"Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15) Christ's Church is a proclaiming Church. We are pleased to share the message of the Gospel with you on Sunday morning as we livestream our Divine Service.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
The Bible teaches us the importance of gathering together to hear God’s Word, for we are one spiritual Body in His Church. Jesus says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matt 18:20). In the days after Pentecost, the first Christians were devoted to the teaching of the apostles and the breaking of the bread (Acts 2:42). And the writer to the Hebrews encourages us to regular public worship:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
In the modern era, technology has made it possible for us to reach people in new and incredible ways. By broadcasting our service online, we are able to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of earth, and members who are unable to attend in person are able to enjoy the liturgy of God’s Word in their homes.
We must, however, approach this new capability with caution. We do not lose sight of the fact that our at-home members would rather be with us in person. Those who are able to be here should be here, in accordance with the Bible’s teaching. Furthermore, to those who are not Lutherans and are watching our services, we are delighted that they are hearing the Gospel, but we recognize that they need to be instructed in the faith and confess it publicly if they would like to participate fully in the Divine Service of the Church.
For this reason, we are no longer showing communion during the livestream of the service, and we will be cutting off the YouTube replays of the service before the Introit and after the sermon. There is a great difference between the public proclamation of the Gospel message to the ends of the earth, and the gathering of the faithful around Christ’s altar to receive his gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Absolution and the Lord’s Supper are not gifts for the general public: forgiveness is for believers in Christ, and communion is for confessing members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Thank you for your understanding. Please enjoy our livestream proclamation of God’s Word.