Is it an acceptable alternative to attend church on-line rather than to physically attend a church?

Answer 1

What's the point if you're not going for the association?

Just get the fairy tale and read it on your own.

Answer 2

I disagree. There are isolated cases when someone cannot physically get out of a house, but that is a different story. We are called the body of Christ for a reason. We are supposed to be in fellowship with one another. Fellowship is something more than just a social hour. It's a time that we are together with like-minded believers to show a common interest and a common desire -- to give glory to God. Hebrews 10:25 says not to neglect the fellowship of others like some people are accustomed to doing. Church is a time of worship, but it's also the body of believers where we can pray with one another, use our gifts to help our the ministries in the church, encourage one another, and be there when someone needs help as well as have others support us when we need help. Going to church is essential to Christian growth. It's not the same if you do not get up and go. We must walk out and step out of our comfort zones (our own home) and step out on faith.

Answer 3

If your parents had a family dinner and all of the family was invited, your not being there would be missed and you would miss an opportunity to experience the love and fellowship of your family. Visiting the family on line would not be the same even if distance or sickness would prevent you from being there. Your family would understand but you would be missed.
The same for attending Church. We are invited to participate in a weekly family of God celebration and would be missed and would miss a lot if we could not attend.
So save the on line for other things and go and enjoy the love and fellowship of your spiritual family.

Answer 4

"I think" that if you cannot go to a church physically because of ailments that it is ok to get fed on line. BUT I know that we are told not to forsake the assembling of the saints.
It is important to get "plugged in" to a good bible-based church and become a part of the family.
Yes, in some circumstances there are hypocrites and backbiters in the church family but that is everywhere that you go whether it is church or not.
Do I believe that you will be condemned for going to church online...no

Answer 5

Where is the fellowship? Hebrews 10:23-25

Answer 6

The Church,,,is not actually a building but a name for gods family..yes we call the building a Church but that just labels it the place where Christians meet to fellowship. That meeting and fellowshipping is part of Gods expectation of His family...that they may edify and teach each other in Gods ways.....If you are really one of Gods children..how could you not want to be part of His family?
Best wishes, Mike.

Answer 7

Surely part of the benefit of attending church is to associate with your fellow believers. If you are unable to attend, perhaps because of a disability, you could ask the minister to visit you. He/she might be able to to suggest a number of the congregation who might be able to look in and see you. Church "on line" seems an awfully bloodless way to worship.

Answer 8

I don't believe so. Too many of the commands in Scripture require us to do things within the community of believers. That is where we really learn what it means to love, to have patience, to be kind, to encourage others, and many other things that spur on our spiritual growth. You can only do those things in a very limited way long distance with just the written word.

Too many believers think that just popping in and out on a Sunday morning will do the trick for them, but that is equally as ineffective. It takes time, effort, and connections for us to give to the body of believers and for the body of believers to give to us and for us all to sharpen and encourage each other and invest in each other's lives.

Answer 9

Hello and if your not able to go physcially sure, there is a great place www.saccentral.org you can go to church there but Acts 2 the last verse Jesus Himself added daily to the church as such as should be saved, find out more free bible lessons www.amazingfacts.org God bless.

Answer 10

the purpose of going to church is to fellowship.it is about worship and praising the lord with followers who believe the same thing you do.it is about giving god the praise and being on one accord with fellow worshipers.i dont think you can get all that from television.theres nothing like being there.

Answer 11

"And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

Bit hard to incite love and fine works, and to encourage one another without being at your place of worship.

Think about the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on everyone's behalf and compare that to someone sitting on their backside giving token on-line service.