3 John 1:9-10 (King James Version)
9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
We have pastors who want preeminence among the flock. Pastors often do not receive other churches and/or ministers in fellowship. They also often don't receive the calling and ministries of others in their congregation. Sadly, the spirit of Diotrephes us alive and well.
I do not oppose "House Church" as a concept. In fact I think it can and does work for some people.
I do have an issue with those that think there is only 1 way to do things. some who want home church want to lable the big building church as anti-bible while others take shots at home church folks the same way.
the fact is, not every person who needs the gospel will fit into the same box. we need them all.
God bless those who labor in home church settings.
God bless those who labor in small churchs that cannot even afford to pay their pastor
God bless those who labor in the medium sized church.
And God bless those who labor in huge mega churches.
In it all God needs laborers in the field doing the work.
God bless all of those who walk with a pastor and help in any way possible.
And God bless the pastors in all these settings. we need them... even pastors need a pastor.
the only other thing I would say is, dont be a problem. Be a solution!
Peace.
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
I’ve been to house church meetings where a number of believers attended who were indoctrinated by traditional church. The facilitator (elder) prays, reads the Scripture, and asks how it applies to them, what insights they bring, etc…. and the people just stare at each other. They came expecting to be “taught”. I’ll never forget how a house church elder asked, “How long has everyone been in church?” Most answers ranged from two to over twenty years. He said, “What then can I teach you??? What insight can each of you now bring to minister to each other?” The group was astounded. Slowly they began to discuss the passage, relate to personal experiences, and open up. After a few meetings things often get more open. People share their burdens and the sins they struggle with. Often there are tears, prayer, deliverances, and prophesies coming forth from men and women who were relegated to pews in the traditional setting. The body becomes powerful, dynamic, every member ministering. Sometimes a brother or sister who was otherwise very quiet opens up with something that causes the group to pause in silence with its depth and beauty. We are loosing America. Why? Because we’ve created spectators that expect something new to tickle their ears every Wednesday and Sunday night. We need to equip and unleash the church to win this world… not build empires of wide eyed spectators.
The church became a fortress from the world, instead of the hope of the world.
We went wrong with the Church quit being the church. Parachurch ministries emerged as a symptom of void coming from the Church. "When we stopped calling youth to the mission of Christ, Youth With a Mission emerged. When we ignored the opportunity to reach university students, Campus Crusade emerged. When we settled for church attendance and neglected discipleship, Navigators emerged. WHen we hesitated to call men to the role of spiritual leadership, Promise Keepers emerged. Yet while the para-church was rallying and mobilizing men and women whose hearts were longing to serve Christ, it was at the same time accelerating the spiritual anemia and decline of the local church." (McManus)
Enjoying his remarks about the ironic secularization of the church. "We were neither relevant nor transcendent. We have become, in the worst of ways, religious.... the cultural environment became comfortable, and the gospel shifted from a church "on mission" to a church that supported missions."
If your purpose is to be like the early church then why don't you sell all your possessions and bring it together and have all things common.
Acts 2:42* ¶ 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.
Just an idea!
BT
__________________
"From the time you're born, 'til you ride in the hearse, there ain't nothing bad that couldn't be worse!"
LIFE: Some days you're the dog and some days you're the hydrant!
I have ... Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia! The fear of long words.
"Prediction is very hard, especially about the future." - Yogi Berra
"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave in reflection." - Thomas Paine
If your purpose is to be like the early church then why don't you sell all your possessions and bring it together and have all things common.
Acts 2:42* ¶ 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.
Just an idea!
BT
Is mirroring the spirit (lower s), power and intentionality of the early church important to you? Is authentic and right important to you?
What if there was coming a day when the extent of Acts 2 was appropriate? How do we act out the spirit of that verse today? Caring for one another? Attending to other's needs? What do you think, BT?
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