In God’s kingdom (the church) good things can happen because of you or bad things can happen because of you. An example of the good is that of a husband being won to the Lord by his godly wife (1 Peter 3:1-6). Diotrephes is an example of what can happen because of an evil person (3 John 9-11). What can happen because of you?

Because of you, others may choose God. Naomi’s influence was so strong that Ruth chose her God, (Ruth 1:16-18) Your influence can cause others to choose God. Your influence can cause someone who believes in Jesus to be stronger in the Lord.

Because of you, the faith of some might be overthrown. “But shun profane and idle babbling, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and they overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:16-18) It will be sad indeed for some to stand in judgment; guilty of over-throwing the faith of others.

Because of you, others might be discouraged. The spies, except Joshua and Caleb, discouraged the people from going into Canaan and conquering it. “But the men who had gone up with him said, We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers 13:31-33) Our words or our actions may be a discouragement to others.

Because of you, others can be refreshed. “For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother” (Philemon 7). In a world that beats people down, what a blessing it is to be refreshed by brethren who truly love and care.

To be saved, you must hear the gospel of Christ (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus as the Son of the living God (Mark 16:16), repent of the sins in your life (Acts 2:38), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) and be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38). As a Christian, you should recognize the good things that can happen in God’s work because of you. The life of a Christian is a blessed life. The Christian life is also a blessing to others. What will happen because of you? Will it be good or evil? — Adapted

There was once a preacher of the gospel who entered the pulpit, and with a look of anxiety on his face began: “It is very unusual for me to ask the members of this congregation to raise their hands in answer to a question. However, in order that important information may be gained, I feel that is necessary. There are two individuals in this congregation that are very sick. People are needed to sit with them. It can be so arranged that each member will have to sit up only one hour, twice a week. This request is very urgent. Now, I would like to know how many of you are willing to give of your time for this important service?” Each person raised their hand in eager response. The preacher went on to say, “I appreciate your willingness to do good. No doubt you are anxious to know who these two might be. One is ‘Sunday evening worship’ and the other ‘Wednesday Bible study.’ I hope that you will keep your promise and be here at both of these services.”

Of course, to us, there is a sense of humor here. Underneath, however, there lies a great and sad truth — Sunday and Wednesday evenings are sick. We need to ask ourselves, “Am I contributing to this disease of neglect? If so, we must stop our negligence and lack of consideration for God and our brethren. By forsaking the services of the church we demonstrate a careless and unconcerned attitude toward Christ who died that we might saved. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

Spiritual growth should be our primary aim in life, but oh, how we will deny that each time we are absence from a service designed to strengthen us! We do ourselves a great favor by helping to build up our attendance. We will find that we too will grow spiritually. Most difficulties of trying to live the Christian life arise from attempting to half live it.

Now think seriously. Are you guilty of the sin of neglect in not assembling with the saints when they meet together. (Read Hebrews 2:1-4 & 10:24, 25). — Adapted

The congregation met
for the first time in
New Port Richey
on Sunday,
May 3, 1959

Hear the truth of the gospel.
Luke 11:28; Romans 10:17

Believe that Jesus Christ is the
Son of God.
Mark 1:15; 16:16; John 8:24

Repent of sins.
Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30

Confess faith in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9, 10

Be baptized for the remission of sin.
Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3, 4;
1 Peter 3:21