Building Block #4: Attending

Why does the Bible make such Big Deal about getting together as God's people? It says in Hebrews 10:25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see The Day approaching." The warning here is that some people have decided it's not really that important to get together for worship, preaching, prayer, communion and fellowship. They can "take it or leave it" when it comes to being with their fellow Christians on a regular basis. But the writer of Hebrews stresses this is a dangerous attitude! We need to exhort (encourage, challenge, uplift) each other, even more so as we see The Day of Christ's return drawing near!

When the first Church launched in the book of Acts, 3,000 got saved and baptized on the first day ("The Day of Pentecost.") But it wasn't enough that they simply "got saved." They had to walk it out, which required that they receive continual preaching, teaching and training in how to live this new Christian life. How do you disciple 3,000 new converts all at once?

It says in Acts 2:42, "They continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers." They made it a priority to get together "daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house." (Acts 2:46).

This modern version of "Church" which we've adapted really had no place in Scripture. They did not merely carve out one hour a week to meet (as long as there wasn't something more important, like work, sports, family gatherings, personal time/hobbies, etc.)! They would be amazed that we think we can somehow become strong Christians when we only gather once a week! They would be especially shocked that many were not interested in deeper teachings, learning how to pray out loud together, practicing how to love and serve one another kindly, or that we would seldom share our faith with others who don't know Christ!

Those priorities don't develop automatically! They must be cultivated, like a healthy garden or farm field! Time and effort, investment of ourselves, being willing to share and be vulnerable: all of these and more are required if we are truly desiring to grow in our Faith. And it starts with a commitment to Attend: To be regular in all that is being offered at the Church for our Spiritual Growth. It will demand some hard decisions: A willingness to sometimes surrender what is comfortable and convenient. But as we all know: anything worthwhile requires a commitment beyond the ordinary. Are you serious about your own spiritual growth? ATTEND.