🌟 If we go to church because Jesus is there, does that mean He’s not with us in our lives? 🌟

The answer lies in God's promise to be present in a specific and meaningful way in church—through His Word 📖 and Sacraments 🕊️.

✨ God's Omnipresence vs. God's Presence "For You" ✨

This brings up questions about God’s omnipresence. Rather than saying God is everywhere, the two words that bridge this gap are the little words — for you. 🙌

Psalm 139 says, “If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” (Psalm 139:8)

It's not just that God is anywhere. It's that He is wherever you happen to be. 💖

⛪ The Specific Promise in Church ⛪

In church, God promises to be present for you in a very specific way, offering forgiveness 🙏, grace 🌿, and comfort ❤️‍🩹 through His Word 📖, Baptism 🌊, communion 🍷, and absolution ☮️.

Jesus is certainly with you in your daily life, but in church, He is doing something unique: forgiving your sins.

His promise of forgiveness is tied to the baptismal font 🚰, the communion cup 🍞🍷, and the words of absolution you hear in church 🕊️. These are tangible, concrete ways you can know Jesus is for you.

💪 Carrying Church Into the World 💪

Going to church isn't about escaping the world 🌍; it's about receiving what you need to go back into it.

Church is a place to bring your struggles 😔 and receive comfort 💓. It's where Jesus offers you the strength 💪, forgiveness 🙏, and reassurance 🌟 that you can carry with you throughout your week.

As a baptized child of God, wherever you go, He goes with you ✨—but it’s in church where you receive the gifts 🎁 to face whatever lies ahead.

🔄 Not an Escape, but Preparation 🔄

Church isn't a monastery 🏰 or an escape from the world 🌎. It's where you receive the forgiveness ✝️ and consolation you need to tackle the real world.

In church, we get the forgiveness of sins to cover our past week 🗓️ and the promise that God will not forsake us in the week to come ▶️.

It's the foundation 🛠️ that allows us to live out our vocations and serve our neighbors ❤️.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Amelia is a college student and HT’s assistant webmaster.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #church