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. – Hebrews 10:24-25
Here are 25 reasons why you should regularly take part in the public and corporate worship assemblies of your local congregation:
1. The word of God teaches it (Heb. 10:24-25). A high and correct view of Scripture demands regular church attendance.
2. Corporate worship is where the preaching and teaching of God’s word takes place (2 Tim. 4:1-5).
3. It follows the example set by the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 4:16).
4. It honors the best and brightest day of the week—Sunday, the Lord’s Day—the day on which the Lord Jesus rose from the dead.
5. It is a wise and proper use of the privilege we have to publicly and corporately worship God. There are Christians in other lands who do not have this freedom. The only way for us to express our gratitude for this liberty is to use it faithfully and thankfully.
6. Your neglect of corporate worship grieves the Holy Spirit who lives within the individual believer and the church as a whole (Eph. 4:30).
7. It brings joy to the spiritual leaders who watch over your soul and who must give account for you. Absenteeism grieves them and is unprofitably for you (Heb. 13:17).
8. It demonstrates that you share the mission and ministry of the particular church family of which you are a member.
9. Your absence from church services renders it difficult, and in some instances impossible, for you to participate in the church’s mutual ministry to itself, especially the “one another” commands of the New Testament.
10. You need the encouragement that comes from the assembling of the saints (Heb. 10:24-25). In fact, the more evil the days become, the more you need this encouragement.
11. God demands first place. We should give God the first part of our financial increase. We should have a daily quiet time to give God the first part of our day. And we should regularly attend church on Sunday to give God the first part of our week.
12. It reminds you God is present in a new community of people through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:5).
