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Assembly Times

 Sunday

   Bible Classes (10:00 am)

   AM Worship (11:00 am)

 Wednesday

   Bible Classes (7:00 pm)

Location

180 Townwood Drive

Charlottesville, VA 22901

Click Here for Specific Directions

Non-Attendance Merely a Symptom
By Larry Ray Hafley

Every Christian is familiar with Hebrews 10:25- "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Heb. 10:25). The passage is not the problem. Generally, a failure to attend services is not the issue. What, then?

Love for the Lord, dedication and devotion to serving God, and a sincere desire to go to heaven are the keys to godly living. Thus, a lack of attendance is not the problem. Instead, it is the symptom of what is wrong. Worldliness: "And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful" (Mark 4:19). Like some in the Old Testament, they are "children in whom is no faith."

Shall we exhort and encourage them to attend services? Of course. However, this is often the extent of our attempt to solve the problem. Obviously, it is not sufficient. So, what do we do? If each would do the following things, perhaps the weak would be strengthened.

"Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all" (1 Thess. 5:11-15).

"Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed" (Heb. 12:12, 13).

Rather than sitting back and complaining about those who "never come to church like they should," perhaps we should take some initiatives which will increase their faith and encourage their souls. Love can do no less.