Is there always an excuse?
How would you like it if your watch ran half of the time? You couldn’t count on it, could you? If you didn’t go to work because you didn’t have time to get ready or didn’t feel so good or felt like sleeping in or watching your favorite show, would you have a job? What if your car only ran on half of its cylinders?
Is there always an excuse?
How would you like it if your watch ran half of the time? You couldn’t count on it, could you? If you didn’t go to work because you didn’t have time to get ready or didn’t feel so good or felt like sleeping in or watching your favorite show, would you have a job? What if your car only ran on half of its cylinders?
Hebrews 10:23-25-NKJV
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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.
Many church members are like automobiles—they start missing before they quit. Read verse 23 (unswervingly) without wavering. God is faithful; we know his promises will come to be. Security intended to God’s promises. The idea here in verse 23 is God is faithful; are you? There will be times when being a Christian is not easy, so Hebrews encourages us to remember God’s faithfulness, as we fine tune ours. Read verse 24-spur means to stimulate and Christians need to spur or stimulate each other toward love and good deeds or works. Read verse 25-You will not survive the world on your own. Christ did not design Christians to be completely independent of each other, he intended them to be there for one another: to help, to encourage, to laugh, to cry and we cannot only be concerned with ourselves.
One of the reasons we come together is to be there for one another. I believe it is time again for preaching from the pulpit not just on forsaking the assembly, but to press the importance of being together for study and fellowship as we praise God. How can you give or receive encouragement on Wednesday night if you are not present, what about Sunday nights? We have a responsibility to build up on another. Hebrews 3:12-14 reads
Hebrews 3:12-14-NKJV
12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,
Is there always an excuse? Can we really say that we are edifying others when we are absent most of the time, we attend so infrequently we hardly know the other members, we are not present to notice that others have skipped away? Why do some Christians attend all services and some not? Does it make a difference? We all have priorities but do we put them into the proper order? How should we treat extracurricular activities that interfere with serving God? I find it fascinating that many won’t go to Church because of aches and pains, but would not miss work for the same ones. By example we show our Christianity to others, especially our children. To fulfill God’s Commands we are to grow and develop spiritually. Hearing sermons and attending Bible classes helps one to grow and develop into a mature Christian. Hebrews 5:12-14 reads,
Hebrews 5:12-14-NKJV-Spiritual Immaturity
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Many of the Jewish Christians to whom this letter was written were immature. They should have been teaching others, but they have not even applied the basis to their own lives. Commitment to Christ might move you if you let it. Is your commitment to Christ hot or cold? You might be saying to yourself I can’t get my spiritual life out of first gear. There are blessings found in faithful, regular, consistent attendance of worship. “teach and admonish” refers to the whole congregation and their responsibility to teach the Word. Our growth is dependent upon our diet and one cannot grow as they should on a starvation diet. You don’t understand, it’s hard to get up and get ready. I do understand, I did it this morning! God’s church needs workers! The Church is like a body needing every individual part to do its share.
Ephesians 4:15-16-NKJV
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
To function properly the Church needs both spiritual and physical service, prayers, reading scripture, teaching children, visiting the sick, strengthening and encouraging the weak. Who does that? Do you want the Lord’s Church to grow? Do you want to see souls saved?
Colossians 3:16-NKJV
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Vision the Church as a chain, what happens when links are missing? I have know people who go to sporting events, races, shopping, vacation, fishing and hunting etc. on Sundays but would also miss Sunday night services. They would put up with crowds, long lines, unsanitary bathrooms, and uncomfortable seating. It’s where your heart is—where is your heart?
Faithful attendance sets a good example for babes in Christ, for the weak, for visitors, and especially for your children and grandchildren. I’m not saying that one will go to hell if you only attend 1 service a week. I’m simply trying to encourage you to see the good it will cause to those around you and yourself. Your presence alone is a source of great encouragement. How do you admonish one another without being present? Well… you Don’t!
Romans 15:14-NKJV
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
John 13:34- NKJV
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
This verse reminds us that love is not optional; it is a command. Jesus models unconditional love, asking us to do the same. When we admonish one another, let love be the motivating factor behind our words and actions.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
This passage encourages us to uplift each other. Admonishing should not be critical but rather constructive, aiming at strengthening our community and drawing us all closer to God.
Galatians 6:2-3-NKJV
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
This verse directs us to support one another in our weaknesses. Admonishing is part of this burden-carrying process, as it includes correction and guidance toward what is right.
Hebrews 10:24-25-NKJV-24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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.
This scripture encourages us to gather together for mutual encouragement. Admonishing can occur in these fellowship moments as we spur each other on to grow in love and actions that glorify God.
These are a few ways we admonish one another!
The House of Many Lamps
There is a legend of a village in Southern Europe that boasted of a church called “The House of Many Lamps.” When it was built in the sixteenth century, the architect provided for no light except for a receptacle at every seat for the placing of a lamp. Each Sunday night, as the people gathered, they would bring their lanterns and slip them into the bracket at their seat. When someone stayed away, his place would be dark; and if very many stayed away, the darkness became greater for the whole. It was the regular presence of each person that lit up the church. Christians are called to action!
2 Timothy 2:15-NKJV
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
My last point is that Jesus warns us against getting caught off guard.
Mark 13:33-37-NKJV
33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
Attending Bible study and worship services contribute to our preparation. As we sing songs of praise to God, as we study His word, as we petition Him in prayer, we prepare ourselves in the company of fellow brothers and sisters for an eternity together in Heaven. What if the Lord came on Sunday or Wednesday night, what excuse would you have for him?
Why attend every service?
To fulfill the commands of God, to grow and develop spiritually, to help the Church function properly, to provide a good example and influence, to be prepared, watching and waiting. Don’t chase God on 3 flat tires, don’t go on ½ cylinders. Get a tune up.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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.
Many church members are like automobiles—they start missing before they quit. Read verse 23 (unswervingly) without wavering. God is faithful; we know his promises will come to be. Security intended to God’s promises. The idea here in verse 23 is God is faithful; are you? There will be times when being a Christian is not easy, so Hebrews encourages us to remember God’s faithfulness, as we fine tune ours. Read verse 24-spur means to stimulate and Christians need to spur or stimulate each other toward love and good deeds or works. Read verse 25-You will not survive the world on your own. Christ did not design Christians to be completely independent of each other, he intended them to be there for one another: to help, to encourage, to laugh, to cry and we cannot only be concerned with ourselves.
One of the reasons we come together is to be there for one another. I believe it is time again for preaching from the pulpit not just on forsaking the assembly, but to press the importance of being together for study and fellowship as we praise God. How can you give or receive encouragement on Wednesday night if you are not present, what about Sunday nights? We have a responsibility to build up on another. Hebrews 3:12-14 reads
Hebrews 3:12-14-NKJV
12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,
Our attendance alone encourages others to attend. Can we really say that we are edifying others when we are absent most of the time, we attend so infrequently we hardly know the other members, we are not present to notice that others have skipped away? Why do some Christians attend all services and some not? Does it make a difference? We all have priorities but do we put them into the proper order? How should we treat extracurricular activities that interfere with serving God? I find it fascinating that many won’t go to Church because of aches and pains, but would not miss work for the same ones. By example we show our Christianity to others, especially our children. To fulfill God’s Commands we are to grow and develop spiritually. Hearing sermons and attending Bible classes helps one to grow and develop into a mature Christian. Hebrews 5:12-14 reads,
Hebrews 5:12-14-NKJV-Spiritual Immaturity
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Many of the Jewish Christians to whom this letter was written were immature. They should have been teaching others, but they have not even applied the basis to their own lives. Commitment to Christ might move you if you let it. Is your commitment to Christ hot or cold? You might be saying to yourself I can’t get my spiritual life out of first gear. There are blessings found in faithful, regular, consistent attendance of worship. “teach and admonish” refers to the whole congregation and their responsibility to teach the Word. Our growth is dependent upon our diet and one cannot grow as they should on a starvation diet. You don’t understand, it’s hard to get up and get ready. I do understand, I did it this morning! God’s church needs workers! The Church is like a body needing every individual part to do its share.
Ephesians 4:15-16-NKJV
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
To function properly the Church needs both spiritual and physical service, prayers, reading scripture, teaching children, visiting the sick, strengthening and encouraging the weak. Who does that? Do you want the Lord’s Church to grow? Do you want to see souls saved?
Colossians 3:16-NKJV
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Vision the Church as a chain, what happens when links are missing? I have know people who go to sporting events, races, shopping, vacation, fishing and hunting etc. on Sundays but would also miss Sunday night services. They would put up with crowds, long lines, unsanitary bathrooms, and uncomfortable seating. It’s where your heart is—where is your heart?
Faithful attendance sets a good example for babes in Christ, for the weak, for visitors, and especially for your children and grandchildren. I’m not saying that one will go to hell if you only attend 1 service a week. I’m simply trying to encourage you to see the good it will cause to those around you and yourself. Your presence alone is a source of great encouragement. How do you admonish one another without being present? Well… you Don’t!
Romans 15:14-NKJV
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
John 13:34- NKJV
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
This verse reminds us that love is not optional; it is a command. Jesus models unconditional love, asking us to do the same. When we admonish one another, let love be the motivating factor behind our words and actions.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
This passage encourages us to uplift each other. Admonishing should not be critical but rather constructive, aiming at strengthening our community and drawing us all closer to God.
Galatians 6:2-3-NKJV
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
This verse directs us to support one another in our weaknesses. Admonishing is part of this burden-carrying process, as it includes correction and guidance toward what is right.
Hebrews 10:24-25-NKJV-24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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.
This scripture encourages us to gather together for mutual encouragement. Admonishing can occur in these fellowship moments as we spur each other on to grow in love and actions that glorify God.
These are a few ways we admonish one another!
The House of Many Lamps
There is a legend of a village in Southern Europe that boasted of a church called “The House of Many Lamps.” When it was built in the sixteenth century, the architect provided for no light except for a receptacle at every seat for the placing of a lamp. Each Sunday night, as the people gathered, they would bring their lanterns and slip them into the bracket at their seat. When someone stayed away, his place would be dark; and if very many stayed away, the darkness became greater for the whole. It was the regular presence of each person that lit up the church. Christians are called to action!
2 Timothy 2:15-NKJV
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
My last point is that Jesus warns us against getting caught off guard.
Mark 13:33-37-NKJV
33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
Attending Bible study and worship services contribute to our preparation. As we sing songs of praise to God, as we study His word, as we petition Him in prayer, we prepare ourselves in the company of fellow brothers and sisters for an eternity together in Heaven. What if the Lord came on Sunday or Wednesday night, what excuse would you have for him?
Why attend every service?
To fulfill the commands of God, to grow and develop spiritually, to help the Church function properly, to provide a good example and influence, to be prepared, watching and waiting. Don’t chase God on 3 flat tires, don’t go on ½ cylinders. Get a tune up.
