The answer given to the farmer troubled about missing Sunday services wisely avoids giving a general answer to a question that must be considered individually with each Christian struggling with the question of balancing work and worship. But the answer also fails to re-explain critical truths about how God works in the world, truths which each Christian needs to understand as he or she makes decisions in Christian freedom. Namely, God works through His Word faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ. To have the “Christ-based” relationship with God necessary to make such decisions, one must remain in contact with Christ, through His Word and Sacraments. It is not enough to simply say, “make your decision about worship attendance based on the freedom of the Gospel.” This farmer, and everyone dealing with similar questions, needs to be reminded that God wants His people to gather in His Name regularly so that He can forgive their sins, remind them of the hope they have in Christ, and give them the strength for Christian living. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
Reverend David Warner
Sidney, MT
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