“Do I Have to Attend Every Service of the Church?”

Jesus rarely answered a question with a simple “yes” or “no” I will follow His example Jesus uses such questions as teaching opportunities that included applications Before drawing any conclusions, let us accumulate all the scriptural information Acts 2:41-47; 20:6-7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 14:1-40; 16:1-2; Heb. 10:19-25

Acts 2:41-47 Gladly received the word v.41 Excited to hear God’s word! Were added v.41 They became part of the church v. 47 Continued steadfastly v.42 Began with excitement, continued faithfully Daily with one accord in the temple v.46 Were together in worship every day Gladness and simplicity of heart v.46 Glad to spend time together

Acts 20:6-7 First day of the week not an ordinary day Spent seven days in Troas v.6 Met on first day of the week to break bread v.7 Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:20) on the Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:9) 1 Cor. 10:16-17 breaking bread is communion (sharing with others in Christ) 1 Cor. 11:17-34 Assembly = when you come together as a church v.18

1 Cor. 11:17-34 Despise the church of God by not taking the Lord’s supper (took one’s own supper) Deprived the others of food (shamed them) Deprived others of spiritual edification v.26 Whom does intentional absence deprive? Unworthy manner result = judgment v.27 Unworthy manner = not discerning the Lord’s body v.29 Not discerning Lord’s body result = spiritual weakness and spiritual death v.30

1 Cor. 14:1-40 Edification in the assembly v.19 Whole church together in one place = assembly v.23 Unbelievers could attend v.23 What message does our behavior send them? Let all things be done for edification v.26 Rules of behavior for assembly v Women keep silent v.34 Let all things be done decently and in order v.40

1 Cor. 16:1-2 All churches received the same instruction v.1 Every first day of the week v.2 Day they met to break bread Lay by in store as prospered (fellowship—2 Cor. 8:4) So there be no collections when I come v.2 Hebrews 10:16-25 New covenant (not burdensome 1 Jn. 5:3) With true forgiveness v.17

Hebrews 10:16-25 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith v.22 Jesus makes this privilege possible v Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering v.23 God is faithful Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works v.24 Purpose for assembling: to give encouragement Forsaking (not absence) is a sin

Hebrews 10:16-25 Forsaking = unwilling absence not unable absence Can be present with wrong attitude Can be absent with wrong attitude Can be absent with right attitude Should be present with right attitude If not forsaking results in encouragement, what is the result of forsaking? Which assembly or Bible study should I forsake? Right priorities => right attitude => right actions