Faithfully assembling with other members of the Lord’s church in one’s area is commanded and demanded by God (Heb. 10:23-31; cf. Acts 2:42; 20:6, 7; 1 Cor. 16:1, 2, etc.). There are times when Christians are unable to attend, but if I could be there and choose not to attend, I am:
- Denying God the kind of worship He desires and deserves (Psa. 18:3; John 4:23, 24; 1 Cor. 11:17-20, 33; 14:23; Rev. 4:11).
- Disobeying God’s command to assemble, thereby disassembling the body of Christ (Heb. 10:25).
- Disobeying God’s command to “hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering” (Heb. 10:23).
- Disobeying God’s command to encourage other children of God who have assembled (Heb. 10:25).
- Disobeying God’s command to provoke others to love (Heb. 10:24).
- Disobeying God’s command to provoke others to do good works (Heb. 10:24).
- Disobeying God’s command to sing with the other saints to the Lord (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
- Disobeying God’s command to teach and admonish other saints in song (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
- Disobeying God’s command to give on the first day of every week (1 Cor. 16:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:7; cf. Luke 21:1-4; 2 Cor. 8, 9).
- Declining to declare the Lord’s death in the Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week with the local body of Christ (Matt. 26:26, 27; Acts 20:6, 7; 1 Cor. 11:17-20, 24-26, 33; 14:23; cf. 16:2).
- Depriving and weakening the local church by removing my talents, money, and encouragement (Matt. 25:24-30).
- Depriving myself of the best opportunities for spiritual growth (Matt. 5:6; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 3:1, 2; Eph. 4:14, 15; 2 Tim. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Pet. 2:2, 3; 2 Pet. 1:5-13; 3:15-18).
- Displaying an attitude of ingratitude (Matt. 26:28; Luke 17:11-18; Col. 3:15).
- Displaying a lack of love for God (Matt. 22:37; 1 Jn. 2:3-6, 15-17; 5:3).
- Displaying a lack of love for others (Matt. 22:39; John 13:34, 35; Php. 2:1-4; 1 Jn. 2:9).
- Displaying a sinful example for others to follow (1 Jn. 2:10; cf. Matt. 5:16).
- Discouraging faithful Christians who are trying their best to get to Heaven and bring others with them (Num. 32:6, 7; Gal. 6:1; Heb. 5:9; James 5:19, 20).