Truancy (Chronic Absenteeism)

By Joe Slater     You aren’t supposed to call it truancy anymore. It’s “chronic absenteeism.” Most schools don’t have truant officers anymore. Now they’re “Professional Student Advocates.” The new title supposedly helps parents to be less defensive when approached about their children’s non-attendance at classes. I feel better already!     I read that in Connecticut a student who misses 18 or more days out of 180 (ten percent or more) is considered chronically absent. Hmmm. What if we used that kind of standard for church attendance?     A typical year has 52 Sundays. How many of us miss fewer than five of them? I shouldn’t have to re-state the obvious, but to prevent any hurt feelings let me make it clear: this has nothing to do with absences due to health or other legitimate reasons.     Absence by choice has been problematic for as long as I can remember and has only grown worse post-pandemic. In far too many cases absenteeism far exceeds ten percent, and that’s if we count only the Sunday morning assembly. Add the Sunday evening service and Bible classes (as we should) and the picture is even more dismal.     “Professional student advocates” are focusing less on enforcement and more on determining why children are skipping school and then remedying the issues. I can only imagine the reasons they’re hearing: Johnny doesn’t like his teacher; Susie doesn’t enjoy Biology; the cafeteria doesn’t serve what my children like. Truth be told, they probably don’t understand the importance of education. Maybe their parents don’t either.     Why are some Christians chronically absent? I’ve heard a freight car load of excuses with abundant finger-pointing and blaming. But the bottom line remains the same: failure (or refusal) to see the importance of it. What about you?

- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com

A Time To Hear The Gospel

By Dan C. Bailey     Our gospel meeting seeks to bring salvation to all. The gospel needs to be preached. The gospel needs to be heard. The gospel needs to be obeyed. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16). "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" (Romans 10:16).     Let us invite the community to hear God's message of salvation. It is the most important message of all. It is the only true message of hope, the only true message of forgiveness, the only true message which ultimately leads to heaven. Jesus said, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).     Today is the first day of our gospel meeting. We are so blessed to live in "the land of the free and the home of the brave." We thank God for all who have sacrificed so much in order that we might be free to worship God according to the Bible and our conscience.     Sadly, some do not avail themselves of their precious freedom. They either refuse to do so or neglect to do so. Jesus said, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24).     God seeks true worshippers. God is pleased when hearts honor, revere, and glorify Him. "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him" (Psalm 89:7).     John the Baptist said of Jesus: "... Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). God the Father said of Jesus, "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:5).     Let us attend each and every service of the gospel meeting. And let us invite our neighbors and friends to hear the true word of God. Remember to pray each and every day for a successful gospel meeting. "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief" (I Timothy 1:15).

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

A Practical Reason to Attend Bible Class

By Adam Faughn       I always look forward to a new Bible school quarter. While I love studying a text or topic in depth for those weeks, there is also a "freshness" to starting a new study, especially when I know that we will come back to the text or topic of the previous study at another time. (For example, we may have felt like we hurried through certain sections of Philippians in the last quarter, but Lord willing, that will not be the last time we ever study that wonderful book!)     Today marks the beginning of our spring quarter, and all three adult classes will begin new studies, as will our children’s and teens' classes. As I say from time to time, when these new studies begin, it is a wonderful time to jump in and renew a commitment to Bible study.     But let me give a very practical reason why being regular and active in a Bible class can be a great help to each Christian's spiritual walk. It is simply this: if you will let it, it will aid with your personal Bible study.     I am sometimes asked (and, frankly, I have struggled with this at times in my own personal life) about what to study in one's own personal life. A lot of Christians know that they need to be reading and studying the Scripture on their own but simply do not know where to begin or what to study next.     A Bible class provides a very natural and good "first step" in personal Bible study. Each week in class, listen carefully and take what is said, but also think of further questions or considerations that you want to dive into more deeply. Then, during the week, let that guide your study.     Almost any Bible class teacher will tell you that there is no way to discuss every possible consideration of a passage of Scripture or a topic in the allotted time of a Sunday or Wednesday Bible class. And, if we are being honest, there are times when each of us as students has probably felt as if we were wanting more from a study. It wasn't the teacher's fault; it was just a function of the amount of time and the volume of material to be considered.     So, there is your "in" to your own personal Bible study! What was not covered that you want to know more about? What questions did this study raise in your own thinking? What were you confused about? What other passages did this study bring to mind? Were there Biblical people or places mentioned that you would like to learn more about? Was there a "Bible word" used that you've never really studied in depth before? Was this simply a text you just have not really ever studied before, and you want to dive deeper?      All these--and more--can be brought up in your mind during a Bible class and then used throughout the week for your own Bible study. Over time, you may feel more comfortable choosing a subject of study on your own, but following up on a Bible class is always a good place to start--or default to--in your own personal study.     So, please take a look at the list of classes for this quarter, make a choice, and jump in. Then, take what you learn and let it help you be drawn even closer to the Lord as the week (and weeks) roll on in your study.

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Faithful in Attendance

By Brian Mitchell

 

    The story is told of three preachers who got together for coffee one day and found out that all of them faced the same problem with bat-infestations in their church buildings. One of them sad, “I got mad and took a shotgun and fired at them. I missed the bats and it put a hole in the roof. I don’t suggest that approach.” The second said, “I caught the bats in traps and drove them 50 miles away and released them. Unfortunately, they beat me back to the church building.” The third one said, “I solved my bat problem. I simply baptized them and made them deacons. I haven’t seen them since.”

    On another Sunday morning, two men were fishing and feeling pretty guilty for skipping church, especially since the fish weren’t biting. One said to the other, “I guess I should have stayed home and gone to church.” The other man replied, “Maybe so, but I couldn’t have gone to church anyway...my wife is sick in bed.” During a very long church service, in the middle of a long-winded sermon, a small child was overheard whispering to his mother, “Mommy, are you sure this is the only way we can get to heaven?”

    Today, I want us to talk about our need for being more faithful in attendance. I really should begin by commending you for being here today. In some respects, I’m preaching to the choir, so to speak. But as you will see, this lesson is really for all of us. I really want to be frank today, but I don’t want to be negative. I do believe the church has a problem, but I think we can see it as an opportunity for positive action.

    So, before we discuss positive solutions, let’s take a look at the numbers. First of all, let me state that I’m thankful that we have an average attendance of about 140-150. The downside, however, is that on average there are about 60-70 of our people missing ALTOGETHER. Some miss because: they are sick, they are working or they went somewhere else. Others miss because they just did not want to come that day and these are the ones I will primarily be referring to in this lesson.

    So in summary, we have a mix of at least one third of our members here that miss every week for some reason or another. I don’t want to spend much time trying to analyze all of the reasons that people may be missing so much. Certainly, there are some good and legitimate reasons why people might be missing from the gathering of the church (things like illness, travel, family complications or work might fall into this category). And certainly, there are some wrong or inappropriate reasons why people might be missing from the gathering of the church.

    What I would like to remind us of today is the Scriptural and spiritual mandate for gathering with the church. Our passage from Acts 2 gives us a beautiful snapshot of the experience of the early church and stands as a wonderful example for Christians for all times—Acts 2:40-47. Exciting and wonderful things were happening in the church at the time. No one needed to be coerced into attending the gathering of the church. They all were concerned about each other and were serving each other.

    It was indeed an exciting time. There was a lot of enthusiasm and momentum. I wish we could bottle some of that, or put it in a pill and take it when we needed it. Amen! Because then everyone would want to be here every time they could and for the same reasons they gathered together and grew daily.

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

One Bucket at a Time?

By Ron Thomas

    “I only have to attend one service each week to be pleasing to God!”

    Have you heard this before? Perhaps not in these words, but the sentiment is certainly expressed on occasion, whatever words are used. Is it true? Not with the attitude that is seemingly conveyed with the remark (as written above). It has all indications of “Don’t bug me! Is it not good that I am coming at least once?” This is not a question they are asking, but a firm declaration to “drop it.”

    When I obeyed the Gospel in 1983, it was not long before some started calling me a “Jesus freak” or something similar. It did not matter to me; once I found what I didn’t know I was looking for, I went headlong into a new approach to life. The ripples of which were not always pleasant in the normal experiences of life. Nevertheless, I stayed the course.

    Since that time, I have heard many sermons that have not been all that beneficial to me, that is, they were boring or had no real application I could make. Still, when “the doors were open” I (then my family) came; it was important to me, then it became important to us. There were occasions when other things I preferred to do could have been done, but when “the doors were open”, I preferred to enter the doors of the church house instead of going through the doors of another route. We wanted to be present, and we all knew we should be.

    Each Sunday morning, our attention is turned to the Lord in worship. We sing praises to His name and honor Him with the life we live. On Sunday evening, we do the same. Do you have a hard time picking up the Bible and reading it because you have no time? If so, that is even more reason you need to be present with the brethren when “the doors are open.”

    The evil being thrown against you is having more powerful of an impact than you know. Should you not at least give yourself opportunity to hear the Lord’s message more than one hour weekly? Can you imagine trying to put out a fire that consumes your home with one bucket of water at a time? Our approach to the Lord is not one hour at a time, but a matter of the heart’s attitude. When you think about giving yourself an opportunity to strengthen your faith in the Lord, is it only one hour at a time? Charles Williams' translation of the New Testament reads in 2 Peter 3:18, but instead, you must continue to grow in the spiritual strength and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Are you? 

- Ron Thomas preacher for the Sunrush Church of Christ, Chillicothe, OH. He may be contacted through the congregation's website. www.sunrushchurchofchrist.org

You Don't Have to go to Church

By Bill Brandstatter

    For the second time this year, I had someone expressed the above sentiment to me. The first time I heard this I was talking to a family whose loved one had just a few hours to live. We talked and had prayer together. Someone said, “You don’t have to go to church to be saved.” Then, recently I was talking to a person whose brother had had a stroke. He told me about the stroke and the recovery. He said their faith helped get them through. He indicated to me they didn’t “go to church” anywhere. He said they didn’t because some churches were just too political, and then changed the subject.

    In thinking about this, there are two things to be considered. First, what connection does our faith have to attending church services? Secondly, what is the importance of the church that my faith would cause me to attend worship?

    Faith tells me about the church. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). So, as I read the Bible, I learn about God’s plan for the church. He had it planned before time began (Eph. 3:10, 11). Jesus shed his blood for the church (Acts 20:28). Jesus stated it was His church (Mt. 16:18). He is the head of it (Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 1:18). God has provided a way by which we can be added to the church (Acts 2:47). Any faith I have in God, Christ, or the Word of God should cause me to see the importance of the church and my attendance at each gathering of the saints.

    Faith helps me to enter the church. I must have faith in God in order to please Him (Heb. 11:6). My belief in God and Christ causes me to want to obey the gospel and be baptized for my sins to be forgiven. Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. He who does not believe shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16). On the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two, believing Jews obeyed the gospel message (Acts 2:38,41). Those who were saved were added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:47). Without my faith I cannot enter the church and take an active part.

    Faith sustains me in the church. I need church members to help me on my Christian walk. The writer of Hebrews states: “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) We sometimes miss the import of verse 24 of this text. Part of the purpose of assembling is to consider one another to stir up love and good works. Assembling helps to sustain my faith and keep me going in the Christian walk.

    Without faith, I would not know about the church, I couldn’t enter it, and it wouldn’t help me. With the church and assembling with the saints, I get a tremendous blessing and will be pleasing to God as I attend church services and worship with other Christians. I need the church and the church needs me.

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

Ten Little Christians

By Larry Pasley

Ten Little Christians standing in line

One disliked the preacher, then there were nine

Nine little Christians stayed up very late

One overslept, then there were eight

Eight little Christians on their way to Heaven

One took the low road and then there were seven

Seven little Christians chirping like chicks

One disliked the music, then there were six

Six little Christians seemed very much alive

but one lost his interest then there was five

Five little Christians pulling for Heaven's Shore

but one stopped to rest , then there were four

Four little Christians each busy as a bee

One got his feelings hurt, then there were three

Three little Christians knew not what to do

One joined the sporty crowd, then there were two

Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done

They differed with each other, then there was one

One little Christian can't do much 'tis true

brought his friend to bible study- - then there were two

Two earnest Christians, each won one more

That doubled the number, then there were four

Four sincere Christians worked early and late

Each won another then there were eight

Eight splendid Christians if they doubled as before

In only just ten years, we'd have 1,024

In this little jingle, there is a lesson true,

You belong either to the building or to the wrecking crew!

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

    Church decline and growth is determined by many factors. Some of those are referred to in the poem above. The question for each of us is seen in the last line.

    Are we part of the building crew or the wrecking crew?

    If everyone in this congregation was just like you, would the church be growing or declining?

    May we be sure we are helping to build up the church not tear it down.

- Larry Pasley serves as a minister with the Jackson Street Church of Christ in Alexandria, LA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at http://www.JacksonStAlex.com

“Are You Ready For A Gospel Meeting?”

By Bill Brandstatter

    Beginning Sunday, October 3rd, this congregation will begin a gospel meeting with Mike McDaniel. His subject will be “Preview of the Judgment Day.” Why do churches of Christ have gospel meetings? Why do we call them “gospel meetings? Let us consider three points as we get ready for our gospel meeting.

    The gospel saves. Paul indicates the importance of the gospel by declaring, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16 NKJV). Paul also wrote to the church at Corinth and stated, “If our gospel be hidden, it is hidden to them that are lost.” (2 Cor. 4:3) Emotionalism is not the gospel. Yet the saving gospel does produce some emotions. The eunuch went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). The Philippian jailer, after being baptized, “rejoiced.” (Acts 16:34)

    The gospel was the New Testament Rule and Guide. The apostles were

commissioned by Christ what they were to preach. They were told by our Lord “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15, 16) Paul knew the importance of preaching the gospel. He realized the importance of getting the gospel message out to the world. The apostle from Tarsus declares, “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; ye, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Cor. 9:16)

    The gospel is to be taken to the world. It was taken to the world of Paul’s day (Col. 1:23). God doesn’t tell us how the gospel is to be taken. We teach and preach on the radio, newspaper, publicly, and privately. The early Christians did this. Luke records, “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4) One of the ways a person can help to get the gospel message out is to invite someone to services. Also, we should be friendly to a visitor who comes. That could lead to that person wanting to know more. It is important that you attend our gospel meeting, if at all possible; and please bring a friend.

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

Cancel Culture for Christians

By Edd Sterchi

We are in a time referred to as cancel culture. Cancel culture is the act of destroying someone’s life over the fact that they disagree with popular opinion. The Christian, however, should have a different take on “cancel culture.” Notice, for example: 

* We should cancel negativism and pessimism. 

* We should cancel prejudice. 

* We should cancel immoral thoughts. 

* We should cancel sin. 

* We should cancel false doctrine. 

Rather than focusing on destroying others’ lives, let’s focus on improving our own – by doing such we will be doing our part to make the world better. “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:24-25) 

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/

Perplexing Mysteries That Plague the Church

By Gerald Cowan

 1  The mystery of the empty pew. Why are members absent? It would seem that for some the freedom to worship can be interpreted as  freedom from worship – at least freedom from the assemblies for worship (Heb. 10:25).
 2.  The mystery of the disappearing church member. Some drop out and no one knows why.  They may fall back in love with the world (2 Tim. 4:10). Since they cannot serve God and mammon, they give up God (Mt. 6:24).
 3.  The mystery of the unaccompanied child. They are dropped off by parents who never attend any church services or activities. They are sent off alone or in the care of neighbors. This condition seems to apply to others besides children too. The wife, and sometimes the husband, comes without the mate. Parents sometimes come without their children – it is a mystery to the parents that the children do not want to attend and actually refuse to attend with them. Does Proverbs 22:6 apply?
 4.  The mystery of the indisposition of one that renders a whole group incapable.  One person is sick, so all members of the family stay at home.
 5.  The mystery of the closed Bible. In the homes the Bible is a seldom opened dust catcher. Even in the church’s assemblies the Bible is opened only by the preacher or teacher. Can one be an approved student of scripture without studying the scripture (2 Tim. 2:15)?
 6.  The mystery of buried talents. Most members enjoy seeing work done, but too many neglect their own opportunities and abilities (Mt. 25:14-30).
 7.  The mystery of uncommitted money. Conversion seems to miss the pocketbook and checkbook in some cases (2 Cor. 9:7).
 8.  The mystery of the misused day.  The Lord’s day is used for everything except worship and service to the Lord.
 9.  The mystery of worried and fearful saints. With a concerned and loving Savior to defend and preserve us, what do we really have to fear?

- Gerald Cowan, a longtime preacher and missionary, is retired from full-time pulpit preaching. Gerald publishes an e-mail newsletter entitled GERALD COWAN’S PERSONAL PERIODICAL WRITINGS. He is available for Gospel Meetings and he may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com

Vacation Time!

By Joe Slater

    Some schools are out and others will be out soon. Summer is just around the corner; it’s vacation time! (NOTE: A vacation is what you take if you can’t take what you’ve been taking.) One particularly hectic day, Jesus said to His disciples, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31). He recognized the need to “get away from it all,” if only for a short break.
    Concerned Christians dread the “Summer Slump” that many churches experience. Decreases in attendance, contribution, and enthusiasm are typical during vacation season. But it doesn’t have to be that way. More to the point, it ought not to be that way! Here are a few suggestions for vacationers:
    Assemble with the saints wherever you are (Hebrews 10:25). Being away from home doesn’t mean you are away from God. “Where can I go from Your spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). King David knew that whether he climbed the highest peak or descended to the lowest depth, God would still be there. When you vacation out of town, out of the state, or even out of the nation, God is still there!
    Aren’t you encouraged when visitors attend our services? I am! You can encourage God’s people in other communities by worshiping with them when you are in their vicinity.
    Take your Bible with you. You won’t stop eating while on vacation. In fact, if you’re like most of us, you’ll eat entirely too much! Your soul needs nourishment while you’re vacationing, too. God’s word is the original soul food (1 Peter 2:2). Bon appetit!
    Leave your contribution with the home congregation, or make it up when you return. You will not neglect other obligations while you are away (house payment, car payment, utilities, etc.). Why should your obligation to God be any different? The expenses of the local church go on even while you are away.
    Come back from vacation with a renewed zeal and dedication for the Lord’s work. Sometimes vacationing wears us out so that we need another vacation! Let your vacation be a time of rest and relaxation so you can return refreshed and revitalized!
    Have a great vacation!

 - Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com

Beware the Band Wagon!

By Joe Slater

    A band wagon was a large, decorated wagon upon which a musical band performed, often at the front of a parade. As spectators applauded the musicians, other people might jump onboard and ride along, hoping to share in the glory. When the music stopped and the applause died down, however, the extra passengers would jump right back off. Thus, the practice of joining any popular trend came to be known as “climbing onto the band wagon.” 
    In New Testament days, multitudes of people were converting to Christ. They faced the danger of the “band wagon” effect just as we do. Paul taught some of them: “as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). To work something out is to see it through to completion (think of “working out” a math problem – you cannot stop in the middle of your calculations, but must complete the process).
    Happily, our brethren in the Jerusalem church were not band wagon disciples. Luke mentions four items (Acts 2:42) in which they continued steadfastly:
    The apostles’ teaching. First, they continued to be taught by the apostles. Second, they constantly behaved in keeping with what the apostles taught them. Being a Christian involves life-long learning and growing. When you stop learning and growing, you start dying!
    Fellowship. The church is a spiritual family. Going it alone is next to impossible. The early church regularly spent much time together, sharing one another’s joys, sorrows, successes, and failures. When fellowship wanes, disciples weaken and may perish.
    The breaking of the bread. We need constant reminders of Jesus and what He did for us at Calvary. The Lord ordained Communion (the Lord’s Supper) upon the first day of each week (Acts 20:7) for this very purpose. “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
    Prayers. Paul wrote to the Colossians to “continue in prayer” (4:2). Jesus taught that we ought always to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). Did you pray yesterday? Pray again today! Did you pray this morning? Pray again tonight!
    Let us not treat the Lord and His church like a band wagon. When we obeyed the gospel, we committed ourselves to a lifetime of faithfulness. May we continue steadfastly as the early disciples did!

- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com

Why Should We Go to Church?

By Jeff Arnette

    From time to time I am asked this straightforward question, “why should I go to church?” Believe it or not, most often it’s Christians who ask this question. Typically, this question comes up because you invited someone to church.
    This is probably a friend or loved one who hasn’t been to church in a while and you are genuinely concerned for them. I would even bet that you hope they could experience the love, fellowship, sense of belonging, and awe of coming into the presence of God to worship. I would bet that you want them to feel the spiritual boast that you personally feel when you go to church services.
    This person hasn’t been to church in a long time, you genuinely want to see them at church, and you really care about their life. So, you carefully approach them and say, “Hey _____, it’s good to see. We have missed you at church lately. How are you doing?”
    Let me say upfront that most often when you ask someone about church or say to them, “I missed you at church,” they hear something totally different from what you are saying or meaning to convey to them. What they hear is “I was at church! Where were you?” They hear, “I’m judging you! You’re a horrible person! Why haven’t you been to church?” You are trying to convey love and concern but they only hear judgment and being pressured into doing something they don’t want to do. This is not always the case but more often than not it is how they feel.
    So, let me challenge you instead to ask about their life. Ask them how things have been going. Don’t tell them you missed them. It might be true but typically they will not believe it. Instead, of saying I miss you and you are important to me show them by spending time with them.
    So, why would anyone want to go to church? You really do need to know this because you will be asked. If it hasn’t happened already it will happen eventually.
    First, let me say that the greatest motivation is not about rules. It’s not because God says to go (It’s true but those who are weak don’t really care about that) but because of the mutual benefits we will all gain from it.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25, ESV).
    The point of this passage is so much bigger than God says you have to go to church. The point of this passage is much greater than simply keeping the rules. First, notice that the writer tells us that stirring up one another to love and good works happens when we assemble together. In fact, he says that we should give considerable thought to how we will do that. Second, he says don’t neglect meeting together instead we are to encourage one another.
    The goal and reason for going to church is not because God demands it but because when you attend church services its beneficial for you. You will be strengthened, encouraged, feel the love of the Lord’s people, and given the opportunity to do good works for others. Living the Christian life is not meant to be lived alone but among the Lord’s people within the church.
    Why should you attend church? Because it’s good for you and will make your life better.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://centralhaywoodchurchofchrist.com

Sold Out!

By Lance Cordle

     It has been called “Title Town, USA.” It is the home of the only NFL team owned by the community rather than one general owner or syndicate. It is the smallest market location of an NFL team and it boasts of selling out every home game since 1960. The football team’s season tickets are prized possessions and passed down from one generation to the next. Its football team’s fans are called “cheeseheads.” Of course, I am referring to Green Bay, WS, a city of approximately 105,000, and  home to the Green Bay Packers, winners of thirteen NFL championships, including four Super Bowls. (Source:  wikipedia.org)
     With all of this in mind, it was not surprising to learn that the 2013-2014 NFL playoff game scheduled for Sunday, January 5, 2014, was sold out. According to USA Today,  a combination of corporate and individual sales kept the streak of sold-out games at Lambeau Field (Green Bay’s stadium) alive.
     What is surprising however, is that the game was sold-out with people knowing that game-time temperatures would be near zero and wind-chill temperatures would be well below zero. As I understand it, the people committed to go to the game in spite of: the inconvenience of snow and ice around them as they were going to the game; the fact they would need to be in the stadium well before the game started; the near-zero temperatures all during their time at the stadium; the inconvenience caused by having to wear layers of clothing and cold-weather gear to keep warm; the risk of pneumonia and frostbite. To turn a phrase, before the stadium sold-out, the fans had to sell-out in their minds by being so dedicated that they would spend $105.00 and more, per ticket to see their beloved Packers play, and hopefully defeat the San Fransisco 49ers in the midst of cold, harsh weather. Such dedication must impress all of us, even if we would not be willing to do that.
     Why are people so willing to pay large amounts of money and endure such harsh circumstances just to see a football game? The answer is obvious: They value their football team. The Green Bay Packers mean so much to them, they have no real problem with the inconveniences.
     Such dedication ought to make people stop in their tracks when it comes to serving God. Some people likely spend less time during a week in worship and Bible study than the average Packers’ fan does on one day of a Green Bay home game. A stadium filled with people on a freezing, winter night should shame the people who want to be called Christians, but who, in reality make very few and/or very small sacrifices to serve and worship God.
     “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45, 46). It is all about what we value.
     By the way . . . on January 5, 2014 . . . the Packers lost. Do you think many people will sell their season tickets? Don’t bet on it! 

- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Showing Up

By David Bragg

    Canadians were mad! The price of gas had surged in Montreal and it looked like the high prices would last all summer. People were going to demand change. As outrage grew it became clear that a time and place need to be set to stage a protest.
    Organizers took to the internet and a date was set, May 30, 2018, and a place was designated, Marché Central. Protesters were motivated. As interest grew organizers were pleased with the response as 36,000 people expressed an interest in the protest and 5,000 made the commitment to attend. Police also were motivated to ensure the event was conducted peacefully. Image the relief of the police when, on the morning of the protest, the police outnumbered the protester. No, that is not a typo. One woman showed up (CTV News, Montreal)! The amused cops posed for pictures with the lone protester.
    It is always encouraging to see the brightly burning zeal of those who are obeying the gospel of Christ. Those of us who have been Christians for years can reflect on the time when we became Christians and experience that same determination to be “faithful until death” (Rev. 2:10). But baptism is just the beginning. The real question is, after our baptism, are we willing every day to “show up” as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ?

- David Bragg serves as one of the ministers at the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC and is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.nwchurchofchrist.com/ or his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

5 Dangers of Missing Church

By Jeff Arnette

    I read an article on the website churchleaders.com with this same title and I wanted to share some of the main ideas with you. You can follow the link above for the full article.
    In the article, the author spoke about the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and attendance trends. He said that the SBC had a membership of 16 million members but on any given Sunday, only 6 million attend a church service. I must agree with the author that this is extremely discouraging and a dangerous statistic. Yet, on the other hand, it’s encouraging to hear that we’re not the only one struggling with attendance problems. Just like the SBC, on any given Sunday, there are more church members absent than are present.
    This is discouraging and disheartening for those who are trying to grow personally, spiritually and see the Lord's church grow. It is also discouraging and disheartening for the various Sunday School Teachers who have put in a lot of time and effort to prepare to teach a class only to show up and more than half of their students are not there. More importantly, this is dangerous for your faith and those we are trying to teach to be faithful Christians. Every time you choose to stay home or do something else, you are teaching all of us a powerful lesson that is hard to forget. The lesson is clear: Church, Faith, and Jesus are not that important. It is also an extremely dangerous situation for you! When you don’t come to church services you are placing your own soul and salvation in a very precarious position.
    When you miss church, you miss out on God’s primary plan for your growth and well-being. The church is not an afterthought or a mistake! It is God’s plan that is meant to support and help you grow. The preaching and teaching of God’s word in this group setting motivate each of us to strive for Christ-likeness.
    When you miss church, you are disobeying God. Assembling with the church is not optional nor is it subject to your whims. Hebrews 10:24-25 teaches us to avoid neglecting the public assembly of the church. At the very least, you need to understand that this is the will of God for you.
    When you miss church, you proclaim that Jesus is not worthy of worship. Where we spend our time reveals the things, we truly value. If you miss church to sleep in or attend a sporting event, it says that thing is more important than Jesus. Don’t ever forget that it teaches your family (children included) that it’s not worth the effort. Do you want to see your friends and family saved? Teach them by your example!
    When you miss church, you can’t serve anyone else. Too often we think of the church as a place to have our needs met. Therefore, if my needs are not being met, I can stay home. The problem with this is serious. It makes church all about you. It is selfish, individualistic, and misses the heart of Jesus. Jesus was a servant (Matt. 20:28) and He expects you to be as well.
    Lastly, when you miss church, you miss out on a foretaste of heaven itself. Revelation 22:3 tells us that heaven will be worship. Do you realize that this means that heaven is going to be like church? An eternity spent worshiping our Lord. With that said, if you don’t do it here nor like it, why would you think you will get to do it in heaven.
    Don’t allow the church, Bible study, worship, and fellowship, to become something you miss because it just might cause you to miss out on everything, even heaven itself.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

The First Day

By Ron Bartanen

    What is the significance of the first day of the week to Christians? The Jews, under Jewish (Old Testament) Law observed the seventh-day Sabbath as a day of rest, recognizing that God rested on the 7th day of Creation, while most of those who claim to follow Christ observe the first day of the week in worship.  What is the special significance of the first day?
     1) Light was spoken into existence by God on the first day of Creation (Genesis 1:5).  God’s material creation was wrapped in darkness until light was brought into existence to dispel the darkness.  On the first day of the week we give honor to Him who is “the light of the world” (John 8:12), a world in darkness without Him as its light.  John wrote of Him: “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus, see v. 14), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God….  All things were made by Him, and without Him not anything was made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:1, 3-4).  Jesus is the light of the New Creation, those delivered from the kingdom of darkness.
    2) The resurrection of Jesus, “the light of the world”, was upon “the first day of the week” (Luke 24:1), the third day after His death, which He had promised to be the day of His resurrection (Mark 16:9;; Luke 9:22; 24:21).
    3) The recorded appearances of Jesus to His disciples were upon the first day of the week ((Matthew 28:9-10; Luke 24:33-36; John 19:26).
    4) The Lord’s Church had its beginning upon the first day of the week with the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday (Acts 2:1-4).  Note: Pentecost was always on the first day following the Sabbath (Saturday), and thus was on the first day of the week. (Leviticus 23:11, 15-16)
    5) The early church assembled upon the first day of the week to “break bread” (Acts 20:7), a term used in regard to the breaking of the bread in the Lord’s Supper, as instituted by Jesus for a memorial of His sacrifice for us (Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:19).  Paul gave instructions as to the proper partaking of the Lord’s supper at their assemblies (1 Corinthians 11:18-34).  The breaking of bread was at their weekly assemblies, not quarterly or yearly.  They were steadfast in the practice (Acts 2:42).  Contributions were also made on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).  Scripture plainly warns of the danger that exists in a Christian’s willful forsaking the assemblies of the church (Hebrews 10:35-31).  The first day of the week is a very significant day for God’s people. 

- Ronald Bartanen preaches for Arthur Church of Christ, Arthur, IL.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://arthurcoc.com/

Who Benefits from Your Attendance?

By Edd Sterchi

     I personally do not understand why some church members only come on Sunday mornings. After all, we worship the same God on Sunday evening as we do on Sunday morning. We study from the same Bible on Wednesday evenings as we do during all other service times. Maybe if those folks could see just who benefits from everyone coming to every service, they would desire to come more often.
     Let’s take a look at who benefits when members come to every service.
* God benefits. We come here to honor and worship Him. The more that we are here, the better our singing of praises to God and the more glory is given to Him. I realize that God doesn’t need us, but imagine how disappointed He must be when we decide not to come to a service in His honor.
* The church benefits. When we gather together, encouragement and edification takes place. The more that are here, the better the fellowship and the greater the opportunities for showing our love and concern for one another. When we choose not to come, the church suffers.
* Your family benefits. Coming to services is a family activity that can always be done together. The more of your family that are here, the better the influence and the closer your family will become. When we opt not to come, our family loses.
* You benefit. By bringing yourself, you are putting yourself in a position to increase your spirituality. The more that you are here, the greater the opportunity for you to grow and mature in Christ and find areas of greater service. When you don’t come, you are harming yourself.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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.” (Heb. 10:24-25)                                                                                                  -

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/

Attendance

By Rob Albright

    Attending Bible classes and worship assemblies is vital for our spiritual growth. But it is also a time when we are encouraging one another. So, we come together not just for our own benefit, but for the purpose of building up one another. If you are not meeting together you are missing the opportunity to encourage others, as well as missing the opportunity to grow spiritually.
    The inspired writer of Hebrews recognizes the dual purpose of glorifying God and encouraging one another in our assemblies. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together , as the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” [ESV]
    We need to be attending Bible classes and worship assemblies to become disciples who grow to be more like Jesus and honor the One who saves us. But, let’s not be selfish and forget that our presence in the classes and assemblies is also a time we can help others. As you begin the New Year of 2020 why not make it a priority and commitment to meet regularly for classes and worship assemblies)? Think seriously about improving our attendance pattern. May each of us take thought and try to improve our presence and involvement for the glory of God and concern for one another.

- Rob Albright serves as one of the ministers at the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.nwchurchofchrist.com/

At Your House

By Wendell Winkler

     Will priorities be established in your children when…
• You are early for their ballgame, but late for worship? 
• You check on their homework regularly, but never check on their Bible class lessons? 
• You won’t let them miss school even though they don’t want to go, but let them miss church worship services? 
• You won’t let them stay up late on school nights, but let them stay up late on Saturday night. 
• You will serve as room mother at their school or volunteer at school, but will not help with classes, activities, programs which involve spiritual matters? 
• You attend open house at their school, but do not visit their class room of Bible school, or even know where their class meets? 
• You support, attend, or even participate in their sports activities (baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, etc.) but regularly miss activities involving the church? 
• You never (almost never) miss meeting with the civic or social club of which you are a member, but frequently miss worship services? 
• You go to work even though you do not feel like it, but stay home on Sunday in the same condition? 

- via The Contender, the weekly bulletin published by the Walnut Grove Church of Christ in Benton, KY.  Kevin Williams preaches for the congregation.  He may be contacted through the church's website: http://walnutgrovechurchofchrist.org/