From the Elder's Pen "What We Bring To Services" 2/24/02 Past/Future Articles

 More and more, when we hear that some would grumble because “they take nothing home from the services,” we see that such is so because, first, they brought nothing to the services!  We’re not speaking, now, of those congregations who have long since ceased to spend Bible study time IN REAL BIBLE STUDY, and who have also ceased to require BIBLE PREACHING during the preaching service.  Rather, we have in mind those congregations still standing firmly on truth, and for truth, and by-and-large these are the ones so displeasing to liberal elements, and those same elements, if they cannot affect a change in the congregation’s stance and direction, leave with the claim, “We just didn’t get anything out of the services!”

 Of course, one must bring something to services.

 First, a Bible.

 Second, an interest in the will of God and the on-going work of the kingdom.

 Thirdly, a rested, sound and open mind.

 Fourthly, a desire to actively and whole-heartedly participate in the worship.

 Fifthly, a determination to hear each lesson, from the classes and in the worship  services, with a searching for points to apply in one’s own life!

 Bring those, and other related items, to the assemblies of the kingdom, and it is God’s GUARANTEE that you will get from those times what is spiritual, beneficial, rewarding and blessed!  And, really, if you and I are looking for something else, we are in the wrong place anyway!