Why Are You Forsaking The House of God?

Nehemiah 13:11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

Nehemiah asked the question that needs to be asked today. If a Christian doesn't meet regularly with others for fellowship, prayer, and the preaching of God’s Word, his enthusiasm for the Lord’s work will begin to fade.

This leads to apathy in spiritual matters, and before long such a one will begin to blend in with his worldly surroundings to the point that nobody would ever know he’s a new creature in Christ Jesus.

The attitude some church members take toward their church is somewhat, to say the least, a little bit perplexing. They say everybody should attend church and yet never go themselves. They expect the church to be there when they need it and yet never support it. They encourage the effort to seek new members for a church they do not attend. Parents want their children to attend the church even though they never go.

What we really need today is a willingness to turn from our excuses and follow God’s instructions in His Word concerning the church and the believer’s responsibilities to her. If you are not a practical member of a church, than you need to join one! If you are already a member of such a church, then you need to love it and support it with your presence, prayers, and even your "purse."

Your church is the place where you can grow, find comfort and fellowship, and serve the Lord for His honor and glory. Can you say as David did in Psalms 26:8, "Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth."

The next time you stay home on Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, or when your church is having a Bible or mission conference, or when your church is having a revival meeting, or whenever else your church doors are opened, remember that there’s no excuse for not attending.

It’s amazing the excuses I’ve heard people give for not going to church. They can make it to everything else but somehow ALWAYS have an excuse for not making it to church. Usually, these are the same people who fault the church for not being "there" for them.

I was raised in a pastor's home. I've heard some real classics! I would like to thank all the wonderful people in the body of Christ who have provided such quality material for us to be able to share.

Here's a few excuses that will either make you mad or make you smile:

The kids wanted to sleep in.

I had a flat tire.

I just felt like the Lord was telling me to stay home and meditate.

I’ve worked all day, I’m too tired. (Don’t pay attention to my facebook which tells the “real” truth.)

I’ve worked all week, I’m too tired.

The kids need to get in bed early.

By the time I got off work, drove through traffic, picked up the kids, I was too tired – you know I need my rest and have to get up early.

I’ve planned another get-a-way (at the last minute)

I don’t feel good.

I can make the church dinners and fun stuff, but going every service – well that’s just too much. Besides, what does Jesus expect out of me anyway?

I work lots of hours, so I’m too tired to worship God.

I don’t have anything to wear.

I watch online.

I’d go if they’d let me sit in the balcony.

I watch the 700 club, that’s good enough.

It’s deer season again.

It’s turkey season again.

It’s bear season again.

It’s squirrel season again.

It’s fishing season again.

It’s duck season again.

I can’t afford to give anything and I don’t want to be embarrassed.

I’ll go to church after I graduate from college.

Service is too long.

The sermon is too long.

I don’t like the music.

It’s too hot.

It’s too cold.

I camp every weekend.

My family never went to church when I was growing up. I’m not used to it.

My spouse doesn’t go.

My backside hurts from all the sitting and my knees hurt from all the kneeling.

Nobody notices when I’m gone anyway.

The game will be on at the same time.

I’m studying.

I’m allergic to crowds.

I have to mow my yard.

I have to wash my car.

It’s my family reunion again. (10th for the year)

I don’t have gas money (however, that didn’t prevent me from going shopping)

My spouse and I work different shifts and Sundays are the only day we see each other.

I was too tired after playing cards with my friends till 2 am last night.

I volunteer to work on Sundays.

I don’t like how things are being run anymore.

God told me not to go.

I went last Sunday.

I think I have a fever again.

I have a cold and I need everyone to stay home with me and help me blow my nose.

I can’t handle crowds so I’m going to the race instead.

I can’t handle crowds so I’m going to the ball game instead.

I don’t get off till 6 pm on Wednesdays.

It’s not Easter yet.

My spirit is trying to lose weight and doesn’t need to be fed.

I was forced to go when I was younger.

We are planning a big yard sale.

My alarm didn’t go off (again)

I have a headache.

I have a hangover.

I lost my car keys.

It's football season.

It’s basketball season.

It’s the play offs.

NASCAR.

It’s the Olympics and you know they only come around every four years.

I bought season tickets this year, don’t expect to see me too much.

I bought a boat.

It was such a nice day we decided to go for a drive and then sit on the porch and watch people drive by.

My kids are in sports.

My DVR broke so I need to stay home and watch Desperate Housewives.

I’m on vacation for two weeks. (We’re not going anywhere really, but I need to get away from church.)

I can have church in my home.

We have a new dog.

My cat had kittens.

It’s snowing.

It’s raining.

It’s a full moon.

I needed some alone time.

I forgot it was Sunday.

If I know I’m going to be late, I just don’t go.

I believe in being balanced.

There was a sale on.

I got too involved in my last church and burned out. So, I don’t want to do that again.

I wasn’t scheduled to do anything at the church so I just stayed home.

I need to clean my house.

We are remodeling again.

This is the only time the contractor said he could be there.

I need to do laundry.

I am offended at someone in the church.

I don’t like shaking hands.

I don’t like being expected to go.

I am depressed again.

You preached at me last Sunday and I’m offended.

Are you the Pentecostal Police?

Family comes first pastor! (Oh…I thought God did. Don’t confuse God and church)

My family is visiting and they don’t like church.

Friends came in and I feel obligated to entertain them.

It’s my birthday, kid’s birthday, spouse’s birthday, mother/dads birthday.

My husband didn’t want me to go so I felt I should be submissive to him (when I want to) and stay home.

My wife didn’t want me to go and I felt I should be sensitive to her needs (and while I won’t admit it publicly – she rules the roost)

We got into a fight on the way to church and decided not to come.

I don’t feel “led”

Jesus understands.

The Lord knows my heart.

I feel closer to God in nature.

I have heard the topic preached before – don’t need to hear it again.

Jesus told me to stay home and spend time with Him.