Attendance

Greg Gwin
04/29/23 - Worship

Attendance at worship services and Bible study times has always been a problem. Faithful brethren have constantly agonized over those who didn't attend. It has been that way in every generation, including among the very first Christians. The Hebrew writer was compelled to pen these famous words:

“Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Notice the reasons why you should attend every scheduled service:

1. IT' S A COMMAND: The NASV says: "not forsaking our own assembling together”. This ought to be reason enough, but the Lord has provided plenty of additional motivation …
2. YOU NEED THIS: If you've been thinking that worship is something that God needs — FORGET IT! Worship is for us, not Him. The passages says that the assembly allows an opportunity to be "exhorting (encouraging) one another". Brother, you need this, and you miss out on it when you are not here.
3. OTHERS NEED YOU: As a member of the Lord's body, you are in a ‘give and take’ situation. Too many apparently feel that it is all ‘take’ - they never ‘give’. But we are commanded to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds" (NASV). The worship services provide an excellent opportunity for doing that very thing. You can't encourage your brothers and sisters by your absence. On the other hand, brethren are seriously discouraged by low attendance.

Those who neglect the assemblies dishonor God, miss out on a great spiritual blessing, and violate the rule or brotherly love and concern. Think!