Time for Church

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is" (Hebrews 10:25).

On Sunday morning when you say, "It's time for church," what response do you get from your homeschooled children? Depending on the age of your children, those words bring a variety of responses. Teenagers roll over and want to sleep another two hours, elementary-aged children would rather play and dislike getting ready, and toddlers are too young to care, but they require extra effort in preparing diaper bags.

The Lord told the children of Israel to remember to set aside a day to worship when He gave His people the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8-11. One day of the week was to be set apart to keep it holy. Throughout church history, this practice has continued, but today you would not recognize Sunday as being any different from any other day of the week.

What does Sunday look like at your house? Do you find yourself skipping church regularly? Do you take advantage of half-sick children and use them for an excuse to stay home? Is getting everyone to church on Sunday mornings too big a fight? Don't give in and take the easy way out! There is a special blessing waiting for you today as a corporate group of believers: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). God is waiting to meet with you, and He delights in your praises and worship. Don't use this day for shopping or getting caught up on chores. Both you and your children need to learn to discipline your lives. "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD" (Psalm 122:1).

Lord, forgive me for being lazy. Getting my family to church is so difficult at times. Help me to organize this Saturday and prepare to meet You this Sunday with my children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Comments(52 comments)

SISTER L 10/21/2008 07:18:25

We have only missed church maybe 7 times in about 14 years. We attend Sunday School, Sunday Morning, Sunday Night, and Wednesday Night services, including all our conferences and revivals. I agree that we must give great importance to being in church. This last Sunday several area churches closed their doors to do a community service project instead. I am so saddened by this and pray that God will be merciful on the rest of our city.

BRIAN B 10/21/2008 14:11:42

My wife sent me your Daily focus - email on Heb. 10:25. I would agree that our commitment needs to be uplifted related to gathering as the church. But our view needs to be uplifted what the church is in truth. It is the living body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is to be the wife of Christ (Eph. 5). Everything the church is comes from our living Christ (Eph.5). If you have a living Christ then you should have a living church (one per city). It is not a place we go to, nor a thing that get's started at a certain time.

TinaMarie H 10/21/2010 04:25:11

I'm sorry, but I TOTALLY disagree about the 1/2 sick comment. Too many people are taking their children to church when they KNOW they are a little ill, getting many of OUR children sick as well. The Lord wants us to be responsible stewards--that means respecting others. People may use it as an excuse, but many others are being lazy parents and not paying attention to their kids needs. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH IF YOU BELIEVE THEY ARE ILL. Be a blessing to others and home church instead. Wherever 2 or 3 gather in His name he will be there, so stay home when necessary.

KARA T 10/21/2010 05:33:29

Sister L, I disagree with you a little. While many people don't work on Sundays, the church staff works on Sundays, therefore their day of rest is another day of the week, usually Fridays for our church. Many people volunteer and work very hard on Sunday mornings. Our church recently did a service Sunday, but we had a mini service before hand. Jesus himself healed on Sundays and we all know how "happy" the Pharisees were with it. While we try to rest as much as possible, sometimes a load of laundry has to been done (sickness), or the dishwasher has to be ran from afternoon lifegroups or family visits, or major events happen (like moving). We our best, though.

LAURA S 10/21/2010 05:54:44

I just love the Daily Focus! There are alot of days, it is just what I needed to get the day started off right. This one is hitting close to home. We have had alot of sickness lately here with our children. We did not take them to church because we did not want to spread the colds, etc to other families. I personally appreciate that the other families in our church do the same. I know with four boys it can take three weeks for sickness to take it course through the entire household. We do homechurch during the periods of sickness, and keep in touch with our church families by email and phone.

God is a Merciful God. I do like the "living church" posted here.

AMY Z 10/21/2010 06:01:54

G-d told the children of Israel to set aside the Shabbat. Not just any day! And I don't like how some publishing companies have rewritten the Ten Commandments to have the 4th Commandment to say you can worship anyday. If G-d wanted that in the beginning, He would of wrote it that way. Now, keep what ever day you are going to Holy, if that what you want to do. Treat it different from all the other days. But in the Bible there is only one Shabbat.

JOYANNA E 10/21/2010 06:11:11

This devotional is a good reminder for us to evaluate ourselves and our heart motivations for our decisions. Whereas I do not like it when there are sick children with my healthy ones in Sunday school, I try to remember where people came for healing. They went to where they could find Jesus. I know that is not the motivation for some, but I try not to judge and decide for myself who that would be. When teaching I would pull the parent aside after class and make them aware "Little Johnnie isn't feeling too hot today" in case they missed the signals. I also try to remember that the parent may have NEEDED to be in the house of the Lord that day. I mean who knows what anyone is up against in their private or personal life. As for working on Sunday, do we volunteer to take those shifts? Not many do, if it is to get out of church then be honest with yourself and God (HE already knows) and make it right, find another church if you have to. I believe that when we do our best to honor God in everything we do, HE will draw all men unto Himself (including us). this post is not to bash any other views I just want to encourage us all myself included to keep our hearts right before the Lord and worship Him in every way.

Tammy M 10/21/2010 06:51:20

Thank for this devotional. With all the other comments posted defending "our" way of thinking I stand only for God's way. He truly knows every intent of the heart & every excuse from the heart. For the mouth speaks the abundance of the heart. I do appreciate the intent of this devotional, & realize the God saw we needed that Holy Day. We needed a time to fellowship with our brethren to cease from"our" labors "our entertaining" "our hobbies" & commit a day for "His" glory. Truly we are the ones who suffer spiritually & physically for taking the LORD's day to ourselves. We have only to answer to HIM, Praise the Lord, & there is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT. The only question we have to be honest with ourselves to answer is "who" are we walking after every day even the Lord's Day.

AMY N 10/21/2010 06:53:20

We must remember to love one another. Those we agree with and especially those we do not. The bible says we will be known for our love for one another. I know we all have our opinions on what is right or wrong. While they are important to us they may not be to others. What is important is to let Christ's light shine. Where ever you are weather it be at church, at home, at a service project, or a blog on the Internet. God bless all if you who share.

Wanda B 10/21/2010 07:30:49

I must also disagree with the "half sick" comment. One of our children was undergoing treatment for leukemia several years ago-thank God he was healed- and being on the alert for any signs of illness was a 24 hour job. We missed many services due to hospitalizations, fever, weakness etc. If your child, or you, feel ill, it may be best to avoid spreading the germs. I don't want to use illness as an excuse to miss church, but we have to use wisdom.

I have also spent several years teaching in children's ministries. I know for a fact that one sick child this week will mean many more next week. Sometimes parents do need to be in the service, but, again, wisdom is needed. Maybe parents can trade off times to spend with a sick child, or perhaps your church has an internet option. That was a blessing for our familiy recently, when our car broke down just before time to leave for church. We don't want to rely on electronic worship too much, but it can be an option for emergency situations.

Remember, God is always with us, even when we cannot make it to the actual building.

MELVIN D 10/21/2010 08:10:20

I truly enjoy the devotional. I understand the point of keeping one day for God even though many people's lives are different. I am blessed that my children don't complain on Sunday morning, in fact they get their bibles and are eager to sing and learn.

ANITA L 10/21/2010 08:25:46

I also disagree with the "half-sick" comment. There are a lot of people on immune-supressant drugs due to chronic illnesses which makes them much more susceptible, and it is unfair to them to expose them knowingly to illness. I have watched what my children, and others, have to go through because of it. They have a difficult enough time without having to always be sick with a virus on top of their chronic conditions. It takes them much longer to recover than the average person, the illness is usually magnified in seriousness, and sometimes it can be life threatening. When you call them "half-sick" is a lot of times when they are just coming down with an illness and usually also when it is the most contagious and detrimental to those with special health concerns. In addition, the fact that I also have several children means that it will probably take many weeks for an illness to work its way through the household before we are done with it. This can also affect the father's ability to work and support the family. Not everyone gets paid sick days. I know there are people who just don't think of this, or that don't understand the full impact of bringing children to church like this, or for that matter adults attending in this condition. I also know there are those who aren't concerned. I ask that you look into your heart and decide what is best keeping others in mind. If you love others as God wants you to, you will think of them when making your decision.

Emily M 10/21/2010 09:12:34

On non-moral issues, such as bringing half-sick children to church, I would say to let a person's conscience and ability to understand determine their actions. I always keep mine home if there is even a slight hint of illness -- but that is my choice, and based on my level of concern for others (especially the very elderly in our church). I also do this for other events, like field trips and visiting other families. Other people may see this differently. Some may not recognize signs of illness or even understand the processes of disease and at what times a person is contagious. If your family member is in an immunosuppressed state, you must remember that you may be the only one who is aware of that and it is ultimately your responsibility to take the necessary measures to protect that person -- whether it be protective gear, avoiding persons who seem to be sick, or staying at home.

On moral issues, however, let's allow God's word to rule. He is supreme, the author and finisher of our faith, and is no respecter of persons. Let us not be like Cain, bringing our own offering that God had not commanded. But let us all, like faithful Abel, obey God exactly as he commands -- in this instance, keep the Seventh day of the week (Saturday, known throughout the world in hundreds of languages as The Day of Rest) holy unto the Lord.

JULIE A 10/21/2010 12:51:34

So we all jumped on the issue of "half sick children". I personally have 7 children who are 11 and younger, so I know how long it takes for a sickness to run its course through the whole family - not too fun!! On the other hand, do we really need to get side tracked on sickness?? That 's not the point of this e-mail at all. What if we had the ability, back in Moses' time, to 'leave a comment' on the Lord's website about what we thought about His 4th commandment, would we be discussing 'how sick is sick?' with Him?? I understand that different considerations have to be made in different situations, and that's fine, but let's keep the main issue the main issue - let's not let Satan distract us from the goal - which is to honor the Lord by keeping the Sabbath Day Holy/ Set Apart. Let's keep the focus always on doing what the Lord requires of us!!

VICKY K 10/22/2010 18:12:08

This has been a concern voiced in our home for a while now. It's not "sick" or 'half-sick" that is the issue. It is the fact that some people will use any excuse not to attend a service with their "family." It could be too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, too tired, too busy, too stressed, too distracted, whatever. What many fail to realize is these things can be remedied by a good dose of love, humility, encouragement, etc. The things you get in service and worship to the Heavenly Father with your Christian family.

I say keep the sick children home. You wouldn't be able to take them to school or a gym childcare that way. If you work outside the home, you have to make arrangements to care for them so as not to expose others to the illness. That's common courtesy (or at least should be). There are also other good reasons (not excuses) to miss a service. I'm not the judge. He is. Thank goodness, because we are usually much less merciful than He is.

AMANDA T 10/23/2010 19:20:42

Sometimes I think that we can get a little carried away with the local church and having to be there everytime the door is open. To me some of these churches are becoming more worldly all the time. If you see a family struggle or even your own.... Why not bring the church to them or start having a home church. I think we can get a little to religious about being at church all the time rather than going with the intent of worshipping the Lird and really getting something out of it... The Lord knows out hearts and the intent of why we go. We can get to be busy bodies if we are not careful.

JEAN B 10/25/2010 06:12:45

We are so blessed to homeschool...we can arrange our school around our lives, rather than our lives around our school. Part of that for me is the luxury of fully participating in our church body. On Sunday and Wednesday evenings, the homeschool families in my congregation are the least rushed to leave. We have the privilege to hang around and visit. When we have special events, it is a relief to commit and not worry about whether we will have a lot of homework. My children are 13 and 10. Their entire lives they are accepted that church is a given- unless they might have an illness they could spread. I see so many homeschooling families take the individualization we enjoy in our education, and have a wavering commitment to a local church body. Certainly God is with our family 7 days a week, but OH! We would miss out on much if we were not "plugged in" to a local congregation. One final comment: as I prepare my kids to be the next generation of church leaders, we have taught them to tithe. We do not give them an allowance, but pay them according to the previous week's chores they have done. Their "pay day" is at their place at the table when they get up on Sunday mornings, and when they were younger we helped them learn to set aside a least a tenth of their earnings for the Lord. I wanted them to literally be giving the first time they touched their money. They do give cheerfully and I believe it will be a life-long habit.

Kelly T 10/25/2010 07:10:49

I am saddened by some of these comments. Church is a command of God from the Bible, not an open forum discussion. There is a right and wrong way.There is no getting "carried away" with Biblical principles. If we as parents find reasons to stay away we cannot expect our children to have a better faithfulness as adults. Yes, there are days when I don't want to go, because my flesh is weak. But I go anyway, and am always given something by God. Why would you forsake a place that will help you spiritually? Why would you disobey The God that stretched out his arms and WILLINGLY gave his life to redeem you? And why would you risk your child"s soul? Stand in the gap and make the paths straight. I would rather get to heaven and find out i went TOO MUCH, VERSUS NOT ENOUGH! Is our Savior not worth it?I think He is!!!!!

TRISTA J 10/25/2011 20:50:37

Does anyone have a biblical reference for this: Sunday (or Saturday) = Church day? I know that we were meant to keep the Sabbath and to worship together, but what does God's Word say about how we are to spend the Sabbath? Is there a time and place (like Sunday, in a chuch) that has been declared THE time and place for corporate worship? I enjoy reading the posted comments, as they give me much to think upon, but when it comes down to it, what I think matters not at all, and what God says through His Word in the Bible or speaks directly into my heart is what is most important.

LIZ O 10/26/2011 08:40:27

I am also saddened by some of these comments. I am as guilty as the next person for using some of these excuses to miss church. My week or my day, as a matter of fact, never goes as well when I opt out of attending church. As for the comment about the people with low immunity to disease, I am a cancer survivor who went through surgery, chemo and radiation treatments, and I really don't remember any time that I got sick from attending church! But if your child is really sick, use common sense and stay home for the sake of the child and everyone else. I don't think the author was referring to genuinely SICK children!!!

LAURA G 10/26/2011 08:41:27

I totally get what the author is trying to say "don't make excuses for not going to church" and I agree. But if you are unable to make it to church remember what the LORD says in the Bible-Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.". If we can't make it to church we can hold service right there in our homes. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15 As long as our homes and lives serve G*D HE will be in our midst. As far as "half sick children" are concerned I believe that the author was trying to point out sometimes we make excuses about things that aren't really an issue. Although, we also have a large elderly bunch at our church and I personally will not take my children to church even if they have the sniffles, there is always one of our elderly who is in the hospital or just returning from the hospital, they just cannot afford to get even a cold. G*D Bless you all and much good health.

ROBIN R 10/26/2011 08:42:27

Ok, First of all we are The Body,the Holy Temple and if we are sick not only are we spreading Gods word we are spreading the germs that make us sick. We are to keep our selves health as well as our children if they or anyone else is to hear the word. Also we are neglectful of our parental responsibility to care for our children if we do not give them sufficient sleep and time to heal. I do believe that the Lord is understanding when we stay home to care for a sick child or even spouse vs taking sick people to be with healthy ones only to spread the illness. Second, Jesus did works on the Sabbath. We are to be a light for the world to see his love. We can not do this in a building. Our church has a morning service only as we are very small (30 people including children). We do a community thing every other sunday. Which can be going to an senior citizen center,helping the homeless shelter or working in a food bank. How ever we as a Body can serve our community and since most of us work during the week and some on Saturday it works well for all involved. Please if there are those missing from your church from time to time please don't judge as you do not know what the reason is for thier absence. Also if the doors are closed serve your community so that" your light can be seen before men "(Matt 5:16).

MORGAN C 10/26/2011 08:43:11

My family is faithful to our church because we believe it is a commandment from God himself. If a child is sick, momma and sick child stay home. Daddy takes the rest. If daddy is sick, momma takes kids. We don't miss for anything other than sickness, with exception of one Sunday a year for vacation and if there is a baptism of family members at other churches. We love our church and don't want to miss out on the blessings that are waiting there for us. We also have a responsibility to our church family and pastor to be loyal and faithful. It isn't something to be taken lightly. If we were to miss a Sunday because we are too busy there would be a void in the church, just like there is when other families miss. It is not preached enough anymore! Church is important. It is where you get spiritual nourishment to make it through the week! It is a way you show God that He is number one! It is how you can show your church family that they are important to you! If you don't feel the need to be a part of your church then you may be at the wrong church.

Jody F 10/26/2011 08:44:00

We are alll getting off on the "sick children" thing

TORYINA S 10/26/2011 08:44:33

Wow! I can not beleive how defensive some are!? Examine your own heart and compare with Gods commands, then get offended at yourself!

Jody F 10/26/2011 08:45:40

I, too, believe that everyone got off on the wrong track with the sick children thing. Most of us are intelligent, concerned parents who wouldn't intentionally bring a sick child to church. That was just mentioned in the devotional - but everyone picked up on that somehow. The main idea of that whole thing is that people are becoming complacent and allowing others to do the work of the church while they become pew sitters, or worse yet don't show up at all or always have an excuse why they can't help or be involved. We all have to guard our own hearts of being this way, and not grumbling or complaining when something needs to be done. The bottom line is the reason we are here is to spread the Gospel, far and wide - and that means work! Our church just memorized the verse Luke 10:2. Please look that verse up and learn it. It should change your heart!

TERRY B 10/26/2011 08:46:28

I am thinkiing that the point was missed. First, if children are complaining about going to church, they are being rebellious! Second, if your children are sick and need to stay home, that is not an excuse; it would be common sense to keep them home. If you use a little sniffle as a way of "getting out" of going to church, that is wrong. Third, I feel that there are six days to work, if you didn't get all the laundry done in those six days, waiting until Monday won't make that much difference. However, I do feel it is necessary to clean up after meals - and if everyone pitches in, the work is finished quickly. But, the most important thing is that we assemble together and draw closer to God. And if we, as parents, don't make it a commitment to attend church on a very regular basis, how can we expect our children to do that once they become adults?

LAURA P 10/26/2011 08:48:02

My family takes a day of rest on Saturday, which is the original "seventh day", and the only day I don't expect my children to do ANY housework or schoolwork. They know they have nothing to do but rest and play on that ONE day, and they really look forward to it. We go to church on Sunday, which is hardly ever restful, but usually very encouraging to take us into that week.

KERI O 10/26/2011 08:48:43

I understand that many people come from small towns etc where there are not many choices of places to worship but really, if we find ourselves making excuses as to why we don't want to go to church, maybe we should find a new church to worship at/with. ...even if it may mean inviting a few friends/neighbors over for home church. Meeting together with God's people should be an enjoyable experience. Worship too, should be enjoyable. ...afterall, it's what we'll be doing for eternity... why not get better at it here? My family and I literally count the sleeps before Sunday. My children (one is a teenager) tell me that they actually have butterflies of excitement on the way to church. They absolutely cannot wait till Sunday. This is how we all should be... knowing that we are going there to meet our Father, knowing that not only are we going to bless Him with our worship, but that He will also bless us with His presence. If going to church is not a high point or priority for us as parents or something that we show our children we love, can we really expect their response to be any better? We always reap in a greater abundance than what we sow.

MASHELL A 10/26/2011 08:49:12

We attend church regularly but I want to confess that there are times in my heart that I would rather stay home! I feel that this devo can either convict others or strengthen our relationship. I know that I need to change my heart and appreciate these words. This is my opinion on the sick children, we know who we are when we use our kids for excuses (I am raising both of my hands!!!) for anything, lol, so may the Lord be your conscience and be open minded to others help in our daily struggles. Also remember that we are living in a world that is trying to get us so busy and take our lives away from our home (heaven and earth)! This is a spiritual battle every day and we are being fought over, let our words bring peace and comfort and encouragement. thank you for your reminder to me to change my heart before our church gathering and being prepared. I think that day is one of the worst days of all for us, we end up yelling, in tears, and thinking is it worth all this effort? but by the time we get in our vehicle i am reminded again who really does not want me in church! Satan get behind me is what I say!

KAREN H 10/26/2011 09:02:03

Amen Kelly!

PHIL G 10/21/2012 04:20:49

I am a pastor and appreciate your post. I have to leave my home at 745 and drive our church van to go pick up people who want to come to church. My family does not forsake church. GOD gave us all so how can we stay in bed?

HOLLY S 10/21/2012 05:05:20

Sunday School? The Bible is quite clear on what day God set aside. A study in church history will show you where the day was changed. Satan is always working to deceive, be careful.

CHESCA C 10/21/2012 05:41:52

hi i just wanted to say thanks for the devotional today. This not feeling like going to church doesn't usually affect me to the point i don't actually go but today i just didn't feel like it 25 wks pregnant and tired the thought of getting breakfast and overseeing 4 big to littles get ready was not appealing. But after this devotional i am going to suck it up it's the least i can do for my Lord. The day of rest is Saturday, and in our house that is a good thing cause Sunday is never restfull! But yet we need to remember we have entered into THE REST OF THE LORD which is everyday as a believer. We all seem to have different ideas. I go to a church building at this point in life but i believe the bible points more to the gathering of the saints in home settings all through the book of Acts homes are noted as the gathering place. In a more and more hostile world this may be what we will be returning to in the not so distant future.

ELLE F 10/21/2012 06:28:45

I agree with Holly. The Sabbath, Saturday was instituted in Genesis at creation, and continued to be kept all through the Bible. This day was changed by man during religious persecution, openly admitted in Catholic logs. We must decide if we will follow the laws of God or of man. Rev. 14:12,9. I keep the 7th day Sabbath and it is a perfect day of rest, no work, no shopping, just a sacred day of rest with God, family, and friends.

This devotional was very good to help us prioritize our time spent with God and making it a special day, set apart, which ever day you have decided to follow.

ELLE F 10/21/2012 06:38:21

To Trista J, There are more verses, but 3 verses given on how to keep the Sabbath are Exodus 20:10, Nehemiah 13:15-22, Isaiah 58:13, Matthew 12:12.

REBECCA D 10/21/2012 07:18:37

These devotional are a real blessing to me, this morning in particular. Our family loves church, but it hasn't always been so. We were members of a Saturday keeping church, and we were very faithful about being there every Sabbath. We also did our very best to "keep" Sabbsth holy, but it was always a frustration for some reason. After all, in the Old Testament, there are very specific rules on what you can and cannot do on the Sabbath day, and applying those rules are pretty difficult. Some told us that it is the principle, not the letter of the law that we are to keep. How do you explain that to a child? We chose to leave the denomination we had been in all our lives (for many reasons, scriptural based) and now attend church on Sunday morning. I am very aware of what day the Bible set aside as Sabbath, and I wince many times to hear Sunday referred to as Sabbath. I am a bit confused, is it "keeping Sunday" to worship on that day? I believe firmly in obeying the Bible, but if gathering for worship has to be done on Sabbath we will be isolated from other Christians, it is a tough situation.

LAURA H 10/21/2012 07:34:38

I don't normally comment on forums but this subject is one that is really important to me. As a homeschool mom, I would say the first reason that I homeschool is to teach my children to not only learn who God is but also how to live a life that is holy and pleasing unto the Lord.

I think we have taken Hebrews 10:24-25 about "forsaking the assembly" so out of context of its original intent and substituted our own modern societal values to it. We are the Church; not a building. The assembly was never intended to be a place that we check in 2 or 3 times a week, sit in our neat little pews all facing one direction while our children are neatly tucked away in their age appropriate classes while a professional pastor teaches us what scripture should mean to all of us as a whole. Hebrews 10 was talking about Christians not getting too busy with theirs lives of ministering to non-Christians or taking care of the widows and orphans, etc, that they forget to come together and uplift one another by sharing each others burdens, praying with one another and encouraging each other in the Spirit. So that they could go out into the world and preach the gospel. There is no set time, place or agenda in this particular passage. There were no bibles in every home then so that each one could study on their own; their was no written gospel then. They came to listen to those who knew Christ and be enlightened to what Christ had come to Earth to do. Then they went out and actually LIVED it!!!!!!

We as followers do not punch time clocks; Christ didn't either. The assembly was never meant as a place to bring unbelievers to be "saved". We are to be out living our lives and witnessing to unbelievers as ordained by our calling to be a part of the" royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9.

Whether or not we meet as an assembly on Saturday or Sunday is of no consequence to us now as Christians. Acts 2:46, the followers met "everyday at the temple and broke bread together". I think we get so caught up with the "rules" that we have been indoctrinated with that we forget the intent on why we go to the assembly.

Yesterday my family and I met with other foster families. We were at a mandatory training class all day but all of us as believers came together, prayed for one another, broke bread together, shared burdens, encouraged one another, some even shared scriptures that the Spirit had put on their hearts and opened it up to discussion. We were all of different sect of Christianity but none of that mattered. We shared a common bond as believers that feel very strongly that we have to live out our faith everyday through caring for foster children. It was great. I left feeling more in tune to what God has called me and my family to do more than I have at any formal church service in a long while. I believe that we met as the assembly yesterday and it was not at a "Church" building.

My family attend regular services every week but I in no way think it is Holy. I love my family at our weekly gathering and wouldn't trade the time I spend with them for anything. But we have to know that missing a service due to illness, exhaustion or wanting to go on Sunday morning and prepare and serve lunch to the homeless (like we do on some Sunday mornings) is not wrong or sinful. And on the contrary, making sure our families are at every weekly service and having "perfect attendance" is not a jewel in our crown either.

I do not want to teach my children religion for religion sake. I want them to live the Gospel, not to think that the gospel is in a church building. Today our family is not meeting in our "church building. We were told about a family that is struggling to feed their 5 children. So we are going to their house, taking them lunch and sharing our own story and lives with them. Is that not true religion? Is it sad that my children will miss Children's Church this morning Sister L? I don't think so at all!!

"To live is Christ and die is gain. " Phil 1:21 ,not to go to church is Christ.

TRACI M 10/21/2012 07:57:52

Thank you doesn't seem like it is enough for this timely reminder. I can relate to each situation and know all to well the different stages that you mentioned (from being a child making it more difficult for my parents by not getting ready in a timely fashion to being a teenager who had stayed up a little to late the night before, to being an adult and "finding" other ways to "serve the Lord"). My own family could use an excuse this morning as my husband is in the hospital and we could so "skip" meeting with fellow believers, but I believe that I can minister to him much better, if my heart has been filled with God's love through the love of our friends and church family this morning during our time of worship together through music and His Word.

Iwould encourage you to continue to speak as He lays it on your heart and that each person that reads your devotions, should examine their own heart as to what God is wanting to speak to them on. Please do not be discouraged by those who would focus on just a small statement. Many times I have focused on one point of the spoken word and gotten a little "ruffled" by it, but then prayed about it and realized that God was already trying to deal with me on this very issue and this was the reason that I was offended.

Going to a church service doesn't make one closer to God, but a disciplined heart does. I believe that is the whole point of your message. To examine our own heart and know that the discipline of submitting our own will to His Will is much more important.

Again, Thank you for submitting to the Lord and speaking what seems to be a thought provoking word.

JEN S 10/21/2012 09:33:01

Know ye not ye are the temple! It's not about Religion. It's about a relationship!!!

MICHELE M 10/21/2012 18:00:58

We are no longer under the LAW! The old things are passed away, we now live under Grace. When you put yourself back under the Law (claiming that only one day is the Sabbat) you are forsaking Jesus sacrifice for us. Now we are to take our rest in Him.

Of course going to church is important (as long as they are preaching the True Gospel and not the doctrine of denominations) and being with our brothers and sisters in Christ is vital for our continued strength and stamina in this spiritual battle we are thrust in daily. But stop getting entangled in the rules we do not have to follow the old rituals to be in the presence of the Lord because we as believers are filled with the Holy Spirit ...All The Time. Jesus died and the veil was rent from top to bottom in the tabernacle so NOTHING would separate us from our Holy Father!

The Bible says where two OR more are gathered, guess what all it takes is me and my daughter to say our prayers together and God is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us, Praise God! We are free to speak to Him any time we feel the need, we are free to worship anywhere the Spirit moves us, and we are free because of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Thats what it means " we have freedom in Christ" we are no longer bound by the Law. If you model your life after the life of Jesus in the new testament you cannot go wrong, But keep in mind that we are merely flesh and blood created from the dust we all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. But do not despair because we are covered in the Blood Of The Lamb and have been forgiven our sins and our shortcomings! Thank you God for giving us the freedom to love you and worship you at all times, and thank you for Your Grace and Mercy!

May God Bless you and keep you all the days of your life and may you dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Please forgive me I have read the Bible but I have problems with memorization, so do not always know where to find the exact scripture for reference

KATHY S 10/21/2012 20:34:49

Saturday night is our church night. We love to go, and part of that is the fact that the churches now accomadate people by having Saturday church services. I persobnally think that God is happy to see us whether it is Saturday or Sunday.

It's whats in your heart and your desire to spend time with him. Also, I agree with some of the ladies above, please do not come to church sick.

I just spent 5 days in the hospital for not checking with the Mom that sent her child to spend the weekend here with my son to have a sleepover. Because of my thyroid disease, I catch everything. The childs parents know this and still sent him without saying a word. I love their family, but, as a consideration to all, when my child or I am ill, we stay away, and I know I always appreciate when parents keep their sick children home. It saves me hospital trips.

And not only me, there are elderly people who get ill easily, and we have middles aged people who have CANCER and are going through Chemo, sick kids don't belong in church.

Now, as others have said, "when 2 or 3 are gathered God will be there". So worship at home. Watch Pator Hagee or Joel Osteen. Then get well and go back to church. Just my opinion.

God Bless everyone & Have an awesome new week!

ANGELA W 10/21/2012 22:13:12

To those who say we are saved by grace and not the law you are right - however the law is a reflection of Gods love for us. It was established before sin and will continue after sin. It is a special day (or date if you will) that our loving Savior (Lover) has made with us. Sunday is Satan's counterfeit and he loves it that so many honor that day over the Lords!

My kids love Sabbath - a time to socialize and have no chores! Just family time.

CHESCA C 10/22/2012 01:19:59

sunday stands for sun worship day just fyi the truth is this planet isn't our home Satan has infiltrated just about every aspect of christian religion. Let the word of God direct you. Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. At the church we attend we seem like heathen cause we go just Sundays. We choose to spend family time together at home and read the word together at home and have daily alone times with God every day consistently from youngest to oldest. And for us this works best than dragging 13,6,3,1 year old for prayer, bible study evening service and extra prayer night and kids club and this speaker and that speaker...well you get the picture.:)

LAKEILA S 11/13/2012 17:20:46

The one great feature by which the true God distinguishes Himself from all other gods is that He is the God that made the earth by His power.

But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. Jeremiah 10:10-12

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Acts 14:15

The Sabbath day is the great memorial of creation and of God's creative power; it is a constant reminder of the true and living God. Exodus 20: 8-11 tells us to Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, and it then explains that we should keep it holy because the Lord God created the heavens and the earth, etc. Thereby causing us to remember Him as the true God, the one who created the heaven and the earth.

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11

He also specifies the Sabbath as the seventh day. The last day of the week, which is between the day that Jesus died on the cross (Good Friday) and the day Jesus rose (Easter Sunday). Jesus even kept the Sabbath in His death by resting.

This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. (Luke 23:52 - 24:3)

God said that we should hallow His Sabbaths that they shall be a sign between He and us, that we may know that He is the Lord our God.

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them. Ezekial 20:12

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God. Ezekial 20:20

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. Exodus 31:13

Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Exodus 31:16-17

God's people were continually turning from the Sabbath or forgetting it, and He constantly desired that they would hallow His Sabbaths.

In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. Nehemiah 13:15-22

Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction. And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein; Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever. And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD. But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. Jeremiah 17:21-27

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Isaiah 18:1, 12-14

The Sabbath is the day that God has set aside for a Holy use, it was sanctified.

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Genesis 2:3

It was also made for public worship, Jesus kept the Sabbath.

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. Leviticus 23:3

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Even after His death, His disciples continued to keep the Sabbath.

But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down. Acts 13:14

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Acts 13:42

And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. Acts 16:13

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Acts 17:1, 2

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Acts 18:4, 11

Jesus didn't come to change His law; He came to magnify it.

The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. Isaiah 42:21

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-19

He did however; inform us that a little horn power would try to change His law.

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Daniel 7:24-25

We have been taught that we should worship on the day that Jesus was resurrected in honor of His resurrection; however, there is no command in the Bible that tells us to do so.

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:9

God is asking us to show our love for Him by keeping His commandments, including the only one in which he tells us that we should "remeber". Not us, but Him "in" us.

If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:27

He is also sending this message to us in the last days and reminding us to worship the one who made heaven and earth. Notice its similarities to Exodus 20:8-11, the Sabbath commandment.

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:6-12

JULIE LOPEZ 10/21/2013 12:47:15

Sabbath is about creation, not good behavior. God set aside the seventh day, Saturday, to be kept holy as a reminder that He made us. That is why he set aside Sabbath, and that is why it is important to still keep it. Not so that you will go to heaven for keeping the ten commandments, but so that you give God the recognition He is due for creating us. I think it is ironic that many denominations that worship on Sunday are incensed that creation cannot be taught in schools, but they don't give credence to the idea that God set Sabbath (Saturday) aside as a holy day to commemorate creation. It is inconvenient to think you have to set aside a whole day, what about college football, cleaning the yard, shopping at the mall??? Are we contractually obligated by the ten commandments to do this? No. Are the ten commandments (all of them) still relevant to our lives and the plans that God has for us? Yes. That is why Jesus says if you love Him to keep his commandments. It honors Him and gives Him the respect that is really a leap of faith to do so in today's day and age of atheism and belief in evolution. I attend both Saturday and Sunday services, but I do believe that Saturday is the Sabbath. That said, we now live in a place that does not have a Saturday worshiping group, so I can identify with people like Rebbeca who say that makes them feel isolated from other believers. I do take my children to services on Sunday so that they can learn about the Bible and feel part of a community, but I still firmly hold to the belief that Saturday is the Sabbath, and we spend that day as a family, not working, reading about God, worshiping and spending time with other like-minded friends.

C Hantla 10/21/2013 15:13:24

While I agree wholeheartedly with the importance of gathering as a corporate body often. Please do NOT take your half-ill child to church. My son has leukemia and will undergo chemotherapy for 3.5 years. Due to a chemotherapy weakened immune system a common cold could kill him. Please consider others above yourself and care for them by not sharing your bugs. I use to not care if my children got sick from other children. In the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal, but now with an immunocompromised child it is! Please be thoughtful when writing in-wise suggestions and err on the side of caution while caring and loving others.

Shannon Danner-Munger 10/21/2013 17:51:52

Nowhere in the bible does it say the Sabbath was changed to Sunday. Constantine changed it in 231a.d. because he was a sun worshipper and this is Satans deception. The 10 commandments tell us the 7th day was blessed, sanctified and made holy. We are cautioned in Matt 15:9 against teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. Matt 5:19 warns against breaking any of the commandments. The Sabbath is Saturday, the 7th day. Follow the example of Jesus. The Sabbath was given at Creation. The bible never says any of the 10 commandments were changed.

Nakeyia Sivley 10/21/2013 19:28:08

Examples of why the Sabbath is not a scriptural day of observance in the New Testament Church.

John CH.5:5-19 5. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "DO YOU WANT TO BE MADE WELL?" 7. The sick man answered Him,"Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." 8. Jesus said to him "RISE, TAKE UP YOUR BED AND WALK." 9. And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 10. The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed." 11. He answered them, He who made me well said to me, 'TAKE UP YOUR BED AND WALK' 12. Then they asked him, "Who is this Man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'? 13. But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "SEE YOU HAVE BEEN MADE WELL. SIN NO MORE, LEST A WORSE THING COME UPON YOU." 15. The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16. For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. 17. But Jesus answered them, "MY FATHER HAS BEEN WORKING UNTIL NOW, AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING." 18. Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19. Then Jesus answered and said to them, "MOST ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, THE SON CAN DO NOTHING OF HIMSELF, BUT WHAT HE SEES THE FATHER DO; FOR WHATEVER HE DOES, THE SON ALSO DOES IN LIKE MANNER.

GALATIANS 4:9-11 9. But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10. You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

MATTHEW 12:1-14 1. At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" 3. But He said to them, "HAVE YOU NOT READ WHAT DAVID DID WHEN HE WAS HUNGRY, HE AND THOSE WHO WERE WITH HIM: 4. "HOW HE ENTERED THE HOUSE OF GOD AND ATE THE SHOWBREAD WHICH WAS NOT LAWFUL FOR HIM TO EAT, NOR FOR THOSE WHO WERE WITH HIM, BUT ONLY FOR THE PRIESTS? 5. "OR HAVE YOU NOT READ IN THE LAW THAT ON THE SABBATH THE PRIESTS IN THE TEMPLE PROFANE THE SABBATH, AND ARE BLAMELESS? 6. "YET I SAY TO YOU THAT IN THIS PLACE THERE IS ONE GREATER THAN THE TEMPLE. 7. "BUT IF YOU HAD KNOWN WHAT THIS MEANS, 'I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE,' YOU WOULD NOT HAVE CONDEMNED THE GUILTLESS. 8. "FOR THE SON OF MAN IS LORD EVEN OF THE SABBATH." 9. Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue. 10. And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"---that they might accuse Him. 11. Then He said to them, "WHAT MAN IS THERE AMONG YOU WHO HAS ONE SHEEP, AND IF IT FALLS INTO A PIT ON THE SABBATH, WILL NOT LAY HOLD OF IT AND LIFT IT OUT? 12. "OF HOW MUCH MORE VALUE THEN IS A MAN THAN A SHEEP? THEREFORE IT IS LAWFUL TO DO GOOD ON THE SABBATH." 13. Then He said to the man, "STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND." And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. 14. The the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Examples of when the New Testament Church met together for worship.

ACTS 19:7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:1-2 1. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2. On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

JOHN 20:19. Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "PEACE BE WITH YOU."

What we must do to be saved

Mark 16:15-16 15. And He said to them, "GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TK EVERY REATURE. 16. "HE WHO BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED WILL BE SAVED; BUT HE WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE WILL BE CONDEMNED.

Search the Scripture daily

ACTS 17:11 these were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 16.All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17. that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The ascension

MARK 16:19-20 19. So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

Jennifer Madison 10/21/2013 22:28:42

Why make the excuse to not worship just because you can't go to a church service? Where two or more are gathered... A family can worship together at home when there's a sick child or other reasons that may prevent one from going to a church building. My point is there should be no excuses that prevent your worshipping Christ on His special day. I also agree with other comments that taking your "half-sick" child to any place with a group of people is not wise. That may result in more than one family unable to attend church next week.

DEE JAY 10/22/2013 00:23:42

When assembling ourselves together, it is supposed to be with those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ and not worldly religious people who are not born again. We preach to the world, but they are not part of the fellowship of believers. Often what we see today are 501c3 businesses unequally yoked with nonbelievers for the sake of filthy lucre and following the Roman model instead of graffed into Israel as described in Romans 11. Unity in error leads to idolatry, then the lake of fire. Jesus said follow me. He is the way, the truth and the life..John 14:6. Repent and follow HIM. I remember a time when I felt more guilty for missing a "church service" than for not seeking the Lord. He must be our first love. Before self, before family, before pastors, before congregations, everything!

sonya lillis 11/03/2013 20:56:47

I really have to say something, it's been bothering me since i read this post last week.

the "half sick kids" as an "excuse" bothers me.

you see, i have a child who was in the hospital for most of his first 3 years. he has multiple medical disorders including immune system problems. if i bring him to church and there are people there who are sick or "half sick" that could mean a hospital trip for us, even his very life could be at risk. so i BEG people not to come to church sick. or "half sick" or if they have someone in their home who is sick or getting over being sick. during the winter we don't go to church much, to keep my son healthy. we've managed to keep him out of the hospital for the past two years but only barely.

what bothers me is this article is equating staying home due to illness as being lazy, or a bad christian. I get that from alot of people but it is simply not true. (someone even told me that if my son were to die of an illness contracted at church that his life would be a "sacrifice i would have to make in order to have fellowship" yea? really? we changed churches after that. what a terrible thing to say to a mother with a fragile child)

the thing is, i want to be in church. we even changed to a smaller church so there is less people there and therefore less germs he can be exposed to. it pains me greatly to miss church so much, and even more so when i read articles like this one condemning me and calling me lazy for protecting my son.I feel that i am making sacrifices for him, putting the child God has given me to take care of before my need for fellowship with others.

I know with out a doubt that there are other people in similar situations. maybe your loved one has cancer, or some other immune system disorder and you too need to avoid germs.

it is for this reason that i pray that people do not go to church when they are sick. it's selfish. it's not more spiritual to go when your sick or when your kid is sick, it's down right selfish to anyone who is dealing with medical issues. I know people who think it's more spiritual to go to church sick and they do so, putting others in the hospital and spreading germs. it's selfish. it can be dangerous. please please for everyone's sake DO NOT GO TO CHURCH SICK.


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