The world contains far too many wicked people possessing no concern for God, the Bible, and eternity. Sometimes those who know the Lord as Saviour lose hope concerning others coming to a saving knowledge of Christ. Bible-believing Christians must always keep in mind that as long as a man remains breathing there is hope for his redemption. Isaiah told the Lord, “For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth” (Isaiah 38:18). Once death occurs, all hope ceases. The individual’s destination and/or his reward are settled. Yet, up until that point in time, there is hope for salvation, hope for growth, and hope for spiritual change.
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 14:40). As we approach the time of preaching or instruction, we should be ready to hear and slow to speak (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3). 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). Always keep in mind that the house of God is the pillar and ground of the truth and we should treat it as such.
