Are You Regular?
The question above is not referring to whether or not you need extra fiber or bran in your diet. It refers to your church attendance. Are You Regular? The author of the book of Hebrews writes, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 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." (10:24 - 25) The writer encourages the church to persevere in faith. As your pastoral leader, I encourage you to persevere in faith and to worship REGULARLY.
The average church attendee in the United States considers regular worship attendance to consist of attending worship two times per month. In my opinion, that is not regular attendance, it is only part-time attendance. Our lives are incredibly busy. There is a lot of competition for our time. Our competition is not the other community churches in town. Our competition is every alternative use of time on a Sunday morning. As Sunday morning rolls around, what will we choose? Will we choose to worship God and put Him first in our lives or will we choose sleeping in, Wal-Mart, Giant, golfing, fishing, the Sunday paper, or other distractions? Any time we put entertainment, amusements, or laziness above God, we commit IDOLATRY.
1.Worship expresses our love for God.
2. It builds up our spiritual strength.
3. A special visitation of the Lord takes place when people gather in His name.
4. It provides fellowship with other believers.
5. It is an act of obedience.
6. Church attendance provides accountability to spiritual leadership.
7. It combines strength in prayer.
8. It honors the Lord's Day.
Obviously, there are shut-ins, homebound, and sick who are unable to attend church. God understands their situation. For many of them, radio and television are their form of worship experience. For those who are not homebound, do not allow radio and TV to be your substitite. You can worship, but you will not be held accountable by the televangelist. Plus you cannot hug the radio or TV.
As many folks are away on Sunday mornings, they consider it an opportunity to sleep in and skip out on worship. While vacationing, seize opportunities to worship at other churches. You can glean incredible insights by seeing what other churches are doing and participating in their worship. Consider yourself an investigative worshiper who is out in the field learning things to benefit you and your own congregation!!
