[430 words]
God expects (demands) His faithful followers to worship Him. The Scriptures are emphatic in the faithful child of God reflecting their love and loyalty by coming together with the saints, to worship their Heavenly Father, on the first day of the week.
While attendance at worship services is NOT the only measuring stick of ones spirituality, it certainly is one spiritual barometer. In Hebrews 10:25 we read, “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.” The thought immediately expressed after this admonition is: “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (v. 26). Can there be any doubt what the inspired writer is stating? Don’t forsake! If you do, you sin willfully!
In 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2 we note the disciples were to give as they assembled on the first day of the week. Yes, that was every first day-every Sunday.
The church of the first century “came together” to break bread (Lord’s Supper, Acts 20:7), whole church, to worship (1 Cor. 11: 18; 14:23,26). Note also Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” The fact is: Christians have an appointment with the Lord on first day of the week, on every first day of the week.
By your attendance you show: (1) your love for the Lord (John 14:15), with all your mind, body, soul and strength (Mark 12:30); (2) your desire to become stronger (1 Peter 2:2-3); (3) your faith in God (James 2: 18); (4) a desire to grow spiritually (2 Peter 1:5ff); (5) concern to refrain from falling away (2 Peter 2:20-22); (6) your light shining for the Lord (Matt. 5:16); (7) the example of first century Christians in your life today; (8) an excellent example for others to follow (1 Cor. 11:1; Prov. 22:6); (9) the great benefit from treasured fellowship with the followers of God (Acts 2:38-47); (10) your refusal to serve Satan and that you are not his disciple (James 4:7); (11) you are seeking the Lord first (Matt. 6:33); (12) you are pressing toward the mark of the prize (Phil. 3:13-14).
Question: Under what circumstances would a faithful child of God ever NOT want to assemble with the saints of God?
Paul Sain
via Nesbit Church of Christ
Nesbit, MS