House Churches.

[Triumph1300]

I’ve started studying the house church phenomenon and apparently they believe that they are following the model of church growth and government taught in the New Testament.

Most who are part of the house church movement believe that the early Apostolic church met in house churches in biblical times.

Any comments?

 

[Willie T]

I’ve started studying the house church phenomenon and apparently they believe that they are following the model of church growth and government taught in the New Testament.

Most who are part of the house church movement believe that the early Apostolic church met in house churches in biblical times.

Any comments?

Doesn't the Bible say exactly that? As I recall, those are the ONLY places they met.

 

[Triumph1300]

Yes, that's true.
There are many scriptures about house churches.
But I know that many disagree about attending house churches.

 

[Marymog]

I’ve started studying the house church phenomenon and apparently they believe that they are following the model of church growth and government taught in the New Testament.
Most who are part of the house church movement believe that the early Apostolic church met in house churches in biblical times.
Any comments?

Where else could they meet? There were no Christian Churches at the time.

Mary

 

[Willie T]

Yes, that's true.
There are many scriptures about house churches.
But I know that many disagree about attending house churches.

I prefer meeting at a larger church building also. But that doesn't change how history happened.

 

[APAK]

I’ve started studying the house church phenomenon and apparently they believe that they are following the model of church growth and government taught in the New Testament.

Most who are part of the house church movement believe that the early Apostolic church met in house churches in biblical times.

Any comments?

Triumph1300:

The House ‘church’ phenomenon exists today because of over 1600 years of spiritual truth abuse and neglect. Both the Mother of idolatry and its daughters have squelched, rewritten or spoken-ill of the truth.

This House ‘church’ phenomenon is also the necessary rediscovery of what the apostles and early believers experienced, under more serene conditions. Although, I would say the experiences in its establishment and continuance, policies and procedures would be nearly the same as before.

Maybe this time they will get it right and become the universal (wide-spread) congregation for preserving the truth and core beliefs rather that transforming itself in the premiere world universal religion called ‘the church;’ of central control with a structured hierarchy system, as exists today in Rome. Consequently, the preservation of truth suffered.

Finally the House ‘church’ phenomenon is because the time to get out of ‘the false church’ and its far-reaching tentacles is NOW!

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

Doesn't the Bible say exactly that? As I recall, those are the ONLY places they met.

Actually, they met in the Temple courts at first.
Acts 2:46;

Today I see groups meeting in the public park because they do not have a home big enough for the group.
One group nearby has a very large tent set up for twice a week meetings.

 

[Triumph1300]

The book of Acts:


Acts 2:2
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

At first, though they met in the Jewish temple (until thrown out), they celebrated as Christians from house to house,

Acts 2:46
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,

Acts 5:42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

When Saul (before he became Paul) sought to persecute Christians he knew where he could find them...in their houses.

Acts 8:3
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Acts 9:11
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Acts 9:17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost

Acts 10:9
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:


Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.


Acts 12:12
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.


Acts 20:20
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,



Acts 28:30-31
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

 

[FHII]

Most of the time they did meet in houses, even though as Rollo Tamasi pointed out the Apostles as well as Jesus also taught in temples and synagogues. Heck, jesus taught on the mount at least once.

Marymog pointed out that they didnt have other options. This is true... It was at the time a reletively small movement and one hated by the Jews and Pagans.

I want to point out 1 Cor 11:18. Paraphrasing, Paul says that when they came together "in the Church", he heard about divisions. When you read that chapter in context he was talking about an actual building of sorts, or at least a place. He wasn't talking about the body of believers as the church. He was talking about the meeting place.

The point I'd like to make is that the meeting place when done correctly is the church building. It actually may have been a private home. Knowing the history of the Corinthians, it could have been a rented or purchased building*. The Bible doesn't say.

My point is it was a designated meeting place and if it was a private home, it ceased to be so during Church meetings.

That model can still be followed today. But Church rules and standards must be followed. Before you jump all over me about that, realize I am speaking of the rules and standards that Jesus and the apostles laid out. Especially Paul as he had much to say about proper gathering.

Bottom line: nothing wrong with Church houses as long as its done descently and in order. I will save what that means for another time. But it also doesn't allow them to get prideful that they are going back to apostolic tradition and those who meet in buildings are doing it wrong.

What goes on in the house or building detetmines whether it is a church or not.

* Corinthian Christians may have had a building... That is speculation on my part due to my study of history and geography. They were known for their superior banking system and financial savvy. Having seaports on an Isthmus made them important in commerse and allowed for cultural diffusion. My speculation is that if any small group of Christians in 48-55 AD couldve afforded a Church building, it was them. But even so... Its a longshot imo.

 

[aspen]

Most of the time they did meet in houses, even though as Rollo Tamasi pointed out the Apostles as well as Jesus also taught in temples and synagogues. Heck, jesus taught on the mount at least once.

Marymog pointed out that they didnt have other options. This is true... It was at the time a reletively small movement and one hated by the Jews and Pagans.

I want to point out 1 Cor 11:18. Paraphrasing, Paul says that when they came together "in the Church", he heard about divisions. When you read that chapter in context he was talking about an actual building of sorts, or at least a place. He wasn't talking about the body of believers as the church. He was talking about the meeting place.

The point I'd like to make is that the meeting place when done correctly is the church building. It actually may have been a private home. Knowing the history of the Corinthians, it could have been a rented or purchased building*. The Bible doesn't say.

My point is it was a designated meeting place and if it was a private home, it ceased to be so during Church meetings.

That model can still be followed today. But Church rules and standards must be followed. Before you jump all over me about that, realize I am speaking of the rules and standards that Jesus and the apostles laid out. Especially Paul as he had much to say about proper gathering.

Bottom line: nothing wrong with Church houses as long as its done descently and in order. I will save what that means for another time. But it also doesn't allow them to get prideful that they are going back to apostolic tradition and those who meet in buildings are doing it wrong.

What goes on in the house or building detetmines whether it is a church or not.

* Corinthian Christians may have had a building... That is speculation on my part due to my study of history and geography. They were known for their superior banking system and financial savvy. Having seaports on an Isthmus made them important in commerse and allowed for cultural diffusion. My speculation is that if any small group of Christians in 48-55 AD couldve afforded a Church building, it was them. But even so... Its a longshot imo.

I appreciate teaching posts - thank you

 

[Triumph1300]

My point is it was a designated meeting place and if it was a private home, it ceased to be so during Church meetings.

I like your post.
Specially the above about the home becoming the church during the meetings.

My wife and I attended a house church for about 10 years.
We lived in a remote area where going to town would be a very long drive.
Specially in winter time.
We moved, and we still miss that "house church".
It started at 2:00pm, would last about 2 hours end would finish with a potluck supper, people going home around 6:00 pm.
I think it was a great fellowship.
About 25 adults plus children.
We would meet in a large ranch house.
Our family was baptized there in a lake.

 

[Grams]

At one point in our life my husband and I went to a home and also had it at
our home........ it was nice but not enough people ......
But we had no choice at the time to far from every one and the church....

 

[Helen]

I like your post.
Specially the above about the home becoming the church during the meetings.

My wife and I attended a house church for about 10 years.
We lived in a remote area where going to town would be a very long drive.
Specially in winter time.
We moved, and we still miss that "house church".
It started at 2:00pm, would last about 2 hours end would finish with a potluck supper, people going home around 6:00 pm.
I think it was a great fellowship.
About 25 adults plus children.
We would meet in a large ranch house.
Our family was baptized there in a lake.

Me too.
In the 70's we started a house church in our home...it grew to 80 people..so we had to rent a building. Best years of my Christian life.
I am 100% behind house churches. Personally I believe the church will slowly go back to them.
China is once again heading back to the years of State Approved Church only. I am sure that in time, a state approved church will come here too, as true Christianity starts being blocked in from all sides. ( maybe not in my life time....but who knows...)
Real bonds and friendships are made in House Churches. ( depending on the leaders I guess...)

 

[amadeus]

Me too.
In the 70's we started a house church in our home...it grew to 80 people..so we had to rent a building. Best years of my Christian life.
I am 100% behind house churches. Personally I believe the church will slowly go back to them.
China is once again heading back to the years of State Approved Church only. I am sure that in time, a state approved church will come here too, as true Christianity starts being blocked in from all sides. ( maybe not in my life time....but who knows...)
Real bonds and friendships are made in House Churches. ( depending on the leaders I guess...)

Right and anyone who doesn't go along may then be designated as: Not a Christian.

Those designated non-Christians may then lose their exemptions and deductions for tax purposes if they took any. This makes the visible or invisible true Church a bit smaller, does it not? Perhaps in time those in that small number will become the targets of more direct persecution and more of them will give up the fight.

I am only speculating, but God does know. Our best choice is to stay on His side no matter what the cost. For many the cost may be too high.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

I'm with Jesus
Every moment of everyday
If God is for me, who can be against me?

 

[Helen]

Right and anyone who doesn't go along may then be designated as: Not a Christian.
Those designated non-Christians may then lose their exemptions and deductions for tax purposes if they took any. This makes the visible or invisible true Church a bit smaller, does it not? Perhaps in time those in that small number will become the targets of more direct persecution and more of them will give up the fight.

I am only speculating, but God does know. Our best choice is to stay on His side no matter what the cost. For many the cost may be too high.

Years ago we opted out of Christian tax credits.
Not only will they think that we are none Christian...they will say that we are mad. ( locked up? It has happened before)

Yes, at all costs, stay close and have an open, hearing ear, to know at any given time what to do, and what to say, and where to go.

We will have to put into practice all the the school of the Holy Spirit has taught us.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

Years ago we opted out of Christian tax credits.
Not only will they think that we are none Christian...they will say that we are mad. ( locked up? It has happened before)

Yes, at all costs, stay close and have an open, hearing ear, to know at any given time what to do, and what to say, and where to go.

We will have to put into practice all the the school of the Holy Spirit has taught us.

The Bible doesn't really preach that.
We are to be walking in the Spirit of God and letting him speak through us.

 

[Triumph1300]

Talking taxes...... should Churches be tax exempt?
Should donations be tax exempt?

 

[aspen]

I do not think churches should be tax exempt - they are political entities

 

[Triumph1300]

I don't know how it is in the USA, but here in Canada churches are tax exempt.
And donations to the church as well.
I don't agree with it, give the government what's the government.

The term "political entities" I disagree with.