North End Church of Christ

By: Victor M. Eskew

It is common to look at the attendance figures of most congregations and find the Wednesday night attendance figures to be greatly below those for the service on Sunday morning. Sometimes the total attending on Wednesday is one-half the Sunday morning figure.

Those who cause this difference by deliberately forsaking the Wednesday evening Bible classes are sounding forth a message to God and others. Let us look at some of the things we proclaim when we forsake Wednesday night Bible study.

1] One is saying that he does not need spiritual food. The Bible contains the necessary ingredients for one’s spiritual growth. (I Peter 2:2) Every Wednesday night, some of these spiritual delicacies are set forth for those who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Those who remain at home during this spiritual feast act as though they do not need this nutrition for their souls. At the present, these individuals may not be aware of it, but they are dying spiritually. One who doesn’t eat in the physical realm will soon cease to be. This is also true in the realm of things spiritual.

2] Those who forsake the Wednesday night services are saying with clarity there are some things more important than gathering with God’s people for study and meditation upon God’s Word. Some of these “more important” things are television programs, the newspaper, housework, and the garden. Dear friends, a continuation in such a course will cause many people, even your brothers and sisters in Christ, to wonder whether you have been raised with Christ. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:1,2)

3] Those who remain at home on Wednesday nights are also stating that Bible study is boring and dull. It is amazing that one could call something more precious than gold, (Psalm 19:10) dull and boring. It is beyond comprehension that the Book containing God’s mind (I Cor. 2:9-13) could be thought of as dry and uninteresting.. It is astounding that the man which will direct us to the heavenly abode with the Almighty and his Son (Mt. 7:21) can be said to be stale and humdrum. Yet, that is what those who forsake Wednesday night are saying.

4] Those who forsake Wednesday night are saying with certainty that obeying God’s commands is not important. Hebrews 10:25 commands that one not forsake the assemblies of the saints. Those who forsake the mid-week assembly undoubtedly think this command is not important. Could they be mistaken? “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14)

We urge all those who forsake the Wednesday night gathering of the saints to change their ways. Make sure to attend in order to receive the spiritual food which is offered. There is nothing more important. Upon attending regularly, you will find that it is refreshing and enjoyable. And, you will obey the Savior in the process. See you on Wednesday night!