House Church Acts 8:3
House Church was the norm “House-based ministry was so common that throughout the book of Acts, every mention of a local church or church meeting, whether for worship or fellowship, is a reference to a church meeting in a home. House churches played an essential role in the rapid growth and ultimate triumph of Christianity, and it's safe to say that the first three centuries belonged to the house-church movement. House-to-house ministry allowed the believers to challenge the social order of the day. They became witnesses—through their words, lives, and suffering. Because of their small size, house churches maintained a family-like atmosphere and practiced brotherly love in personal and effective ways.” Christianity Today, Joel Comiskey. March, 2015.
A glimpse through the window NIV Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
A glimpse through the window NIV Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
Why? People are the temple: (1 Peter 2:4-5, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19) It’s the biblical model: (Phlm 2b), Lydia (Ac 16:14) Aquila and Priscilla (1Cor 16:19). Gaius (3Jn 1-5; Ro 16:23). Intimacy (simplicity and purity – family, body) Accountability: more realistic Discipleship Participatory worship Celebrating the Lord’s Supper Consensus is easier
What? The importance of meeting (Heb. 10:25) (12-20 people) Availability & liability (1Cor. 12:25-26) – looking after emotional and spiritual needs - Practice of the spiritual gifts Mutual sharing (financial, practical, etc.) Meals (1Cor. 11) The Lord's Supper (Jude 12 –love feasts) Prayer Teaching and preaching Worship Fellowship Evangelism – relational, spontaneous preaching – “life happened in front of the neighbors” Baptism
How? NIV Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. NIV Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Evangelism “God used the oikos to extend the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. The early believers modeled transformed lives and distinct values that were often countercultural. Yet, in these crowded, urban environments, people were able to see Christianity up close. They heard and saw the testimonies of those transformed by the gospel, and they desired to experience Christ for themselves. Husbands loved wives, servants were treated with dignity, married partners submitted to one another, and love reigned supreme. Friends and neighbors were drawn to this new transformed community.” (Ibid.)
Next week - leadership