To insure that "unity" is the norm in a Home Church then at its beginning there MUST be a clearly defined set of rules established to which each participant agrees to adhere. Indeed, this is what "fellowship" implies - friendliness and companionship based on shared interests; a group of people meeting to pursue a shared interest or aim.
The "cardinal rule" of every Home Church must be that
"all things be done decently and in order" (
I Corinthians 14:40, KJV). For this to be realized then in each Home Church there must also be one member (chosen by unanimous consent), charged with the responsibility of insuring every member comply with the rules so that
"all things be done unto edifying" (
I Corinthians 14:26, KJV).
Recognizing, and acknowledging, that
"the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets" (
I Corinthians 14:32, KJV), then it must also be understood that participants in a Home Church must not be allowed to simply
"teach whatever they think is right," rather everything proclaimed as truth by members must be fully validated by the language of the Bible. Of course it is recognized that difference of opinions concerning the manner in which various scriptural statements are interpreted will arise, however, when this occurs it must be recognized that (as stated by the apostle Paul in
I Corinthians 11:18-19, KJV) such
”divisions” evidence the presence of
”heresies” which must be addressed immediately. No discourse should be allowed to advance beyond that point until every member becomes
”perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” about the matter (see
I Corinthians 1:10, KJV).
I consider that those who elect to participate in Home Churches (choosing to reject becoming
"just another number" in an organized, hierarchal orientated institutions wherein a singular individual establishes the agenda and controls every facet of activities), do so that they might exert their best efforts to adhere to the pattern of corporate Christian church activities as clearly set forth by Paul in the words of
I Corinthians 14:26-31, to wit
"How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted."
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