Christians are eager to worship God together (Acts 2:42, 46; 5:42). In Hebrews 10:25 we are commanded to not forsake our assembling together. We are not to "leave behind" or "abandon" the opportunities we have to gather together to worship God and to encourage one another.

Some first century Christians had the habit of forsaking their assembling together (Heb. 10:25). Today, some Christians make a habit of not gathering with the church as they should or could. Perhaps they do not understand the importance of our assemblies. This outline offers some Bible answers to the question, "Why must I attend the worship services of the church?"

 Because God has commanded me to do so - Hebrews 10:24-25.

• The violation of God's law is sin - 1 John 3:4.
• God's law is that we assemble together - Hebrews 10:25.
• Therefore, to forsake our assembling together is to sin against God.

 So that we may worship God in spirit and truth - John 4:24.

• To worship God should be a happy expectation - Psalm 122:1.
• Our assemblies help accomplish certain aspects of our worship to God:

• The Lord's Supper - 1 Corinthians 11:20; Acts 20:7.
• Admonishing one another in song - Colossians 3:16.
• Giving on the first day of the week - 1 Corinthians 16:2.
• Hear the preaching of the word of God - Acts 20:7.

 So that we can give & receive edification - 1 Corinthians 14:26; Romans 14:19.

• We help to influence our brethren - Hebrews 10:24-25.
• We participate in a good work - Titus 2:14.
• We hear God's word preached - Acts 20:7; Romans 10:17.
• We praise God and speak to one another in song - Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16.
• We pray together - Acts 4:23-31; 1 Timothy 2:8.
• We remember and proclaim the Lord's death by partaking of the Lord's Supper - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

 WHEN YOU DO NOT ATTEND WORSHIP SERVICES: You fail to honor God through worship - John 4:23.

• You sin against God - Hebrews 10:25; Acts 10:34-35.
• You rob yourself of opportunities for spiritual growth - Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 2:1-2; Ephesians 4:11-12, 16.
• You choose convenience over conviction - Acts 24:25.
• You are not putting God first - Matthew 6:33; 16:24; Luke 4:8.

The worship services of the church are designed to honor God and encourage men. With reverence and devotion let us all commit ourselves to "not forsaking our own assembling together" (Hebrews 10:25).

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