Why Go?
{Reasons to
Attend Evening Services}
Introduction:
“All people who
truly have God’s desires in their heart are vitally interested in the
increase of attendance at all services, especially those in the
evening. Many are trying to accomplish this by such methods as the use
of dramatic performances, by special musical groups, by the use of
celebrities such as sports figures, and by using magicians, weight
lifters, acrobats, and such. None of these work because they emphasize
the wrong reasons for attending services. What are some of the right
reasons for attending, especially on Sunday and Wednesday evenings?”
Bobby Dockery [Not a direct quote, but from his writings]
Body: Why
Attend Evening Services?
1. In
order to be with Jesus (Matthew 18:20) “For
where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the
midst of them.” NKJV Jesus is discussing
what the church can do, even when only two or three are gathered
[assembled]. If you truly love Jesus, it’s only natural to want to be
in His presence. One way our love is shown is by evening attendance.
2. In
order to find personal peace and satisfaction (Philippians 4:6-7)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace
of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus.” NKJV We all desire this, especially
in a world where any kind of peace is becoming very hard to find. Real,
lasting peace is only found in Christ Jesus and among His followers.
3. In
order to have Scriptures opened to us (Luke 24:45)
“And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the
Scriptures.” NKJV One reason for our
evening services is to increase our knowledge of God’s Word through
teaching and preaching. (II Peter 3:18) “but grow in
the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
(Psalm 119:18) “Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your
law.” NKJV
4. In
order to receive the comfort and encouragement which is to be found in
fellowship (Hebrews 10:24) “And let us consider
one another in order to stir up love and good works,” (I Thessalonians
5:11) “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as
you also are doing.” NJKV Excite and exhort one
another. Build each other up, boost one another, and lend a hand.
5. In
order to feed and exercise our faith (Romans 10:17) “So then
faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” NKJV Our
faith has as its source the Word of God. By attending evening services,
our faith can be increased and strengthened from hearing God’s Word. A
strong faith helps us stand and take the blows that Satan hurls at us.
6. In
order to maintain our spiritual zeal (Matthew 24:12)
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
When a coal of fire pops out onto the floor, it soon grows cold. As
long as it stays with others, it’s hot. There is a great lesson here.
The more we absent ourselves from the assembly, the colder and more
lifeless we’ll become. Eventually, spiritual death will be the outcome.
7. In
order to feed our spiritual appetites (Matthew 5:6) “Blessed
are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be
filled.” NKJV The true Christian hungers and
thirsts after righteousness. He doesn’t nibble and sip. There is a
craving for things spiritual. David expressed this hunger in Psalm
139:23-24. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my
anxieties. And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the
way everlasting.” NKJV What can diminish this
appetite? “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they
have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of
life.” (Luke 8:14) Have as your attitude that you will learn
something new or gain new insight at every service. This will help you
along the road to heaven.
8. In
order to teach your children and grandchildren the importance of regular
attendance (Ephesians 6:4) “And you, fathers, do not
provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and
admonition of the Lord.” NJKV Nourish them by training
and instructing. Studies have shown that one is more likely to remain
faithful if both parents regularly attend.
9. In
order to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) “But
seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
things shall be added to you.” NJKV Put it first
above all else. One way to show this is by trying our best to be at all
services.
10. In
order to be inspired and admonished by the singing of spiritual songs
(Colossians 3:16) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in
all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” NKJV
Our thoughts are turned to matters of the spirit as we consider the
words of these hymns. Words are very important. They help us focus on
God and what He has done for us.
11. In
order to be strengthened and comforted in prayer We know the
“effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James
5:16b) Prayer can comfort us when afraid. (Psalm
34:4) “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my
fears.” The combined prayers of the whole church are very powerful
and can be a great source of strength for us.
12. In
order to cast your vote for righteousness and godliness and against the
closing of the church (Matthew 12:30) “He who is not
with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters
abroad.” NKJV When you attend evening services,
you are doing this very thing. An empty pew preaches a sermon of
defeat!
Closing:
Who are you
going to be like? Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when
they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord,” NKJV
OR Jeremiah 2:32b “Yet My people have forgotten
Me days without number.” NKJV
An elderly
lady, crippled with arthritis and on crutches was asked, “How do you get
to every service?” Her response was, “My heart gets there first and my
legs just follow after.”
Bobby Stafford
September 21,
2014
Video
