(Editor’s note: Adair Chapman was the oldest brother of our dear Forrest Chapman, and was a great source of encouragement in Forrest’s decision to preach the gospel. Also a gospel preacher, Adair “emigrated” to Dallas, Texas early in his preaching career, where he became both wellknown and well-loved for his great work in the kingdom.)
Members of the church will often ask, “Is it necessary for me to attend church services?” No intelligent person would ask, “Must I eat every time I am hungry?” There are obvious reasons for attending services faithfully. Regularity and spirituality are closely related. The soul as well as the body must be fed at regular intervals. The Christian who sings “When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there,” and is then absent from the services half the time needs to harmonize his practice with his singing. It is doubful that one can be present there when one is consistently absent here.
I attend the church services regularly because Christ expects me to do so (Matthew 18:20). When I am absent, I am deprived of the blessing his presence imparts to me. If the apostles and the early Christians were living today, they would attend the services faithfully. Therefore, I am unable to condone in my life a practice which would have been unacceptable to them (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
I should not let the church down, because it is the church that holds me up. It is the church rejoices when I rejoice and that weeps when I weep. It is the church that will pray for me when I am sick, comfort my loved ones when I am gone, and provide me with a decent Christian burial.
I support the services of the church because it is a sin not to do so (Hebrews 10:25). My presence strengthens and encourages others (Hebrews 10:24). The services of the church keep me holy in heart, humble in life, and grateful in spirit. My presence show that I love the Lord (John 14:15).
Attending the services of the church makes me a better person, because at such services, I associate with good people. Good people can always be found in God’s house, and they are there because they are trying to become better. They realize they are not perfect.
My presence at the appointed times indicates my faithfulness to the Lord (Revelation 2:10). Someday I hope to hear Him say, “Well done.” He cannot say, “Well done” if I have not done well.
-Adair P. Chapman
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