A Day Like No Other

One early Sunday morning, I walked into my toddler daughter’s room, gently scooped her up, and whispered, “Baby girl, today we get to go to church.” Still half-asleep, she suddenly lit up with joy and exclaimed, “Scottie, Elise, William, Rowan?” She wasn’t just thinking about the building or the routine she was excited about the people. “Dada, I love church!” she said. And I couldn’t help but echo her little declaration. “Yeah, baby girl, me too.”

Though she doesn’t yet grasp the full theological beauty of what the local church is, my daughter understands something precious: there is joy in the gathering of God’s people.

For years, I’ve said that Sundays are my favorite day of the week. As a pastor, it may sound predictable, but it’s true because Sunday is the day I get to worship with people who love the same God I love. It’s when I see old friends and make new ones. It’s the moment every week when heaven feels a little closer.

While we can pray, read Scripture, and grow in faith on our own, there are unique blessings reserved for the gathered body of Christ. As Don Whitney notes, “There’s an element of worship in Christianity that cannot be experienced in private worship or by watching worship” (Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 43–44). That’s why Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us not to neglect meeting together.

Here are five reasons why I believe every Christian should treasure Sundays and anticipate them with joy.

1. We get a taste of glory.

Every Sunday is a preview of eternity a glimpse into the new Jerusalem, where all of God’s people will be gathered forever. The heavenly city isn’t about streets of gold; it’s about a community made perfect in Christ, worshiping Him together (Revelation 21:2–3).

When we gather in local churches, we step into that future promise. We aren’t perfect, but we are being perfected (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). As Richard Sibbes put it, the church is “the tabernacle now.” In this age, particular churches under godly pastors are the dwelling places of God. Each Sunday, we’re a little more like Jesus than the week before and we see a little more of the glory to come.

2. We see spiritual gifts on display.

Spiritual gifts aren’t abstract ideas they show up in real faces and acts of love. On Sunday, I watch people serve joyfully: a greeter with the gift of hospitality, a worship leader with the gift of exhortation, a Sunday school teacher with the gift of teaching, or a behind-the-scenes servant coordinating logistics with the gift of administration.

These gifts, described in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and 1 Peter 4, come alive in the gathered body. You can’t see the full beauty of the church without seeing the people using their God-given gifts and you’ll see them most clearly when we gather.

3. We hear much-needed teaching.

There’s no shortage of teaching online, but nothing compares to hearing a sermon preached by your own pastor someone who knows your story, understands your struggles, and prepares messages shaped by real people in real pews.

Ephesians 4:11–12 tells us that pastors and teachers are gifts to the church. They don’t just deliver biblical truth; they shepherd souls. Faithful preaching on Sunday mornings provides the most nourishing, consistent diet for spiritual health.

4. We experience spiritual growth.

Growth in grace happens most often in the context of worship when we sing, confess, listen, learn, and participate in the ordinances. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are physical reminders of spiritual realities, meant to be shared with the gathered body.

We can’t manufacture spiritual growth, but we can place ourselves where growth most often happens. And more often than not, that’s on Sunday with God’s people.

5. We remember we’re not alone.

Living as a Christian in a fallen world can feel isolating. During the week, culture may tempt us to believe we’re odd or even foolish. But then Sunday comes. We look around the room and see other believers singing, praying, seeking the same Savior.

This visible reminder of unity encourages us deeply. As Elijah once thought he was alone in his faith, God reminded him there were thousands like him (1 Kings 19:18). Sunday worship is a weekly reminder that we are part of something bigger a kingdom unshakable and everlasting.

God’s Good Gift of Sunday

There’s a reason the early Christians made it a point to gather on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). They were commemorating the resurrection, the dawning of new creation, the launch of Christ’s kingdom. The Didache, an early Christian manual, instructed believers to gather every Lord’s Day. Church fathers like Justin Martyr echoed the same.

Sundays have always mattered to God’s people. And they still do.

So as you look to the week ahead, set your heart on Sunday. Let it be more than a routine let it be a rhythm of joy. Let it be the day you anticipate, the day you celebrate, the day you gather with your spiritual family to meet with your Savior.

Because no matter what kind of week you’ve had, one truth always rings clear: Sunday is coming.

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