The Apostle Paul told the people of Galatia, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-8).

Paul was the least likely Christian. He had persecuted Christians and tried to stamp out the church. But God selected him to be the great apostle to the Gentiles. In Acts 9:15, God said, “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel’.” And this chosen one of God did a great work for the Lord. He founded at least 14 churches in the region and visited them to strengthen them. Paul was one of the first Christian missionaries, and probably the best and most effective. Today, through the Cooperative Program, we Baptists support many missionaries, foreign and domestic. 

The ironic thing is that today other countries are sending missionaries to us. And we certainly need them. Though we have churches on almost every block, the majority of our people no longer take advantage of them. God made it clear in Hebrews 10:25 that we are to assemble. But we see empty seats and even whole pews empty in almost every church today. 

We have to conclude that absentees just don’t care for the truth. I can understand somewhat because I was once so foolish. And I am so very thankful the Lord called me back to Him years ago. I am so much happier today than when “I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin.” If only those who sit home during Worship hour could realize what they are missing by staying away from church! They miss the love and fellowship of other believers. They miss the joy of worshiping the Lord God Almighty.

I realize of course that some people are too ill or physically unable to get out and attend church. God certainly understands.

But those who are able and choose not to attend church should do some real soul searching. Especially suspect are church members who have quit church. 1 John 2:19 warns, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” 

If you are one of those who chooses to sit home on Sunday morning, you should decide if you really believe the Gospel and if you have really and sincerely asked Christ to save you. Nothing you can do in life is so very important. You should also fear death, because your death will end all opportunity to ever be saved. Your soul will never die — it will live on forever either in heaven or hell.