Virtual World

With the introduction of the “I-Pad” we take another step toward being able to get almost anything we want – books, music, television, movies, concerts, shopping, banking, – even “Church” in our hands and laps. I recognize for many folks that is a wonderful thing, and one must admit there are a multitude of advantages.

My greatest concern is that the gathering of God’s people will experience continued decreases as people choose the ease of “watching” worship and observing the supposed mutual edification of the saints, rather than being actual participants in it. We have seen many of Christianity’s largest congregations move to a single service (sometimes repeated several times) for their congregants. And, regardless of how we spin it, “small groups” are blocks of people who are a “church within a church” with little actual spiritual contact with the larger body.

I don’t want to imply that all, or any, of that is bad in and of itself. Rather, my fear is that there will be less and less real evangelism, and clear exposition of God’s Word will degenerate into “discussions” regarding how people “feel” about Truth. Unbelievers are not likely to “subscribe” to in-depth Bible studies, and believers will grow weak from the lack of interpersonal contact that allows us to minister grace to one another.

I know there is a lot of disagreement about “how much” and “how often,” and “how many.” God’s Word is clear that we are not to forsake the assembly. [Hebrews 10:25] I’m for that!