The Coming King and Kingdom Stewardship

Revelation 20:1-6 and Luke 19:11-27

FutureThings: 

The Coming King and Kingdom Stewardship

(pt. 2)

INTRO:  The blessings of peace, prosperity, and freedom can also become spiritual hinderances- how so?   (Note Matthew 6:33 & Col. 3:1-4)

What would it look like if you and I were to live each day in light of the Coming Kingdom of God?

In effort to help us understand Revelation 20 with greater precision, let us first consider "4 Central Affirmations of Jesus Concerning the Forthcoming Kingdom of God."

I)     When the Messianic King Comes, He Will Establish the Kingdom--  just NOT immediately.  

(Luke 19:11-27)

Sermon outline of Luke 19:11-27

1) Kingdom Confusion      (Luke 19:11)

2) Kingdom Clarification  (Luke 19:12; Psalm 110:1f)

3) Kingdom Stewardship (Luke 19:13-19)

Let us Strive to be a Faithful Kingdom Steward of the “Five T’s”

i) Our ____________  (Eph. 5:16; Proverbs 6:11; Eccl. 3:1-13)

ii) Our ____________ (2 Cor. 8-9; Mt. 6:19-21; 1 Tim. 6:10-11; Luke 6:38; Mk 10:24)

iii) Our ____________ (1 Pet. 4:10-11; Prov. 3:9; Luke 16:10; 1 Cor. 4:7; Hag. 2:8)

 iv) Our ____________(Matt. 12:33-36; Prov. 18:21)

 v)  And ____________ (1 Tim. 3:15; 2 Tim. 1:13-15; Luke 16:1-12)

4) Kingdom Rewards (Luke 19:17, 19)

5) Kingdom Justice (Luke 19:20-27)

For Further Reflection/Application:  We must be doers of the Word and not merely hearers

What would it look like if you were to live each day in light of the Coming Kingdom of God?

One of the most important and prominent themes in Scripture is the Kingdom of God. How much do you know about it? (note Rev. 20:4-6 and my sermon from two weeks ago where we surveyed the Kingdom of God from Acts 1:3 all the way to 28:30-31). 

How important of a theme was the Kingdom to Jesus and the early church/Apostles?  How important is this biblical doctrine today in the contemporary church?

Is this going to be a practical series?  “The kingdom of God is not just an interesting academic pursuit.  It is intensely personal and practical. It is the basis of our hope and the solution to everything wrong in the world!  Every frustration, fear, and doubt can be answered by the kingdom of God.”  Michael Vlach.

Preaching Without Authority?

Preaching Without Authority? 

"In 1971, Fred Craddock rocked the preaching world. His book As One Without Authority proclaimed that preaching would continue “for another generation as ‘a marginal annoyance on the record of a scientific age’” if it did not change its methods. His underlying message was that the authority determining the value of any sermon was the hearer. The result was a radically altered presence in America’s pulpits. 

According to Craddock, preachers cannot preach with authority. He insists, “The preacher exists as one without authority.” Instead of preaching with authority, they had to appease the listeners with sermons that tickled their ears and made them feel good. In essence, Craddock was calling for a new homiletic. Preachers should no longer preach deductively from the Scriptures, but should preach inductively, targeting the hearer as the true authority on the quality, quantity, and content of the sermon. Craddock’s book was a kind of canary in the coalmine for biblical preaching. With the rise of the church-growth movement and emerging spirituality, authoritative preaching has fallen out of fashion.

Nevertheless, true preaching—biblical preaching—must be authoritative preaching. The nature of the message we preach necessitates authority. If we are faithfully exegeting and preaching the Scriptures, then our message necessarily comes with authority, because it comes from God.

The Passing Pleasure of Sin

Dr. Sproul article today highlights how we often confuse pleasure and joy when dealing with sin.  "When I was a boy, my parents made me go to church every Sunday morning. I had no desire to go. I found the worship service boring and could not wait for it to be over so I could go play. But even worse than Sunday morning worship was the weekly catechism class, which was held on Saturday morning. That was the lowest point of my childhood experience in church. I had to go through a communicants class, then I moved on to the catechism class, where I and some other boys and girls had to memorize the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I endured it all just to become a member of the church and finish the course so my parents would be satisfied. I was not converted until several years later.

The Social Gospel Trend Within Evangelicalism: a Biblical Rebuttal

TGC's Social Justice Prophet

My favorite Christian blogger, Pastor Phil Johnson of Grace To You, has made his return to the blogosphere.  His latest article is well worth your time.  The Social Gospel Trend Within Evangelicalism: a Biblical Rebuttal

"The issue underlying practically every popular evangelical trend we have ever decried here on PyroManiacs is the same moral defect that was the besetting sin of the Pharisees—namely, a craving for human applause. The current ranks of evangelical leadership are filled with men who care far too much about what the world thinks of them. The intellectually sophisticated among our Top Men tend to covet academic esteem, especially from unbelieving scholars. Those who are less—um, cerebrally endowed—just yearn to be admired for being über-cool. Between those two extremes are a legion of evangelical movers and shakers who think they can achieve both goals. Lately, they have sought to do this by cultivating a noisome air of political correctness.

Scripture could not be more clear about the value of this world's approval. Jesus said, "Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26). And, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18-19). And, "you will be hated by all for my name's sake" (Matthew 10:22). And, "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets" (Luke 6:22-23).

It's a theme that runs throughout Scripture, starting with Cain's murderous contempt for his own brother's righteous offering, and finally summed up in 1John 3:13 with this admonition from the Apostle of Love: "Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you."

Christians are expressly forbidden to embrace the world's values or seek its approval: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15-17).

What Does the Church Most Need Today?

Photo Credit: Ligonier Ministries 

"What does the church most need today? In answering this important but rather general question, Psalm 81 is uniquely important and helpful. This psalm obviously contains beautiful promises and clear directions to help the people of God. But careful study of this psalm will deepen our appreciation of it, increase its value for us, and show us how distinctive it is for helping the church.

As we study psalms, we soon learn that the central verse of a psalm is often significant as a key to its interpretation. The central line of Psalm 81 is the heart of that psalm, as the plaintive cry of God is heard: “O Israel, if you would but listen to me!” (v. 8b). The center of Psalm 81—indeed the whole psalm—is a reflection on the Shema.

The centrality of this line and its importance are underscored when we recognize that Psalm 81 is the central psalm of Book 3 of the Psalter. Book 3 (Psalms 73–89) principally concerns the crisis in Israel caused by the destruction of the temple (Ps. 74) and the apparent failure of God’s promises that David’s sons would forever sit on his throne (Ps. 89). Something of the cause and character of this crisis is contained in this central line of the central psalm.

Since Book 3 is the central book of the five books of the Psalter, Psalm 81:8b actually is the central line of the whole book of Psalms. It stands at the very heart of Israel’s songbook. It calls Israel to deep reflection on her relationship to her God.

This psalm also appears to be central to Israel’s liturgical calendar. The praise at new moon and full moon can refer only to the seventh month of the year, the Feast of Trumpets (Lev. 23:24; Num. 10:10) and the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:26–32). Between these two feasts occurred the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27). As God called Israel to celebrate His great provisions as Creator and Deliverer, so He called His people to hear Him.

As the Shema was crucial to the Torah, so it is central to the Psalter and to the Christian life. God’s people must hear His Word, particularly to reject false gods (v. 9) and to walk in His ways (v. 13). They must not follow their own wisdom (v. 12). How sad to contemplate that God might give us what we think is good for us.

discipling relationships are important (but how do they actually work)?

The following is adopted from a 9 Marks post on Christian Discipleship.

QUESTION:

I get that discipling relationships are important, but how do they actually work?

ANSWER(S):

— Join a church.  Don't just attend.  The Holy Spirit wants you to be actively involved in the life of the congregation (1 Cor. 12-14; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
— Arrive early at church gatherings and stay late.
— Practice hospitality with members of your church (with old and young, new members and founding members).
— Ask God for strategic friendships.  Gospel-centered relationships are critically important.

— If possible, include a line-item in your family or pastoral budget for weekly time with fellow Christians. Discuss this matter with your spouse. If possible, provide such a budget line for your spouse as well.

— Schedule regular breakfasts, lunches, or some other culturally-acceptable social engagement with teachable individuals (of the same sex). Depending on the person, you may decide to meet once, indefinitely, or for a set number of times (say, five). If you and the individual share a pastime, look for ways to share that pastime together.

— Ask lots and lots of questions.  Ask them about themselves. Ask them about their parents, spouse, children, testimony, job, walk with Christ, and so on. In asking questions, however, do so in a manner that’s appropriate for your cultural context (don’t scare them!).  Try not and ask questions that require only a simple "yes" or "no" response.  For example, rather than asking do you enjoy sports?  Ask, "what do you enjoy to do when you have free time?"

Share about yourself.  Honesty and transparency begets vulnerability and openness.  See 2 Cor. 6:11-12

— Look for ways to have spiritual conversations. Maybe decide to read the Bible or some other Christian literature together.  Every meeting does not need to be a Bible study.  However, Christian fellowship is centered around Christ and the Word of God.

— Consider their physical or material needs. Would they benefit from your help or from the help of fellow church members.

— Pray together.  Pray for them when you are apart. 

— Depending on your home situation, invite the person to drop by your house or spend time with your family. Let them watch you live life.  Informal is sometimes more valuable then formal.

What If I Can't Sing?

What If I Can't Sing-  Article by Keith and Kristyn Getty.

"Sometimes we meet people who say, “I can’t sing”—as in, “The sound that comes out of my mouth when I try to sing is not what I was hoping for.”

Perhaps this is you, and you can recall an awkward conversation as a child when you were asked to mouth the words, rather than sing them, or you were told that being a member of your school or church choir might not be the “best fit” for your gifts.  But if you can speak, you can sing. God designed you to sing and gave you everything you need to sing as well as he wants you to. He’s far less concerned with your tunefulness than your integrity. Christian singing begins with the heart, not the lips (Eph. 5:19).

He Treasures All Voices

When our young daughters sing together, the older is more confident than the middle one, who is in turn more fluent than the youngest. This may change as they all get older, but the point is this—to their parents’ ears, each voice isn’t only as important as the others; each is as treasured as the others.

When it comes to congregational singing your heavenly Father cares whether and what you sing, but he doesn’t mind how well you sing. While we may have choirs within our churches made up of voices who have expertise and ability, the congregation of a church is the ultimate choir, and it is without auditions—everyone can and should be in it.  The congregation of a church is the ultimate choir.

The beauty of such a congregational choir is that our voices and hearts are knit together in praise. It’s exhilarating to be part of a body of believers singing truth together.

Lake Country Bible Church Pastors- Past and Present

The Misleading Language of the Social Justice Movement

Photo Credit: justthinking.me.com

The Misleading Language of the Social Justice Movement. 

Author: Darrell B. Harrison

“The concept of the black race and the white race originated with the Enemy himself. Just as he sowed seeds of doubt in the garden of Eden with his “hath God really said,” he has continued through the ages to offer a lie in the place of God’s truth. His attack has been anything but subtle. This web of deceit has brought hatred and bigotry into the church. What we are left with is a huge divide that is no more evident than at the 11:00 worship hour on Sunday mornings.” – Dr. John M. Perkins, One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race

It was more than half a century ago, on December 18, 1963, to be exact, when, during a Q&A session at Western Michigan University, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated the following: “We must face the fact that in America, the church is still the most segregated major institution in America. At 11:00 on Sunday morning, when we stand and sing and Christ has no east or west, we stand at the most segregated hour in this nation.”

“Segregated”?

Really?

Now, before I go any further, I want to say at the outset of this commentary that I do not ask that question in an effort to be facetious or to portray an acrimonious or argumentative posture toward either Dr. King or his legacy as a civil rights leader.

Not at all.

Nevertheless, the truth is King’s assertion that 11:00 on Sunday mornings is the most “segregated” hour [in the American evangelical church] has essentially gone unchallenged since the day he uttered those words some 55 years ago – words that for many Christians who today identify as advocates and proponents of “social justice” within the evangelical church – serve as a primary impetus to promote a missiology founded upon the presupposition that the same culture of ethnic divisiveness to which Dr. King is alluding, a culture that initially gave rise to the Black Church in America, exists virtually unchanged today. 

On the Preparation of Expository Sermons

"Dear Brethren,

You must ever consider it a sacred duty to bestow diligent care on the preparation of your sermons. You are not at liberty to go into the pulpit without having something to say to the people.

The days of inspiration are past. I am aware the fact is sometimes referred to that the Savior commanded the Apostles not to think beforehand what they should say when brought before kings and governors. It may be safely assumed that this language is inapplicable to ministers of the gospel now.

You will probably ask what I mean by preparation for the pulpit. I mean that you must understand the subjects you intend to discuss and that the method of discussion must be distinctly arranged in your own minds. If this is not the case, though you may say a great many good things, you will say them in a disjointed miscellaneous manner, and will not in fact deliver sermons. What you say will not be suggested by your texts.

Nothing deserves to be called a sermon which does not grow out of the text. One of the chief excellences of sermonizing consists in an exhibition of the natural connections between the subject and the discourse founded thereon. If such a connection is not shown, why have a subject at all?

Revelation 20:1-6, Acts 1-28. Future Things: Thy Kingdom Come!

 Revelation 20:1-6 and Acts 1-28

Future Things:

 Thy Kingdom Come

(pt. 1)

“The kingdom of God is not just an interesting academic pursuit.  It is intensely personal and practical study. It is the basis of our hope & the solution to everything wrong in the world!  Every frustration, fear, and doubt can be answered by the kingdom of God.” 

“My heart longs for the kingdom.  I think about its coming daily… how can’t I when it seems as if every month I hear of someone diagnosed with cancer or some life-threatening situation.  My experiences are not unique.   The world my children are inheriting seems to worsen daily.  Increasingly, good is called evil and evil is considered good.  Traditional values are mocked.  Even a creation ordinance like marriage has been redefined!”

The Messianic King and the glorious Kingdom doesn’t just fall out of the sky ‘willy-nilly.’  The biblical literate believer would not be shocked by what John witnesses in Revelation 20.

Revelation 20 harmonizes perfectly:

With 1) The Unconditional Promises in the Great Covenants (Gen. 12, 15; 2 Sam. 7; Jer. 31-32);

With 2) the Unwavering Hope of the O.T. Prophets (Hosea 3; Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1f; Zech. 12-14);

With 3) the Inspired Apostolic Writings (i.e. the N.T.)  (Acts 3; Rom. 9-11);

and with 4) the End Times Teachings of Christ (Acts 1:1-11; Matthew 21-25)

(See related sermon series on the LCBC website on Prophesy and Eschatology, the Great Biblical Covenants, and our Luke 1 miniseries).

Today's sermon rests on three sermon headings: 

I) Jesus’ “famous last words” in Acts 1:1-11-.

II) The King and Kingdom “Reoffered” in Acts 3:19-21.

III) The Apostle's Ongoing Message in Acts 28:23f

The history of the early church begins and ends highlighting what theme/promise/hope?

(Acts 28:23-24, 30-31)

Special Service on May 20th at Lake Country Bible Church

This Sunday at Lake Country Bible Church is an extra special day for three reasons:

1) We get to express our appreciation to our faithful Assistant Pastor Ray and his All-Star wife Ellen Rudzinski during our lunch fellowship. Pastor Ray is retiring which gives us a chance to say "thank you!" Ray has been an ideal Assistant Minister.  He is humble, dependable, godly, and gifted.

2) Our beloved founding Pastor Sal Massa and his awesome help-mate Elena Pilato Massa are back from India and will be sharing a special missionary update during the 9 am SS hour.  For 18 years the Lord used Sal and Elena to help establish a Word-driven Church in Lake Country, Wisconsin.  I am indebted to Sal for giving me the stewardship of leading this wonderful flock.  Pastor Sal will "bring the Book" during the 10:15 am worship service! It's going to be epic. 

3) Finally, Our new Assistant Pastor Kent Kolstad and his faithful wife Marie first official Sunday is May 20th. We are thrilled to have them join our church family and to use their gifts in order to help meet the many needs of our growing congregation.

As always, you won't want to miss Sunday worship at LCBC. Our worship songs this week have been selected by Pastor Ray.  See you soon!

Future Things: What God Wants Us To Know About the Real Armageddon (pt. 2)

Revelation 19:17-21 highlights the real Armageddon

Revelation 19:19-21

Future Things: What God Wants Us To KnowAbout Armageddon

 (pt. 2)

INTRO-  The Global War on Terrorism has been going on for 17 years and counting (post 9-11-01).  

Satan’s enduring conflict against God, humanity, and the truth makes the Afghan War look like a N.Y. minute; (from Gen. 3- present day). 

Humanity's failed attempts at peace are all too common.  WWI was once called the war to end all wars... then came WWII and with it 50 million more casualties.

In view of history, why do the people of God cry, “Marantha! Come quickly Lord Jesus, come?” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

What God Wants Us To Know About Armageddon

1) It coincides with the 2^nd Coming of Christ Jesus

(Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 24:27-30; Luke 12:37-40, Zechariah 12-14)

2)  It’s the final conflict between good and evil (heaven and hell; the redeemed and the big bad World; Christ and the Antichrist).

   (Zech. 14; Revelation 16:13-16; 19:19-21)

3) It’s wonderfully, anti-climatic! (for believers that is)

(Revelation 19:17-21)

  

4) It’s “the Pickett’s Charge” of Satan's historical conflict against God and his people!

(Revelation 19:19-21)

Future Things: What God Wants Us To Know About the Real Armageddon (pt. 1)

Discerning Fact from Fiction (Revelation 19:11-21)

              Revelation 19:19-21

Future Things: What God Wants Us To Know About Armageddon

 (pt. 1)

INTRO-  Super Bowl XX: This much-anticipated event was over before it began and is a

real-life illustration of total dominance. 

What does this have to do with Revelation 19:19-21?

Why does the Bible include so many prophecies about “future things?” (AKA- eschatology)

How do some so-called “bible teachers” exploit people’s fears in relation to apocalyptic events like Armageddon? (survival kits, etc).

What God Wants Us To Know About Armageddon  (click to listen to sermon)

1) It coincides with the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ!

(Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 24:27-30; Zechariah 12-14; Luke 12:37-40)-

2)  It’s the Final Conflict between Good and Evil (the light and the darkness, Christ and the Antichrist, the people of God and the big bad world)!

(Zech. 14; Revelation 16:13-16; 19:19-21)

  The future/final “Axis of Evil/unholy trinity” is comprised of:

i) Satan (the Dragon)

ii) the Antichrist (the Beast)

iii) the false prophet

Is Your Church Christian or Christianish?

Each month I try and post some of the best articles and/or thought-provoking articles that I come across.  The following article by Christian blogger Tim Challies helps one consider whether or not your local church is Christian or Christianish?  The following piece helps one discern whether or not they are serving, worshiping, and attending the right kind of local church ministry (Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 1:28-29).

"Three little letters make a world of difference. Together i, s, and h distinguish Christian from Christianish and mark the difference between right and wrong, life and death, heaven and hell. There is nothing better for your spiritual wellbeing than to be in a Christian church. There is nothing worse for your spiritual wellbeing than to be in a Christianish church. Here are a few marks of each.

A Christian church teaches the Bible. It is committed to the inerrancy, sufficiency, clarity, and authority of the Word of God and therefore preaches it week by week with confidence and consistency. A Christianish church teaches about the Bible. It is committed to imparting life lessons and uses the scriptures as a starting point to teach people how to live lives of success and fulfillment.

A Christian church admits the deep depravity of human beings. It acknowledges that we are all deeply disordered so that not one of us has even the least righteousness to plead before God. A Christianish church proclaims the inherent goodness of humanity. It acknowledges that we aren’t what we could and should be, but encourages us to believe that with enough effort we can get there.

A Christian church makes its core declaration the finished work of Christ. The good news of grace frees us from the impossible task of earning our own salvation and instead simply receives what Christ has already accomplished. A Christianish church has its core declaration the unfinished work of humanity. The bad news of works becomes the brutal and impossible path to impressing God with deeds that will catch his eye and win his favor.

Biblical Manhood and Womanhood Series

Study Helps and Recommended Resources at LCBC

This Sunday at 9am we conclude our adult Sunday School hour series on "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" and Related Contemporary (Culture) Matters.

Luther once said, “If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at the moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved. And to be steady on all the battle fields besides is merely flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point."

May we who believe model the things we've been taught in Scripture (1 Tim. 2:9-15; Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Cor. 11.; Gen. 1-2; Titus 2) in a society that believes it knows better than God. His ways are best and his precepts and guidelines are always for His glory and our good.

As we considered many modern day examples of "the worldly world" and the "compromised church" may the Lord give us humility, grace, and courage to hold the line!

Please continue to pray for us at Lake Country Bible Church.  SDG!

Is It Necessary to Preach Divine Wrath?

Divine Wrath in Romans 1:18-32

One of the reasons why very few churches in America today preach through the books of Jude or Revelation is because they do not want to deal honestly with the holy wrath of God.  Having spent the past many weeks in Revelation 19:11-21 (LCBC sermon series) I know that such truth telling will not attract or keep the average church consumer.  Why is preaching Divine wrath necessary?  Dr. Steve Lawson provides a brief biblical answer to this common question in today's blog post (below).

“Preaching is the public exposition of Scripture by the man sent from God, in which God Himself is present in judgment and in grace.” Faithful pulpit ministry requires the declaration of both judgment and grace. The Word of God is a sharp, two-edged sword that softens and hardens, comforts and afflicts, saves and damns.

The preaching of divine wrath serves as a black velvet backdrop that causes the diamond of God’s mercy to shine brighter than ten thousand suns. It is upon the dark canvas of divine wrath that the splendor of His saving grace most fully radiates. Preaching the wrath of God most brilliantly showcases His gracious mercy toward sinners.

Like trumpeters on the castle wall warning of coming disaster, preachers must proclaim the full counsel of God. Those who stand in pulpits must preach the whole body of truth in the Scriptures, which includes both sovereign wrath and supreme love. They cannot pick and choose what they want to preach. Addressing the wrath of God is never optional for a faithful preacher—it is a divine mandate.

Tragically, preaching that deals with God’s impending judgment is absent from many contemporary pulpits. Preachers have become apologetic regarding the wrath of God, if not altogether silent. In order to magnify the love of God, many argue, the preacher must downplay His wrath. But to omit God’s wrath is to obscure His amazing love. Strangely enough, it is merciless to withhold the declaration of divine vengeance.

5 Reasons why preaching divine wrath is both necessary and profitable? First, the holy character of God demands it. An essential part of God’s moral perfection is His hatred of sin. A.W.Pink asserts, “The wrath of God is the holiness of God stirred into activity against sin.” God is “a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29) who “feels indignation every day” (Ps. 7:11) toward the wicked. God has “hated wickedness” (45:7) and is angered toward all that is contrary to His perfect character. He will, therefore, “destroy” (5:6) sinners in the Day of Judgment.

Spurgeon on the Wrath of God and Final Judgment

Do You Have to Go to Church to Be a Good Christian?

Photo Credit: Christian Courier

"From time to time, someone objects to the need to attend church regularly. They say they can be good Christians without participating in church. I don't agree.  The Bible encourages church attendance/involvement (1 Cor. 12-14). The letter to the Hebrews states: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

We see in the Bible the example of the apostles and disciples meeting together in worship and fellowship regularly (Acts 2:42).  But why do people (professing Christians) skip church?  I read recently an interesting anecdote at sermonillustrations.com, where a pastor asked in effect, What if we treated going to church like going to sports events? With tongue-in-check, the pastor declared he's had it with sports:

"Want to know why? ....

"Every time I went, they asked me for money.

"The people with whom I had to sit didn't seem very friendly.

"The seats were too hard and not at all comfortable.

"I went to many games, but the coach never came to call on me.

"The referee made a decision with which I could not agree.

"I suspected that I was sitting with some hypocrites---they came to see their friends and what others were wearing rather than to see the game.

"Some games went into overtime, and I was late getting home.

"The band played some numbers that I had never heard before.

"It seems that the games are scheduled when I want to do other things.

"I was taken to too many games by my parents when I was growing up.

"I don't want to take my children to any games, because I want them to choose for themselves what sport they like best."

In short, if you're looking for an excuse to miss church, virtually anything will do.