Respect For the House of God
While we know that God does not live in buildings made with men's hands, choosing instead to dwell in the hearts of His people, it is, nevertheless, important that we have proper respect for those structures which are set apart for the service and worship of God. If we truly respect and honor God, we will respect and honor the sanctuaries we have dedicated to Him.
KEY TEXT: "These things write I unto thee, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (I Timothy 3:14,15).
Much emphasis has been given in parts of the Christian community to the scriptural fact that God is not worshiped through material objects or structures and that He does not dwell in buildings made with hands. Consider this important truth as you read I Kings 8:27 and Acts 17:24,25.
The same God who commanded His people not to worship material objects also commanded them to construct and set apart sanctuaries in which they should worship Him. Consider Exodus 26:1 and I Kings 5:5.
Since God established the precedent for the construction of a house of worship in the Old Testament, we can also learn lessons about the proper attitudes which we should have toward our houses of worship from those employed in Israel. Analyze Ecclesiastes 5:1,2 and Psalm 5:7.
Our purpose in coming to the house of God should be to enter into worship. It should not be a time for socializing or secular conversation. What should our entrance into God's house be (Psalm 100:4)?
Consider how Paul's instruction in I Corinthians 14:33,40 concerning the operation of the gifts of the Spirit might apply to our general conduct in the house of worship. Analyze the order which Jesus employed in Mark 6:39-41.
We are instructed in the nature of our service to God, of which worship is a part (Hebrews 12:28,29). Consider ways in which we can show greater reverence for God by respecting the house of worship.
Consider how important it is for us to worship God in proper order and with reverence as you read Leviticus 10:1,2 and John 4:24. When we honor Him in this way, He will honor our worship.
Welcome to The Church of God in Youngstown!
Welcome to the Church of God at Youngstown, PA. Our website is designed to provide church information and the Word of God to seekers of the Truth. We believe you did not find this website by accident as God uses any means to draw people to Him. We are God-centered and family-centered. You'll see our families worshiping and praising the Lord and fellowshipping together in our photo albums located under the Photos & Sermons link. Feel free to listen to and watch any of the sermons and videos we have in our Sermon collection. God bless you! - Bishop Roy Piper, Pastor
Upcoming Events
Sunday June 14th: Sabbath
School Picnic at Mammoth Park Pavilion #12. Games for all ages! Come and
fellowship with us. Eating at Noon.
Friday, June 19th: Father/Son
Banquet at 6pm.
Saturday, June 20th: Special Father's Day Service
June 22-June 25:
Vacation Bible School from 6-8pm. Graduation
Friday June 26th at 7pm.
Saturday June 27th: Pirate
Game Outing. Please sign up in the vestibule.
Wednesday July 1st: Mandatory Parade Practice at 6pm for anyone interested in participating. .
Saturday July 4th: Independence
Day Parade in Latrobe.
July 5 through July 11:
Family Camp at The Church of God Campground in Sigel, PA.
Friday July 17th: Baptism Service at Bro Jack and SIs. Cathy's house. Covered Dish to follow.
*Classes for anyone interested in joining the church will be on Wednesdays at 7pm..
Scripture Center
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.. - Matthew 18:1-5 NKJV
"But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.. - Luke 6:27-31 NKJV