Introduction: Why is it important to get to church early?

What time is it?

Seriously what time is it?

Its Sunday, 9.00 am, the music team has practised and prayed during the week, then they arrive before 9am to set up, the welcomers are there early, Ckids teachers, the elders are present, the set up people - sound, chairs, coffee - all this happens well and truly before 9.30am

What time is it?

Sunday 9.30 The chair person starts and he looks down at the congregation of 15 people. Yep 15 people. Hold on, aren't there 217 people on CCB? Yep there are! 15 people in the chairs, 5 people welcoming, 10 people playing music....

Ephesians 4 reminds us that we have personal responsibility to be at church to build each other up. When you arrive late, and sometimes very late and are regular in doing so, it can be very discouraging for the music team and other those people who come early to set up church for your benefit.

Ephesians 4.15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

I am speaking the truth in love....

Coming to church late is discouraging for those who come early and set up church

Coming to church late means you miss out on opportunities to minister to one another in
prayer and in edification

Coming to church late means your mind and heart are not relaxed and ready to hear the
voice of God in the Scriptures

Coming to Church late sets a negative example for all children

Coming to church late sets a negative witness to your own conscience

In fact, what sort of example are you giving to the world and those in the spiritual
realm when you do not make the effort to maximise your time with God and his
people?

We are one body:

Because we are one body with many parts, when one part is not there - the body does not
function properly...yep look at what Jesus says - " as each part does its work" - when you are not there, the body doesn't work properly. We are all there to build each other up in Christ.

Application:

I ask you to simply compare your efforts to attend church with the effort you make to
attend work, attend children's sports events, or any other event which you deem important. How does your effort to meet with God and his people compare? Are you taking advantage of His grace?

Matthew 6:33 (NIV84) — 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all
these things will be given to you as well.

In Love and Admonition

Steven Soldatos