“Why Attend Every Service?”

Introduction:

A.  The title of this morning’s lesson implies a real problem in the church.

          1.  On Sunday morning, 72% of everyone who could be here is here.

          2.  On Sunday night, 55% of those on the roll do not return. 

          3.  Wednesday nights have been improving to about 62%.

B.  While the problem is real, we cannot make you attend services (Josh. 24:15).

C.  In my own experience, I have seen two types of Christians in the church:

1.   There are those who are here every time the door is open and are willing to help.

          2.   There are also those who are very sporadic and hard to rely on.

D.  Please understand, there are a couple of legitimate reasons for missing services:

          1.  If one is sick, God would not expect him at worship.

          2.  If one occasionally has to work, he cannot be at services (2 Thes. 3:10).

E.  This morning, I want you to think about your own attendance.  Do you come every time the doors are open?  On the other hand, are you absent for unscriptural reasons?

F.  Again, we are not forcing you to be at services.  We are only trying to offer some reasons to encourage you to be here.

I.  To fulfill the commands of God (Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:8-9).

            A.  The command not to forsake (Heb. 10:25)

            B.  The command to edify (Rom. 14:19; Heb. 3:12; Heb. 10:25).

            C.  The command to seek first the kingdom (Matt. 6:33).

            D.  The commands to give and partke of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).

II.  To show my love for God and Christ.

            A.  Showing your love for Jesus means obeying Him (John 14:15; 15:14).

            B.  If I love God, I will want to do His will (Lk. 6:46).

            C.  How can you confess to love Christ & God and not worship Him? 

III.  Nothing is more important than worshipping God.

A.  Jesus expressed the importance of worship (John 4:23-24; 1 Chron. 16:29; Rev. 19:10).

B.  Stop for a moment and ask yourself if these excuses are more important than God.

            1.  I needed to sleep late (Prov. 20:13; Ps. 132:4).

            2.  I had to go golfing.

            3.  I went fishing/hunting (Peter, James & John left fishing to follow Jesus).

            4.  Family came over/Family reunion (Matt. 10:37-38; Lk. 14:26).

            5.  My favorite tv program/ ball game was on.

C.  Please remember that our excuses will not work with God (Lk. 14:18).

IV.  To Grow & Develop Spiritually.

V.  To Be a ready example.

Psalm 122:1