"The Return of Neo-Gnosticism: The Dark Side of Online Church Services"

The rise of online church services poses a significant threat to the traditional gathering of Christ's body, as neo-gnostics and other misguided individuals continue to deny the importance of physical assembly. With the COVID-19 pandemic providing a convenient excuse to avoid in-person worship, the danger of online church has grown exponentially, fueled by a relentless push for digital experiences that prioritize pragmatism over commitment to God's Word. But make no mistake – online church is a dangerous trend that undermines the very essence of what it means to be the church.

The passage in Matthew 18:19-20 is often cited as a justification for online church, as it states that where two or three are gathered in His name, Christ is present. However, this passage is actually referring to church discipline and the importance of obedience to God's word in assembly, doctrine, and order. The use of two or three is not meant to promote small congregations, but to emphasize that God is present in any church that follows His commands.

Assembling in Christ's name is essential for the church to experience the supernatural power of grace – God's enabling power to accomplish His will. This grace flows among believers as they gather and obediently follow God's prescription of assembly. A crucial aspect of this gathering is the shared time and space that allows believers to join together physically in the presence of God. Online church services, however, cannot replicate this shared experience, as they are not a true assembly in the biblical sense. In an online service, individuals may watch from different locations and at different times, making it impossible to share a common space or time. This absence of shared time and space prevents the outpouring of grace that occurs when believers come together in obedience and order. As a result, online church services cannot fully deliver the power of God that is only accessible through physical assembly in Christ's name.

Moreover, the rise of online church has led to a dangerous trend towards neo-Gnosticism. Online “church” emphasizes pragmatism and convenience over commitment to a physical community of believers. This rejection of the physical gathering of Christ's body may lead to the creation of virtual churches in the metaverse, further distancing believers from the reality of the physical world.

Some may use the passage in Matthew 18:19-20 to justify a house church, but this is not the true meaning of the passage. The point is not about the size of the church, but rather the obedience to assembly, doctrine, and order for Christ's presence to be there.

Disgruntled house churches often start because someone refuses to submit to legitimate church authority and prefers to follow their own hidden knowledge, similar to the Gnostics of the past. However, there is no grace flowing among them because they are not a true called-out assembly of Christ's body.

There is a new movement towards house churches that want to return to the ancient paths and follow the model of the New Testament. While it is true that house churches were mentioned in the New Testament, it is important to note that the early church also met in the Temple, synagogues, and larger rooms that housed over 100 people. House churches are appropriate for new and small churches, but it becomes inappropriate if the church remains immature and stays or plans to stay in a house.

In conclusion, the danger of online church lies not only in its rejection of physical gathering, but also in the potential rise of neo-Gnosticism and the creation of virtual churches. It is important to understand the true meaning of the passage in Matthew 18:19-20 and to follow God's prescribed method of assembly, doctrine, and order for the outpouring of grace to flow among believers. House churches are appropriate for small and new churches, but it becomes inappropriate if the church remains immature and refuses to grow. Ultimately, the physical gathering of Christ's body remains a vital component of the Christian faith.