1. Realize our own need. Even the most mature Christian needs to hear the word of God preached. Periodically, we all need to hear a series of gospel sermons - even on subjects with which we are completely familiar.

Gospel meetings are designed, not merely for the unsaved, but also for Christians. Your faith is not so great that it cannot be strengthened. Remember that faith - for the Christian as well as for the alien sinner - comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17).

2. Go to the services expectantly. Go, not from a sense of painful duty, but with a heart filled with gratitude for the privilege of hearing the word of God. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled" (Matt. 5:6).

Go to the services expecting to be blessed. Realize that there is yet much for you to learn.

Listen to the sermons with the idea of receiving more light that you may walk intelligently in the way that leads to eternal joy. If this is your attitude, you will not need to be exhorted to attend all the services, but you will look forward eagerly to each succeeding meeting.

3. Prepare yourself for the meeting. Study prayerfully the word of God. Consecrated Bible study will whet your spiritual appetite, and intensify your interest in the salvation of souls.

4. Put first things first. Make up your mind that nothing will be allowed to take precedence over your gospel meeting. If it is necessary for you to change some plans or to make some other sacrifice in order to place spiritual affairs in top place, do it cheerfully.

Place God where He belongs in your life - crown Him as king of your heart. "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).

5. Burden your heart with responsibility for the salvation of souls. Remember that being a Christian involves much more than refraining from doing evil. To be faithful to Christ, we must positively do good. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).

Pray for the salvation of all, but select one or more persons as the special object of your prayers and your interest.

6. Be enthusiastic. Talk about the meeting. Tell your friends about it. Invite them to the services. Offer to provide transportation for those who need it.

Pray for the preacher, the song leader, and those who have special responsibilities. Encourage indifferent church members to attend. Let's all make a special effort to visit, call, write, or send a card to all members that are not attending regularly before our meeting begins. It will do more good than you realize.

- The Knollwood Reminders, Oct. 20, 1968