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Is it mandatory? Is it a sin not to? These are questions every Christian needs to be asking and answering from God’s word. (Hebrews 10:24-26 is a good text to study for the right answer.) However, this article takes a look at the benefits of coming back.
The first benefit that is available on Sunday nights is the “profiting.” Paul told Timothy, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Timothy 4:15). Those who do not come back on Sunday nights miss out on a full one-fourth of the preacher’s teaching/preaching. This preacher reserves some of his deeper studies for the Sunday night sermon.
A second benefit can be found in special worship opportunities. Not every month, but on a regular basis, we just sing. We learn some new ones, we enjoy old favorites, and we now help develop some new song leaders. According to the book of Hebrews, Jesus enjoyed singing: “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Hebrews 2:11, 12). There can be no better recommendation than that.
A third benefit is derived from special fellowship opportunities. Just being here and having fellowship with those of “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1) in worship is special. We each have, as one man says, “a ministry of presence.” However, there are regular special fellowship occasions that involve our children and youth after worship. Those young ones who come early also benefit from Pew Packers. There are also a lot of impromptu fellowships after worship, where a group will meet at a local restaurant for food and friendly conversation.
Fourth, there is the assurance that the Lord is pleased with this choice. We are fulfilling His instructions to “consider one another to provoke unto love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
The spiritual benefits are only found in coming back.
J. Brooks Boyd Jr.
Livingston, TN
BulletinDigest.com