Just how important is it to be at services when the church meets? The beginning of a new year is an especially good time to consider this question. As Christians, we need to always be examining ourselves to make sure our lives reflect true faithfulness (2 Cor. 13:5). But right now many people are reflecting on their lives more seriously than they normally would do.
How important is it to be at services whenever the church meets? In answer, we need to consider what is accomplished by gathering with the church to worship God and study His word. First, we are commanded to so gather (Heb. 10:23-25). The text states that gathering with the church for worship and study helps us, as individuals, to remain strong, dedicated and faithful (vs. 23). Being with our brothers and sisters in Christ also provides encouragement and strength for each other (vs. 24). The “assembling of ourselves together” is key to meeting both needs and is therefore instructed in God’s word (vs. 25). So, by faithfully assembling with the church we (1) help ourselves grow spiritually, (2) we help our brothers and sisters in Christ grow spiritually, and (3) we obey a commandment from God.
How important is it to be at services whenever the church meets? Spiritual growth is vital for our personal well being. Getting to Heaven is not a casual matter. It should be the most important thing in our lives. And, we should instill the seriousness of the matter in the minds of our children.
Our lives need to demonstrate “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-25). The Christian Virtues need to be the virtues by which we live our lives (2 Pet. 1:5-9). We need to “Be faithful until death” in order to be assured of “the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). To grow spiritually is to grow in our faith, and faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Worshiping and studying God’s word together with the church contributes immeasurably to our personal spiritual growth and to the strengthening of our faith.
How important is it to be at services whenever the church meets? Our children desperately need the specialized teaching they receive in their Bible classes. When parents choose to not bring their children to Bible class, they deprive them of precious instruction in God’s word, on their level, that is vital to their spiritual development. And, their careless attitude can be discouraging and disheartening to the teacher who prepares to teach his/her class and then finds no students present!
How important is it to be at services when the church meets? It provides the right positive example before our fellow Christians and before the multitudes who have yet to become Christians. One of the most powerful lessons we can give on the value and superiority of Christianity, as compared to every other lifestyle, is in the living example of how we live our daily (Matt. 5:13-16; Phlp. 2:15-16). Our purposeful absence from services can influence others in a profoundly negative way.
Let’s make up our minds right now, at the beginning of this year, to commit ourselves to be at every service possible. It will glorify God. It will help us individually to grow in our faith. It will help our children to develop spiritually. It will provide a powerful example to those around us. Let’s do it, let’s be at services whenever the church meets…
~Via Sunny Slope Church of Christ
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