Is house church biblical?

[Adullam]

Pentecost is the beginning of the church. This act was according to scripture as well as fulfilling the feast in the Spirit. The pentecost for the Gentiles was among the household of Cornelius. We see here the future model of the church. People received the Holy Spirit in their own home. As they still do. No need of a sacred building. The church is according to the household of a real person. We see in the NT the casual mentioning of church according to the household of...

Priscilla and Aquilla

Philemon

Nymphas

We know that Cornelius also hosted a gathering of disciples. As well as Mary the mother of John-Mark.

We are not meant to grow out of biblical ways. We are to continue in the simplicity and truth of the apostolic witness. Those who believe in tradition ought to look into the apostolic tradition.

Lifestyle
"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:42 NASB)
Ac 2:46 and 5:42 records that the NT church met daily from
house to house.

Participatory meetings
"What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification." (1 Cor. 14:26 NASB; see also Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:24-25)

Meeting in homes
"Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." (1 Cor. 16:19 NASB; see also Acts 20:20, Romans 16:5, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 1:2).

Networking through 'Extra-local, Itinerant Ministries'
"After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." (Acts 15:36 [NASB])

Occasional Large Group Meetings
"I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house" (Acts 20:20 [NASB])

 

[Adullam]

Those who claim to follow the bible for correct doctrine should realize that meeting in simplicity in homes is the preferred way to gather according to the scriptures.

 

[shad]

Is house church biblical?

Of course it is biblical, in fact it is ideal. There are plenty of corruption created by organization as we can plainly see from existing organizations. Organization is created by power hungly men, imho.
.

 

[Free]

Those who claim to follow the bible for correct doctrine should realize that meeting in simplicity in homes is the preferred way to gather according to the scriptures.

That the early church met in homes does not necessarily mean that "it is the preferred way to gather according to the scriptures." And, please, dispense with the "those who claim to follow the bible for correct doctrine" comments. :gah

Of course it is biblical, in fact it is ideal. There are plenty of corruption created by organization as we can plainly see from existing organizations. Organization is created by power hungly men, imho.

That doesn't mean that all organizations are corrupt, that organized religion is unbiblical, that house churches are ideal, or that buildings the purpose of meeting are unbiblical.

 

[stovebolts]

Hi Brother Adullum,

In reference to your citation of Acts 2, please know that these were Jewish converts and although they met at each other homes, they still assembled at the Holy Temple on a daily basis.

Likewise, John and Peter continued to assemble at the Temple for prayer (Acts 3:1), and I see no reason to believe that they stopped going to the Temple to worship God until after Stephen was stoned (Acts 6, 7).

Thus, as far as Jewish converts, they had no other formal place to assemble lest they be put in prison or beaten... or worse.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with home churches and yes, they are biblical. But the same can be said for churches that own a building etc...

Grace and Peace.

Jeff

 

[stovebolts]

Those who claim to follow the bible for correct doctrine should realize that meeting in simplicity in homes is the preferred way to gather according to the scriptures.

I don't think one should hold such a doctrine... Those who truly worship, worship in spirit and truth regardless of their physical location...

 

[Edouard]

House Churches?

Scripture tells us where two or more come in my name there I am with them also.

Remeber the story of Annais and what happened when they held back from the Lord?
Remeber that the apostles among themselves had disagreements?
Remeber the letter to corith when there was division between the jews and gentiles about circumcision?

Where did they all meet?
Corruption comes from Satan. When we make wrong choices and we do not listen to the Holy SPirit.
There are wolves among the sheep Christ warned us.

In the Gospels we are told to not be blown around in the wind.

If you study the dynamics of how most churches operate today. You will notice how they have small groups or cell groups. I know there are many different formats. But is this not the same as a house church?

Whne Christ recruited the 12 - they all came from different backgrounds. They all had different types of education. Why? To reach different types of people! Christ tells us to return to our own and minister to them. Look at missionaries. They train and teach new converts that are native and turn the leadership over to them and remain to support new church planting. In the same way. God shall use what we ordain in His name and give unto Him for His glory and purpose. Many people today do not like large groups. Others wish to remain unknown until comfortable. God uses different methods and different groups of people to spread and share His love.

I am going to be bold and may cause some controversy with this next statement.
doctrine religion denomination does not matter.

Following God's word does.
well that is why there are so many different denominations. due ot interpretation.
just like in the 1st century Satan has used this tactic to divide us so we look foolish to non-believers.

It is utterly ridiculous how many denominations there are.
why? because the disagreement causes disunity to an unbeliever.

We strive for one goal to share the love of Christ.
Then again I do not understand how we misinterpret plain scripture.
repent and be baptized.
Christ spoke to nicodemus on this matter very clearly.
Communion is very clear.
Speaking in tongues we have been given instruction
II timothy tells us how our churhc should be set up.

I hope I have not confused my point.

Edouard
May God unite us in Christ's love and the Gospel to shine a light in a dark world.
Amen.

 

[Cornelius]

We know that Cornelius also hosted a gathering of disciples.

I still host them

 

[Tina]

I still host them

Has anyone told you that you look like Jesus ? .........


:biglaugh

 

[Cornelius]

I still host them

Has anyone told you that you look like Jesus ? .........


:biglaugh

On the inside yes Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me:

 

[Adullam]

We know that Cornelius also hosted a gathering of disciples.

I still host them

:amen

 

[Adullam]

Those who claim to follow the bible for correct doctrine should realize that meeting in simplicity in homes is the preferred way to gather according to the scriptures.

I don't think one should hold such a doctrine... Those who truly worship, worship in spirit and truth regardless of their physical location...

I agree! Even the term house church fails...it breaks down since it is merely meant to convey the everywhereness of the witness of the church. I prefer full time church. If we are walking in the Spirit full time...and meeting daily with the brethren...then we are being the church full time.

The purpose of this thread is an opportunity to look at the simplicity of the early church and ask...is this not the apostolic way to meet. If we look with an open heart and mind we will see the beauty of the early Christian practice of BEING the church wherever they are. Church must start in the home. I know many who do not practice simplicity but have allied themselves with the denoms in favour of a sunday religious service. The effect on the children is telling. It is a rare case where the children do not rebel against the formalism of the institutions. Bringing the Lord into the home is the basic building block to the presence of a healthy church community. This is both biblical and borne out in experience.

 

[Hugo]

It seems as though you've fallen into believing the "purity of the early church" myth.

By the way, 'house meetings' can become extremely corrupt.

 

[Free]

If we look with an open heart and mind we will see the beauty of the early Christian practice of BEING the church wherever they are. Church must start in the home. I know many who do not practice simplicity but have allied themselves with the denoms in favour of a sunday religious service. The effect on the children is telling. It is a rare case where the children do not rebel against the formalism of the institutions. Bringing the Lord into the home is the basic building block to the presence of a healthy church community. This is both biblical and borne out in experience.

In other words, there is nothing wrong with meeting on Sunday in a large building.

 

[stovebolts]

Adullum,

I think that the early church met in homes out of necessity, not because of any sort of doctrine regarding home churches... If we want to live this out and mimic a first century Apostolic church, perhaps one should move to a country where Christians are still put to death for their faith, but then again, Christians can now openly worship Jesus in Jerusalem, next to a Jew...

That being said, I think that what we do on Sunday when we gather for worship, whether one meets in a shared building or one meets in a home, we still need fellowship throughout the week. Having your Brother or Sister in Christ over to share a meal and fellowship is a wonderful growth opportunity.

Concerning Church starting in the home though, I couldn't agree more. Maybe this is why Paul wrote to his beloved Timothy the words in 1 Timothy 3:4-5 and 15

Grace and Peace,
Jeff

 

[Drew]

There are plenty of corruption created by organization as we can plainly see from existing organizations. Organization is created by power hungly men, imho.

I politely suggest that you are buying into the false dualism that sees "this world" as corrupt and fallen and to be contrasted with a "spiritual" world that is good. 2000 years ago, with the resurrection of our Lord, God embarked on a new round of creative activity designed to reclaim and redeem all of creation.

"Human" institutions fall within the scope of that redemptive work. God works through His creation - just think of how He used the nation of Israel as a critical part of the grand plan that climaxed at the Cross.

If you want direct biblical evidence, look at Romans 13. Paul clearly asserts that human governments are put there by God.

 

[GodspromisesRyes]

There are plenty of corruption created by organization as we can plainly see from existing organizations. Organization is created by power hungly men, imho.

I politely suggest that you are buying into the false dualism that sees "this world" as corrupt and fallen and to be contrasted with a "spiritual" world that is good. 2000 years ago, with the resurrection of our Lord, God embarked on a new round of creative activity designed to reclaim and redeem all of creation.

"Human" institutions fall within the scope of that redemptive work. God works through His creation - just think of how He used the nation of Israel as a critical part of the grand plan that climaxed at the Cross.

If you want direct biblical evidence, look at Romans 13. Paul clearly asserts that human governments are put there by God.

i keep seeing you make this arguement so i have to ask you. Do you not know that this world is still corrupt? Yes Jesus died to redeem us and creation but in that the way He will redeem creation is by first raising up sons of God to inherit the earth and heaven and then He will BURN UP this creation and destroy it and make it new. these heavens are going to roll up like a scroll and this earth is going to change its garment.- This world is corrupt and fallen but it will not always be. and Those who worship God do so in Spirit and truth. Now there is a fallen corrupt spiritual realm also but the Spirit of God is without corruption and that is what we are to live walk grow and be perfected by, not this world. The fact that God uses all His creation does not mean it is all good. God has always used the wicked as well as the righteous for the good of His people. and romans 13 surely shows that God in in control of governments but this is not a new testament since the cross phenomenon. God has always been in control over nations. It has always been GOD alone who sets up kings and pulls them down, twho sends nation against nation and uses nations that are wicked as the rod of His correction against His children, this is clearly shown and stated in the OT before the cross as well. The NT is clear that this world is fallen and corrupt that we are not to be of this world, that the spirit of th is world is error that the people of this world are wicked. all creation is awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God- all of them so that the creation may be released from its vanity but it has not yet been released in full. May i ask who you learn this from? I have to be honest that it appears to me that whoever you are learning this from is using this to teach against the trute gospel of Christ- against the true faith and power that is in the Spirit of God that we are to walk by. That it seeeks to excuse the world and beleivers from walking in the Spirit from being seated in heaven and to make the world seem good to partake of that way you dont really have to seperate from it and die to self.Remember the words spoken to us about the world by john
1Jo 2:15 ¶ Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.


1Jo 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.


1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
1Jo 4:1 ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.


1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:


1Jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.


1Jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.


1Jo 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.


1Jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.


1Jo 4:7 ¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.


1Jo 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.


1Jo 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.


1Jo 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.


1Jo 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.


1Jo 4:12 ¶ No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.


1Jo 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.


1Jo 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.


1Jo 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.


1Jo 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.


1Jo 4:17 ¶ Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

 

[Adullam]

House Churches?

Scripture tells us where two or more come in my name there I am with them also.

Remeber the story of Annais and what happened when they held back from the Lord?
Remeber that the apostles among themselves had disagreements?
Remeber the letter to corith when there was division between the jews and gentiles about circumcision?

Where did they all meet?
Corruption comes from Satan. When we make wrong choices and we do not listen to the Holy SPirit.
There are wolves among the sheep Christ warned us.

In the Gospels we are told to not be blown around in the wind.

If you study the dynamics of how most churches operate today. You will notice how they have small groups or cell groups. I know there are many different formats. But is this not the same as a house church?

Whne Christ recruited the 12 - they all came from different backgrounds. They all had different types of education. Why? To reach different types of people! Christ tells us to return to our own and minister to them. Look at missionaries. They train and teach new converts that are native and turn the leadership over to them and remain to support new church planting. In the same way. God shall use what we ordain in His name and give unto Him for His glory and purpose. Many people today do not like large groups. Others wish to remain unknown until comfortable. God uses different methods and different groups of people to spread and share His love.

I am going to be bold and may cause some controversy with this next statement.
doctrine religion denomination does not matter.

Following God's word does.
well that is why there are so many different denominations. due ot interpretation.
just like in the 1st century Satan has used this tactic to divide us so we look foolish to non-believers.

It is utterly ridiculous how many denominations there are.
why? because the disagreement causes disunity to an unbeliever.

We strive for one goal to share the love of Christ.
Then again I do not understand how we misinterpret plain scripture.
repent and be baptized.
Christ spoke to nicodemus on this matter very clearly.
Communion is very clear.
Speaking in tongues we have been given instruction
II timothy tells us how our churhc should be set up.

I hope I have not confused my point.

Edouard
May God unite us in Christ's love and the Gospel to shine a light in a dark world.
Amen.

Salut Edouard!

A cell church is not the same as a house church. They are going in different directions. A house church is a grass roots organism that begins (hopefully) with an entrance of a household into the eternal life and race of faith. As the influence of this life grows the church becomes a catalyst to empowers other households of faith. It is a bottom up growth that begins with the individual and the family. These become beacons to one another and to the world around them.

The opposite of something is often similar in appearance. A cell group is the breaking down into smaller groups of an institutional entity. This is done to try to emulate the vitality of the house church...but with controls and limitations imposed. It is a top-down structure. (Does anyone begin building with the roof?) The religious mindset is not challenged there. The safety net is there to minimize both damage and any possible growth. Cell groups are "pastorized" to kill all bacteria, as it were, whether good or bad. Control by man is the issue here.

The house church is a very risky endeavour. Having an older more experienced brother to oversee is quite crucial. Networking with other churches in the same region is also very important both for encouragement and mutual accountability. The sharing of spiritual and temporal gifts is also made possible as well as having a united front when facing the world.

Of course not all house churches are functioning by the Spirit. There is a real danger of emulating the institutions so that a little Napoleon takes over control thus usurping the headship of Christ. This is quite common in newer churches. It's like..."honey, I shrunk the church"!!!

The most difficult thing to be rid of is the churchianity mindset. It is one thing to come out of a human system, but quite another to get the system out of us. It may take years for some to overcome the taste for dead works. Good relationships heal bad ones. This begins with the Lord and spreads outward. Again from the bottom up!

 

[stovebolts]

Adullum,

How does one go about establishing Elders and Deacons in such said house church? Is one house considered the head while other houses come into submission?

 

[Drew]

I keep seeing you make this arguement so i have to ask you. Do you not know that this world is still corrupt? Yes Jesus died to redeem us and creation but in that the way He will redeem creation is by first raising up sons of God to inherit the earth and heaven and then He will BURN UP this creation and destroy it and make it new.

God is not going to burn up creation - He is going to redeem it. You are reading texts that are intended to be taken metaphorically and reading them literally. We have been through this many times and, frankly, no one has successfully countered my (and some other poster's) arguments about this. Please have a look at the thread on apocalyptic language in the "End Times" forum. The arguments are, I think, clear. So if I am wrong, why is no one taking me on and engaging those arguments?

On the other hand, we have a text like this which, I suggest, has to be read literally. And it declares quite clearly that the present fallen creation will not be done away with, it will be liberated:

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Ithese heavens are going to roll up like a scroll

This has already been dealt with elsewhere - this very same language about heavens being rolled up is used in Old Testament texts where it is otherwise clear - as argued in detail elsewhere - that the author is talking about God judging nations, and not about any kind of apocalyptic end of the world scenario

This world is corrupt and fallen but it will not always be.

We know that Paul does not believe this - see the Romans 8 text above.