 Is not the most popular of subjects.  May cause some hurt feelings.  Is needful to talk about. TODAY’S TOPIC…

A Barometer Of Spirituality ATTENDANCE

 One’s faithful attendance to the services devoted to the LORD is not a sure-fire measure of one’s faithfulness…  Yet, sporadic attendance to the services are very much indeed a measure of one’s faithfulness.  Are there some things concerning attendance that I need to re-evaluate? ATTENDANCE

 “… 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.” (Heb 10:25 NKJV) INDICATES A DISREGARD FOR TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES

G1459 ε ̓ γκαταλειπω egkataleipo ̄ Thayer Definition: 1) abandon, desert 1a) leave in straits, leave helpless 1b) totally abandoned, utterly forsaken 2) to leave behind among, to leave surviving Part of Speech: verb “FORSAKING”

 There is just as much apostolic authority for daily assembling as there is for Sunday assembling.  Acts 2:46) Apostolic example; they met DAILY in the temple.  Acts 20:7) Apostolic example; they met on the first day of the week to break bread.  There is no command for either assembling on the 1 st day of the week, or any other day of the week, but there is authority for BOTH! INDICATES A DISREGARD FOR TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES

 Hebrews 10:24-25) Love for God and Christ.  1 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Peter 3:18) Concern for spiritual development.  Colossians 3:16) Songs are to teach as well as to praise.  Hebrews 5:12-15; 2 Timothy 2:15; 4:9-13 INDICATES A SINFUL ATTITUDE

 The elders have an obligation to ensure proper spiritual nourishment is being supplied (Acts 20:28; 1Peter 5:2).  “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.” (Heb 13:7 NKJV)  “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” (Heb 13:17 NKJV) INDICATES A SINFUL ATTITUDE

G5272 υ ̔ ποκρισις hupokrisis Thayer Definition: 1) an answering 2) an answer 3) the acting of a stage player 4) dissimulation, hypocrisy INDICATES HYPOCRISY

 “Faithful Christian”, yet only attending a minority of the services?  “Faithful” speaks to being “full of faith”.  “Faithful” also means “dependable, trustworthy; can be relied upon”.  “Devoted to Christ,” but showing by actions that Christ is only honored with lips (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8)?  Never miss a ball-game, but will miss the majority of services?  Perfect attendance at work, but miss most of the services of the church?  Trickling in 5, 10, 15 minutes late per class/service? (Malachi 1:8)  Will not allow their children miss school unless sick, but will let them miss the services of God? INDICATES HYPOCRISY

Tremendous Responsibility “What kind of child will this be?” (Luke 1:66) What is At Stake? Soul of the Child Souls of the Parents

Sending Them To Bible Study And Services Is Good Taking Them To Bible Study And Services Is Better The Example Of Parents Plays A Big Part In The Religious Development Of The Child

It has been said that 80% of our converts are from children in Bible classes. Children who do not attend most likely will not be faithful as adults.

1. Make your home the brightest and happiest place you can. 2. Never punish in anger but in love, and for disobedience. 3. Encourage them to invite friends to your home. 4. Live Christ before them so that you will be able to talk of Christ to them. 5. Let them see your enjoyment and profit from Bible reading and prayer. 6. Set an example in faithful church attendance and interest in the work. 7. Pray for their salvation and spiritual growth. RULES FOR BRINGING UP CHILDREN

Psalms 127 3) Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4) Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. 5) Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. CHILDREN ARE A HERITAGE FROM THE LORD

PARENTS MUST KEEP THEIR EYES ON THE GOALS Bring Them Up In The Nurture And Admonition Of The Lord Train The Child To Serve God In Order For Him To Have Eternal Life

 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17 NKJV)  “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Tim 4:1-2 NKJV)  “Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.” (Heb 13:18 NKJV) THE NEED FOR REPENTANCE

 Paul rejoiced over his reproof being well-received (2 Corinthians 7:8-12).  Jesus warned against getting caught off guard (Mk. 13:33-37).  Paul taught the need to be prepared for the Master’s return in (1Thess. 5:1-11).  We are to endure to the end, as Jesus told His followers in the 1 st century (Matt.10:22).  We must be making the best use of our time (Eph. 5:16). READY, WATCHING, & WAITING

 Indicates a disregard of the Scriptures.  Indicates a sinful attitude.  Indicates hypocrisy.  Indicates the need for repentance! IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND EVERY SERVICE YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND, SUCH…