Needed: A Revival of Church Attendance (2)
Notes
Transcript
Text: Hebrews 10:25
Read: vv. 23–31
“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.”
INTRODUCTION: In the first century, Judaism could be found in most of the principal cities of the Roman Empire. Few would deny that a major factor in the influence of Judaism was their high regard for public worship.
A Christian church that is weak in attendance at public worship, but strong in witnessing to the saving power of Christ—never existed!
We need not expect non-Christians to get excited about churches and individuals who fail to take Christ’s commission seriously.
THE TEXT POINTS OUT SOME THINGS WHICH ARE MANIFESTED BY THE HABITUAL NEGLECT OF CHURCH ATTENDANCE:
1. A faithless practice—“forsaking the assembling.”
1. A faithless practice—“forsaking the assembling.”
2. A harmful influence—“as the manner of some is.”
2. A harmful influence—“as the manner of some is.”
3. An opportunity slighted—“exhorting one another.”
3. An opportunity slighted—“exhorting one another.”
4. Heedless of judgment—“see the day approaching.”
4. Heedless of judgment—“see the day approaching.”
SAINTS SHOULD REGARD PUBLIC WORSHIP AS THEIR FINEST MOMENT, BECAUSE IT OFFERS THEM—
1. “Spiritual blessings in heavenly places,” Eph. 1:3.
1. “Spiritual blessings in heavenly places,” Eph. 1:3.
2. A designated rendezvous with the Lord, Matt. 18:20.
2. A designated rendezvous with the Lord, Matt. 18:20.
3. Satisfaction of seeing God’s will being done, John 4:23.
3. Satisfaction of seeing God’s will being done, John 4:23.
4. Being an example of “old time religion,” Acts 2:42.
4. Being an example of “old time religion,” Acts 2:42.
5. A means of following our Lord’s example, Luke 4:16.
5. A means of following our Lord’s example, Luke 4:16.
THE TERM: CHURCH MEANS “GOD’S ASSEMBLY.” WITHOUT THIS—
1. Christ could not have built His church, Matt. 16:18.
1. Christ could not have built His church, Matt. 16:18.
2. The church was dearly purchased: “with his … blood,” Acts 20:28.
2. The church was dearly purchased: “with his … blood,” Acts 20:28.
3. The church is God’s means of revealing Himself, 1 Peter 2:9. Who dares make attendance merely optional?
3. The church is God’s means of revealing Himself, 1 Peter 2:9. Who dares make attendance merely optional?
Let us be reminded of these words: “And they left the house of the Lord … and wrath came” (2 Chron. 24:18).
J. Dean Cameron, Sermon Outlines for Special Occasions, Dollar Sermon Library Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1976), 34.