Vol.IX No.XI Pg.7
January 1973

You Know What?

Robert F. Turner

Bro. Turner

When members are lax in attendance of services, what are the best means of resorting them to faithfulness? AS

Reply:

I could reply briefly by saying, Convert them to Christ! using genuine personal interest in their souls, living godly examples before them, and teach them Gods word.

But back of much forsaking the assembling of ourselves is misunderstanding of the nature of such. Some seem to think the services are a sort of roll call —satisfied by ones bodily presence. We may further the misconception by urging them to be faithful to the church, when faithfulness to Christ is needed. Here are five things (not necessarily in order of importance) that bring brethren together. Teaching them these things is a part of the converting process —the all things whatsoever I have commanded you that must be taught following baptism. It will not be hard to do this IF they were originally taught to put Christ absolutely first in their lives.

(1) True Saints Are Of One Accord.

They have so much in common, such singleness of purpose, they are drawn together by mutual consent. In Acts 2:42 They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Vs. 44, All that believed were together, and had all things common; and in Vs. 46, They continuing daily with one accord in the temple. Then, in 4:32, The multitude...were of one heart and one soul.

(2) BEING ESPOUSED TO CHRIST, WE ARE FAITHFUL TO HIM, PUT HIM FIRST. Paul said, I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Cot. 11:2) We love Him more than father, mother, or life (Matt. 10:37-39), and serve Him accordingly. It was in order to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering that the Hebrew writer said, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, (Heb. 10:23-25), and concluded, For if we sin willfully... there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. (Vs. 26)

(3) CHRISTIANS LOVE THE TRUTH Like David of old, they delight in the law of the Lord; and in his law (they) meditate day and night. (Psa. 1:2) Christians desire the sincere milk of the word, that (they) may grow thereby. (1 Pet. 2:2)

(4) They Venerate The Christ, And Show His Death Until He Comes Again.

Our Lord has given us a memorial to observe in remembrance of Him. As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lords death till he come. (1 Cor. 11:23-f) Saints follow apostolic example and do this upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), because they love the Lord.

(5) Christians Work Together, As A Team, According To Apostolic Example.

Using the inspired word as their only guide, they pool their funds to maintain their own unit (Acts 4:34-f), to assist needy saints in other congregations (1 Cor. 16:l-3), and to preach the word (Phil, 4:l5-16). They edified one-another (1 Cor. 14:12-f); and true saints faithfully do the same today.