by Keith Sharp
Before March of 2020, I don’t think I had ever heard of ZOOM. Now this web program has become an important part of my life. For about six weeks I worshiped on the first day of the week exclusively by what I could receive over the internet from William Stewart and the Limestone Church of Christ in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. During this time Michelle Sharp figured out how to use ZOOM to teach children’s classes online, and she and Sandy now conduct three classes a week for children here and in Conway, New York City, and Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Manny Ebong in Lagos, Nigeria is preaching to congregations in London, England and Melbourne, Australia, and he and I are having classes with a young man in London.1 Wow! A year ago who could have imagined it!
But technology is morally and spiritually neutral. It can be used for good or bad. And, it can allow new ways for Satan to lead the unwary astray. We must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11; cf. Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 5:8).
It’s a lot easier to sit at home in our pajamas and watch a TV program than it is to get dressed and go to the church building for an hour or two of worship. But we are commanded to assemble with the people of God for worship (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The same consideration that would lead me to stay at home if I am sick so as not to infect others (Hebrews 13:1), directs me to stay at home when the government warns that being together in crowds is spreading a deadly disease. But, when civil rulers allow bars and casinos to be open and decree churches must close, religious persecution has begun, and “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Some brethren have used the fear of covid19 and the use of modern technology to introduce unauthorized practices. New Testament Christians observed the Lord’s Supper in the public worship assembly of the church exclusively (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:18, 20, 33). There is spiritual significance to eating the Lord’s Supper in the public worship assembly of the church – we thus “proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). It took courage during the Jewish, Neronian, or Domitian persecutions for Christians to assemble with the church and proclaim their faith in Christ by eating the Lord’s Supper with the brethren. It takes neither courage nor energy to sit at home in front of the TV set and “virtually participate” with others in their own homes. Furthermore, this is a violation of the New Testament pattern for the Lord’s Supper.
The “when” for the Lord’s Supper, the first day of the week, is revealed only one time (Acts 20:7). The “where” is stated four (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:18, 20, 33). There is spiritual significance to each. Why do brethren bind the “when” and loose the “where”?
And this also has unforseen consequences. I have been engaged in a written discussion with three Nigerian preachers who believe there should be one eldership for each city regardless of the number of congregations there. Of course this is wrong (Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1-2).
But what’s keeping brethren from all over from doing what many are doing now – sitting in our homes in front of the TV sets and virtually worshiping with other virtual worshipers all over the country, or world, listening to the preacher we like best, regardless of where he is, sending a contribution to the elders where he is a member, and just forgetting about assembling with the saints (Hebrews 10:24-25). Just think, you could live in Anchorage, Alaska and be a “virtual” member of a congregation in Tampa, Florida! So much for local congregations! (1 Corinthians 1:2)
Brethren, I’m thankful for the possibilities for good that technology offers. But don’t abuse the technology. Assemble with the saints where you live and are a member to eat the Lord’s Supper. As soon as things return to normal, put the Lord first by being in all the worship assemblies and classes of the local church as you can (Matthew 6:33).
Use technology for good. Don’t allow it to corrupt the divine pattern or contribute to our spiritual laziness.
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1Manny also preaches “in person” in Lagos, Nigeria.
