Do Not Harden Your Heart

by Joe R. Price

The church is God’s house, God’s family (Heb. 3:6; 1 Tim. 3:15).  What a blessing that is! As God’s house, we bear a responsibility of service. Hebrews 3:6 continues by saying we are God’s house “if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” Christians need to continue in steadfast faithfulness to God in order to be finally blessed. To emphasize this, the writer used Israel in the wilderness to teach us about maintaining a diligent faith (Heb. 3:7-19).  He teaches us how to avoid hardening our hearts against God. Otherwise, we are in danger of falling away from God. Consider four things that will harden our hearts.

Delay (Heb. 3:7-8). “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion….” Israel was slow to trust and obey God.  Over and over, Israel made trial of God by failing to trust in His power to save and sustain them.  They said, “is the Lord among us or not?” (Exo. 17:7)  Shall we also harden ourselves against God by failing to see the power and presence of God within His house, the church (Eph. 3:14-21)? Let us seize the moment to yield our stubborn will to His. Otherwise, our heart will surely grow tired of the call to faithfulness, and we will be lost. God is always present to save.

Doubt (Heb. 3:8-9). Israel doubted God’s power in the wilderness (Heb. 3:8-9). They had seen it in Egypt and in their flight from the Egyptians, yet they hesitated to fully trust Him. Their hearts became unresponsive to God’s call to believe and obey. We must not doubt God, His love, His power, His truth, or anything else that emanates from Him. Build your faith on the unfailing faithfulness of God.

Deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:13). Sin promises so much but delivers pain, turmoil and spiritual death. Israel thought the golden calf would help them, and that going back to Egypt would be a blessing. We also can be deceived into thinking the world holds much better things than Christ has to offer. It is a lie. Do not believe it. Sin will not lead you to the promised land.

Disobedience (Heb. 3:15-19). Hearing and knowing God’s word does us no good unless we obey it. In fact, when we hear and know the truth, yet persistently refuse to obey it, we are guilty of provoking God. Plus, we are making it harder on ourselves to obey Him in the future. That is the seriousness of hardening our hearts. We can come to a point where we are no longer reached by God and His word (Heb. 6:4-6).

Remember, God has promised you rest. Do not harden your heart.  

(Reprint, The Spirit’s Sword, March 3, 2002)

The Value of Faithful Attendance

By Mark Mayberry
8/5/2018

Introduction

Let us discuss the value of faithful attendance. Discipleship brings clear and certain benefits (Psa. 103:1-52; 116:12-14). Consider the blessings that are derived from continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42-47).

It Enriches Our Faith

Faithful attendance is important because it enriches our faith, filling our mind with good things. Faith comes by hearing the message of Christ (Rom. 10:17). Scriptural teaching draws us closer to God (John 6:44-45). Sound teachers will present God’s word in a clear and forceful manner (Neh. 8:5-8).

We must take advantage of such opportunities to offset the corrupting influence of the world. Our thinking affects everything else in life (Prov. 4:23; 23:7). Paul admonished the Philippians to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy and of good report (Phil. 4:8). If we approach the Bible classes and worship services with a proper attitude, our faith will be greatly enriched (1 Cor. 1:4-5; 2 Cor. 3:18).

It Deepens Our Convictions

Faithful attendance is important because it deepens our convictions. Sustained effort is required if we are to reach heaven (Heb. 3:6, 14-15; 6:11-12; 10:35-39). Like Demas, flash-in-the-pan disciples often have dramatic beginnings but dismal endings (Col. 4:14; Phile. 23-24; 2 Timothy 4:10). However, if we approach worship services with a proper attitude, our convictions will be deepened, and our hope of heaven made surer (Heb. 11:1-2).

It Betters Our Understanding

Faithful attendance is important because it betters our spiritual understanding. Sinners are alienated from God, darkened in their understanding of divine truth (Eph. 4:17-19). In contrast, Christians enjoy enlightenment (Eph. 1:15-19).

Instead of remaining spiritual infants, disciples should grow to maturity (1 Cor. 14:20). Rather than being unwise, we must understand the Lord’s will (Eph. 5:17). If we approach the Bible classes and worship services with a proper attitude, our understanding of God’s word will be greatly improved (Eph. 4:11-16).

It Encourages Others

Faithful attendance is important because it encourages others. Christians should set a good example (Matt. 5:13-16). Let us pursue the things that lead to the edification of the body of Christ (Rom. 14:19; 15:2; 1 Thess. 5:11). If we approach the Bible classes and worship services with a proper attitude, our brethren will be greatly encouraged (Heb. 3:13; 10:23-25).

It Honors God

Faithful attendance is important because it honors the God of heaven. We exist for this purpose (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Phil. 1:20-21). Assembling with the saints provides us with a wonderful opportunity to praise the Lord and glorify His exalted name (Psa. 22:22-23; 111:1-3).

How can we show proper regard for God if we forsake the assembly? What does it say about your love for Christ if you stay home, lie in bed, watch T.V., work in the yard, or go fishing when you should be at church? Those who love God will keep His commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 5:2-3).

Conclusion

Those who forsake the assembly of the saints miss the opportunity to worship, study, pray, give, learn, associate with other Christians, etc. They rob themselves of manifold spiritual blessings. They deprive others of their influence and encouragement. They defraud God of that which is due Him (Psa. 29:1-2; 96:7-9). Let us, therefore, be faithful in attendance at the Bible classes and worship assemblies.