Talk:Home church

Early Church

We clearly see Jesus “calling out” a small group of men he calls his little flock. He then "appoints" to them "a kingdom" but also "commanded" to gather in groups of Tens and forbid them to “exercise authority one over the other” like the “governments” of the "world".

We see the early Church complying with that command and providing all the social welfare for a broad Christian community that had spread across the Roman Empire. They were eventually persecuted because they would not apply to the temples of Caesar for his "free bread" and welfare benefits. Those benefits of Rome were considered to be deceitful dainties and real Christians had no appetite for those wages of unrighteousness. because that would be coveting their neighbor's goods through men who call themselves benefactors but exercise authority. The called out appointed men, the Church, were benefactors locally and internationally, as we see in acts rightly dividing bread from house to house, providing a "daily ministration" and international relief during economic "dearths". They were able to do this is because they organized the people by a network of voluntary "companies" of tens which were connected through servant ministers of these called out public servants all across the world as Jesus "commanded". The modern Church and even home church groups say it is okay to apply to the rulers of the governments who exercise authority taking from their neighbor to obtain their social welfare benefits which practices do seem to go against Christ and the prophets who said we should not covet nor desire the wages of unrighteousness. Home church

Stretching Scripture

The departure from organized Church can bring condemnation and accusation from the mainstream Church, other Christians and even create feelings of personal guilt. In order to justify that departure from the orthodox view church assembly people will search the scriptures in order to transform the modern view into something, they find more accessible and acceptable.

We should closely and honestly examine why so many people are asking "how does the Bible portray the church?" Unfortunately, some people may stretch the original meaning of the text to justify the home Church movement as they wish to see it and experience it. The use of quotes to associate church with a house gathering can lead people to miss or fall short of some of the primary purposes and functions of those early seekers of the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

If we are going to conform to Christ and His appointed Church we should do so to find the whole truth about the gospel of the kingdom and what it meant to them back in those ancient times and what it can and should mean to us today.

House

One of the first scriptures quoted by some home Church advocates point to where the Church was called “God’s household” in some translations in the King James version of 1 Timothy 3:15 we see:

"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."

In 1 Timothy 3:15 we find the Greek noun "oikos" meaning a "house". But the phrase "house of God" appears numerous times in the gospels as a specific reference to the tabernacle where the shewbread was eaten by David.

We also see the same phrase "house of God" three times in the epistles in a much different context. Of course, 1 Timothy 3:15 which we have seen but also in Hebrews and Peter. None of this has anything to do with church service in the home. If we misapply verses or the original meaning of words in scripture we can easily miss their intended message of the author.

Household

There are several words in the New Testament translated "household". One of the first appearances is when Jesus warns us in Matthew 10:25 and Matthew 10:36 that his disciples will be falsely accused or even demonized. The noun "oikiakos" only appears in the Bible in these two verses and is referring to "one belonging to a house". The belonging to a house does not necessarily mean family house. In the first verse, we also see the phrase "master of the house" as a phrase referencing Jesus as Lord and master of His house translated from the word "oikodespotes" which is more commonly translated householder or goodman of the house but clearly means someone who has rule over a house.

Service Rendered

Now the next word translated "household" is the completely different Greek word "therapeia" meaning a "service rendered by one to another" which is found in Matthew 24:45, Luke 12:42 , and Revelation 22:.2

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We also see the phrase "household of God" where the adjective "oikeios" is used in Ephesians 2:19. The term "oikeios" is describing someone who is seen as " belonging to a house or family". So the text is talking about people who belong to the "house of God" which could also be another way of saying the "children of God" which is another common Phrase in the text.

And finally we see the phrase house or "household of faith" mentioned in Galatians

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well doing:

adjective "oikeios" which is describing someone who is seen as "belonging to a house". So the text is talking about people who belong to the house of God.

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They shared common meals together (Acts 2:46, 1 Corinthians 11:20-21). Lived life together (Acts 2:44-46) and as a family, were to care for and love one another deeply (1 Peter 1:22). Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. CONTEXT 42 ¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

1 Corinthians 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. CONTEXT 17 ¶ Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better (advantage), but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when ye come together in (en with) the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19 For there must be also heresies(choices) among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.... 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

 23 ¶  For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27  Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29  For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33  Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34  And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Not surprisingly then, the New Testament churches typically met in the homes of believers.

Here are some biblical examples of New Testament house churches

Lydia’s House (Acts 16:40) An Upper Room (Acts 20:8) Priscilla and Aquila’s house (Romans 16:3-5, 1 Corinthians 16:19) Nympha’s house in Laodicea (Colossians 4:15) Archippa’s house (Philemon 2) Some in the West see the house church as a new phenomenon when, in reality, house churches have existed since the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:42-47). Many large churches today started because of a small group meeting in the homes of believers. In China, for example, the house church has been one of the vehicles God used to multiply the number of Chinese disciples from a few thousand in the 1930s to, by some estimates, more than 80 million believers today. House Church – The Numerous Advantages There are many good reasons to consider starting a house church:

It is a biblical model. It is family oriented; parents and children participate together as appropriate. People more easily get to know one another in a small group. Smaller groups can lead to increased accountability to each other. Everyone participates and ministers so people grow in using their spiritual gifts. Highly trained pastors are not required in order to lead large numbers of people. There is no need for expensive, time-consuming programs. House churches direct their finances toward evangelism, community service, or caring for one member’s needs instead of purchasing expensive buildings. They are low profile and thus, better able to withstand persecution and oppression. What do people do in house churches? Acts 2:42-47 gives us an outline of what should happen in house church. Believers devote themselves to... The Apostle’s teaching – reading, studying, and discussing God’s Word. Fellowship – being with each other, enjoying one another, and encouraging one another. Breaking of bread - sharing meals together and participating in the Lord’s Supper. Prayer – praying for one another’s needs and for advancing God’s kingdom. Being together – hanging out and living in harmony with one another. Giving – providing for one another’s needs and for outreach. Worship – praising and glorifying God through word and music. House Church – A Way to Reach a New Generation? Are we saying that a house church is the only legitimate way to “do” church? No, but house churches are a biblical model and are “real” churches with a number of advantages. Just as there are many different flavors of ice cream, so churches come in many different flavors. While the house church may not appeal to everyone, they may be a wonderful alternative to reach and disciple new generations who are not familiar with or may be uncomfortable in a traditional church setting.

This listing of house churches and other types of churches in your area can be found here.

Learn More! Christian Fellowship Christian Fellowship - Christian Companionship Christian fellowship occurs when two or more Christians are in one another's company. The dictionary defines fellowship as "friendly association with others; companionship." Christian fellowship, then, involves friendly association with other Christians. It means you choose Christians to be your companions.

Christian Fellowship - What Does it Mean for Me? Christian fellowship begins through a process of adoption. Are you a Christian today? If you are, you have been adopted by God. You may have heard it said that we are all God's children, but the truth is, we don't become God's children until we are adopted, through faith in Christ.

He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. (Ephesians 1:5) If we were all God's children by virtue of being His creation, then adoption wouldn't be necessary. Ask any parents of adopted children and they'll tell you the process is long, hard and painful! Why would God choose adoption if we were already His children? Because God longs to have you as His child, He sacrificed Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, on the cross in order to purchase your salvation.

So if you've received Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, congratulations! You are now a member of God's family. Christian Fellowship - Like-minded Communion After adoption, Christian fellowship grows naturally. Because it's natural for us to want to be around people like ourselves, in time you'll find yourself desiring the companionship of people who think like you do. As a Christian, depending on where you live on this planet, your beliefs may now be in stark contrast to the society around you. That desire for fellowship with "like-thinkers" is God-given.

If you ignore it, or think that by hanging around with "Christians" your non-believing friends will think you're not "cool," you deny yourself the companionship of your new family members, stunt your Christian growth - and worse, you open yourself to risk.

One phenomena common to all believers is the recognition that without Christ, our spiritual understanding was dark. Some even say, "It's as if I stumbled in the darkness, and then God threw on the light switch." Unbelievers are still living in spiritual darkness. While God desires that we live among them and share what we have learned with them, we are called to be separate in our choice of close companions, and for a very good reason! Paul tells us why:

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? And what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14) If you seek out fellowship with other believers, you will find yourself surrounded by new friends who'll think you're very "cool" - because God thinks so, too! And through that new friendship, you'll discover that the light only gets brighter. Christian Fellowship - Where Do I Find It? Christian fellowship is critical! Being in the company of people who think like you do is very important to your growth and survival as a Christian. If you live in a church-wealthy community, you are likely to find that companionship. Most churches offer some kind of small group experience that you can become a part of. If you can't find satisfying fellowship at your church, it's possible God wants to move you somewhere else. Consider that option and pray! God will direct your heart.

But what if you don't have great churches around you? Where then do you go to find Christian fellowship?

Read Christian Fellowship Page 2 Now!

4 ways to provide for the welfare off society. But only two systems The none system ways is that people who have randomly help people in need or the people who are in need randomly take from people who have. The two systems are People collectively force people who have give through government what the government needs to help the needy Or The people systematically give charitably to the wisest and most charitable people of society who gather in an intimate network providing a practical daily ministration to the worthy poor. The latter is both peculiar and free.

We are losing sight of civility in government and politics. Debate and dialogue is taking a back seat to the politics of destruction and anger and control. Dogma has replaced thoughtful discussion between people of differing views. James McGreevey

Government can give you nothing but what it takes from somebody else. A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you’ve got, including your freedom.—  I was unable to identify the source as Ezra Taft Benson, although he might have ][A version of part of this is attributed to Gerald R. Ford. Reagan said the same thing basically and others "If government can give you rights, government can take them away from you." - Roy Moore If men were angels, no government would be necessary. James Madison

The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next. Abraham Lincoln

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Letters conflates form and substance in much of its critique of American church culture. Chan relates this story:

There is a simple exercise I walk through with church leaders. First, I have them list all the things that people expect from their church. They usually list obvious things like a really good service, strong age-specific ministries, a certain style/volume/length of singing, a well-communicated sermon, conveniences such as parking, a clean church building, coffee, childcare, etc. Then I have them list the commands God gave the church in Scripture. . . . .

Far too often we are more concerned with how well the sermon was communicated, whether the youth group is relevant enough, or how to make the music better. Honestly, what is it that gets people in your church stirred up for change? Is it disobedience toward commands from God? Or is it falling short of expectations that we have made up? The answer to these questions might just show us whether our church exists to please God or please people. (46–47, emphasis mine)

Many of the concerns Chan lists (sermons, music, programs) fall into the form category, about which the Bible says remarkably little. Surprisingly, it’s this lack of instruction that has helped Christianity to endure thousands of years and cross countless cultures. In fact, much of the book of Acts is about the church recognizing the cultural elasticity of their religious practices (think Acts 15:1–32).

"Can your church be unapologetically attractional in form and robustly biblical in substance?"

Letters to the Church FRANCIS CHAN David C. Cook (2018). 224 pp. $16.99.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/letters-church/