So many times you and I have heard statements concerning church attendance: It isn’t fun to be here. All you do is sit and listen. Or, there is no purpose in attending because I can believe without anyone around. Or, all they want is your money, and I already know where to spend mine. Again, I appeal to God’s Word, the Bible, for an answer to the situation.
The beginning of the church is recorded in Acts, chapter 2. Many heard the life of Christ presented. Many were converted by faith in the sacrifice of Jesus. Acts 2:42, shows a growing following as, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread (communion) and to prayer.” In verse 44, is this phrase: “All the believers were together…” In the book with authority from God (the Bible), we read, “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7). Christians have faith and obedience to God 24/7, but they also have purpose in meeting together.
What I’ve given are examples and there are more. Yet, when God writes the letter to the Hebrew Christians, He gets more direst. Read Hebrews 10:24-31. Here we note verse 25: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Then verses 26-31, tell us the results of disobedience.
Yes, a church service may be boring and time consuming. You may be asked for money. Personally, I am always challenged by the life of Christ to keep going on. Hebrews 12:2, tells us: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the JOY set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Folks, it really is worth it to follow God’s Word, whatever the cost.