10:24–25 NKJV And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Ephesians 4:11–16 NKJV 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Romans 12:5 NKJV so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Galatians 6:10 NKJV Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. John 13:35 NKJV By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Galatians 6:2 NKJV Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:25 NKJV that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. IV. God’s Greatness Is Extolled Psalm 150:1–6 NKJV 1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! 3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! 5 Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! V. God’s Work Is accomplished VI. God’s Mission Is Realized Hebrews 10:25 NKJV 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Call to Action 1. Commit to attending church faithfully 2. Commit to engaging in service 3. Commit to bringing people with you