Sunday Omori
Right beside me she sat glued to her mobile phone. The sun was running fast to set and every road user was in a haste to reach a destination. The bus I boarded was moving slowly and the traffic jam was becoming unbearable, but she drew my attention from the stress as I observed her moves. The traffic jam along the road leading to the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos had lasted for more than two hours for a journey that would have ended after 30 minutes. She wasn’t bothered about being caught in a traffic jam and seemed to be used to it unlike visitors like me. I noticed she had an earpiece on and was following a church service online. With rapt attention she joined other congregants in the worship and praise sessions, prayer sessions and throughout the session the preacher shared God’s Word. It was captivating to hear her shout ‘amen’ and see her dance while seated.
It was obvious that some Christians are really taking advantage of the advancement in technology – utilizing the internet to avoid being excluded from fellowshipping with God and fellow believers. The apostle Paul advised Christian believers not to forsake the assembling of saints as this fellowship contributes to their edification (See Hebrews 10:25; Ephesians 4:12). The issues of life contend with our time daily and there are moments when circumstances pose a challenge to our fellowship with God and brethren like the case of the woman I met in the bus. In situations where physical fellowship is challenging, Christian believers need to explore the option of attending church services and programs online. I believe that livestreaming church services and programs through websites and social media platforms is taking the church beyond the walls of buildings and helping many Christians to heed to Paul’s advice. The good news is that there is no barrier in the spirit realm and believers whose hearts are engaged will always be blessed as they attend services and programs online via mobile telephones, laptops and other devices.
The COVID-19 pandemic to some extent caused many Christians to lose fellowship with God and brethren because of restrictions in movement. While the devastating pandemic had fewer negative effects on some churches that had been streaming services online, it dawned on some churches to put in place online platforms that would help their congregants to fellowship with God and brethren continually. “Our income grew tremendously during the heat of COVID-19” declared one great man of God from a fast-growing denomination that streams services from its headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
While taking advantage of the online platforms to fellowship with God, it is important not to completely forsake physical gatherings of saints especially where churches are located within walking distance. Sometimes, these technologies fail because of loss in transmission, equipment failure and weak internet connection. Besides, God requires our physical and financial services as well. Christian believers can gain mastery in providing technical, ushering, music and other services while attending physical services and programs. Where giving offerings online is challenging, attending physical service can make giving easier.
However, if you are yet to have a relationship with God by inviting Jesus Christ into your heart, there is no way you can fellowship with Him either physically or online. Say this prayer of salvation: dear Lord Jesus Christ, come into my heart. I accept You as my personal Lord and Savior. I believe that You came to die for me and rose again to save me. I accept that I am a sinner and pray that You forgive me. I receive the eternal life of God and I declare that I am born again. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
Congratulations! Welcome to God’s family and feel free to fellowship with God and His children where the Holy Spirit leads you.
HEM Int'l 