As I mentioned last week, Truth at all Costs is Tyrel Bramwell’s new podcast. On the web page that he announced his new podcast, he notes:

This resource is not intended to discourage anyone from gathering in person around God’s Word and Sacraments. Matthew 18:20 and Hebrews 10:25 make it clear that God’s Divine Service is meant to be experienced physically with other Christians.

Actually, Matthew 18:20 limits gatherings to 2 or 3 people. It doesn’t specify what happens with groups of 4 or more, but my guess is that God tires of the rampant hypocrisy and he decides to spend the afternoon watching football by himself. After all he has to make sure his favorite team wins.

But this is my favorite passage from Matthew in regards to Christian socializing.

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. – Matthew 6:5-6