Dr. Russ Moore of Southern Baptist Seminary posted a link to an on-line baptism. Apparently this is the first online baptism in the world.

Online Baptism portrays the pastor in one location and a family linked by webcams in another city.

A few questions -

1) Where is the local church in this situation?

2) Can we use the word “church” to describe this ministry?    Where are the “elders” and “deacons?”    How do you give oversight to someone you don’t have personal contact with or how do you serve them?

3) Should new believers not be encouraged to identify locally with other believers?   Is this really an example of “not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together….”

4) Is this really biblical “baptism?”

or is this another “novelty” of the technology of our age?   Is this an example of someone trying to build their own kingdom rather than the kingdom of God?   The “electronic” church – the various ministries that fill North America and other parts of the world should be strengthening local churches not diverting funds and resources to some central location.

Today’s hymn from the Believers Hymn Book is “Hark!  Ten Thousand Voices Crying.”   Perhaps the concept of “one accord” should be a truth we meditate upon today.

Hark! ten thousand voices crying, “Lamb of God!” with one accord;

Thousand, thousand saints replying, Wake at once the echoing chord.

“Praise the Lamb,” the chorus waking All in heaven together throng,

Loud and far, each tongue partaking, Rolls along the endless song.

Grateful incense this, ascending Ever to the Father’s throne;

Every knee to Jesus bending, All the mind in heaven is one.

All the Father’s counsels claiming Equal honours to the Son;

All the Son’s effulgence beaming, Makes the Father’s glory known.

By the Spirit all pervading, Hosts unnumbered round the Lamb,

Crowned with light and joy unfading, Hail Him as the great I AM.

Joyful now the new creation Rests in undisturbed repose;

Blest in Jesus’ full salvation, Sorrow now, nor thraldom knows.”