THE CHURCH FAMILY
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
The doctrine of the New Testament church has been the subject of great misunderstanding and controversy. False teachings and the traditions of men that minimize the importance of the Lord’s churches have been embraced as truth. Church membership and member loyalty are, in many places, a thing of the past. However, when we read and study our Bibles carefully, it becomes obvious that there is a unique and powerful union that exists among the members of the church body. That relationship affords benefits that are especially realized in a local church, in the assembly of the congregation.
As with most benefits, this privilege is accompanied by responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is faithful attendance to the church assembly. Our text says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.” Faithful church attendance is clearly taught and expected in the Word of God. When the church members assemble for teaching and worship, it is our duty to assemble with them.
The Bible further admonishes us to “exhort one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). The word daily indicates regular and consistent interaction. This responsibility is not possible without regular and faithful interaction with fellow members. The Word of God also says that, “the members should have the same care one for another” and “whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it” (I Corinthians 12:25, 26). How can we know when members are suffering, or how can we care for them if we are not faithful in our attendance? For these verses to be personalized and experienced, we must be familiar with and committed to helping fellow church members.
These are only a few examples that describe the way members of a local church share in each other’s lives. This kind of relationship is not possible if we are not actively attending services and having consistent fellowship with members of the church family. God intended for church members to be committed to each other. We are to see ourselves as members of the same body. Through our faithful participation, every member of the church family contributes to the spiritual wellbeing of the body.