REGULARLY MEET TOGETHER

There are times when I wonder why on any given Sunday we have members who come to our assembly but choose not to attend Bible Class. Recently, I read this information from a Barna Research update, and the importance of regular Bible class attendance became clear.

Adults who began the church-going habit when they were kids are three times more likely to stay committed than their childhood peers who stayed away from church.

Church-going teenagers are much more likely to have a sensitive conscience than their unchurched peers. Researchers with the Gallop Youth Survey have found out that kids who attend religious services regularly are much more likely to feel guilty about:

  • "Having sex before you are married" (79% vs. 44%)
  • "Lying to a friend" (89% vs. 75%)
  • "Being disloyal to your group" (84% vs. 76%)
  • "Surfing for pornography on the internet" (85% vs. 70%)
  • "Cheating on a test at school" (85% vs. 70%)
  • "Swearing or cursing at a teacher" (83% vs. 69%)

    So what relevance does all this have on us today? This helps me realize that what is written in Hebrews 10:24-25 is more than just an encouragement for us to continue meeting together regularly. There is a reason and motive for us to meet together regularly.

    "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

    See you in Bible Class!

    Ted Edwards

    West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
    Bulletin Article, 23 June 2002

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