This is a question that is often asked within the Church today. Life has begun to be so fast paced that we forget the importance of study, and worship. Some of us come home from a hard day at work on Wednesday night and just are too tired to go to services. This is one whole hour that is required of them and it is just too darn hard. I wonder what God thinks about that? Well let us find that out. I would figure that he has something in that big book sitting on that shelf over there somewhere on attendance to the services dedicated to him. (That is another article all in itself)

The answers, so plainly that they exist without some studying to find them. For instance the book of Hebrews chapter ten and verse 25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. This verse is plain in context, it states that you are not to forsake the assembly. This does not include or discharge any of the meeting times. The leadership of each autonomous congregation is responsible for concluding those meeting times so as long as they include the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). This is the traditional argument yet the verses previous to this are avoided, look at them. (Hebrews 10:22-24) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. The point is simply that your heart must be in God. You must be full of faith. You must profess you faith. You must edify others. This is the greatest reason for Wednesday study. It gives us a mid-week boost of encouragement. 

(Matthew 6:33-34) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. The question that is posed: if you will be going to seek first the kingdom of God, why would you avoid being involved in the services to the master? The day you have is full enough with doubt, fear, and evil let then yourself be relieved of that pressure with the edification of the saints. 

In conclusion if you think of spending an eternity in Heaven and it being a time of rejoicing and singing, and love (edification) that will be great. Yet, there are those who have a problem with this and that is part of why they do not come to every service. I will wonder if they think Heaven will be enjoyable? Christians ought to look forward to the day of rejoicing with the saints and loving all of them throughout eternity. Still, the question is asked, If you do not rejoice on earth how will Heaven be? Be part of the services to God. Be part of the edification we are commanded to take part in. (I Thessalonians 5:11) Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. Why attend all of the services to God? You are commanded to!
 
 

Copyright 1999 by Brian Yeager may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.