CHURCH ATTENDANCE STRENGTHENS THE HOME

Church attendance is essential in obeying God. It is unthinkable for one who has embraced the Lord's Way to forsake even one of the assemblies of the saints. The Bible is clear regarding this sin and the severity of it. Hebrews 10:24-26 says, "And 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. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins ."

Far too often, members of the Lord's house see church attendance as an unpleasant obligation. It is often viewed like bad tasting medicine, something that is not enjoyed but necessary for one's health. What a shame such individuals have so little faith! I'm convinced they do not see the severity of sin and the eternal destruction it brings.

To be able to worship the God of heaven, the creator and sustainer of all living, to commune with brethren of like precious faith, is a blessing enjoyed by far too few -- even among those who have "named the name of Christ." This article will explore just a few of the blessings and rewards of faithful church attendance.

Faithful church attendance strengthens not only the individual but entire families as well. One evidence of this is seen in the number of couples that have happy marriages. Statistics prove that families who worship together are far more likely to remain together. Rare are the occasions where such homes are broken and end in divorce. When families are constantly instructed in the way of the Lord, it becomes harder for them to rebel against that which is right. The prodigal son removed himself from family worship and influence and fell into the depths of sin and folly. Only after returning home did he once again enjoy the pleasure and company of those who truly loved him (Luke 15:11-24). Lois and Eunice brought Timothy up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (2 Tim. 1:5; Eph. 6:1-4).

Church attendance places one in the midst of the best people in the world. It is a place of safety and comfort. There's no worry about someone seeking to take advantage of you. You don't have to worry about turning your back for fear someone may steal from you. You have confidence your children will not be bombarded with foul language and obscene gestures. Such fills the TV, school and neighborhood. You don't have to worry about "perverts" looking for a chance to molest you or your children. With all the crime, lust, greed, outrage, abomination, obscenity and lewdness in the world, why would families not seek to escape such and provide that which is wholesome, good, honorable, generous, beneficial and positive? These good things and many more are found in the assemblies of the saints (Gal. 5:22-24).

Church attendance strengthens one's faith. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Heb. 11:6). "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). The more you hear the Word of God, the more you grow in faith when you apply the lessons learned. Multitudes are those who often say, "I wish I were stronger in faith." Yet these same people do little, and many times nothing, to make it so! A stronger faith is directly related to the study of God's Word. The more you attend the assemblies of the saints, the more you hear God's Word, the more you grow in the faith!

Church attendance provides the proper example. Had you rather your children find their heroes on TV or at church? I observed godly men and women as a child who reverently: bowed their heads in prayer (1 Thess. 5:17), partook of the Lord's supper (Acts 20:7), gave of their means (1 Cor. 16:2), sang praises unto God (Eph. 5:19), listened to the Word of God (Acts 20:7). They served to teach me how to worship God (John 4:24). It impressed upon me the reverence and respect due unto God. I learned the seriousness of holy things. I'm no doubt a Christian today because of those early years and being shown such wonderful examples.

Who will deny the blessings of families worshipping God together? Who will step forward and say that such does not strengthen the home? No one can do so!

Garland M. Robinson