“24: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25: 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. 26: For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Heb. 10).

Church Attendance Jesus promised to build his church and he kept his promise (Matt. 16: 18; Acts 5: 11). Jesus is the head over his church and as such, he has complete authority (Eph. 1: 22, 23, cp. Matt. 28: 18). Jesus’ word is the expression of his authority (cp. 2 John 9-11).

Church Attendance Historic quotes: “The eighth day is the beginning of another week, and therefore with joy we celebrate the eighth day, on which Jesus arose” (Barnabas, A.D. 72). “On the Lord’s Day all Christians in the city or country meet together, because that is the day of our Lord’s resurrection…” (Justin Martyr, A. D. 150). “From the beginning the Christians assembled on the first day of the week, called by them the Lord’s Day, to read the scripture, to preach, and to celebrate the Lord’s Supper” (Eusebius).

There is a sense in which one goes to church: “19: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue” (I Cor. 14).

Church Attendance Questions people ask : “Why can’t I be just a Christian and not a church member?” “Must I attend church?” “How can I attend, not knowing which church?” “Must I regularly attend church?” “Is it necessary to attend every service?” “Isn’t saying attendance is necessary legalism?” “Why should I attend if I do not want to do so?”

Church Attendance People attend for various reasons, good and bad:  Searching for the truth (cp. Acts 17: 11).  Looking for a family (I Cor. 12: 12-27).  Find what they want (cp. 2 Kgs. 5: 11, 12).

Church Attendance People attend for various reasons, good and bad (continued):  Some want money (cp. Acts 24: 24-26).  Seek an experience (I Cor. 14: 33, 40).  Want social advantages (John 6: 26, 27).

Church Attendance Religion can be big business that seeks to secularly attract:  Appeal to age groups (summer camps, game rooms, children’s church, clowns, puppets, etc.).  Day care and secular school.  Focus on classes (divorced, etc.).

Church Attendance Biblical incentive to attend:  God says to attend (Heb. 10: 25).  In order to publicly worship God (Eph. 5:19).  To learn of God (Eph. 4: 20, 21).  To be edified (Heb. 10: 24, Eph. 4: 16).  To edify (Ibid.).  To be a functioning part (Eph. 4: 16).

Church Attendance Attendance observed in the New Testament:  Early Christians observed (Acts 2: 42, 20: 7, I Cor. 14, vs. 5, 12, 19…).  Two required Lord’s Day acts involve the church (Acts 20: 7, I Cor. 11: 23-29; I Cor. 16: 1, 2).  Certain commands necessitate the local church (cp. Eph. 5: 19; Heb. 13: 17).

Church Attendance Attendance observed in the New Testament (continued):  The “whole church” is to assemble (I Cor. 14: 23).  Attendance necessary to carry out the lofty work assigned to the local church (I Tim. 3: 15).

The Willfully Empty Pew By Kenneth E. Thomas “If I am a Christian and I willfully neglect; To be present in the called assemblies; My soul’s in danger of being shipwrecked! For in His word He says don’t willfully forsake; It’s all a part of the program for edification; The only entity for such, is the local congregation! Do you think yourself too strong in the faith; For the "god of this world" you to overtake? If so, you my friend are making a big mistake! That willfully empty pew, a sermon doth relate; About your own present spiritual condition; By Godly sorrow repent, before it is too late! Hebrews Ten Twenty Five means abandon; Of this fact we are very well aware; But once we willfully neglect, we are headed there!”

Church Attendance Harry is where he belongs

Church Attendance Harry has been drawn away by Satan (cp. 2 Tim. 4: 10). His good example is gone and his statement is now spiritually negative!

Church Attendance Conclusion: Be totally focused and seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness (Matt. 6: 33). Do not allow the cares, pleasures, and attractions of this life to side-track you and pull you away from the local church. Attend with enthusiasm and be a worker for the Lord. Encourage others to do right, assist in any way you can, and submit to the elders. Satan cannot negatively influence you when you are in God’s climate, he must have you in his environment.