By John Schoer
‘Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching’ – Hebrews 10:24-25
This exhortation from the author of Hebrews is more relevant than ever in the current crisis. Many churches, in the light of the pandemic of Covid-19, have chosen to record or livestream their services. Our incredible technological advances allow us to connect to people not just over Melbourne, but over the world. As such, we each have a staggering array of options to choose from when it comes to our Sunday worship.
That other church you’ve always been tempted to visit.
That international church boasting a renowned preacher.
Perhaps a different church each week for some variety.
The social isolation, however, can also lead to indifference or apathy. Since we cannot be bodily present with each other, we might be tempted to skip out on church altogether. After all, the experience is not the same, sitting on your couch mumbling to yourself instead of standing in pews singing and declaring the creed with many others.
Here are three reasons why you should stream your own church this Sunday:
1. God has placed you in a particular church for a reason
‘Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it’ – 1 Corinthians 12:27
Every person who belongs to the church has been called by God, by his Spirit. Each person has been given the Spirit as a gift to serve the church, which is the body of Christ. God has specifically chosen each and every person who belongs to Jesus and placed them in the church for a purpose. Just as each part of our own bodies serves a particular purpose—to see, to hear, to give taste—so, too, each of us have a part to play. Even though, at the present time, we cannot meet in person, we do not stop being the body of Christ. Though we might not be able to exercise our particular gifts that the Spirit has given us during this time of physical separation, we are still vital members. We need to remain connected to the church, just as our body parts need to remain connected to us. We cannot encourage one another, care for one another, pray for one another, if we do not retain our connection to one another.
2. The word of God can be applied to you
‘The word of God is living and active’ – Hebrews 4:12
The things in the Bible were written to instruct us (1 Cor 10:11), and so the Bible still speaks today with power. The word of God is living and active precisely because the one who wrote it—the Spirit of God—is the same person who fills us and is active within the church today. However, because of the great distance of time and worldview between us and the original audience, the Bible needs to be interpreted and applied. And this application changes depending on the circumstances of the audience. This means that we need to continue listening to the teachers who know us, who know our situation, and who are able to speak powerfully into our lives from the word of God. Just as God has placed us in the body, he has also given us teachers to build us up in love and knowledge to serve the church.
3. Your prayers matter
‘Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel’ – Ephesians 6:18
The apostle Paul knew intimately the power of prayer. He was continually in prayer for the churches under his care, and he expected those churches to be praying for him. Our prayers are no different. Since we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, our prayers are heard by God and are powerful and effective. When we pray, God listens and responds.
Therefore, we have a duty to be praying for one another, that each of us would be strengthened in our faith to live in accordance with God’s will in a world opposed to it; to pray that each of us would be able to preach the gospel with boldness; to seek God’s protecting grace in this time of pandemic. Just as God cares for us, we are to care for each other not only materially but also spiritually.
It is difficult to pray for each other when disconnected from the community.
God has intentionally placed you into a specific church according to his own will and pleasure, where the word of God will grow you in holiness and love, and he has given you his Spirit to enable you to pray with power. Who can resist the will of God? He cares for you and knows what is best for you, to make you prosper.
This Sunday, stream your own church.