Let’s Keep Studying Together
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“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19-20 NLT
When Jesus said He would be where just two or three are gathered together, He was not limiting that to a physical location. The context Jesus is talking about is when two or three are in spiritual agreement He is with them. While talking to the woman at the well, Jesus pointed out that the true place of worship is not so much about a particular physical location of worship but rather worshiping in the right spirit. I like to think of being “in the Spirit” – in harmony with the Holy Spirit – as a dimension all its own. I have friends all over the world but we are always together in the same place in the Spirit. I believe that’s why even if we go for a while without getting to visit that once we finally do its like we were never apart. Because we were together in the Spirit the entire time and spiritually we were never apart.
Remember that churches are not being closed. Buildings are being closed. We are the church. We are to remain open. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus did not send His church into a building. He sent them to all the ends of the earth to make disciples. Through technology and the Holy Spirit we can continue making disciples for Jesus around the world.
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
This is important now because with the Coronavirus Disease (Covid 19) Sabbath School classes are not able to meet physically. Millions are studying in their own homes. Some are still meeting in small groups but depending on where you are that could still be dangerous. Doctors are telling us the best way to stop the virus from spreading is to halt all physical social interaction. The good news is we have a safe place to study together without fearing the virus, which is in the Spirit. I have spoken with a lot of people over the phone this week, and some have told me that they are just fine on Sabbath because they have Hope Sabbath School or other Adventist channels. Those are great and so is Sabbath School Net. But we still need interaction. At least on Sabbath School Net we can interact by commenting on the blog, but as far as Adventist TV channels go, we need more than online sermons and Sabbath School classes. We need interaction. This is why last Sabbath many church members called their brothers and sisters on the phone or even on video chats to study together and, just as importantly, pray together. Paul wrote in Hebrews 10:25 about always continuing to meet together. I believe today Paul would tell us in this current situation to keep interacting together for fellowship and encouragement. I don’t want to put words in Paul’s mouth but I don’t think just watching online sermons or online Sabbath Schools accomplishes what Paul had in mind. I think to accomplish the spirit and purpose of Hebrews 10:25 we need to interact instead of just watching or listening to someone else do all the talking.
I hope during this time of physical social isolation people will take advantage of Sabbath School Net and comment. Many of you read the daily lesson study blogs but not as many comment and interact. We invite your interaction. While Hope Sabbath School and Adventist TV channels are great to watch online, we all need to do more than watch. We need to interact. When it comes to the resources we have today of telephone and online video chats, we can interact with people pretty much any time and anywhere. Let’s continue reaching out to the elderly, the lonely, as well as our current Sabbath School class members.
Don’t just watch. Fellowship. Interact. Let’s continue studying together.
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