A Household Requiring Church Attendance

A dear brother texted the following:

“Good morning Rev, could you provide some perspective on requiring the Adult members of your household to attend church? I believe the Word of God is clear on this.  Thanks.”

My response:

“Good afternoon, my brother.

Thanks for the request.

I agree with you.

My response is first, Heb. 10:25 is a phrase that can be traced back to verses 19-21, which concludes with our "great priest over the house of God" (the church). That being the case, three exhortations ("let us") are given in verses 22, 23, and 24.

Second, to comply with these exhortations, believers must obey verse 25 which strongly urges or encourages believers to assemble together to motivate one another to comply with "let us."

Third, to disobey verse 25 indicates that a believer is slighting verses 19-21.

Fourth, therefore, adults (except the spouse) living in a household where church attendance is required should either comply or seek an alternative residence. Any believer who refuses to attend church disregards the significance of spiritual growth and is on the road to backsliding

(2 Peter 1:5-10). Dealing with a spouse calls for a different approach (1 Cor. 7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1-7).

I hope this concise explanation helps, my brother.”

Sent from my iPhone