Yes, you can count on me to be your “friend.” Let me give you some

“fatherly” advice. Dear Young Person:

Do you at times feel neglected, that no one is interested in you?

Please do not ever feel that way again. I am keenly interested in you,

for I realize that you are most impressionable in your youth. I cannot

reach many of your “old fogy,” “know it all,” “set in their ways”

parents. Consequently, perhaps most of my most valuable time,

attractive “tactics,” and smooth conversion “techniques” are spent

One, do not spend much time in studying the Bible. I want to help

you make vital decisions, those which will affect you for a lifetime,

even for eternity. However, those who meditate upon the Word of

God find themselves not desiring to listen to me. Do not feel that you

need to quote scriptures, like Christ when He was tempted.

Two, please do not really think that you need to attend every worship

service. Just look at the examples of many so-called Christians who

are grown; when you grow up, you will be able to forsake the

assembly also. You see, you too will learn that other things are more

important.

Three, it is vital to remember that you are young only once. My,

everybody has the “right” to sow his wild oats, does he not? Have you

not observed that religion is really for old folks? Besides, do you wish

to give the impression to your friends that you are a coward, that you are

not the master of your own life, that you cannot think for yourself?

Four, expect the church to entertain you. Do you not have every right to

expect the same excitement within and without the worship of the church

that you receive from television, the movies, at the ball park, etc.? If they do

not have a comedian in the pulpit and a ministry of recreation, be loud in

your complaints.

If this fails, show your disapproval by staying home or by seeking out a

church which is “really interested” in young people. Remember, “ask not

what you can do for the Lord, but rather what He and the church can do for

you”! Five, demand a Bible that reads like a comic book. No one should

expect you young people to study hard to understand God’s will for your

lives. It is just so frustrating not to have a “Bible” that you can understand.

Certainly, that old archaic King James Version and even the American

Standard Version are just beyond your ability to grasp.

Six, do not let anyone tell you how to live your life. Anyway, how can one

really “know the truth” from a Bible so full of contradictions? Oh, have

you been told you can trust the Bible? Do not believe it! Your guess as

to what the Bible teaches is as good as that of anyone else. Besides, have

you not heard? It is the age of “do your own thing.” Have you not

learned by now that certain things are “wrong” only in certain situations?

What was “wrong” when your parents came along (dancing, drinking,

smoking, immodest dress, gambling, sex outside of marriage, drugs, etc.)

is not wrong now. They warn you of these “forbidden pleasures” only

because they do not want you to have a good time.

If any of your friends need to feel “loved,” pass my letter on to them.

However, if your parents, the elders, or the preacher see it, they may not be

impressed. I am interested in having you spend eternity with me, also.

Your friend (?),

Satan

 Often, the question is asked, “Must I attend every service of the church?” Some feel that attending each week meets the criterion of faithful membership. But, the problem is one of heart. The question should be: “How much do I love God; how much do I love the brotherhood; how much do I love my soul and the crown of life awaiting the faithful?” The Christian, therefore, will reason thus: One, I will assemble regularly, for to praise God demonstrates and proves my love for Him and my gratitude for the marvelous sacrifice of Christ (John 14:15). To the Christian who lives in great anticipation of serving God day and night in His presence in Heaven, the privilege of serving Him in the assembly cannot come often enough (Rev. 5:19-14). To have to miss the Bible study/worship brings deepest regret. Why, the Christian will die for Christ, and certainly he will assemble faithfully in His presence with the brethren! Two, I will assemble regularly, for this helps me to be my brother’s keeper (Gen. 4:9). It helps to strengthen my marriage (Song of Solomon 8:6; Matthew 19:6-9; Hebrews 13:4). It helps me bring up my children in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). It helps me lead the lost to Christ (Matthew 28:19,20; Romans 7:4). It helps me restore the erring (James 5:19, 20). It helps me love the brotherhood (Hebrews 13:1). And, it helps me bear fruit (John 15), without which I shall be cut down (Luke 13:6-9). Three, I will assemble regularly, for this helps me to be “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10). I do not wish to be lost; my spiritual carcass must not litter the path of life. I attend, for it brings edification and encouragement, fortification and conviction. The knowledge gained and associations experienced enable me to overcome temptation. Studying at homer, though vital, cannot substitute for the strength derived from sharing the like precious faith with my brethren. That “tie that binds” is strengthened and my resolve is enhanced. I am human; I require the encouragement and brotherhood of others. I can then bear fruit and win the lost. I realize I am not alone; others are working for the Lord, as well. Four, I will assemble regularly, for this enables me to function as a priest (Revelation 1:6). I realize how unbecoming it is for a priest not to have a sacrifice of praise on every possible occasion (Hebrews 13:5), for I am a part of that “royal priesthood,” the church which was purchased by the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 2:9; Acts 20:28). I am not my own, for I have been purchased and redeemed (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20); I will thus glorify God. My privilege is great, for I can, being a priest, “...therefore draw near with boldness unto the throe of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Five, I will assemble regularly, for this helps me put the kingdom “first” (Matthew 6:33). It shows “steadfastness” (1 Corinthians 15:58), offering my body as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1,2). I “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matthew 5:6); it will help me be filled. My presence tells the preacher, “Your study and sacrifices are much appreciated; I will give heed to the oracles of God” (2 Peter 4:1). It tells the elders, “You certainly can count on me in the work of the church; I love you for watching in behalf of my soul” (Hebrews 13:17). It tells the Bible class teachers, “Your time of preparation will do me good” (2 Timothy 2:2). I will show appreciation for the regular feeding time established by the shepherds in the local church, who rule under the chief Shepherd, Christ (1 Peter 5:4; Hebrews 13:7; Acts 20:28). I attend the services because it is a command, but that is not my main reason for doing so. It is certainly true that I am commanded not forsake the assembling (Hebrews 10:25). But, I attend out of love for God and for the good it does for me. God will continue to be God, whether I worship Him or not. Note Psalms 50:12, where God observes, “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; For the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.” Yes, my attendance helps the cause of Christ, but it especially helps me. Indeed, whether or not I attend every service has never been a subject of debate - I will be present, if at all possible!