Can online worship replace physical worship?

[Paradigm]

In this days of technology, many prefer to join church ACTIVITIES online but the Bible says we must not forsake the assembly of ourselves But someone will say God is omnipresent.

So, what is the difference?

 

[Light of the world]

In this days of technology, many prefer to join church ACTIVITIES online but the Bible says we must not forsake the assembly of ourselves But someone will say God is omnipresent.

So, what is the difference?

God's omnipresence is true, but He has ordained that we meet ourselves physically. Now, that is an instruction that we are expected to obey.

But, if one finds himself or herself in a situation where He or she does not have access to a physical gathering of believers, then, the use of technology is acceptable.

Technology should only complement our service to God, not substitute it.

 

[Paradigm]

God's omnipresence is true, but He has ordained that we meet ourselves physically. Now, that is an instruction that we are expected to obey.

But, if one finds himself or herself in a situation where He or she does not have access to a physical gathering of believers, then, the use of technology is acceptable.

Technology should only complement our service to God, not substitute it.

Thanks for this reply!

 

[Lordify]

Online worship? I don't think it can replace physical gathering. Technology was built to help man and not God. God has arranged it from time immemorial that physical gathering is what He wants. Replacing it with online service is only for those who are lazy and spiritually immature to think you access God's presence by technological innovations.
I am not doubting the fact that there is no distance in realms of the spirit and as such people can receive spiritual blessings from connecting online but it shouldn't be replaced with physical meetings.

 

[Broda David]

In this days of technology, many prefer to join church ACTIVITIES online but the Bible says we must not forsake the assembly of ourselves But someone will say God is omnipresent.

So, what is the difference?

It can never replace physical worship. However, it carries the same power for those who have learnt the mystery of the secret place.
Yes we must not forsake the gathering of the people, that's why the Kingdom of darkness does not gather online for spiritual reasons ultimately built on the foundation of fellowship.

Fellowship cannot be built online and God is interested in the FELLOWSHIP OF SAINTS.

 

[sunnyday]

Physical fellowship cannot be compared to virtual fellowship. There is this family bond or intimacy among believers that comes with physical fellowship that cannot be gotten online. There are more distractions with online worship services or fellowships that can be reduced in physical fellowship.

One of the major reasons why physical fellowship CANNOT be substituted for online fellowship is the two important ordinances in the Scriptures: Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper. While impartation and baptism of the Holy Spirit may be received anywhere, even online, water baptism by immersion as exemplified by Jesus (John 3:13) and the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion - Luke 22:19) cannot be observed online. The breaking of bread from house to house by the early church couldn't have been possible online (Acts 2:42-46).

 

[Light of the world]

Thanks for this reply!

You're welcome

 

[Master]

In this days of technology, many prefer to join church ACTIVITIES online but the Bible says we must not forsake the assembly of ourselves But someone will say God is omnipresent.

So, what is the difference?

Thank you very much for this question sir. I went for evangelism on this certain day, to invite people. While I was at it, someone told me that, she only hooks up online for service. This was the reply I gave her.

Firstly, There are 3 kinds of service to God- physical, financial and spiritual. Everytime you hook up online, you end up only accomplishing the spiritual and financial aspect, that's if you put offering at all. The physical aspect requires you to serve in a service unit in the church.

Secondly, let's look at this scripture.
Matt.20.28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

You should know that to Minister in this context means to serve. What kind of service do you think Jesus was doing? Physical service. He was serving God's people. And as God sent Him, so he sent us. We should be imitators of God. Are you not living in solitude doing online service?. How will your members know your fellow brethren relate with you, if you only attend online services?.

Exod.9.1 Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Lastly, the reason why we were saved was not so we could worship God online. Service rendered to God goes way beyond online service. The only time I can I will do online service is when I'm currently in a location, where there's no church around. Ask yourself this question, peradventure I fall, who will be aware to bring me up again?. Let's be sincere with ourselves please.