Pastor John Pistorius

It is written, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

This is for all believers. This instruction offers no exceptions.

We are to firmly hold onto the declaration of our faith. We should not stop gathering together with other believers.

Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.

One of the purposes of assembling is “to stir up love and good works.” This is a simple command with profound implications. Strength is found in numbers.

During the virus scare, many church congregations stopped gathering together.

The willing halt of assembling has had a profound effect on the people of God. Some feel betrayed. Others feel marginalized or disenfranchised.

When the letter to the Hebrews was written, “together” meant physically together in one location.

Some claim that “virtual” services are the same as gathering together in person.

Any clear thinking man or woman can see this is impossible. Virtual gathering presents clear limits and followers of Christ know this.

Among other things, except they assemble together, believers are unable to obey the command to lay hands on the sick.

We can't anoint our sisters and brothers with oil. New believers are not able to be baptized.

Give it some thought. You will think of other things that are impossible.

Breaking bread together can be feigned by having everyone use their own bread and wine. But the centuries old practice of sharing the bread and cup are unable to be administered as was instructed by our Lord and Savior who instituted the practice. Electronic communion is impossible.

Sure, believers are able to pray “together” by electronic means. People have used telephones to pray with and for others since the dawn of this technology.

But let us remember that we are designed by our creator to have social interaction. No one can give much needed physical touch to another unless they are in close proximity. True human interaction is impossible through electronic means.

As we weather the response to this virus, let us learn how to obey God first.

In the interest of saving souls, let us forsake not the assembling of ourselves together. Instead, let us walk by faith, not sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Let us remember the Spirit of almighty God empowers us with love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

And let us love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves, for this is how we hold fast the profession of our faith.

Pastor John Pistorius is the pastor of Christ's Family Church in Donegal Township.