16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." (Rom 1:16-17 ESV)

I had a young lady speak to me several years ago who visited my church. She claimed she would not be back because there was no theatrical event during the service. Although we might not come out and say it, we can become trapped in the mindset that if the Sunday Morning service does not entertain me, then was not a good service. American Idol and America’s God Talent have penned this phrase, “There was no WOW moment.” This, in short, is what many look for in a church service. The problem with this is that the “WOW moment” is actually always there – in Scripture. Paul tells the church in Rome that this Gospel is the power of God. When you think about this, you should understand the WOW behind it. The creator of the universe, who holds all things together, says that His power is in the gospel. WOW! The Gospel is not just how to be saved but also how to live for God. Therefore, church services should not be seen as a one way street, meaning the preacher preaching the message but is a two way street where your hearts are responding to God’s Word as it is proclaimed. As John F. Kennedy said in his famous inaugural speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Let me adjust this by saying ask not what your church can do for you, but what you can do for your church.

As we move closer to Sunday, I ask that you be in prayer for the Sunday Morning service. Ask God to work in your heart as we praise him in Song, and respond to him from His Word.