TITLE: Church Attendance Issues

TEXT: Psalm 84:1-2, 10

PROPOSITION: Many have questions about church attendance.

Introduction:

1. Our lives are “too” busy, crowded with other things.

2. We are time conscious and clock watchers, (one hour, no more).

3. We stay out too late on Saturday night.

4. We schedule activities right after morning worship

5. We are still busy by church time Sunday night.

6. There are valid reasons for not being present – work, sickness, etc.

7. There are some who can not attend – eyesight, medication, health

Four Principles that Apply

1. Seek the kingdom first – Matthew 6:33

   1. Kingdom of God is the church (Matthew 16:18-19)

   2. First in priority, on top, above all else, most important

   3. NOT – I went to church and got that out of the way first, now I can do some things I want to do.

   4. “His righteousness” – Doing what God says is “right”

   5. “These things” – food, clothing, shelter, will be added as a bonus

2. Redeeming the time – Ephesians 5:16

   1. Time is precious – don’t waste it – can’t get it back

   2. Redeem – value it and use it to best possible advantage

   3. Christians make their time count.

   4. We must decide how each moment will be spent.

   5. Sleep in, coffee with friends, worship God, play golf, fish, watch TV – Which is these is the best use of my time?

   6. Are you redeeming the time or wasting it on trivial things?

3. Zealous of good works – Titus 2:14-3:1

   1. We must always be on alert, ready, anxious, at the starting line, poised and prepared for good works.

   2. Christians are ready to worship God.

   3. We cannot be indifferent and apathetic about worshiping God.

4. Lovers of worship – Psalm 84:1-2, 10 ¹ How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! ² My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
   ¹⁰ For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

   1. Psalm 42:1-2, 4 – As animals pant for water, we should pant for God

   2. Christians realize a “need” (drive, desire, longing) for worship.

   3. We would rather spend one day with God than 1,000 without Him.

   4. Where would you “rather” be?

   5. Does this describe your attitude?

Attendance Makes A Difference:

To God

1. Reverence and respect (fear God). (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

2. Worship is being offered and we choose to come.

3. Glory and honor is given to God.

4. Shows God your preference of the Spiritual. (Matthew 18:20)

5. Gratitude for your blessings. (James 1:17)

To Others

1. Encourage their salvation.

2. Is a boost to the preacher, song leader, and others.

3. Encourages other members.

   1. Weak members are encouraged to be involved.

   2. Preacher – What he has studied is important.

   3. Song leader – Songs selected are helpful.

   4. Work of local congregation is valuable.

To Yourself

1. Avoid a downward spiral.

   1. Missing once makes missing again easier.

   2. Other activities start to fill in the space.

   3. This makes it more difficult to return to worshiping God.

2. Enjoy the growth in faith, knowledge and understanding.

3. Appreciate the encouragement, teaching and admonition of others.