[The Forest Hill News, Memphis, TN, Forest Hill Church of Christ, August 8, 2000, Vol. 26, No. 31, p. 4.]
It made some people question the reality of my religious faith (James 2:17).
It set an example of neglecting the assembly and failing to obey an inspired command (Hebrews 10:25).
I failed to observe the example set by the early church in partaking of the Lord’s Supper on the Lord’s Day (Acts 20:7).
It made it impossible for the elders of the church to see that the entire flock was fed or taught the Word of God (Acts 20:28).
It indicated that I was not concerned about assembling with my brethren and the Lords promise to be in our midst (Matthew 18:20).
Some must have concluded that I found more pleasure in fellowship with the world than with the Lord and my brethren (2 Corinthians 6:14).
I set the wrong example before my children and before others who were influenced by my absence (1 Timothy 4:12).
If I chose to be absent on a pleasure trip and made no plans to worship God, it would prove that I love the Lord too little and the world too much (2 Timothy 4:10).
It set a pattern of irregular church attendance, violating the steadfastness in teaching, fellowship and worship which was practiced by the apostolic church (Acts 2:42-47).
On the day that I willfully chose to be absent, I failed to walk in the light and did not enjoy the fellowship of my brethren (1 John 1:7).
