One highlight for me during the past year was the virtual InScribe Fall Conference. I didn't attend past conferences because of my difficulty in finding transportation and the cost of a hotel.
What a joy it was to see the faces of writers whom I had only known from their e-mail messages. I know that face-to-face meetings would have worked better for many folks but I loved staying home and avoiding all the bother of travel.
No doubt, the early Christians would have loved to have met virtually. It allows conversations to happen in real time. Back then, letters took months to travel to their recipients. As we read in 2 John 1:12 and 13 (Bible in Basic English), "Having much to say to you, it is not my purpose to put it all down with paper and ink: but I am hoping to come to you, and to have talk with you face to face, so that your joy may be full."
And though we can't touch one another, we can at least blow virtual, holy kisses. As Paul instructed in Romans 16:16 (BBE), "Give one another a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send their love to you."
Before COVID-19, we gave each other holy hugs. We can't do that at present but we may do so again if these lock-downs end in our lifetimes. Even so, those with computers and tablets can use apps to virtually visit each other.
Imagine doing online what James 1:27 (BBE) describes. "The religion which is holy and free from evil in the eyes of our God and Father is this: to take care of children who have no fathers and of widows who are in trouble, and to keep oneself untouched by the world."
But there will be one visitor who won't need electronic gadgets to visit us. In fact, we won't want or need anything this world can give us. We read in 2 Thessalonians 4:16 and 17 (BBE) why that will be. "Because the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a word of authority, with the voice of the chief angel, with the sound of a horn: and the dead in Christ will come to life first; Then we who are still living will be taken up together with them into the clouds to see the Lord in the air: and so will we be for ever with the Lord." Amen!
It was great to see all those faces at our Inscribe virtual conference! Thank you, Bruce, for highlighting how we can virtually connect and spread His kingdom message during these times.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! Although I missed being face to face at conference there was something very special and equally GOOD about last year's virtual event. Hopefully we can do more of these - even in non-Covid times - so that more people can be included. Blessings to you Bruce!
ReplyDeleteWe should have more virtual conferences in the future. Even a virtual social event would be good. And if Athena makes an appearance, you can all see what a sweet kitty she is.
DeleteI am thankful too for visiting in real-time unlike the Apostle Paul who had to write letters, like you said. I look forward to real hugs though someday. But I also look forward to the Lord’s return. Amen! Thank you for the encouraging scriptures.
ReplyDeletePam M
What an uplifting post, Bruce. Thank you for sharing your experience with the online virtual conference. I missed even that as I was pre-occupied with caregiving at the time. I’m glad you were able to enjoy the conference without the usual challenges of travelling. You end your blog on a victorious and “uplifting” note.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon, for your encouragement. It was also fun to see each person in their own computer rooms. I also got to show off my favourite Bugs Bunny mug.
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