Church Attendance Optional!

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.

Hebrews 10:25

Now days, church attendance is becoming optional. You can have a 'streaming' experience online, watch religious TV programs, and chat online with believers all the while not having to leave the comfort of your home.

So much for 'assembling together!' We are promoting more and more isolation.

What keeps you from coming to church on Sunday. There are many excuses and I have heard too many of them. Some are legitimate and some just outright frustrate me.

For instance, have you ever let discouragement keep you from attending church? Don't let discouragement keep you away from your spiritual family! You need their love and support, to hear them say, "We made it, and by God's grace you can too!"

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is." This word "forsaking" is taken from three Greek words which could be translated "out," "down," and "behind." They describe someone who feels left out, spiritually and emotionally down, and far behind everyone else. The moment you feel like that Satan whispers, "Just stay home from church today, you don't need to go down there with all those good people."

If Satan can isolate you from other believers at the very time when you need them most, he can rob you of God's blessing! Sure you can stay home, read your Bible, turn on Christian radio and television, but surrounded by your spiritual family you'll get answers, experience joy, and receive encouragement you can't find anywhere else.

On any given Sunday, Church is the last place the devil wants you to go especially when you're feeling low. He knows if you go, you'll be touched by the presence of the Lord and be able to crawl out of the hole he's put you in.

Debi and I often say that attending church on Sunday is like having Thanksgiving and Christmas meals together. It's a special time.

Let’s not allow any excuse to keep us from the joining with our family on Sundays.