With the advancement of technology, it is possible (and easily so) for Christians to log on, sit back and watch a worship service on their computer at home. This is and can be such a tremendous blessing to the lives of many, including shut-ins, those in the hospital or rehab, those who are seriously ill and cannot leave home, those who are recovering from surgeries, etc. However, there are some who take this blessing and make it a substitute for actually worshiping God. Someone says, “Oh, wait just a minute! I am worshiping God! I’m doing all the acts of worship with the church as they do them! I’m just at home and not in the pew.”
The church has long made a distinction (and rightfully so) between “being unable” to assemble for worship (by circumstance) and “forsaking” the assembly (by choice). The first is outside of one’s control and the second is very much within one’s control. God’s Word tells Christians that they are to “come together” (1 Cor. 11:17, 18, 20, 33, 34), which is termed an “assembly” (Heb. 2:12; Jas. 2:2) and an “assembling together” (Heb. 10:25). Watching on the computer is nice for those who (by circumstances) are unable to be there, but watching on the computer is forsaking for those who (by choice) could be there. Think about this. Pray about this. —