Recently, I have met many people who talk about how they do not need to go to church to have a relationship with God. This is true. You do not have to be in a church to worship God.
Alma said, "
Behold I say unto you, do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God save it be in your synagogues only? And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not worship God only once in a week?" (
Alma 32:10-11).
However, church is still important. God has commanded us to "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (
Exodus 20:8). And, from modern revelation, we know that to keep the sabbath day holy, we are told that, "
...thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;" (
D&C 59:9-10).
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In a Conference Address during the October 2013 conference, Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, in "Continually Holding Fast," talks about the importance of church and small decisions to go to church.
He begins by talking about how his grandmother and grandfather chose to go for a joy-ride instead of Sacrament meeting. This led to them falling away from the church. Because of this, they were led, "away from the Church with its
safety,
security, and
blessings," (emphasis added).
These blessings are very important. We receive them when we are obeying God's commandments. One of these commandments is baptism.
Elder Hamilton said, "At baptism we covenanted to stand as a witness of the Savior, to succor the weak and the needy, to keep the commandments of God, and to repent as needed...Each week we have the opportunity to attend a sacrament meeting, where we can renew these covenants...This simple act allows us to once again pledge ourselves to follow Jesus Christ and to repent when we do fall short. God's promise to us in return is His Spirit as a guide and protection." What great blessings! When we are baptized and keep our covenants, we are blessed. When we go to church, we can partake of the Sacrament and renew those covenants and be made clean again.
Who does not want to be clean again?
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Some think church is simply too long. Elder Hamilton explained the three hours in a simple manner that I think helps show why they are each so important. He states, "
Sacrament meeting provides the opportunity to participate in the ordinance of the sacrament. We renew our covenants, receive an increased measure of the Spirit, and have the additional blessing of being instructed and edified by the Holy Ghost.
Sunday School allows us to 'teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom,' that all might be' edified and rejoice together.' Great power and personal peace come as we understand the doctrines of the restored gospel.
Priesthood meetings are a time for men and young men to 'learn [their] duty' and to 'be instructed more perfectly,' and
Relief Society meetings provide the women of the Church an opportunity to 'increase their faith... , strengthen [their] families and homes, and help those in need.'" (emphasis added).
I know when we follow the Lord's commandments we will be blessed. I also know that when we go to church, we are edified and uplifted. I have seen the blessings of going to church in my life: my week is better, I feel the spirit stronger, I am cleansed from my sins, and I learn more about my Savior. I know God lives and loves us all and that is why He gives us commandments- to help us be better and receive of His blessings. I hope you choose to go to church, and all of church, to receive of the blessings of the Lord. To find out more about "Mormon" church services, or to find a meeting house near you, click
here!
For the whole talk by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, go
here. Para Español:
aquí.
