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If one has no access to a good church, that's a great way to worship. But in my observation, home churches that are not under the guidance of a good church tend to go really weird.
"Home" churches occured where there was physical persecution or where the government didn't allow them to openly congregate.
However, such "home" churches was still under theological supervision and direction of the Apostles and elders.
The first organized religion council meeting is recorded in Acts 15.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for a collection by churches in Asia Minor for the church in Jerusalem to get relief funds.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for the 7 letters John was told to write per Jesus' command while on the island of Patmos to get to their destination.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for the Macedonian Churches to organize a collection for the Lord's people.
"Home" churches occured where there was physical persecution or where the government didn't allow them to openly congregate.
However, such "home" churches was still under theological supervision and direction of the Apostles and elders.
The first organized religion council meeting is recorded in Acts 15.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for a collection by churches in Asia Minor for the church in Jerusalem to get relief funds.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for the 7 letters John was told to write per Jesus' command while on the island of Patmos to get to their destination.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for the Macedonian Churches to organize a collection for the Lord's people.
I'm glad to hear you say that Spin. It's good for all of us to remember early Christianity had nothing to do with Fundamentalist capitalism----and the Apostles endorsed those early churches thusly:
All that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.(Acts 2:44-45)
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.(Acts 4:34-37)
I'm glad to hear you say that Spin. It's good for all of us to remember early Christianity had nothing to do with Fundamentalist capitalism----and the Apostles endorsed those early churches thusly:
All that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.(Acts 2:44-45)
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.(Acts 4:34-37)
This is certainly not Socialism or Communism, the preferred government model to some on this board. Note that everything they have given up was voluntary. Those two “isms” take by force.
Ananias was punished not for giving up all the money he made selling the land but for lying. Church performers should take heed to this passage in Acts
Five Corners Baptist Church in Vancouver, WA might be your style. It is no longer mine. If their music has changed from many, many years ago, I would be surprised. It's relatively small--or was the last time I was there as a non-member in 1993.
I like old style southern gospel music but that has disappeared from just about everywhere except a Gaither concert.
My kind of church is open and welcoming to SINNERS, not pretend "righteous" people that fill most evangelical churches. My kind of church faces hard biblical questions and gives the congregation alternate viewpoints. My kind of church supports the priesthood of the believer---the right of every Christian to reach their own understanding of Scripture. The Baptists ( Southern ) no longer support that view and are as authoritative as they used to accuse Catholics and the Pope as being.
But then I outgrew what churches like Five Corners have to offer. But I think it might be right up your alley even if it may be a longer drive on Sundays.
Quote:
Originally Posted by revrandy
Gee Warden, I didn't know you were part of my congregation
Just the gathering of folks I prefer. I have always liked the Billy Joel quote about The sinners are much more fun s i always interpreted that to mean they are making the most of life where as the "saints" were just role playing and attempting to display their piety.
And the point of the story in Acts is that they WERE concerned with the well-being of others and not with retaining their possessions, much less the small portion the government that fcilitate the alleviation of oppressive conditions require. The problem is in the response to the idea of having that concern for everyone and not just those we know and love as Jesus taught.
"Home" churches occured where there was physical persecution or where the government didn't allow them to openly congregate.
However, such "home" churches was still under theological supervision and direction of the Apostles and elders.
The first organized religion council meeting is recorded in Acts 15.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for a collection by churches in Asia Minor for the church in Jerusalem to get relief funds.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for the 7 letters John was told to write per Jesus' command while on the island of Patmos to get to their destination.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for the Macedonian Churches to organize a collection for the Lord's people.
I agree.
And in today's world it's not uncommon for people that are disillusioned with the established churches in an area to simply decide to worship in a home church. That can be good, and it can be bad. With no accountability, sometimes they get rather wonky. On the other hand, if there is accountability, and they're getting solid teaching, it can be an excellent thing.
I'm glad to hear you say that Spin. It's good for all of us to remember early Christianity had nothing to do with Fundamentalist capitalism----and the Apostles endorsed those early churches thusly:
All that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.(Acts 2:44-45)
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.(Acts 4:34-37)
1) What they did had nothing more to do with denouncing Fundamentalist capitalism any more than promoting Liberal Socialism.
2) The point of my post had no political inferences ... it was to counter the anti "organized" arguments that is used by some to justify themselves for whatever reason.
"Home" churches occured where there was physical persecution or where the government didn't allow them to openly congregate.
However, such "home" churches was still under theological supervision and direction of the Apostles and elders.
The first organized religion council meeting is recorded in Acts 15.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for a collection by churches in Asia Minor for the church in Jerusalem to get relief funds.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for the 7 letters John was told to write per Jesus' command while on the island of Patmos to get to their destination.
The 1st century church had to be "organized" for the Macedonian Churches to organize a collection for the Lord's people.
Which Church is best, the one on San Francisco or Fourth Street?
And the point of the story in Acts is that they WERE concerned with the well-being of others and not with retaining their possessions, much less the small portion the government that fcilitate the alleviation of oppressive conditions require. The problem is in the response to the idea of having that concern for everyone and not just those we know and love as Jesus taught.
And the point is Christians today are just as concerned as the Christians is Acts.
For example:
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief
Colorado Baptist Disaster Relief
Samaritan's Purse
Catholic Charities USA
Operation Blessing
(an international relief and humanitarian organization providing food, clothing, shelter, medical care and other basic necessities of life)
United Methodist Committee on Relief
Episcopal Relief and Development
Lutheran World Relief ... ELCA
LCMS Disaster Response... Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Christian Aid and Relief ... Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
(provides disaster relief and humanitarian aid to people around the world who have been devastated by natural disasters and other tragedies.)
USA Today ... Aug 31, 2017 ....Hurricane Harvey recovery: Faith-based groups lead relief efforts
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