Battle Creek Tabernacle Battle Creek MI : As His Custom Was

Battle Creek Tabernacle

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As His Custom Was

Flashback… Pastor Moore found in his files a September 1984 Tab-A-Letter, written 24 years ago by Elmer Malcolm, Senior Pastor at the Tabernacle (1980-1986). He is reprinting the message in the belief that what was shared then is a message that is still of value today.

A Battle Creek business man, who is a member of the Rotary Club, has an incredible attendance record. He has been a member for more than 50 years, and has a perfect attendance record! Surely during those 50 years he had appointments that competed with his club meetings—events that he would have liked to participate in, but he made his club first! Are we, the members of the remnant church that dedicated, determined, and faithful??

Have you considered the responsibility that Jesus carried when He was here? Think of the tasks that no one could carry out but Himself, and with only a brief time in which to do them. But do you know, He always had time to go to church! It was His custom! (Luke 4:16). If He was so busy doing good, certainly His Father would excuse Him if He was absent, wouldn't He? He did not ask to be excused. He knew the value of "Worship." The privilege of fellowship and communication with His Father in this planned act was imperative.

The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together…." This is no suggestion, it is a command. And it is even more important as we approach the end of time. (Heb. 10:25).

The enemy of the church is endeavoring to confuse, mislead, discourage and defeat each member of God's family. If ever there was a time for a complete surrender that will produce faithful service for Jesus in the community, regular attendance at Sabbath School and the Worship Service, it is NOW. Can we claim to be dedicated followers of Christ, preparing for His soon coming kingdom, and yet weaken His church by our lack of attendance and participation?

I read about a person who could not hear what was being taught and preached, but he was regular in attendance. Someone asked him why he came, especially since he couldn't hear the message. His response was that he wanted to show whose side he was on. What impression would an empty church have on visitors? Would they be excited about returning?

Certainly we have reason to believe that every able-bodied Seventh-day Adventist ought to show the world by word and action whose side and he/she is on. If you are not blessed by the services, speak to the one responsible in order that needs can be met. Time is too valuable and life too precious for us to falter in any manner.

Remember that the Sabbath is not our time to use as we please, it belongs to the Lord, it is His time. Let's determine by His grace that we are going to cooperate with Him by using His time according to His instructions. His church can triumph if all will respond to His love—then ACT!

Pastor Elmer Malcomb

Pastor Bruce Moore