The sun is up and I am running a little late in writing to you today. I just poured a large mug full of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and now we can get down to business.
My wife Rene and I do own three televisions and they do get used. I will confess that I do spend a little time watching them but not as much as I listen to the radio. I have some soft music playing right now. Prior to that the news was being broadcast. I have the radio turned on not to provide background noise but to entertain, and teach. Earlier I was listening to my favorite preachers give a 15 minute inspirational message. I don't feel chained to the radio and I can listen and work on a project at the same time. Many times when I am cooking in the kitchen I have the radio tuned in to a favorite station catching some discussions on faith or politics.
It is not all that often that I sit down to watch a baseball game or a football game. I prefer listening to the radio announcers. The listening I do allows me to use my imagination and my mind takes me to the ball park with peanuts, popcorn or Cracker Jacks. I can vividly see the runners cutting left and right while moving ahead on the football field. This is good for athletic events and morning bible times but what is missing is the interaction with people. There aren't any hot dogs or Cracker Jacks in my garage nor the vendors to sell them. Some of those people are entertaining in their own way.
In today's world we are seeing more and more pod casts and radio church programs than ever before. This is awesome for those who are totally shut in and dependent upon electronics for their church services. A church can also have "longer arms" to reach people for the Lord.using media. But for those who are not shut in, the church of pajamas and bathrobes should not be the norm. The church is not just a building. The church is the people inside of the building. It is a community of believers gathering together to worship, pray, teach, learn and serve God, as well as others. I know of a fella who has a large media presence and is called to do so. The actual physical attendance is very small. He is an excellent preacher and one very nice man. His family are top notch people. So those listening to the media service never really meet this family and are out of fellowship with some really great folks. They are fed but do not enjoy the community of others. I attended in person and felt right at home being there and could feel the love they give in the name of Jesus. I also listen to his broadcast on Monday but it is so much better to be in the presence of other believers dining on the Word.
I do ninety percent of the preaching at our church's Saturday evening service. We have a small but steady flock of people who attend. We are a lot like a large family. We assist one another when there is a need and we enjoy the company of those who attend. We do pray, worship, learn, teach and serve together.
It is Biblical for us to gather together. Two are better than one and fifty are better than two. We can accomplish much more when assembled together.
Hebrews 10:25 Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Matthew 18:20. Foe wherever two or more are gathered in My name, I am there with them.
Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles, and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.
To those who have a media ministry, keep going. But always encourage people to join a body of believers where their God given gifts can flourish. They have something to share with others and that one big thing is themselves. God made us to desire companionship and belonging.
Friends in this weeks church services the only thing that will be missing from the service is you if you stay home for a pajama and bathrobe church service. Get up. Get going. And be there for yourself and for others.
God bless,
Marty
mm
No comments:
Post a Comment