The COVID-19 shutdowns have created a renewed interest in virtual church services. What was once a temporary solution in the early days of the quarantine has become the preferred method for many. We believe that trend poses a danger to the church and to her members, and that this series, first published in November of 2016, is a timely and instructive response. –ed.

Consider for a moment some of the tremendous privileges and blessings the Internet and technology affords believers these days.

Today we have the easiest and freest access to faithful Bible teaching that the church has ever enjoyed. On radio and streaming online, you can hear faithful expositors exalt and explain God’s Word at any time of the day or night. Moreover, you can dig through church history into the teaching legacies of godly men who helped protect and preserve the faith we hold so dear. And through the advent of smartphones, tablets, and other devices we routinely carry today, that immense wealth of Bible teaching and spiritual wisdom is never more than a couple taps away.

However, those technological advancements can actually short circuit the life of the church. Many believers today think they can get the teaching and worship they need from a church through ministries online. In fact, some people have told us bluntly that Grace to You has become their church.

We asked John MacArthur about that trend, and here’s how he responded:

The church is where believers fellowship with one another, disciple each other, and put their giftedness to work for the sake of the Body of Christ. No online ministry can replace the role of the church in the life of the believer.

We’re not interested in substituting for the church. But we do want to be an asset to you, stimulating your spiritual growth and building up your faith so that you, in turn, can be an asset to your local church.