Not Being There

I was baptised some 24 years ago. Since that time I have, by God's grace, gone to church on the first day of nearly every week, both in the morning and in the evening. I have on rare occasions been kept away by illness or baby sitting duties and at one low point (notably when I was a theological student!) I simply skipped the evening meeting.

Why do I do it?

• I do it because God has commanded believers not to give up meeting together with each other hut to do it all the more as Christ's return approaches.
• I do it because I recognise the Lord's Day as what the Puritans called the 'market day of the soul' - a God given opportunity to spend time under God's Word and with God's people. I want something for my soul.
• I do it because I know, whether I am preaching or not, I can encourage others simply by being there.

Any believer who deliberately refrains from attending church on the Lord's Day, or who comes only once, is ignoring God's command, potentially harming his soul and discouraging fellow believers.

Can you be a Christian if you do not go to church? As a teenager it was the tradition in my home church for the young people to go carol singing at Christmas to the homes of elderly members who were not able to get to the regular meetings of the church. I remember, in my youthful arrogance, wondering if these elderly ladies really could be believers if they were unable to summon up the strength to be with us on the Lord's Day. The fact is, however, that there are many of God's people who would dearly love to be with the Lord's people on the Lord's Day, but they no longer can. A number of those reading these words may now be in that very position.

Sometimes people die suddenly. Rarely, we hear of someone dying in church. Perhaps you have been present when it has happened. Much more often, people get ill, they worsen, they are confined to bed and eventually they die. For most Christians there are, at the end of their lives, weeks, months, sometimes years in which they are simply not able to come to church or can only come once on the Lord's Day or only infrequently. For all of us there may be periods when, for various reasons, we are not able to meet regularly with the people of God on the Lord's Day. We all need to reckon with this distinct possibility before it happens.

What can we do to prepare for such an eventuality? Here are some suggestions:

• Make the most of every present opportunity to meet with God's people
• Be thankful for those opportunities, whatever the temptation to think otherwise. Do not take such opportunities for granted.
• Work hard at your own personal walk with God. Daily prayer and study of the Word are vital. Meeting with God's people on the Lord's Day is there for us, to help us - may be for a life-time, may be for a shorter period. If we lose this privilege for any reason, in God's providence, we must still walk with the Lord and serve him.
• Look forward to and think often of heaven and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Then we will gather at his feet - and not one will be missing.
• Bear in mind the many who do not have your privileges. Not only are there the sick who, in some cases, can never be present, but also many who are kept away regularly by legitimate duties. Pray that God will make it up to them in other ways.

Looking around (at the end of the last millennium)

As we look at the church scene at the end of the millennium, what do we see? Perhaps the most obvious thing is movement. We are in a constant state of flux. A characteristic of the closing years of this century has been the mobile nature of the population. People move from their places of birth to study, to work, to retire or just for a change of scene. The coming of the motor car means also that it is not that unusual on a Sunday for regulars to be away or for visitors to be present.

This mobility is reflected in the way thinking in society and in the churches seems to always be changing. Few, it seems, stay with the grouping they were born into. New groupings seem to spring up all the time. The movement is on several fronts. Some are shaking off the cautious traditions they have grown up with while others are retreating from the wild enthusiasm of their own background. Often they are able to meet on common ground but sometimes the union does not last. Inevitably there is much confusion and constant alteration. 

The very word Grace exemplifies this. For many, Grace churches are conservative, hymn singing, traditional churches. For others, they are chorus singing extremists with no time for tradition. Although the Grace Directory lists only churches holding to the doctrines of grace a mere glance at the hymn books used (Gadsby, Redemption, Mission Praise, etc) reveals much variety in approach. Further, the attempt to place churches into recognisable ‘camps’, although often done, is doomed to failure. Eclecticism, the pick and mix approach, is a parallel feature of society and the churches today. One cannot assume that because a minister listens to Al Martin tapes or takes The Bible League Quarterly he will not read from the NIV. Because a congregation sings psalms it does not mean they will necessarily have no time for Graham Kendrick. 

More specifically …

We see many encouraging things

Following the resurgence of experiential Calvinism in the middle of the century we see many churches with a strong commitment to Reformed teaching. We see many well established churches, conservative in doctrine but contemporary in approach, reaching out faithfully to their local communities. There is an educated ministry that, for the most part, understands its calling. Many ministers have faithfully served their churches for 10, 20, sometimes 30 years. In many churches there are serious minded, committed people who have seriously thought through the issues of the day and are endeavouring to make a stand for truth. There are many young people in the churches – energetic, enthusiastic, eager for the Word. Despite all our problems at home, missionaries are still going out to serve in difficult and demanding situations overseas.

The resources at our command are amazing. The amount of good solid literature available to the average pastor is phenomenal. The advent of the Internet and the amazing CD Rom is transforming the ease with which the Bible and good literature are accessed. There is a PhD waiting to be done on the impact of computer technology on evangelical preaching and literature. Not only is there plenty for ministers to read but plenty for ‘the man in the pew’ as he used to be called too. Children’s literature is perhaps our weakest area but even in that area there is good material. There are a large number of good magazines too bringing news of God’s people from all over the world and all sorts of other helps.

There are a number of excellent conferences and holiday gatherings too where, at various levels, God’s people can benefit from excellent ministry from around the world. The development of the cassette tape for audio and video is also having its impact. Meanwhile the computer has made available helps for people on a more localised level so that by means of handouts, booklets, sermon notes, newsletters etc, a great deal of good is being done. One area where technology of various sorts continues to have an impact is on our singing. The variety of good material available is once again stunning.

Then think of evangelism. There is a great deal going on at many levels. Think of the door to door, tract giving, special meetings in churches and homes, camps, beach missions, etc, going on. Think of the heroic church planting that has become a feature of this latter half of the century.

We see many discouraging things

One is reluctant to say it but in a society that is collapsing before our very eyes, there is a negative side. As divorce, abortion, rebellion and vileness of various sorts continue to grow, following the rejection of God’s Law, we inevitably see the consequences in society and, sadly, in the churches too. While the radio and TV continue to gush out pro-evolutionary lies, increasingly coarse humour and vapid nonsense there seems to be little place for well argued biblical creationism, Christian ethics or even wholesome entertainment. When the media is drawn to the church it is to gaze at the unbiblical, worldly minded, man centred, sensation seeking emptiness of what they choose to call ‘evangelicalism’ or to mock the often misguided excesses of what they call ‘fundamentalism’.

Even the better churches often leave a good deal to be desired. They are mostly small, with less than 50 members. Many have an elderly membership and many do not have pastors. Nowhere near enough men are being prepared for future ministry. We are struggling to fill the pulpits we have and there is a vast need for church planters. Too many churches want to soft-pedal doctrine and are not really convinced of the efficacy of preaching or prayer. We are constantly being side-tracked on to secondary issues and the hunt for the ‘wonder cure’ that will get us out of this mess. Is the answer all night prayer meetings, an AV in every home, the rediscovery of the traditional Sabbath or for men to give up wearing ties to church? No, the one answer is to look to the Sovereign God alone.

There is plenty to distress when we look around at the spiritual state of the churches. However, when we think of the situation at the beginning of the century – swamped by nominalism, riddled with modernism, already sidelined as irrelevant – we can only praise the Lord that he has been so merciful and blessed us in so many ways. And when we think of all that has happened in other parts of the world in that time too we are amazed.

‘How good is the God we adore … we praise him for all that is passed and trust him for all that’s to come.’

This article first appeared in Grace Magazine in 1999

Our late brother and our late sister

`... get me to the church on time ...' is an old musical song. It is not only brides or even bridegrooms who get to the church late. Every Sunday it is a problem for some.

There are different types of latecomer

Habitual

Such people have been late so often it is now the norm. They are hardly embarrassed at turning up ten or fifteen minutes late and more. It is their regular pattern.

Occasional

Others are quite embarrassed when they arrive late. Once every six weeks, six or seven times a year, it happens. The norm is to be on time but sometimes not.

We all have our days

Perhaps there is no-one reading this who has never been late. Maybe it was not your fault or may be it was. We all need to consider the subject. Most of us could arrive earlier than we do. 

People are late for various reasons

Bad Planning

Most arrive late because of bad organisation. God is a God of order. We are in his image and he expects us to be orderly too. Some mistakes are common. People fail to allow for:

Travelling

No matter how near or far from the church you live you need to allow time to travel there. This is why so often the nearer people live to the building the more likely they are to arrive late. Those far away allow plenty of travelling time but those who live near forget this factor.

Preparation

This is equally obvious but often forgotten. This is one reason why it is more difficult for a family to arrive on time than for an individual. Children also have to be got ready.

The unexpected

Oversleeping, a little accident at the breakfast table, an unexpected telephone call, a traffic jam. All sorts of unexpected things can cause delay. Your routine must make allowance for such things.

Bad Habits

Trying to do other things before church

Sunday School lesson preparation, a chapter of a book, a telephone call. Whatever it is, if it is allowed to interfere with the routine of getting ready for church a late arrival is likely.

Getting up late

If you want to be in church on a Lord's Day morning, the time you rise is crucial. Use your alarm clock. Many like a little lie-in on Sundays but evidence points to the benefits of rising at the same hour every day of the week. If you love the Lord's Day you will want to be up earlier, not later, anyway.

Going to bed too late the night before

One reason some are slow to rise on Sunday morning is a late Saturday night. 'No work tomorrow', they think, so stay up late, then wake up late and arrive at church late. 

Deeper Problems

A disorganised lifestyle

Some are not just late for church but for everything else. Such a lifestyle is a pain to others and dishonouring to God. It must be dealt with.

A low view of the importance of order and punctuality

Further back is a failure to see lack of order and a lack of punctuality as sin against God, a failure to reflect his image.

A low view of the Lord's Day

Another problem is a low view of the Lord's Day and corporate worship. Christians disagree about aspects of the Lord's Day but all agree it is a special day. The last thing it should be is a day for lying in bed. Like our Lord we should be up early and doing on his Day. When we have agreed to meet with fellow believers we should be especially prompt to fulfil our duty and enjoy our privilege. 

There are other problems. In multi-cultural churches sometimes it seems that those of certain cultures are more likely to arrive late. This may be deceptive as, where some say 'Better late than never', others say 'There on time or not at all'. In my experience stereo-types are often proved wrong. Whatever our culture we must not be bound by it but in Christ rise above it. Another matter worth considering, where families are concerned, is the matter of harmony and team work. Without this such families are likely often to be late.

Late arrival at worship meetings is a bad thing because of the effect it has on -

Yourself

You miss out on parts of the worship

The minister has carefully prepared each part of the meeting. If you arrive late you inevitably miss out on some of that.

You come in unprepared

At the start of a meeting, allowance will be made for the fact we often come with cold hearts but if you are late, and come in at a point when it is hoped hearts are warmed, you may find worship difficult.

Others

No matter how careful you are you almost inevitably disturb others in their worship

The last thing one needs is distractions but if you are late you give the devil one more opportunity.

You are likely to discourage and disorientate the preacher

In most assemblies the minister will know if you are late. It may encourage him to know you are there but it cannot encourage him to know you are late. It may disorientate him for a moment as he takes into account your presence.

Your bad example

encourages others to be slack and gives the impression that God does not matter. This may not be your intention but it is likely that this is how others will react.

Practically

Get a right perspective

It is clear from what we have said that a high view of the Lord's Day, of corporate worship and of orderliness as part of a holy life will do a great deal to deliver from the sin of lateness. A careful study of our Lord's lifestyle could do wonders to our thinking by God's grace.

Get organised

A little preparation on Saturday night can make a big difference. Cleaning shoes, choosing clothes, peeling potatoes. All can save precious minutes. Do not go to bed late either and remember to set the alarm for your usual rising time. Plan a routine, remembering to allow for the unexpected and not attempting too much before church. Above all get into the habit of arriving in good time. You will enjoy it.

This article originally appeared in Grace Magazine

Why go to church twice on Sundays?

Sadly, we hear increasingly of churches giving up having two preaching meetings on the Lord’s Day. Thankfully most Grace churches continue to have two meetings and sometimes more. Yet not everyone wants to be at both meetings. Let me introduce you to that exotic but hardly rare species of churchgoer sometimes known as The Oncer

Oncers come in three main varieties. Most common are Morning Oncers. They are very faithful on a Lord’s Day morning, never miss. But as for any later meetings, they are nowhere to be seen. Of course, sometimes older people are a little wary of venturing out at night. Legitimate duties keep some away but, sad to say, even when a lift is arranged or circumstances change the Morning Oncer often still refuses to venture out a second time. Evening Oncers are rarer but, especially in some parts of the country where the tradition is strong, you will see such people without fail in the evening or afternoon meeting though they hardly ever come in the morning. Most exotic of all are Random Oncers. With these you never know quite what will happen until the day is over. If they are not there in the morning they may be there in the evening, but then again, you may not see them at all

Such people are often unbelievers but plenty of men and women who profess faith in Christ almost never think of coming along to church twice on the Lord’s Day, even though there are always two meetings and they are well able to come to both. The idea of coming twice on the Lord’s Day is a form of fanaticism they dare not contemplate. When I was converted as a teenager no-one told me to come to both Sunday meetings I just assumed it was the right thing to do. Not everyone finds it so simple. What arguments might induce them to come more often?

1. Remember, each meeting is a ‘public means of grace’

Therefore all healthy believers will want to be at both. At church the Word of God is read and expounded, the sacraments of the Lord’s Supper and baptism are often administered, there is prayer and praise and fellowship. All these are means of receiving blessing from God. How odd that any serious believer should deliberately throw up half the opportunities they have for such things each Lord’s Day.

2. It is a Scriptural command to meet often with God’s people

Hebrews 10:25 shows us that there were problems with attendance even in the earliest days. However, the writer urges his readers not to give up meeting together as some have done but to do so more and more as you see the Day approaching. The nearer we get to the Day of Judgment and the Lord’s Return the more eager we ought to be to meet with God’s people.

3. Coming to both meetings will greatly help you to honour the Lord’s Day

Christians certainly differ in their understanding of the Lord’s Day but there is a general recognition that Sunday should be different, separate from the other days of the week. Surely this should be so not merely of part of the day but of the whole day. If you properly prepare yourself for and properly take part in the two meetings, you will find that most of your day has been wisely filled. One sometimes wonders what Oncers do with the rest of their day.

4. At most churches the two meetings are quite distinctive

Failure to attend both may create an imbalance. In many places one meeting is features teaching for ‘saints’ and the other a gospel message for ‘sinners’. Anyone receiving only one of these is getting an imbalanced diet. Even where this is not strictly followed there is usually a commitment to expository preaching morning and evening. Rarely will a minister preach on a book of the Bible in the later meeting that he has already expounded in the morning and vice-versa. Oncers are likely never to hear some parts of Scripture expounded even though a little effort would give them the opportunity. Listening to the message on tape is hardly the same thing as being there under the Word and worshipping with the people.

5. By coming to both meetings you may avoid the ‘Service’ mentality

Perhaps it is the word ‘Service’ that gives the wrong impression. Undoubtedly some look on the church as providing a service for the public’s convenience. Services at different times of the day mean that one can come when it best suits. If you are a late riser or you like to have an elaborate Sunday lunch, fear not, you can always catch ‘the late show’. Or if you like to stop in on Sunday evenings watching TV or you go to see friends or family after lunch ‘the first sitting’ should be enough to keep you up to the mark. Full involvement in all the meetings of the Lord’s people should help to dispel that sort of consumer mentality which does so much harm to Christians.

6. Paradoxically it will enable you to be aware of everyone in the church orbit, even the Oncers

I have a friend whose church has such a large number of Oncers some the morning sort and some the evening type that the morning and evening congregations are quite different. Some people never meet, even though they go to the same church and hear the same men preach! While Oncers continue to exist the only way to know all those who attend the same place of worship is if you do not do the same.

7. You will be a great encouragement to your pastor and the rest of the congregation who have no doubt put as much effort into the earlier meeting as the later one if you will make the effort to come to both

The super-spiritual will reply that they do not come to church to please men but to please God. However, in Hebrews 10:25 the writer has no embarrassment in urging the people to meet more often in order to encourage one another. What an encouragement it might be, under God, if you decided to give up your lie in, your walk in the countryside, your cosy evenings in or whatever and started coming twice on Sundays. It will do you some good too if you stay humble. What about it?