I am musing about....
It is just not like being there.
Picture this.
You have a precious (dream like) opportunity to talk with your great grandpa. He asks, "So how was church on Sunday?"
"It was good" you respond. "We watched online."
Can you imagine his response?? "WHAT is online"??
In this Covid world, online church has become a reality for many.
I admit that it is a WONDERFUL option for those who need or desire to stay away from crowds, who are ill or at risk. How many times this year have I thanked God for the blessings of technology. Providing a chance to "almost feel like you are there".
But you aren't. And it is not the same.
There is just something about sitting in God's sanctuary under the tutelage of a Spirit led teacher/preacher.
There is just something about being able to lift voices, in harmony and corporately, masked or unmasked, to glorify our God!
There is just something about looking around and feeling the blessing of assembly.
There is just something to be said for the opportunity to fellowship, to share and "be there for each other". Though often via a "social distance", yet, possibly somewhat awkward, it is still over-all reassuring and well... nice:)
There is just something about the feeling, the ambience, the reality of being in God's house. It is more then ambience. It is the Holy Spirit's presence! And it can be physically felt. Unexplainably so. But it is real.
Do not get me wrong. God can meet us, individually, where ever we are! The woods can be His cathedral, the open sky His tabernacle, our living room, His meeting place. He can touch us with His presence anywhere and in any way. Because He is God, and we are His.
But there is truly something to be said for corporate worship! For the assemblage of the Family of God.
So, while "online" is convenient, easily accessible, special and very much appreciated....
It is just not like being there!
"I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord" Psalm 122:1
PS While this is not a picture of our own personal, beloved church, I like the traditional, nostalgic and conventional look of this historical local edifice which was once a house of God.
Oh, how I agree with your thoughts!
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