We are a culture of convenience, of personalization, of individualism. We try to order our lives to perfectly suit our every preference. Unfortunately, this even extends to our commitment to the local church.
In looking deeper at the scripture in Hebrews 10:24-25, the passage does urge us not to skip church. Many pastors, including myself, have used this passage as an encouragement to get people to come back to church. However, I believe the passage is talking about a much deeper issue. Not the fact that someone is being ambivalent in their church attendance, but rather the fact that when we miss fellowship with other believers, we are guilty of the commandment from Jesus to love others.
The passage reads, “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.” Gathering with God’s people is not first about being blessed but about being a blessing. It’s not first about getting but about giving. As we gather to worship on Sunday morning, we should be considering “how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Of course, our commitment to the local church is far more than a commitment to Sunday morning services. It is a commitment to other people. It is a commitment to worship with them, then to fellowship with them, to serve them, and to pray for them all throughout the week.
Every Christ follower has a place within a local church, whether it is Three Point or at another Bible believing church. Everyone is needed within that church. Everyone has responsibilities within their church. Everyone is to commit to the members of that church and to love them, to encourage them, and to stir them up in love and good works until the day of Christ’s return.