Where two or three are gathered.

[W2L]

I presume you are referring to Matt 18:20. if that is the case, the word "together" in the Greek suggest a physical gathering together as in gathering together for a time of fellowship.

I realise at the time that was written the internet had not been invented and one could apply the verse to a "gathering" on the internet, but I am convinced that the reason for that verse was to speak to an actual physical gathering in a specific location as opposed to a non-physical location.

I wasn't hung up on the scripture so much. The question i asked was more important to me.

 

[Episaw]

I wasn't hung up on the scripture so much. The question i asked was more important to me.

As the scripture is the basis for all our beliefs and living, I have a tendency to go there first for answers as it seems to obviate much opinion and rumination.

 

[W2L]

As the scripture is the basis for all our beliefs and living, I have a tendency to go there first for answers as it seems to obviate much opinion and rumination.

I know what you mean, but its not rocket science. Surely we should know if God is with us or not.

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

So you're saying that reading body language is a gift of the spirit? Do you have a scripture to support that?

Discernment most certainly includes that. You can argue that the scriptures do not go into that kind of detail but it is simple logic. God's Spirit can do anything, He can empower His people to discern anything (or else God is not sovereign after all). What kind of gift would leave His children stupid about such things?

 

[Meowzltov]

Is God among us as we gather online?

How are we "gathered?" We aren't. We are typing on computers, and not even at the same time. What we are doing is reading each other's letters. That is NOT gathering.

 

[AnticipateHisComing]

Where two or three are gathered.

Is God among us as we gather online?

I know what you mean, but its not rocket science. Surely we should know if God is with us or not.

How are we "gathered?" We aren't. We are typing on computers, and not even at the same time. What we are doing is reading each other's letters. That is NOT gathering.

And similarily, multiple people in multiple locations praying the same prayer is not the same as multiple people gathered together praying the same prayer. God hears the multiple prayers the same whether people are gathered together or not. But, I believe there is a special benefit to multiple Christians gathered together. If you have ever been to a Christian concert or large church, it is very uplifting to be together with a thousand or more people Christians.

I think the OP question is too simplistic in the reading of scripture and the question asked. The question should not be if God is with us, for he is with all Christians.

The question should be, does CF online bring about a benefit/Godly blessing because of our "fellowship" online? I would say mostly no; here on CF, rarely is there much agreement and fellowship. As is often in online forums, civility degrages with the impersonalness of the anonymity.

I believe the point of Matthew 18:19-20 is an encouragement and blessing for physical gatherings of people with a common faith in God.

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

 

[Christopher D. Goodwin]

He is getting clarification about your question, which may be less than clear.

Heads up I'm going to be carpet bombing your replies, lets see what kind of connections we can make.

My question was that, a question. I asked him first and he did not reply with a direct answer. I am attempting to establish a relationship that is not based on ambiguity. When Morris code is used on ships the ship sending the message expects a direct answer to a direct signal. I sent a direct message and used the punctuation I intended. Sailors know how to communicate very well.

 

[Christopher D. Goodwin]

Discernment most certainly includes that. You can argue that the scriptures do not go into that kind of detail but it is simple logic. God's Spirit can do anything, He can empower His people to discern anything (or else God is not sovereign after all). What kind of gift would leave His children stupid about such things?

Ignorance is bliss.

It has been through my work as an Uber driver Millennials are lacking God. Just today I picked up a coupe that was headed to the $0.99 store. A man and a woman, well, on the outside. I began speaking to them in the same tone of voice I use when reading scripture. It was like a parent talking to their children. When I dropped them off at the store, I waited in the parking lot for another call for service. The next call for service came from the same store, the same couple. I put my vehicle in reverse, backed into the loading zone, and hit accept. Approximately three minutes later, they arrived at my vehicle. Snacks were present. I believe he was going to go back to his place of residence and consume marijuana, but hey, that's just speculation. She was in charge of the money, she went to her friends house, he was just along for the ride. She did not consult him on what she was doing. He became upset. I arrive at the scene, end the ride, and expect them to leave. They get into a small verbal argument, she orders up another uber, I receive the call, and take him to his place of residence. He begins disclosing personal information about her and wishes to discuss Chaos Theory. He has no idea what he is talking about and does not realize he is not forming coherent sentences. I throw around a little sociology, and hit him with some scriptural passages with out him realizing it. I essentially hit him with Jesus right between the eyes. He goes off into his own little world, he likes what I am saying and how I say it. I drop him off, he asked my name. I reply, "you can call me Gabriel."

End of story.

 

[Christopher D. Goodwin]

No thanks. I like biblical truth. Can you stop playing this game and answer my question?

No, because I asked you first. You still have not given me a direct answer. This, in sociology, is called "Social Conflict."

We are in a Mexican standoff at this point in time.

 

[Christopher D. Goodwin]

In betting you are asking to lose. Life is way more serious than a game. Your eternal destiny is at stake. If you play it as a game, you have already lost.

Exactly.

Your gifts are wisdom and knowledge. I am making that statement on the premises of what I have seen thus far.

I'd like to get to know you a little better. What is your Doctorate in?

 

[IAMABELIEVER1979]

yes, in my opinion.

 

[Quasiblogo]

Depends on what broadband or internet service he is using in Heaven...

amen.come

 

[Dave G.]

Let me just say this. I haven't logged onto this thread since back in page 7 or so, it is now page 12 I believe. And from what I can see that has transpired since that point, if God was ever in this thread, He has departed, at least in interest..

 

[A_Thinker]

There are some scriptures which are arguably fulfilled by the internet like being able to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. But I don't think this verse is. We are not meeting together, we are not gathered together in one place, we are merely communicating with each other over a long distance.

Aren't our spirits and minds gathered together ... to Godly purpose and accord ?

I see many on these threads uplifted in prayer and comforted and encouraged in Christ.

I see instruction and debate on scripture.

I see praise (of God), thanksgiving, and personal testimony.

I see the sharing of the faith.

I would argue that we do have a particular type of christian gathering here, ... and, perhaps, one that is more open to unbelievers.

Certainly, there is more opportunity for individual needs to be addressed (to an extent) ... than at a typical church gathering.

 

[A_Thinker]

How can Jesus be in the midst of us when we are not together? Some people tend to use the internet and TV as an alternative to going to church and it does not carry the same benefits.

Hebrews 10:25. Do you think the internet is meeting/assembling/gathering together which are words different versions use? I would say a resounding "No" and its an excuse for people to avoid fulfilling Jesus instructions to us.

I do agree, however, that there is no substitute for the periodic ASSEMBLY of christians.

... to be PHYSICALLY present for one another, ... as there is some support/fellowship/coordination we can only accomplish in the PHYSICAL ...

 

[brinny]

yes, in my opinion.

I agree.

 

[brinny]

Let me just say this. I haven't logged onto this thread since back in page 7 or so, it is now page 12 I believe. And from what I can see that has transpired since that point, if God was ever in this thread, He has departed, at least in interest..

LOL!

Comical point there brother.

However, His grace, i firmly believe, supersedes the stumblings and bumblings and distractions of man.

God bless us, ev'ry one

 

[brinny]

Praise God!!

 

[W2L]

Praise God!!

Amen brinny.

 

[Dave G.]

LOL!

Comical point there brother.

However, His grace, i firmly believe, supersedes the stumblings and bumblings and distractions of man.

God bless us, ev'ry one

Oh I know, He is always with us and never forsakes us, that's His promise not mine LOL !