Why attend services?
Mckinley Pate
Many people in the world today, do not think it is important to attend services regularly or even at all. Many people have this idea that “church” is a building, a place we go; not ever realizing that “church” is who we are and not where we go. Therefore as the church, there are reasons that we need to assemble with one another as much as possible, especially when the Eldership of a local congregation (or men if there is not an Eldership) sees fit for us to do so.
- One reason to attend services is that it shows God where our heart is. Many will spend hours and a lot of money to go to their favorite sporting event, concert, movie, etc. and not blink an eye. They will go to said events, no matter how tired they are and even make sure to plan other things in life around the event so there is no way they are going to miss it. However, the same will complain about coming to worship and make excuses on why not to go (tired, too much other to do, etc.). Jesus said “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). In the context, Jesus is speaking about money, however, it also could be applied to attending services as well. If my heart is truly wanting to please God, then I would not hesitate in attending services.
- We also must look at what the Bible says about attending services. In Hebrews chapter 10, the writer of the book of Hebrews lays out these important points: “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, (Hebrews 10:22-26). Let’s break this set of verses down one at a time.
- Verse 22 the Bible says: “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure wate” This is our way of performing our faithfulness to God. We do what God demands for us to be faithful to Him (Acts 16:14-15).
- Verse 23 – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” This is how we practice our faithfulness.
- Verse 24 – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” This is us promoting our faithfulness.
- So how do we perform, practice, and promote our faithfulness? Verse 25 – “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” By coming to services, I perform my faithfulness, I practice my faithfulness, and I promote the faithfulness of others.
We at the Rabun County church of Christ want to invite you to attend services with us one Sunday or Wednesday night so we can perform, practice, and promote faithfulness together. Come and see us and be our special guest as we strive to simply please God in every aspect of our lives.