God's not against worshipping in a Church building
Posted : 28 May, 2022 05:41 PM
QUESTION
Is a home church a true biblical church?
Churches in the New Testament era were indeed small assemblies that met in homes (Acts 2:46; 20:20). So the practice is certainly biblically allowable. There also seem to be some good reasons to have house churches as opposed to large gatherings: greater intimacy, stronger relationships, more comfortable worship, single-mindedness, etc. The fact that large churches usually have their own small groups that meet in homes speaks to this fact. Several considerations should be made, however, concerning the reasons for creating and/or attending a house church.
First, the fact that first-century Christians did something does not establish it as a pattern for all generations to follow (unless there is also a clear command to do so elsewhere). Simply because Scripture records an event or practice does not, of itself, establish a command (nor, in some cases, even approval!). So, for example, the fact that early Christians often sold all they owned and shared the profits (Acts 2:44-45) among other believers does not mean that we must do so today (although it certainly would be acceptable). So we should not think that home churches are any more "biblical" in this sense.
Second, there was a perfectly practical reason for the early church to meet in homes. Where else would they meet? There were no church buildings, YMCAs, grammar schools, or movie theaters that could hold large groups. Further, even if there was room somewhere, during this time of persecution by the Romans, a public gathering of hundreds or thousands of people would simply not be safe. Thus, it might not have been by design that the early church met in small groups. It is even possible that they would have preferred large meetings (as Jews would have been accustomed to), but they simply could not manage it. So we should also not think that home churches are any more "spiritual" than large churches.
Third, home churches that are started in an effort to counter "the institutional church" could be questionable. While often listing the above reasons to more closely align with the biblical model, the real reason often seems to be displeasure with large church movements. While these complaints are often valid, it can lead to a divisive, "us vs. them" mentality that should be avoided.
In addition to the above considerations regarding motive, one final caution concerns the issue of accountability. For Protestant churches, the Bible alone is the guide in matters of faith and practice. However, few people have the time to gain the skills and knowledge to accurately handle the word of God (2 Timothy 3:14-16). In classical education theology was taught last—for it builds on many other disciplines that cannot be learned from the Bible alone. Therefore, some degree of higher education was usually sought before one became a teacher of the word (James 3:1). The popular view today, however, is that the Holy Spirit teaches believers directly through the Bible. This idea might lead people to believe that whatever the group teaches is from God and is therefore safe from error. But the Bible does not teach that this is the case, and it is clear that most believers disagree on at least some issues, and most simply end up "interpreting" the Bible according to their churches' teaching anyway.
The answer to the interpretation issue requires another article, but the problem it creates becomes more ominous when dealing with home churches. The New Testament is full of warnings against heresies coming from within the church. Since it was written in the first century, these would actually be warnings regarding house churches. While this problem is certainly not limited to house churches, there is clearly no guarantee of protection from false teaching simply because the church changes its meeting format. Further, because home churches function as independent small groups, they need have no accountability to anyone but themselves. This makes it much more difficult to judge their teachings (in fact, the Jehovah’s Witnesses cult began in exactly this manner). In contrast, larger congregations benefit from a plurality of elders, spiritually mature men (Titus 1:5-9) who are overseers of the flock, protecting them from false doctrine.
In conclusion, there is nothing unbiblical about Christians gathering together regularly in houses, or large buildings, or any other appropriate venue. The Bible does not, in fact, give any guidelines as to the proper gathering size or location. What it does do is explain what is to take place at those meetings (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2). So long as biblical teachings (orthodoxy) and practices (orthopraxy) are undertaken by those in assembly, it really does not matter what meeting format one chooses.
God's not against worshipping in a Church building
Posted : 29 May, 2022 04:40 AM
"In classical education theology was taught last—for it builds on many other disciplines that cannot be learned from the Bible alone. Therefore, some degree of higher education was usually sought before one became a teacher of the word (James 3:1). The popular view today, however, is that the Holy Spirit teaches believers directly through the Bible. "
The early Christians did not go to Bible college or seminary. The author of this article is attacking the believers of the New Testament as well as believers down through the last 1900 years who did not go to seminary. That author is promoting "professionalism." Note well his comment that "the popular view... is that the Holy Spirit teaches believers directly through the Bible." I will be very clear here. According to this mentality, every believer should submit to some form of human authority such as the Roman Catholic Church teaches. they claim they are the official interpreters of the truth of God. This is a horrendous claim by the writer of that article. Protestants rejected that idea of the Roman church. Unfortunately, I think that writer knows exactly what he is writing.
"This idea might lead people to believe that whatever the group teaches is from God and is therefore safe from error. But the Bible does not teach that this is the case, and it is clear that most believers disagree on at least some issues, and most simply end up "interpreting" the Bible according to their churches' teaching anyway."
"The answer to the interpretation issue requires another article, but the problem it creates becomes more ominous when dealing with home churches. The New Testament is full of warnings against heresies coming from within the church. Since it was written in the first century, these would actually be warnings regarding house churches."
This reasoning is circular. He is contending that house churches are the problem, the source of error. Of course, that would be true because weren't institutional churches. The writer attacks the modern home church movement. Error was present In Paul's day. It was present in the days of Luther and Calvin. It has been that way for 2000 years. The house church movement is not to blame for error. Luther and Calvin and the other reformers were at each other's throats. the reformers supported the killing of the anabaptists. they killed anti-trinitarians. Torturing and killing people who don't agree with your faith is worse than an error. is that the way to spread the Gospel and show christian love?
The only thing I can find in this article to agree with is that the place where believers meet doesn't matter.
God's not against worshipping in a Church building
Posted : 29 May, 2022 04:50 AM
It should be noted that larger churches, in a way, are catering to the idea of small groups. some have "cell" groups. They may use other names. But they still function the same way' One writer years ago said that nothing should be done without the pastor. Even the cell groups function in a controlled manner. I attended one when I visited a larger church. It was simply a review of the message that the pastor had preached the previous sunday. They didn't even want to look at the passages that the pastor talked about. Pretty sad.
God's not against worshipping in a Church building
Posted : 29 May, 2022 06:18 AM
@ohio
Ohio, i believe the Holy Spirit and the Word of GOD Almighty are sufficient to understanding the Gospel, who Messiah is, and what He is like, and what does He say about outselves.
When people begin to believe that only those that are cemetery trained understand the Scriptures, and are the only ones that can be a sumpresbertos, then we go back to Moses and the pharisees.
Messiah makes people free to read and study His word for themselves, the elders have the oversight to know whether the people are understanding the Word correctly.
If the Scriptures are not enough for a person to understand who GOD Almighty is, or the Gospel, would not Messiah have given us what was necessary to know Him and His means for saving us.
