A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 3 NO. 2                                             March 5, 2006

SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

BY STEVE NIEMEIER

As I work here in the office on this Thursday morning the thoughts of last nights Bible Study come to my mind.  We had 102 the previous Sunday morning for worship, about 70 Sunday evening for worship and somewhere around 68 for Wednesday evening Bible Study.  The question that keeps coming to my mind is WHY?

We had a class that the teacher did not show up and did not even call to have someone take that class.  We had parents who did not see to it that their children came to class must less them.  We had to get a substitute song leader as the scheduled song leader did not show up and did not call anyone to replace him.  We have started a study of Ephesians in the adult class on Wednesday evenings and what a powerful book it is that all Christians need to study for their edification.  Yet, many seats were empty of those who profess to be Christians especially on Sunday mornings.

The gates of Hell will never prevail against the Lord's church we know (Matthew 16:18).  However, we must be aware that those who are lukewarm in their service to the Lord will be “vomited out of His mouth” (Revelation 3:16-17).  As many tried to fulfill their responsibilities and encourage and exhort one another as well as consider one another and stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25) they were hindered by the lack of attendance of many of their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Some that missed were probably tired or had headaches or sniffles that they just could not make it either Sunday evening or Wednesday evening.  Of course, they were able to get up on Monday or Thursday morning and get themselves to work.  I wonder in Matthew 6:33 has any bearing on this type of thinking?

Oh well, not to worry Sunday morning is just around the corner and these brothers and sisters will probably be out to services.  They will participate in class and talk like they are some of the strongest Christians around.  Many will be impressed by their comments and all will be okay---until Sunday evening and Wednesday evening come around.  Then their seats will be empty again and all will remember the good comments they made on Sunday and wonder who they think they are fooling.  Certainly it is not God and hopefully it is not their brothers and sisters in Christ.

It has been said over and over again that the Lord does not save by faith alone.  This has been taught in the pulpits of churches of Christ for many years---ever since the start of the church on the Day of Pentecost years ago.  Yet, for some reason many who profess that they are strong members of the Lord's church live like they are going to be saved by faith alone.  Certainly works are not part of their service to God so evidently they believe they will make it on their faith.  It will be a sad day for those who treat their service to God so lightly when they realize they cannot talk their way into heaven on the judgment day!

Speaking of the judgment day, do you remember that Book of Life that is going to be opened and all will be judged according to their works?  This will include works of righteousness, works of forsaking the assembling, works of neglect, works of laziness as well as all other types of works that we do.  This will also include our works done on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings.  It will be interesting to hear some of the “reasons” given to God for not assembling with the saints on these evenings.  I doubt if any will match His reply that He sent His Son to be a sacrifice for us and since Christ was not excused from the cross we need not think we will be excused from our responsibilities of serving Him.

By the way our services tonight start at 6:00 P.M. and Wednesday evening at 7:00 P.M.  Will we see you then?