This time last year, churches suspended in-person worship services for a period of time as the nation tried to stop the spread of COVID-19. Many congregations offered on-line services to give their members an opportunity to worship. This was the best we could do under the circumstances, but it just wasn’t the same as worshiping together. Every aspect of corporate worship—singing, preaching, offering, communion, prayer, etc.–is enhanced by our being together.

I am concerned that many Christians have become satisfied with sitting on their couches on Sunday morning, watching a worship service on an electronic device. As churches have returned to meeting together–with some safety measures in place, of course—some believers have not yet returned to the assembly. Many have legitimate health concerns. But I hope that followers of Jesus will understand the need to be together on the Lord’s Day. There is no good substitute for face to face interaction between those who worship the Lord.

“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”—2 John 12.