Have you ever thought about what creates genuine friendships? In the digital world of social media, the concept of “friends” is quite fascinating. We all have social media accounts that reflect hundreds, if not thousands, of “friends.” However, we have to ask ourselves the question, do we truly have friends?
There is no question that we are more connected today than ever before. We can reach one another in an instant. Digital communication has enabled us to talk to one another at any time no matter where we are located. We have to think through the implications of such connectivity. Even with all our connectivity through a digital world, are we enjoying the sweet fellowship of one another?
Social media and our digital age, in my opinion, have done a lot of good. We can leverage our social media accounts as a platform for evangelism. We can encourage a vast audience of people with the truth of Scripture. Even through social media, we can maintain contact with people who do not live very close.
Along with all the good social media can bring, we must also consider the bad. Books are being written about the damaging impact of the digital age on our social skills. One recent book is entitled, The Anxious Generation; in this book, the author details how our digital age promises relationships but delivers loneliness and depression.
Therefore, we have to take a text-driven approach when considering the impact of the digital age on relationships. I want to offer the following premise concerning the topic of the digital world and genuine fellowship ---- Christianity primarily is an analog faith that is demonstrated through the physical local gathering of believers called a church.
Before I share support for the aforementioned premise, I want to state that I am cognizant of the fact that I am communicating my argument to you through digital means. I am also cognizant of the fact that the Conservative Baptist Network uses digital platforms of social media, daily. Furthermore, I am cognizant that I use social media platforms personally. However, the use of email, online platforms, and social media does not undermine the stated premise.
Christianity primarily is an analog faith that is demonstrated through the physical local gathering of believers called a church.
The reason there is no contradiction is because of the term “primarily.” Note what I am not suggesting in my premise. One, I am not suggesting that the digital age is inherently evil. Two, I am not suggesting that the digital age is incapable of promoting good. Three, I am not suggesting that Christianity cannot have a digital presence. What I am suggesting is that Christianity's primary expression of faith is through the analog means of a local church.
Therefore, having put forth the premise and responded to seeming contradictions. Let me now provide the biblical support for the premise of why "Christianity primarily is an analog faith that is demonstrated through the physical local gathering of believers called a church.”
Acts 2:42, 46 - “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship…And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes…”
Christian devotion to one another is understood through being with one another in the same physical location (i.e. “attending the temple together” and “breaking bread in their home”).
Romans 12:4 - “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
Christian gifting is understood as the functioning of all body parts working together not the detachment of body parts.
Romans 12:10 - “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Christian love is understood through being able to observe the honor being shown to each other.
Romans 12:13 - “Seek to show hospitality”
Christian hospitality is understood through being able to interact with other believers in the same location (i.e. local church).
Here is a concise list of other verses from Romans 12 that presuppose Christianity be expressed primarily in an analog manner instead of a digital manner:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
“Live in harmony with one another.”
“Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.”
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
All of these references to Christian living provide ample evidence that God’s intention for Christian community and fellowship is through the means of a physical local church gathering. While the digital age can be helpful, the digital cannot be a substitute for God’s church.
Therefore, in light of what Scripture teaches about fellowship and togetherness, here are some practical admonitions:
Be committed to attending church. Being present is an important discipline.
Be committed to participating at your church. Find somewhere to serve others.
Be committed to building friendships with your church. Spend time with one another.
While the digital age can be helpful, the digital cannot be a substitute for God’s church.
This article was written by Dr. Timothy Pigg, Pastor of Fellowship Church and Director of the Conservative Baptist Network. For more articles and resources by Timothy, visit www.textdriven.org.
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