Does forum fellowship lack something?

[joewill2]

I attended a home group at my new church last week, and the atmosphere was superb. I really felt that Jesus was present with us, in a way that I have never felt strongly on any forum.

This raises some interesting questions about fellowship in cyberspace - i.e. over the internet:

1) Jesus said that whenever two or three people were gathered in his name, he would be with them. Is he present with a group of Christians communicating over the internet, in the same way that he is present when Christians are physically gathered together in one place?

2) The author of Hebrews wrote "Let us not stop meeting each other as others have done". How far is contact with other Christians on a forum a substitute for meeting with other Christians in church?

So far, I have found that sharing with other Christians over the net has some value, but it does not seem to be a substitute for face-to-face contact, which I find more powerful.

Disagree? What do you think?

[paulapop]

Hi Joewill
Great Questions!

First of all I totally agree that face-to-face contact is far more powerful, however, I do believe that Jesus is present within each of us as we post here in his name.

I feel it in my heart whenever I speak or type his name. We are not all on here at the same times, it is not like we are gathering in a room for a bible study or a prayer group. However, as I come here reading the post you made, a whole 3 days after you posted, Jesus is with me as I read and respond. He might not be present in the same way He is present in a room, but I do believe He is present.

I dont' think meeting each other on a forum is a subsitute for meeting in a church. I think group worship is an essential component of a christian lifestyle. A forum such as this is a great addition to a church group. It offers the opportunity to meet and share thoughts and ideas with other christians from all over the world. It broadens our horizons and gives us the opportunity to for fellowship with a greater number of christians.
For those that are housebound, a forum can offer a sense of community that could be otherwise lacking from their christian lifestyle.

Just my thoughts on the subject, I look forward to input from others.

[bcauser]

joewill2 said:

I attended a home group at my new church last week, and the atmosphere was superb. I really felt that Jesus was present with us, in a way that I have never felt strongly on any forum.

This raises some interesting questions about fellowship in cyberspace - i.e. over the internet:

1) Jesus said that whenever two or three people were gathered in his name, he would be with them. Is he present with a group of Christians communicating over the internet, in the same way that he is present when Christians are physically gathered together in one place?

2) The author of Hebrews wrote "Let us not stop meeting each other as others have done". How far is contact with other Christians on a forum a substitute for meeting with other Christians in church?

So far, I have found that sharing with other Christians over the net has some value, but it does not seem to be a substitute for face-to-face contact, which I find more powerful.

Disagree? What do you think?

I think the Bible says, where two or more are gathered in my Name---
don't think the net is sub. for going to church, and shouldn't be. But some cannot make it out to church as much as they would like, so Christian forums can at times fill in the gap. I myself, in the winter cannot make it out as much as I do in the summer, so my fellowship is with TV(Charles Stanley) then later come on the forums, and post. It is great we have the freedom to do this, and to be able to praise our Lord where ever or when ever we want

Thanks for the question
Bless
Bonnie

[phoenix07]

joewill2 said:

1) Jesus said that whenever two or three people were gathered in his name, he would be with them. Is he present with a group of Christians communicating over the internet, in the same way that he is present when Christians are physically gathered together in one place?

I've been thinking with that question, too! I thought, if He's present, He would have an account, too? Hmm, I honestly don't know. But I do believe that wherever we are He's still there in the midst of us.

joewill2 said:

2) The author of Hebrews wrote "Let us not stop meeting each other as others have done". How far is contact with other Christians on a forum a substitute for meeting with other Christians in church?

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We are only far from each other physically. But not spiritually. We still share our faith/beliefs but in a different way. I don't think it's bad, though. But if you're saying that you most likely feel God in a Bible Study or in a church, that's okay. I don't see anything wrong with that. Remember that God being in the midst of us is not based on our feelings, it's all based on our faith.

[paulapop]

Well said!

[dovetail]

I believe that going to church when possible is still essential to the life of Christians, however forums can help us grow in Christ as a fellowship opportunity, and understand that sometimes, its harder for others to go to church. Jesus also said that the time was coming when we wouldn't only worship in a temple, but in spirit. I believe that God is with all of us through the Holy Spirit, and that forums are a good way to come together as Christians, but do not take the place of a real face to face fellowship.