INTRODUCTION

The word church is frequently and almost exclusively used to refer to the building where the saints meet. A careful study of the scripture reveals that the church actually consists of the people. However, this passage also teaches that there is a proper behaviour when and where the saints assemble. It is a holy time meant to be accompanied by sobriety. In fact, believers are instructed that everything is to be done “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40Let all things be done decently and in order.
See All...). As we approach the time of preaching or instruction, we should be ready to hear and slow to speak (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 [1] Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. [2] Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. [3] For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.
See All...). During the invitation, as the Lord moves in our hearts to repent and do right, we should pay [keep] what we vow [promise] (Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 [4] When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. [5] Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. [6] Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? [7] For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
See All...). Always keep in mind that the house of God is the pillar and ground of the truth and we should treat it as such.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Samuel was not in a church service when he said, "Speak; for thy servant heareth"; yet it would be good for us to respond to God in that fashion when we meet with God's people. Samuel listened to God and was able to tell Eli what God said. Can you tell dad or mom something that you remember about the pastor's message? 
• (For everyone): How do you behave when you go to the house of God? Do you take the gathering of saints as a holy time or as a time to see what people are wearing or as a time to laugh and only have fun?
• What are some ways we can show respect when we gather together with other believers at the place of worship? How can our behaviour affect the world’s opinion of the house of God?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to teach you how to behave when you gather with other believers.
• Ask God to give you a sobriety concerning His work and worship.

HYMN

O Lord, 'Tis Matter Of High Praise

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