Home Church Question

[DiscipleOfIAm]

Does a Home Church have to be more than one family? Can you have a Home Church with just your family, such as me, my wife, and 2 children or do we "need" to meet with others?

Just a question! Thanks!

[Godzchild]

It says in the bible "Where two or more are gathered in his name there he is in the midst" so I would say that your family would be fine :)

[New_Wineskin]

It says in the bible "Where two or more are gathered in his name there he is in the midst" so I would say that your family would be fine :)

It is amazing how this misquote has been allowed to continue - even among the bible worshippers . It is stated this way so often , I suppose I understand . I think that the "You *must* go to church" people have started this . The actual passage states "two or three" . People don't like one person alone but want the passage to force the idea that "church" is a *must* . So , they attempt to make it appear that ONE is not included .

I am not picking on you , GC . The quote is popular and one of my pet peeves . :)

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Church is constantly misrepresented in these forums!
The word means "mob", ie. a group of people. If you are seeking to outwork Jesus in community with others, this is Chruch. It is not a meeting or a building.

(I agree with all of you!!)

[janny108]

How do you differentiate between a home church fellowship and being in a home group that comes from a church that happens to have home group night?

Jan

[New_Wineskin]

How do you differentiate between a home church fellowship and being in a home group that comes from a church that happens to have home group night?

Jan

The one is self-contained while the other is under the control and direction of the main group ( usually ) .

[Godzchild]

It is amazing how this misquote has been allowed to continue - even among the bible worshippers . It is stated this way so often , I suppose I understand . I think that the "You *must* go to church" people have started this . The actual passage states "two or three" . People don't like one person alone but want the passage to force the idea that "church" is a *must* . So , they attempt to make it appear that ONE is not included .

I am not picking on you , GC . The quote is popular and one of my pet peeves . :)

Wow I didn't realise it was a misquote! There you go. Sorry folks ;)

[New_Wineskin]

Wow I didn't realise it was a misquote! There you go. Sorry folks ;)

Just to make sure that I was clear ... my pet peeve isn't that the sentence was misquoted ( I don't really care that much ) . My peeve is that this has been started by those that would burn alove anyone misquoting the Scriptures but have allowed this because of their Law for obtaining righteousness of the "need" to "go to church . I know that you are not of that kind , GC . :)

[Wisdom's Child]

If I might provide some input here...

Church is may not be a "must", but I do feel that fellowship is.
There are numerous scriptural references about christians gathering together to share their experiences as a group, and there is also principles such as "Faith comes by hearing" to be considered.

Just what is Love if you don't share it with others?

[2+2=5]

Home Church Question


Does a Home Church have to be more than one family? Can you have a Home Church with just your family, such as me, my wife, and 2 children or do we "need" to meet with others?

Just a question! Thanks!
I believe the purpose of the Assembly is to meet and meat with other believers.

So yes it could just be your wife and children, and yes God would of course be I your midst, but you would miss the main purpose of the Assembly.
The word means "mob", ie. a group of people. If you are seeking to outwork Jesus in community with others, this is Chruch. It is not a meeting or a building.

We may be confusing two different things here. I would consider “outwork(ing) Jesus in community” as Evangelism, as opposed to the Assembly of the Saints, or “church”.
Also too, in classical Greek “church” might mean mob, but in New Testament it almost always means “The called out ones.”

(Church is may not be a "must" Heb. 10:25.)

[Wisdom's Child]

Hebrews 10:25

King James Bible
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Weymouth's translation in modern speech
"not neglecting — as some habitually do — to meet together, but encouraging one another, and doing this all the more since you can see the day of Christ approaching."

Darby translation
"not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the custom with some; but encouraging, and by so much the more as ye see the day drawing near."

A "gathering together" may possibly be in the sense of going to some designated building with others, but that is a rather restrictive interpretation of "gathering together" and often fails to meet the intent of this passage.

How many people come and go each sunday without hardly talking to each other, let alone with any encouragement in Christ for their pewmates? Listening to a preacher spout a sermon is not the same as "encouraging each other".

There are many other opportunities that present themselves that provide fellowship, encouragement, joy, and charity outside of the institution of "church".

Home Fellowships, Neighborhood outreaches, Internet Fellowships (like CF) and such are in many ways superior to a once a week meeting behind closed doors.

[2+2=5]

I believe though that is specifically speaking of the “Assembly,” where the believers gather to edify, worship in song, and celebrate the love feast; it is not an outreach in the local park

[Wisdom's Child]

I believe though that is specifically speaking of the “Assembly,” where the believers gather to edify, worship in song, and celebrate the love feast; it is not an outreach in the local park

Why not?

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Wisdom's child... this may be of interest... www.enginecreations.com/unseenchurch (http://www.enginecreations.com/unseenchurch)

[New_Wineskin]

If I might provide some input here...

Church is may not be a "must", but I do feel that fellowship is.
There are numerous scriptural references about christians gathering together to share their experiences as a group, and there is also principles such as "Faith comes by hearing" to be considered.

Just what is Love if you don't share it with others?

Many people would define "church" and "fellowship" too close to make a difference . Even if the Law could provide righteousness , references to christians gathering together does not equal a law or a must . I don't see how the "faith comes by hearing" passage comes into play unless the Lord tells someone to do something . One can love everyone with whom they come into contact - no need to set up a meeting .

There is nothing wrong with organized meetings or get-togethers ( in and of themselves ) . It simply is not a requirement for all .

[2+2=5]

Why not?
If you look up the word “assembling” there in a commentary it would explain it much better than I could!

[Wisdom's Child]

... I don't see how the "faith comes by hearing" passage comes into play unless the Lord tells someone to do something...


NW, there is something special about hearing. It is best brought out in John Bunyan's book "Holy Wars". The Gate of the Ear has significant influence over a person's faith.

I think it's the way humanity is wired, but Hearing something will influence more than simply reading. It becomes more personal, and deeply impacting when you hear testimony from others than if you read a testimonial.

There is also this natural "Tape Recorder" built into everybody's noggin that will loop/playback things like songs and movie soundbites all hours of the day and night independant of conscious will. This mechanism further edifies or destroys someone's faith depending upon what you allow into your ears.

[New_Wineskin]

NW, there is something special about hearing. It is best brought out in John Bunyan's book "Holy Wars". The Gate of the Ear has significant influence over a person's faith.

I think it's the way humanity is wired, but Hearing something will influence more than simply reading. It becomes more personal, and deeply impacting when you hear testimony from others than if you read a testimonial.

There is also this natural "Tape Recorder" built into everybody's noggin that will loop/playback things like songs and movie soundbites all hours of the day and night independant of conscious will. This mechanism further edifies or destroys someone's faith depending upon what you allow into your ears.

I *know* what what "hearing" is about in terms of faith . And , you know that I was saying that I didn't understand your connection between that passage and the topic . If that was what Bunyan was talking about , he was way off base - *WAY* off base . But , again , that is beside the point .

[Wisdom's Child]

I *know* what what "hearing" is about in terms of faith . And , you know that I was saying that I didn't understand your connection between that passage and the topic . If that was what Bunyan was talking about , he was way off base - *WAY* off base . But , again , that is beside the point .

I'm sorry, I must have misunderstood the question.

The connection of "Hearing" with the topic is a bit obscure now that I look at it.

What I was trying to point out is that an important part of the need for fellowship (in whatever form) is that you get the opportunity to both share your experiences with others, and hear their testimonies as well.

Being able to see and hear about God moving in the lives of those around you helps to further build your faith.

It is much more difficult to strengthen your faith if you choose to disassociate yourself from fellow believers.

Reading and Praying at home can only take you so far.
It's religion in theory.

Interaction and participation with others brings forth religion in practice.

I can only speak from my own experience, but to me "church" (denominational and or non-denominational weekly meetings) are just a subset of the much larger "gathering together" paradym.

I try to assemble with other Christians at least daily, and feel that God is present even if the gathering should occur in a parking lot after work.

[M Paul]

Wisdom's child... this may be of interest... www.enginecreations.com/unseenchurch (http://www.enginecreations.com/unseenchurch)

Here's a link that takes forever to get on the monitor. I didn't wait. Got a good paragraph you could quote???

Regards,

Paul

[M Paul]

If you look up the word “assembling” there in a commentary it would explain it much better than I could!

But I looked it up, in English, Greek and Hebrew. On my web site, I review the meaning of "assembling," and I assert the view that the biblical use is more consistent with the house church/whole church. I hope you are looking at more than one commentary, as there are a number of opinions, and it is our obligation to pick the best interpretation after careful study. The Bible itself is the ultimate source. And, I hope you're willing to accept the truth as it is represented in the Bible, even if one day you should find it is different than what you have grown to love from human tradition found in some churches.

Regards,

Paul

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Here's a link that takes forever to get on the monitor. I didn't wait. Got a good paragraph you could quote???

Regards,

Paul

Ah, yes it's a bit arty....
I'll quote some!!!


1. welcome to the unseen church:
The story of the 3 little pigs reminds me of a typical church: Little piggies safely tucked away inside their brick building, while the wolf batters on the door, unable to get in. Great.
But, consider the other little piggies - unable to get into the church, eaten alive by the prowling wolves. Bad.

But, what if the piggies inside the church got bored? What if they decided to blow their house down? (it isn’t God’s house after all, we are God’s house!) Insane? And imagine if they used the bricks to rebuild the communities around them… and bash the occasional wolf!

But where would the Church be? How would you see this Church?

This is what we have done. In this sense we are an emergent church – we are in the process of emerging – and so cannot be seen in the traditional sense. We no longer have services, leaders, hymns (if we ever had them!), a building, or even a name. We have utterly murdered “church”.

2.welcome to the murdered church:
For so many churches, Christ’s body has become a mechanism; requiring specialists and maintenance. But Christ’s body should be an organism; needing food, nurturing and growth. It is this mechanism that must be murdered if church is to be the true body of Christ. It is beyond Post-Modernity – which has deconstructed church, asking her to be “culturally relevant” - it is more than de-construction, it is destruction! This will allow our leadership to be fluid and seasonal, "the priesthood of all", to allow our learning to be “bottom-up” not “top-down”.

Without any 'physical' meetings and so on, we can be reabsorbed into our communities and actually rely on them - rather than serving them in order, at best, to be a good example to convert them, or, at worst, to ignore our communities and leave it to the Evangelism Team! We have thrown ourselves into our local communities in order to genuinely learn and engage with them; to disciple one another, and to truly rely on the community around us and allow them to rely on us - interdependence - a discipling community, including non-Christian's.

We may risk losing our distinctiveness as Christian's - but that is also the point: if our distinctiveness is truly important and essential, we will - and do - work out ways to disciple, be accountable, share our possessions and time - all the usual Church-stuff - despite shooting ourselves in the metaphorical face!

3. summary - an emergent church:

It is a feeling that church no longer relies on or relates to the community and the community therefore no longer relies on nor relates to church. To be emergent is to scrap the whole lot, for the Church to become "unchurched" with the local community together as church.

Although this is an extreme version, it is pretty much what emergent should mean. It is more than innovative evangelism or culturally relevant meetings or experimental worship - although these things point towards the emergent - emergent is experienced, a lifestyle, a worldview. A murdering of the mechanic body of Christ; a lengthy grieving process - genuine loss, re-evaluation of purpose and genuine readjustment - and eventually an emerging... could be decades off!

While many things have emergent qualities, I think it is this grieving process that is so crucial, that God is calling some to:

The longevity and reality of evolution, rather than a rushed, reactionary revolution.

Sorry, there's a lot there!!!

[New_Wineskin]

I'm sorry, I must have misunderstood the question.

Ok . Quite all right . And , even though you didn't mention it , I appologize for my bluntness in my post . It was early and I was in a rush to go to work . But , that was no excuse . I am attempting to do better in that area .


The connection of "Hearing" with the topic is a bit obscure now that I look at it.

What I was trying to point out is that an important part of the need for fellowship (in whatever form) is that you get the opportunity to both share your experiences with others, and hear their testimonies as well.

Being able to see and hear about God moving in the lives of those around you helps to further build your faith.

It is much more difficult to strengthen your faith if you choose to disassociate yourself from fellow believers.

Reading and Praying at home can only take you so far.
It's religion in theory.

Interaction and participation with others brings forth religion in practice.

I can only speak from my own experience, but to me "church" (denominational and or non-denominational weekly meetings) are just a subset of the much larger "gathering together" paradym.

I try to assemble with other Christians at least daily, and feel that God is present even if the gathering should occur in a parking lot after work.

Ok . I can understand that . I consider that the group dynamic cannot happen to a great success unless the individual dynamic is complete . You are thinking the other way around though not as much as I have heard from others .

I do fully agree with your paradym and consider the parking lot socializations of more import than the group exercises of stand up , sit down , kneel down types . :)

[M Paul]

Sorry, there's a lot there!!!

FLANDIDLYANDERS,

Looked pretty neat to me. Thanks for the quote.

Regards,

Paul

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Thankyou. Your welcome.

[Donethetime]

2+2=5?...with large values of 2 lol

[2+2=5]

But I looked it up, in English, Greek and Hebrew. On my web site, I review the meaning of "assembling," and I assert the view that the biblical use is more consistent with the house church/whole church. I hope you are looking at more than one commentary, as there are a number of opinions, and it is our obligation to pick the best interpretation after careful study. The Bible itself is the ultimate source. And, I hope you're willing to accept the truth as it is represented in the Bible, even if one day you should find it is different than what you have grown to love from human tradition found in some churches.

Regards,

Paul
I agree with you on the “house-church” part of Assembly, my only disagreement was in taking the Assembly and turning it into a time of evangelism as opposed to a time of edification and worship.
2+2=5?...with large values of 2 lol ;)

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

I taking the Assembly and turning it into a time of evangelism as opposed to a time of edification and worship.
;)

Hmmm. Persoanly I see little difference between prayer, prophecy, evangelism, worship, meditation, sacrifice, charity, love, discipleship... all can be lived independently of one another or interdependently.

When the disciples worshipped in tongues for the first time it was evangelical... this is interesting. Is worship to be done behind walls or to benefit God and be an example to creation? Hmmm, both, I suppose, depending on the time and place!!!!

[lismore]

How do you differentiate between a home church fellowship and being in a home group that comes from a church that happens to have home group night?

Jan

My answer would be to sit through them.

The difference in the structured house group is that you are in the final analysis under the authority of man. For anything from the colour of tea to the interpretation of the verse you have to take the little popes <ahem, excuse me cough cough> 'pastors' opinion on it.

In a group where the Holy Spirit is in charge there is no spiritual imprisonment.

:)

[Count]

My answer would be to sit through them.

The difference in the structured house group is that you are in the final analysis under the authority of man. For anything from the colour of tea to the interpretation of the verse you have to take the little popes <ahem, excuse me cough cough> 'pastors' opinion on it.

In a group where the Holy Spirit is in charge there is no spiritual imprisonment.

:)

:thumbsup: :amen: Thank you brother. It's more than obvious that you have seen His Church. Unfortunately some believe that just changing a building (from a church building to a house) would be enough, but it's only when Jesus Christ becomes practically the head of the Church that makes the difference from any other organized church be it in a church building or a house.

[lismore]

:thumbsup: :amen: Thank you brother. It's more than obvious that you have seen His Church. Unfortunately some believe that just changing a building (from a church building to a house) would be enough, but it's only when Jesus Christ becomes practically the head of the Church that makes the difference from any other organized church be it in a church building or a house.

Hi count:wave:

Thats absolutely true.

Jesus is the head of the body, the church.

If some other part of the body wants to be the head then we are in trouble:eek:

Im glad we are both under the same head, that is Christ

God Bless

Lismore:hug:

[linssue55]

The "Church" is not a building......The "Church" are ALL believers in Christ. There are many, many, many fellowships, outside of the buildings.

[Count]

The "Church" is not a building......The "Church" are ALL believers in Christ. There are many, many, many fellowships, outside of the buildings.

Praise the Lord!

[Tekton]

1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Jam 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

1Co 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

1Co 11:22 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.

1Co 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Col 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

Act 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
Act 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Act 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Act 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Act 14:24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
Act 14:25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
Act 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
Act 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
Act 14:28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

1Co 3:9 For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.
1Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

^^^^^ YOU got it mate, Church=people ^^^^^

[discernomatic]

The "Church" is not a building......The "Church" are ALL believers in Christ. There are many, many, many fellowships, outside of the buildings.

I totally agree with you linssue! :thumbsup:

[tpony298]

Oh my, I never thought of Worship as not possible unless two or three are joined together. Worship meaning to me... the praise and honor extended to God, a fellowship with the Holy Spirit, reading of the word of God and prayer. It is nice when two or three or more get in a group and worshop together. It is not always possible.

I am disabled and mostly home-bound,unless I have some help to get out and about I just stay home.

I love the Lord and worship a lot all by my self and I think God is here with me anyway.

MY "Chirch" experience is mostly on the internet. I belong to several groups and am on the Yahoo Messenger.

When I can get out, I attend the local, Evangical Free Church of America....Nice group of people.. and they see that I get taped messages of the sermon and the service.

If two or three of you are reading this message and agree,are we a church?

Love Pony

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Of course, Pony.

[discernomatic]

If two or three of you are reading this message and agree,are we a church?

I wouldn't go that far. Using the internet may be a form of survival for some, it sometimes is for me. Phoning Christian family and friends is another. Through prayer and Scripture one can remain close to God, and it is possible to worship alone too. I have had some beautiful times alone. But meeting with a few others is more edifying for all concerned. It should be preferred to complete isolation.

[New_Wineskin]

Through prayer and Scripture one can remain close to God, and it is possible to worship alone too.

I will agree with the "prayer" part . Abraham had no Scriptures and he was commended by the Lord . But , yeah , you are very correct . We can do all of those things by ourselves . :)

[jen1bug]

"Church" is what the body of people inside the building bring with them. To some of us the belief was instilled that going to "church" meant the building represented God and that is where we went to talk to him, worship him etc. Since that time, I prefer to worship alone, because now I can not go into a church without crying through most of the service.

[New_Wineskin]

Good post . Same here .

[strikerchris0411]

I believe you can have a home church with just at least two people if you wanted too. I mean meeting with other people doesn't make it a better home church. I think its ok the way it is now.


Just a opinion. lol

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Agreed.
And church needn't justbe about christian's either.

[strikerchris0411]

Agreed.
And church needn't justbe about christian's either.


What do you mean. like a church of atheists or something?

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Not quite. My Church includes non-Christians. After all, who is Church supposed to be for? For those who want to get to know God of course.

Coincedentally, one of my closest friends in church is an Atheist - I mean a real Atheist, born in Cuba, genuinely has never even considered there is a God. Obviously not at aspects of church can be shared with him, such as worship and prayer, but we do run things for the community together and he posts on this forum in my name sometimes for fun! His wife believes in God though and she will tend to appreciate praying and so forth. But Jesus is there - we'll see where his journey takes him.

[strikerchris0411]

Not quite. My Church includes non-Christians. After all, who is Church supposed to be for? For those who want to get to know God of course.

Coincedentally, one of my closest friends in church is an Atheist - I mean a real Atheist, born in Cuba, genuinely has never even considered there is a God. Obviously not at aspects of church can be shared with him, such as worship and prayer, but we do run things for the community together and he posts on this forum in my name sometimes for fun! His wife believes in God though and she will tend to appreciate praying and so forth. But Jesus is there - we'll see where his journey takes him.


Yeah I see what you meant. Now i have a other question though, if he has never even considered there is a god, why is he going to church?

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

We don't go the Church, we are Church.

[strikerchris0411]

We don't go the Church, we are Church.


I know that lol, i just don't understand your atheist friend

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Yeah he's an odd ball!
It's the old adage - you belong before you believe. And belief is a process - lifelong even! - not a prayer or some such fickleness.

[bertie]

Because your friend does not yet know God ,does not mean that God is not aware of him.You might mention to him that when a man begins to think of God,this is absolute proof that God is thinking of him.-

[Qidron]

WOWZERS! I'm interested in the original question and this thread has gone elsewhere.

As long as we only have available to us fellowship with our own family...how can that be wrong? We ARE the church. The Lord will expand the group as He sees fit. If, however, the plan is to deliberately stay away from PEOPLE for some reason or other...there is a problem. Sometimes He calls us out for separation...but that's for a short time...a preparation of sorts.



Heb 10:25 We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.



So we take this to the Lord and ask Him what He wants from us in connection with this scripture...and then do what we believe He is saying...He will direct.

Q

[tpony298]

WOWZERS! I'm interested in the original question and this thread has gone elsewhere.

As long as we only have available to us fellowship with our own family...how can that be wrong? We ARE the church. The Lord will expand the group as He sees fit. If, however, the plan is to deliberately stay away from PEOPLE for some reason or other...there is a problem. Sometimes He calls us out for separation...but that's for a short time...a preparation of sorts.



So we take this to the Lord and ask Him what He wants from us in connection with this scripture...and then do what we believe He is saying...He will direct.

Q

I so so much agree...Let me tell you what has happened to me since I last posted to this thread (page 4) Since then my health has gotten worse, the weather has gotten colder, my van, the only vechicle I can travel in with my power chair has broken down and I am stuck in the house. I couldn't even get to the emergancy room the other night (if I had called an ambulance, I would have had no way home) I called my daughter 80 mile away and waited for the two hours it took her to get here.
No one from my church ever calls, ever visits, and the church is right across the street. and the tapes have stopped coming...I think I have become a liability. Because the last time I called and asked for help, I got a very deep sigh and was told, "I guess we can help you one more time."

The, faceless people with the funny names on my computer are my church family, we pray together, we decuss the sctiptures, even share music together... and now that Yahoo has voice, I can even hear the love in their voices.
Thank you Father fore the internet...love Pony

[Qidron]

Hi Tony :hug:

Obviously you CAN'T do any differently than you are doing...and it seems that the "club" across the street wants "active" members. :sorry: Like Jesus said on the cross "Father forgive them 'cause they ain't gotta clue."

The Lord IS with you. A friend of mine would say "The Lord wants to TABERNACLE with you....that'd be to have some quality time, to SUP with you. This is a GOOD THING. This is where we learn to trust GOD and to love people. Especially the ppl who have let us down. He's still working on this with me...We can feel like we've been hung out to dry...or dumped on....but in this separation we have the privilege of become a sacrifice. Another very good thing. I'm thinking now of Job...

Job 42:10 After Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored Job's prosperity and gave him twice as much as he had before.

Talk about someone who had to endure rejection ! and loss.

I've also been to a fellowship that couldn't handle anyone that wasn't able to fend for themselves...anyone strange wasn't tolerated either. So that leaves a lot of us out. lol. And till the Lord shows us the path...we stay right here...with HIM.

Recently I've been encouraged to Declare the Word daily. I read whatever in the Word and as the Holy Spirit prompts me, I declare it outloud. Right now I'll declare the Job 42:10. That's how we bring into being that which is not yet happening. We are only agreeing with the Lord and the darkness has to give way to HIM. :clap: It's a wheel within a Wheel...the smaller wheel has to give way to the direction of the LARGER WHEEL. :)

Q

[tpony298]

Hi Tony :hug:

Obviously you CAN'T do any differently than you are doing...and it seems that the "club" across the street wants "active" members. :sorry: Like Jesus said on the cross "Father forgive them 'cause they ain't gotta clue."

The Lord IS with you. A friend of mine would say "The Lord wants to TABERNACLE with you....that'd be to have some quality time, to SUP with you. This is a GOOD THING. This is where we learn to trust GOD and to love people. Especially the ppl who have let us down. He's still working on this with me...We can feel like we've been hung out to dry...or dumped on....but in this separation we have the privilege of become a sacrifice. Another very good thing. I'm thinking now of Job...

Job 42:10 After Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored Job's prosperity and gave him twice as much as he had before.

Talk about someone who had to endure rejection ! and loss.

I've also been to a fellowship that couldn't handle anyone that wasn't able to fend for themselves...anyone strange wasn't tolerated either. So that leaves a lot of us out. lol. And till the Lord shows us the path...we stay right here...with HIM.

Recently I've been encouraged to Declare the Word daily. I read whatever in the Word and as the Holy Spirit prompts me, I declare it outloud. Right now I'll declare the Job 42:10. That's how we bring into being that which is not yet happening. We are only agreeing with the Lord and the darkness has to give way to HIM. :clap: It's a wheel within a Wheel...the smaller wheel has to give way to the direction of the LARGER WHEEL. :)

Q

Thank you, I was in a bit of snit yesterday. Feeling sorry for my self. Thank you for lifting me up. I am running at the master's side once again, not being pulled along in a wagon. lol love Pony

[Qidron]

YEA!!!!!!!!!!

BLESSINGS TO YA :thumbsup: :clap: :hug:

[CandleLightSky]

I would think family would be fine but I also think there is great value in getting other's involved. Find a sort of extended family of sorts...with just family there really isn't a whole lot of dynamics involved though it is important to have your family thoroughly involved in spiritual things.

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Does a Home Church have to be more than one family? Can you have a Home Church with just your family, such as me, my wife, and 2 children or do we "need" to meet with others?

Just a question! Thanks!


matthew 25, the message NT by eugene peterson:
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, "Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Of course, the church should actually be in the world... so the world ipotentially the church. It' a helpful perspective for my lot, anyway!

[christandisrael]

Every believer is family.

[If Not For Grace]

What of Paul's letters to the "churches"
What of Revelation's chapters "To the Church in Ephesus, Smyrna, Laodicea etc. each passage ends with "let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches".

Historically these "churches" were gatherings of believers, should we not continue in these traditions. Should we not as Hebrews 10 says encourage and lift up one another. Should we not learn from the scholars and teachers and ministers, even if we disagree with some portions of interpretations. What of the power of prayer in groups?

How with all the "churches" in the US can you decide it is better to meet and worship at home. OF course we should worship at home with our immediate family, but what about our community, should we not worship as part of a community. I am perplexed by those who condemn all as inadequate. Jesus, Paul, Moses and others attended community worship services and it seems the body of Christ should as well.

[New_Wineskin]

What of Paul's letters to the "churches"
What of Revelation's chapters "To the Church in Ephesus, Smyrna, Laodicea etc. each passage ends with "let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches".

Historically these "churches" were gatherings of believers, should we not continue in these traditions.


Even if I agreed with you , where do you see people continuing in such ? As you had in quotes , those were *whole* areas - *not* a bunch of groups that didn't allow fluid movement between them . There would be no such thing as "church hopper" because there was only one in the area and being with anyone was the same thing .

*If* you can get all groups to differentiate according to area *only* and not acording to denomination , I would think that you were on the right track . As is , since none are going according to this tradition that you want to continue , why target home groups and unaffiliated ?


Should we not as Hebrews 10 says encourage and lift up one another. Should we not learn from the scholars and teachers and ministers, even if we disagree with some portions of interpretations. What of the power of prayer in groups?


Are you telling them to learn from us even if they disagree with us ?

How is there more power in groups ?



How with all the "churches" in the US can you decide it is better to meet and worship at home.


How , with all the "churches" in the US can I not decide that it is better ? Your beginning paragraph claims that they are doing things incorrectly .



OF course we should worship at home with our immediate family, but what about our community, should we not worship as part of a community.


*They* ( those larger groups ) don't *want* to worship as part of a community - they want to "worship" as part of their own cliques . If we did wish to do as you asked , they would damn as as "church hoppers" because we recognized the whole community and not only their particular clubs .

[Johnnz]

Look at church history. In NT times people meeting in homes around Jesus and eating a meal together was church. Over the next three centuries patterns of leadership, control, meeting in buildings and fianlly the forbidding of meeting in homes took place. This has become our assumed pattern today. But it was once very different.

John
NZ

[TheAJKMan]

The meeting in a place/buiding is an artificial construct. The early church developed out of the customs of the time, which was mostly meeting in their homes and occasionaly in the synagogue. Read the book of Acts, they went from home to home. They met in each others homes etc. There was no artificial thing of meeting in a great church building.

THeAJKMan

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Full-time leadership is also artificial, so is the dualistic approach favoured and promoted by most christians and churches. Oh, and heirarchy. Which is the key issue really.

I said it before, and I'll say it yet again, damn Plato.