Attendance
Often the question is raised, "Do I have to attend Sunday night services?" or "Do I have to attend all of the classes?" "Is it absolutely essential that I be present every Sunday morning?" These and similar questions indicate that many do not understand the significance and the importance of the various services of the church. In answering these questions, we usually point to Acts 20:7 and Hebrews 10:25, but I wonder if this is an adequate answer. Yes, these passages show that the disciples came together on the first day of the week to break bread and that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but it might be well for us to point out WHY these statements are found in the Bible.
Of what value are the various services to the individual and to the congregation as a whole? By coming together on the first day of the week to break bread, the individual is required to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This reminds the individual of his debt and responsibility to Christ. As a result of this service, gratitude wells up in the heart of each loyal Christian unto the Lord for all that He has done. This gratitude motivates the Christian's actions throughout the week. When we are thus reminded of all that Christ endured for us, it helps us to endure the trials and tribulations of life and to face and discharge our responsibilities faithfully.
Each child of God is to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord. The various classes are designed that each member of the church may gain a greater knowledge and understanding of the will of the Lord. This knowledge and understanding enables us to more effectively and efficiently perform the duties God has enjoined upon his children. As each individual member becomes more proficient in service to God, the congregation as a whole becomes more effective in its work. It has been demonstrated that the congregation with a well-planned and executed teaching program is by far the most faithful and effective congregation in saving souls. Jesus said; "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33.) It is impossible to obey this command while allowing the things of this life to occupy first place.
Faithful attendance to the services and proper preparation of lessons demands that the Christian must arrange and budget his time so as to devote a few hours each week to a study of God's word and things spiritual. This is needed in the life of each individual lest he become WHOLLY MATERIALISTIC in his thinking and actions. Thus, attendance to the services becomes a prerequisite to faithful consecrated Christian living. Non-attendance indicates a weak and dangerous condition in any individual. No member of the church can be counted a Faithful member, who does not attend the services of the church. If any one member could be counted as faithful without attendance, then ALL members could be counted faithful without attendance. This would destroy all services and the source of strength and development essential both to the individual and the congregation. Therefore, the member of the church guilty of not attending the services is guilty of undermining the very foundation of strength of the congregation. This is walking disorderly. No congregation can survive and be acceptable in the sight of God which tolerates such disorderly conduct. (2 Thess. 3:6.)
May God help us all to be faithful in attending every service of the church, and thereby be edified and become as strong as possible in the service of our Master.