Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:25–27)

Years ago, an advertisement aired nightly in America, reminding parents of their responsibility to their children by posing this challenging question: “It’s 10:00; do you know where your children are?” Especially in this day and time, parents need to be able to answer this question with a reasonable degree of certainty at all times, whether it be 10:00 on Friday night, 10:00 on Monday morning, or––most importantly––10:00 on Sunday morning. Sunday school has become one of the most neglected sources of spiritual nourishment in the church of the modern day. As far as comparisons go, the church here has a great Sunday school attendance, averaging about 80% of the number present at the 11:00 hour, but I believe we can still do far better. Let’s consider some of the reasons that you should be present at 10:00.

Attend Sunday school for the valuable lessons you will learn. If we truly “hunger and thirst after righteousness” as Jesus commanded (Matt. 5:6), what could possibly keep us away from any opportunity to gain the spiritual nourishment we crave? Peter urges young Christians to “desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). No matter how long you have been a Christian, you still have much to learn, and perhaps you could share your knowledge of the Bible with someone else who wants to grow in grace and in knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18). 

Attend Sunday school in keeping with Biblical commandments. We are warned never to forsake the assembly of the saints, lest we should nullify the grace of God and incur His wrath (Heb. 10:25–31). Furthermore, we are commanded to obey those men who have the rule over us (Heb. 13:17). Our elders, who have the charge from the Holy Spirit to feed this flock (Acts 20:28, 1 Pet. 5:1–5), have made this provision for our own spiritual welfare. To forsake the 10:00 assembly is to willingly disobey those who have the rule over us. How do you plan to answer for this before God?

Attend Sunday school to show your love for the Lord. The Lord expressed His love for us in the highest conceivable fashion by laying down His life for us (John 15:13). If we love the Lord, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15), but how can we know His commandments if we refuse to dedicate even one hour each week to its study? Our attendance at the Bible study hour says much about our love for the Lord. 

Attend Sunday school to help your children go to heaven. God commanded Israel to teach His precepts diligently to their children (Deut. 6:4–12), and fathers are given a similar commandment today (Eph. 6:4). How much dedication do your children see in you? Do you make a point to get them to their classes each week, to make sure that they have their Bibles and their lessons completed, and to make sure that they are always on time? Timothy owed much to the faithfulness of a godly mother and grandmother who taught him the importance of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 1:5, 3:14–15). If we will not even bring our children to Bible study, it is probably safe to say we are not educating them at home either. How well will your children fare with the spiritual guidance you have been giving them? Where are they at 10:00 each Sunday?

Often I receive calls from people who want to know when our services begin, to which I always respond, “10:00.” The immediate response almost always comes back, “Is that for Sunday school or worship?” Most often people ask this to avoid having to sit through an extra hour that they consider unnecessary. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we would stop looking for the minimum and start giving the maximum for our Lord and for the sake of the gospel of Christ? Let’s determine to do more this year than ever before––for our sakes, for the church’s sake, and for the children’s sakes. At 10:00 this Sunday, where will you choose to be?

Remember to set your clock forward this Saturday!