BGEA: December 29: Do you think the Internet will ever replace going to church?

Do you think the Internet will ever replace going to church? I think it could, because people can stay in touch through the Internet just like they do in church. They also could listen to sermons or participate in a Bible study without having to go anywhere. — T.N.H.

I'm grateful for the good things the Internet has brought into our lives, including the help it's given to the work of many churches and organizations (including our own -- BillyGraham.org).

Every day, in fact, people all over the world are hearing the Gospel through the Internet and giving their lives to Jesus as a result. Many are in our own country, but for one reason or another they've never understood that God loves them or that Jesus gave His life for their salvation. Others, however, are from countries with few churches or Christians, and the Internet becomes their lifeline to other believers.

However, the Internet will never replace going to church -- nor should it. God blesses us when we gather together to worship Him and hear His Word. God also put within each of us a need for fellowship with others. In addition, God calls us to love one other, and this can only happen as we spend time together. The Psalmist wrote, "Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together" (Psalm 34:3).

Most of all, the Internet can never take the place of our relationship with Jesus Christ. God loves us, and He yearns for us to talk with Him in prayer and spend time with Him in His Word, the Bible. What place does Christ have in your life? As we look forward to the beginning of a new year in just a few days, may you experience a new beginning by giving your life to Jesus Christ.

42 Comments

Tom says 1.23.2013, 11:56 p.m.

Let us not forsake the assemblying of ourselves together as the manner of some is. -Hebrews

Ron says 1.20.2013, 11:31 p.m.

Scripture encourages us to pray, together ("two or more gathered in my name") or alone. But, fellowship with other Christians is wonderful. Unfortunately, My wife and I have not found the right church for us but daily Bible study continues.

Sabina says 1.16.2013, 8:21 p.m.

As the Word of God in Hebrews 10:25 says, let us join others in church on Sundays or Bible Study groups and let us pray for those who go to work on Sunday so that God can give them opportunities to be free, the Bible say where two agree Mat.18:18-20

Theresa says 1.14.2013, 00:05 a.m.

The internet could never replace the fellowship and worshiping with my Church family. It is a small congregation but large in spirit.

patty says 1.13.2013, 03:35 a.m.

Nothing like Christ through human contact. We were not ment to be alone.

Rick says 1.12.2013, 10:48 a.m.

I have found that the church provides the full nurturing of my soul. The fellowship of believers equips the body of Christ to complete the great commission. The internet is a great resource but will never replace the church.

Anne says 1.12.2013, 01:00 a.m.

Thank you Billy and Franklin Graham for the Godly example that you both are. You are so encouraging to people of this world. You inspire me to do more of the Lords work. I volunteered at one of you Operation Christmas Child Dist. Centers this year.

Joyce says 1.11.2013, 9:16 p.m.

I wasn't raised in a church. Now that I have come to know the Lord jesus, I am excited to go to church and fellowship with other believers.

Lynn says 1.11.2013, 3:05 p.m.

I have always encouraged believers to be in church, and now I will be at service via Internet tonight and Sunday a.m.-p.m. The church had 30 minutes tops of praise/worship per week and I am going for more.

Patrick says 1.11.2013, 1:36 p.m.

Dear Reverend Graham, Communicating Jesus Christ to others comes from where the Holy Spirit is stored inside of us. True feelings of love and happiness are expressed in the person. Computers only tell others that we are happy or in love.

Alice says 1.11.2013, 11:04 a.m.

Yes, I agree that being with other believers is MOST important and such a blessing; however, I find that with the good Christian teachers, pastors, etc. being available on T V or radio at various times a blessing also. Can boost your day!

Hezron says 1.11.2013, 09:11 a.m.

When we carefully read the Bible, we realize that God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, is a God of fellowship. He is one God but he exists in three persons. This is an indicator of fellowship. In the book of Genesis he says' let us make man

Nana says 1.11.2013, 03:02 a.m.

Sure the internet has come to stay and Christians can use it to propagate the Gospel. But the physical touch is very important. I love Psalm 133. God bless us all.

R.Robert says 1.10.2013, 10:27 p.m.

Glory To God In The highest, praises to God our Father as he is the best father i know as he said my word shall accomplish the purpose for which i have sent it ,it shall not return unto me void.The Lord Is Faithful an I love him with my whole heart .

JEAN says 1.10.2013, 9:02 p.m.

WE LOVE WATCHING DAYSTAR AND THE CHURCH CH. BUT AS YOU SAY---- IT IS IMPORTANT TO ASSEMBLE WITH OTHER BELIEVERS

Linda says 1.10.2013, 8:47 p.m.

We are all one body, it is so important to attend church, when i go to church the Spirit of the Lord is so strong it heals people, destroys yokes, and worship service is wonderful!

Deb says 1.10.2013, 8:29 p.m.

We live in a different world. If anything, I would call this the Age of Isolation.

nancy says 1.10.2013, 8:09 p.m.

For me the internet can never replace the feeling I get of actually being in church. I love the fellowship of being with fellow believers and hearing the sermons and sunday school lessons.

Maureen says 1.10.2013, 7:04 p.m.

I believe that God has blessed this nation with BGEA and In Touch Ministries. I thank God for for Reverend Billy Graham and Franklin Graham and for Dr. Charles Stanley!Three uncompromising men of God!Thank you Jesus for these men.

Carole says 1.10.2013, 7:02 p.m.

The internet has been a tool in my life to fulfill a desire to share the Gospel with others, give encouragement and receive encouragement. I agree with Dr. Graham that it should not take the place of fellowship with other believers in church.

Robert says 1.10.2013, 6:34 p.m.

God has told us the answer, my favorite John 3:16. Believe in him, trust him for your safe keeping and forgiveness Repent means to change your way of living and fallow his teachings.

Donna says 1.10.2013, 6:30 p.m.

Being able to access the internet provided a bridge for myself to further my bible studies since I am no longer physically able to get to church.

DICK says 1.10.2013, 6:19 p.m.

I ATTEND MY CHURCH FOR THE FELLOWSHIP AND TO WORSHIP GOD AS BELIEVERS. WE ALSO HAVE A GET TOGETHER AFTER SERVICE AND ENJOY THE COFFEE AND GOODIES. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO SEE WHATS UP IN THERE LIVES AND SHARE WITH THEM AND HELP IF THERES A NEED.

Darlene says 1.10.2013, 6:01 p.m.

We love you Billy Graham...We all pray that God will find favor to continue to give you strength so you can continue to teach us...pray for us , The World...America.We are in trouble without God, His Love and His Mercy I

Manasseh says 1.10.2013, 5:56 p.m.

Great answer from God servant.

William says 1.10.2013, 5:54 p.m.

After all is said and done and past,only what's done for Christ will last.

Michael says 1.10.2013, 5:52 p.m.

I try to, and usually do read my Bible everyday, and now with the internet I can get ministry, brotherhood, and just general messages about my Jesus everyday instead of just once a week at church. Without a car, I can still be involved in Him at home

Patrick says 1.10.2013, 5:44 p.m.

Gale says 1.10.2013, 5:43 p.m.

The Body of Christ must come together in person to help people grow in love. I believe God ordained the church to be a physical gathering with Jesus as the head. When people gather they must focus on differences that make the body of Christ whole.

Michael says 1.10.2013, 5:31 p.m.

Billy Graham has been the most influential person in my life and I am 62 years old. Thank you reverand Graham and my Lord Jesus Christ for giving him to people like me.

Betty says 1.10.2013, 5:25 p.m.

I agree with you 100.

Jay says 1.10.2013, 5:24 p.m.

Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. I cannot look at anything without realizing the power and glory of God and the Holy Spirit. I pray for all people.

Keith says 1.10.2013, 5:04 p.m.

Heb10:24-25 : "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, a some people do, but encourage one anothere, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." NLT

rae says 1.10.2013, 4:42 p.m.

i agree with you, and to let you reverend billy, and pastor franklin, i love how you two are the standard of what a honest relationship is with our Lord Jesus, i hope i can be like king david, a lady with a heart after God's own heart.

John says 1.10.2013, 4:21 p.m.

Sure, the Internet is a great source of Information and Contact. The Fellowship is in the gathering of Believers. "May God be with you"(your Salutation), and "And also with you"(the Response), of the Parishoner near you as you clasp their hand.

James and Phyllis says 1.10.2013, 3:52 p.m.

As a retired Pastor, I agree with your assessment concerning the Internet and other such innovations. Thank you!

John says 1.10.2013, 3:41 p.m.

It is important to go to church and have a good fellowship with fellow believers. Bible tells us that when we come together, there is song, praise, worship, hearing from the word, and breaking of break and drinking from the cup.

Jacque says 1.10.2013, 3:14 p.m.

I am so grateful for Billy Graham and his family. I sang in the choir for one of his crusades back in 1983, in Sacramento, CA. Thank you for answering the call to ministry. God uses more than one tool to reach the lost. God Bless You! PTL!!

Lisa says 1.10.2013, 3:09 p.m.

No the internet doesn't replace church, but for my husband and I, it is the only way we can, we both have disabilities and I also suffer from panic attacks, so I am greatful that I can turn to the internet and tv.

Martin says 1.10.2013, 2:58 p.m.

Amen! Sitting in front of a keyboard can never replace the dynamics and benefits of participating in a Godly house of worship. Same response to those who miss so much with taking on-line university courses.

Jane says 1.10.2013, 2:54 p.m.

I respect deeply anything Billy Graham has to say.I find it hard though to find a church that isn't contemporary. I don't like the loud music and words that are not inspiring. I love to hear and sing the old songs of the faith and enjoy the beauty

Cynthia says 1.10.2013, 2:50 p.m.

I work weekends and I miss fellowship with other Christians