As we emerge from a season of isolation, many of us are wondering if it’s worth returning to in-person church gatherings. With online services and virtual connections readily available, it’s tempting to opt for the convenience and comfort of digital community. But as believers, we’re called to something more.
We’re not just digital beings; we’re embodied souls, created to experience the world through our senses. We’re designed to see, hear, taste, touch, and feel our way through life, and that includes our corporate worship. While online connections have their place, they can’t replace the beauty of face-to-face interactions, the warmth of physical touch, and the richness of shared experiences.
The Bible reminds us that we’re one body, many parts, intricately connected and interdependent. We’re not meant to function in isolation, but as a unified whole, each contributing our unique gifts and strengths. When we gather together, we’re not just individuals; we’re a family, a household of faith, with God as our adoptive Father.
In these gatherings, we experience the power of preaching, not just as a digital transmission, but as a live, sacred moment, where the Spirit empowers the preacher and the congregation. We sing together, not just as a digital choir, but as a unified voice, glorifying God and encouraging each other. We practice the ordinances of baptism and communion, not just as virtual rituals, but as tangible reminders of the gospel story.
As we return to in-person gatherings, we’re not just attending a service; we’re participating in a family reunion. We’re not just spectators; we’re active members, using our gifts to serve and build up the body. We’re not just individuals; we’re a community, welcoming the world to experience the transforming power of the gospel.
In a world that’s increasingly fragmented and isolated, the church has a unique opportunity to model a different way of living. We can show the world what it means to be a people who prioritize presence, who value face-to-face interactions, and who embody the love and unity of Christ.
So, as we navigate the complexities of returning to in-person gatherings, let’s not lose sight of the importance of embodied community. Let’s not settle for digital substitutes when we can experience the richness of face-to-face connections. Let’s gather together, not just as a duty, but as a delight, knowing that our corporate worship is a foretaste of heaven itself.
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