I get to worship at BridgePointe

Yup-  You’re the winner! I know-   you never win anything, but this time you did. I’m sending you and your family to Los Angeles for the American Idol finale. An all expense paid, first class flight will get you there and you’ll be kick’n it at the best 5 star hotel in Hollywood. Not a bad crib! A free rental car will allow you to check out the beaches and with the $5000 spending cash, there will be plenty of restaurants, sightseeing, and theme parks to explore while you’re there.

Now, to fully receive what has been given to you there will need to be an effort on your part, right? You still will have to get yourself ready-  make arrangements, get to the airport, and check in at the hotel. But whatever effort on your part is required, it is diminished by the privilege that has been given to you. With the full weight of the opportunity and benefit you are receiving, you might not even consider your part an effort at all. You see, everything changes when things are a “get to”, rather than a “have to”. The realization of privilege always trumps the feeling of effort or duty.

This is the point the Bible makes about attending and being a part of a church community. In Hebrews 10, the author gives us an Old Testament Sunday school lesson about the way things used to be for the Hebrews when they came together for their worship. “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.” (10:11) But because of what Jesus has done as the ultimate, once and for all sacrifice, the worship of God has been transformed from effort to privilege.

1. We have the privilege of direct worship with God at BridgePointe:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us … let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience... (19-23)

2. We have the privilege of gathering as community at BridgePointe:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” (24-25))

Will it take an effort to make Sunday worship with your BridgePointe family a priority? Sure. But if we understand the great privilege and opportunity our Creator God has given us, worship at Bridegepointe will be a  “get to”, never a “have to”. The Inside BridgePointe event, on May 22, Sunday, can serve as a tangible way to express your commitment to the privilege of being a part of this church community. It’s an event that explores who we are and where we are going so that you can intelligently partner with us. It’s a great next step if you have been a recent guest.

Forget Los Angeles! I “get to” worship at BridgePointe!