Unprecedented times, right? Who would have thought just a few months back while we were coming out of the Christmas Season and into New Years, that 2020 would involve a worldwide pandemic that would force people to “shelter in place?” I would have said “no way!” Looking back over the last several weeks now, I’m amazed at how quickly our whole world seemingly has turned upside down.
Can you imagine what this time would have been like without the technology of the 21st century? Think for a minute how dependent we have all been on the internet during this time. How different would this unusual pandemic-time be like without social media, real-time television, or even phone service? Honestly, we take so much for granted.
It’s been very encouraging to see the church adapt to this time and turn almost exclusively to social media and the internet to connect with it’s members and as well continue to reach-out to the community with the message of hope through Jesus Christ. Many large churches were already streaming live services, while others quickly adapted by utilizing Facebook Live. In just one Sunday for example, we “virtually attended” live church from our own Emmanuel Christian Center, Substance Church, Evangel and New Life Churches in Bismarck ND, and Destiny Church in Cheyenne WY. Interestingly, some churches are reporting that due to virtual attendance, their over-all numbers are up.
Although I do appreciate the technological age in which we live, and the ability to stay connected…I want to throw out a word of caution to not diminish the power of physically assembling together as a church. The writer of Hebrews warns us, “do not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Heb 10:25 NKJV
By now we have all heard of certain churches who have ignored the stay-at-home orders put out by our national and state governments. I am clearly not advocating that. However, as these restrictions are hopefully soon lifted, I am concerned that some may lose the significance of assembling together in our churches. Coming together to worship God has wonderful and lasting benefits to us, our families, and to our communities, but it also has proven to be incredibly moving to God. Simply put—when people choose to make the effort to come together to worship—God honors that.
Interestingly enough, we are soon approaching Pentecost Sunday. This is the day we celebrate and remember the day that Jesus—after his death and resurrection—told the disciples to go to a particular meeting place (an upper room, located in Jerusalem) and wait for the promised Holy Spirit to come. The Bible says that 120 individuals gathered together, waiting. Exactly for what and how, they weren’t sure. They just came expecting God to meet with them.
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 NKJV
On the same day of this momentous occasion, Peter spoke to a crowd of people and 3000 were saved and baptized. Going forward, other signs, wonders, and miracles began to escalate through the power of the Holy Spirit being manifested through Gods people. And thus, the church began. Initially, early believers gathered in home churches. Many private residences were renovated exclusively as houses of worship. Today however, we commonly gather in much larger buildings. Still, we must understand that the “church” is the people, not the building. The fact remains, that God—as with any loving father—loves it when His family makes the effort to come together in one accord. This is not an advertisement for the Honda Accord (ha ha!), in one accord means gathering together in unison or with the same mind or intension. God simply loves to see this! I’m a father, I get it…right? What’s even more powerful is when people come together “expecting” as those did in that day. They came expecting or anticipating an encounter with God. This is the key to having church verses merely attending church. We must anticipate encountering God and worshipping Him in spirit and in truth (see John 4:24).
From 1995-1999 Tracy and I, as well as our children were part of a revival in Pensacola Florida known as The Brownsville Revival. It literally touched millions of lives as people flooded into the church night after night. The presence of God was tangibly thick. Lives, marriages, and families were restored. Physical and emotional healings by the thousands…literally! People would actually run to the alter. Many would enter the sanctuary and begin weeping and some even laughing for no apparent reason…only that God was doing an inner work in their lives. But why there? Why Brownsville in Pensacola Florida? The same question can be asked of the Welsh revival, Azusa Street, The 3 Great Awakenings, Toronto, Bethel Redding, and many others…? What was/is the key ingredient? The very same thing as it was on that first Pentecost… HUNGER!
So, when our various church doors are allowed to be open to the public again, I hope that we have not become lazy and complacent in our form of worship. I pray that the easy-chair-style of worship does not become a habit. But rather we embrace the opportunity to gather together in one accord—with hunger and expectancy to meet with God. What a privilege we have had. Never in my life have I so appreciated the freedom that we have in our country to worship as we choose. Let’s honor the Lord and do it together, shall we?
Expectantly excited to see what God does in the days ahead. #prayforrevival
Blessed by the Best,
Mark
See You in the River 