PROBLEMS FACING THE CHURCH

PART 2

A couple of weeks ago, we began looking at some of the problems facing the church. The first two we looked at were the unbended knee and the unread Bible.

The third problem is the unattended worship. “(N)ot 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” (Hebrews 10:25). Assembling together is a command of God just as repentance, prayer, and baptism. When we fail to assemble, we fail to obey God. Also, God has ordained elders to rule in the church and we are to submit to them. They have determined these services are useful and needed. When I refuse to submit to their leadership by failure to attend, I am rebelling against God. Worship is a wonderful opportunity to praise and glorify God. When I fail to attend, I miss that opportunity. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we choose not to attend, we are saying something else is more important than the kingdom. Finally, we miss the blessing of being together with other Christians for edification and fellowship. There have been times in my life when I felt poorly and was tempted not to attend. However, after attending and participating, I left feeling much better than when I arrived. Our employers expect us to show up for work 5 days a week (at least). Why do we have such a problem attending 4 services a week?

The fourth problem is the unpaid offering. Many people get nervous when we begin to discuss money. “You don’t have the right to tell me how much I should give.” That’s right, but I do have the right, and the obligation, to teach the principles upon which giving should be based. “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2). “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Our giving should be regular. We should not give only when we have something left over. Our giving should be as we have prospered, according to how God has blessed you. Our giving should be liberal and cheerful. Some have suggested that we should give until it hurts, but perhaps it would be better to give until it feels good. Our giving should be purposed or planned. It should not be an accident or an afterthought. It should be determined ahead of time, rather than reaching into our wallets or purses and pulling out whatever we find.

It really all comes down to what is truly important to you. If God and His kingdom are of supreme importance, you will find it easier to attend and give as you should. If other things take precedence, doing what you know you should will be more difficult.

--Lamar