Guiding Principles On Church Attendance (other than Hebrews 10:25)

Introduction We are TOO busy, crowded lives, involved in many activities, spread too thin Golf, fishing, hunting, tennis, ball games, family outings, picnics, camping, watch TV We stay out too late on Saturday night We schedule activities right after morning worship (or during) We are still busy by PM worship time

Hebrews 10:25 I know you have heard sermons from this text. I am sure you have listened to Bible class teachers expound on this verse. This sermon is NOT even going to quote this passage. There are some PRINCIPLES in the New Testament that go to the heart of the matter

1 Seek the kingdom first Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Jesus is talking about material things (food, clothing, etc.) vs. spiritual (church, kingdom) The kingdom of God = the church – see Matthew 16:18-19 First = priority, on top, above all else, most important

1 Seek the kingdom first NOT – I went to church, got that out of the way, now I can do some things I want to do NOT – Church attendance is important (when there is nothing else that might interfere) His righteousness – doing what God says is right All These things – All the other things that might shove God out of 1 st place

2 Redeeming the time Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Time is precious – don't waste it You can't get it back – can't start over Redeem = value it and use it in the best possible way CHRISTIANS MAKE THEIR TIME COUNT!

2 Redeeming the time Each moment we must decide how that time will be spent Sleep in, drink coffee, fish, play ball, golf, watch TV, visit friends or family, worship God, go on a picnic, go hunting, just relax Which of these is the best use of my time? Are you redeeming the time on what is of great value or things of lesser value?

3 Zealous of good works Titus 2: who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. 15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. We must be on alert, ready, anxious, at the starting line, poised and ready

3 Zealous of good works Christians should always be ready to worship God We can not be indifferent and apathetic about our worship You will choose to do on Sunday – what you are zealous (excited, motivated) to do What is more exciting than to assemble and worship and praise God?

4 Lover of Worship Psalm 84:1-2 How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Psalm 84:10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

4 Lover of Worship Psalm 42:1-2 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

4 Lover of Worship Christians have a need (drive, desire, longing) to worship We would rather spend on day with God than 1,000 without Him Where would you rather be? Does David describe your attitude?

What's the Difference? SO – What if I “miss” once in a while? What's the problem with ______ ?(golf, fishing, TV, ball game, relaxing, picnic, etc.) All of these things are OK in and of themselves – they are not sinful activities. The real issues are the 4 principles:  Kingdom first  Redeem the time  Ready for good works  Lover of worship

What difference does it make? To God  What shows reverence and respect?  We choose something else instead  Glory and honor is taken from God  How thankful are you for the blessings which come from God? (James 1:17)

What difference does it make? To Others  Family – Choosing to be somewhere else teaches your family (spouse and children) what you think is important  Church – What are you saying to the elders, preacher, song leader, class teacher?  Weak – What are you teaching the weak or new Christian?  Lost – How do you plan to teach the lost about the importance of Jesus, if you choose to be somewhere else?

What difference does it make? To Yourself  Are you on a downward spiral that makes it easier to miss again and again?  Will other activities begin to fill the space?  Is your faith, knowledge and spiritual growth stronger or weaker?  Where would you rather be when Jesus comes? - fishing, hunting, watching TV, worship, picnic, golfing

CONCLUSION: The issue is not “missing” - but intentional choices and neglect We sometimes have an “ox in the ditch” Bodily presence is not as important as the spiritual desire to worship It is not a matter of what we MUST do what do you WANT to do?