Virtual Church Is A Terrible Substitute For The Gathering Of The Saints
TWO YEARS AGO
We met for the first time in our new-to-us building on March 25, 2018 (see picture above). It was a joyous moment for everyone. The Lord had gone above and beyond all that we could ask or think in his generous provision—as he typically does. Seeing that picture in my memories this morning solidified some thoughts about virtual gatherings that I have had swirling around in my mind for the last 10 days or so.
TECHNOLOGY IS A COMMON GRACE
Technology, as a tool, is a common grace (a gift from God for all mankind). During a time like this, it provides a “kind” of gathering, though quite insufficient still. Whether it’s a pre-recorded service that’s broadcasted live on Facebook, or a Zoom gathering with my Home Group or Biblical Manhood, or a Facetime counseling session, or a phone call/text message, it’s simply not the same.
However, I admit it’s a useful tool. And I am grateful to the Lord for giving it to us, in his kindness. It has allowed me the opportunity to see some of your faces, to hear about your life, to pray with you, etc. It’s given our leadership teams in opportunity to meet, pray, and discuss our plans as we move forward into unknown (to us, not to him) territory.
So, technology is cool. It’s useful. Beneficial even. But it’s a common grace and should not be confused with God’s best for the bride of Christ—the special grace (a gift from God meant only for his people) that is the gathering of the saints.
THE GATHERING OF THE SAINTS IS A SPECIAL GRACE
In Acts 2, after Pentecost and Peter’s sermon, 3000 men (not including women and children) turn from their sins and commit their lives to follow Jesus Christ. The church is born. Look at what they did next:
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
Here we see they were devoted to the fellowship (a participation that requires one’s presence for intimate community), to the breaking of bread and prayer (The Lord’s Supper, meals, and prayers experienced in the presence of one another)… All were together… day by day they attended the temple together and met together in their homes… together they praised God… and the Lord added to the number of the gathering by saving many from their sins.
There is no substitute for the special grace that is the gathering of the saints. It is God’s ordained way for the church (his people) to be empowered, strengthened, and unified. As the body of Christ reminds one another of their redemption and glorious inheritance in Jesus through the proclamation of the Word, singing of hymns and spiritual songs, and prayer, the Spirit of God is actively working to strengthen the faith in Jesus and love for others in each person within the large gathering, so that the body may “grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Christian, you were made new by God’s grace through faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and you were joined into a global, eternal body of believers. We recall that special grace from God every time we join together (in person!), as a small expression of the body of Christ, to hear God’s Word, sing hymns and spiritual songs, and pray on Sunday mornings.
LONG FOR THE GATHERING OF THE SAINTS
My heart longs to gather in person and experience this special grace from God once again. I understand a little more clearly Paul’s opening words in Romans:
“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Romans 1:9-12)
Again I say, virtual church is a terrible substitute for the gathering of the saints. However, let’s lean into some of these newfangled technological advances as we seek to encourage one another during this time of social distancing—your spirit needs it and so does mine.
But, let us never, ever, ever trade the special grace of the gathering of saints for the common grace of virtual community. Do not let these virtual interactions dampen the fire of your longing to enjoy one another’s presence. God will see us through all of this, and we will gather with one another soon—if the Lord wills.
So, long for the day that you walk through the doors of NLCC, being gleefully welcomed by our greeters and children’s ministry workers. Long to shake hands with one another (yes, real handshakes with both firm and soft grippers). Long to hug the necks and see the smiles of others, face-to-face. Long to hear a worship leader lead you in our “Call to Worship.” Long to sing from the depths of your being hymns and spiritual songs, while hearing the resounding voices of the saints. Long to hear the prayers of other believers, to experience their devotion to God. Long to have your faith strengthened, as the Spirit reveals more of God to you, through the proclamation of the Word. Long to participate in the Lord’s Supper, as the united body of Christ remembers his death and awaits his return. Long to walk into The Vibe, Cultivate, or your Home Group for dinner, fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. Long to see your Celebrate Recovery family and continue the fight against hurts, habits, and hang-ups together.
The longing will build in the coming days and weeks. And I cannot wait to see how it will erupt (better than Mentos in Diet Coke!) in a joyful reunion that deepens our faith in Jesus and our love toward one another!
I cannot wait to gather with you. Until then, long for the gathering, pray for the Lord’s intervention, and invest yourself in the virtual gatherings that are available.
Longing to see you,
Kyle