Simple and Easy

During our time in North Carolina in the 1980’s we enjoyed the good folks we were privileged to meet, the fellowship of the church which was important to us as a family, and more so because we had (and still have) two lovely daughters who mean so much, and as I became more immersed in my work it was good to have that faith family away from home. We could count on them for fellowship, friendship, and good Bible teaching and preaching. These were good days, and have made for equally good memories.

One of our neighbours was a fine Christian lady, but because of her own circumstances she had decided not to attend or be associated with a ‘formal church’ group. Her church was a TV channel televangelist, and she got all the spiritual feeding she needed from that program. She tithed to her ‘TV Pastor’ and for the time we were neighbours this didn’t change. Let’s not be hasty to sit in judgement on her choices, because we didn’t know her circumstances. Keep in mind that this was in the 1980s before the internet came on the scene and changed all of our lives.

We like things made simple and easy, or at least I do. I would think that our neighbour would have logged into an internet church of her choice if available, and perhaps used that medium for her worship instead of TV. For a while it would have worked, but crucially for how long? In her own case she didn’t seem to be actively looking for fellowship.

There is good reason for being a part of a church body of believers. There is fellowship, working with others, spiritual growth, responsibility, Kingdom activity, praise and worship in word and song, and the teaching ministry which helps us grow. Another small point. Who will visit when you are sick? Encourage you when you feel down, and when you are promoted to Glory, who will be right there for your grieving family? Certainly not the TV or internet preacher. But we must remember above all else, it is the will of God that we gather together.

We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other. This becomes more and more important as you see the Day getting closer. Hebrews 10:25