Hebrews 10:25 says, “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.” We’ve all heard it – maybe even said it: “I don’t have to go to church to be a good Christian.” Being saved has no requirements; however, Christian growth does have things for us to do. Pastor Paul Chappell said, “You don’t have to go to church to be saved, but you don’t have to go home to be married.” Evangelist CT Townsend said something similar: “Being saved and not going to church is like being married and never going home.” God wants us to be at church. Here are three of the reasons that I’m in attendance for Sunday School, Sunday Morning, Sunday Evening, and Wednesday Evening.
1) Gods Command
The first phrase in the verse above says, “not forsaking the assembling.” God tells us to not forsake the gathering of ourselves. Many disregard this command as not so much of a command, and more of a suggestion at best. Though many may not think it’s true, God has commanded attendance in His house. When people here this, the will say something to the affect of, “I can worship God anywhere.” This is true – and we should worship God everywhere, but God is clear that we shouldn’t forsake “the assembling”.
2) Great Company
There is nothing like being with God’s people. The word “assembling of ourselves” talks explicitly of there being a group of Christians together. When we don’t go to church, we miss a great opportunity for great company! If our family was in town from a long distance away, we would do whatever we needed to in order to spend even just a little time with them. However, our Christian brothers and sisters gather at a certain place at a specific time for a special purpose every Sunday and Wednesday and we look at it as optional.
3) Godly Communion
There is a short phrase in the verse we’ve been looking at: “exhorting one another”. This is speaking of the preaching and also the fellowship that takes place while at the house of God. We need to be in church; but not only be there, also ready to ready to enjoy the communion of God’s people being together. Listen to the preaching. Be a participant in the service. Enjoy the fellowship of God’s people being together!
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