House Church

So, my family and I are worshiping together in 'church' service this past Sunday and the pastor teaches from Philemon. You know, that little bitty one chapter letter from Paul in the New Testament.

Now, Philemon was evidently a wealthy guy in his day, possibly a bishop in the Church, and a slave-owner.  Read it for yourself and discern the facts.

Back to last Sunday ... 

So, as the pastor is reading the scripture, this phrase from verse 2 pierces my brain, " ... the church that meets in your house ...".  What?  Huh?  (( nudging my wife )) Did you hear that?  The church that meets in your HOUSE.

House Church.

So, how 'large' is this congregation that meets at Philemon's house?  30 people?  60 people?  100-or more??  Just how big a house are we talking here?!

TWO major thoughts cross my mind as the pastor continues and brilliantly delivers a challenge to his congregation from this quick memo penned by Apostle Paul.

1.  WEALTH attracts people.

Americans are infamous for criticizing and ostracizing wealthy, famous, and notorious people in society.  If you seem to have more than me ... the jealousy in me rages and I have to criticize what I don't believe I can personally accomplish, as compared to you.  So, really -- it's a comparison game.  And, an unfair one at that.

Philemon was obviously a wealthy guy from all accounts.  He was highly regarded in his community, owned slaves or servants [employees?], and had enough influence, or notoriety, to attract large numbers of believers to his HOUSE for church services.

I once heard a financially successful and quite wealthy Christian businessman say, " ... one thing's for sure, when I was broke, living in a double-wide, and barely paying my light bill, NOBODY was beating down my door to find out how I was succeeding in life!"

Wealth -- in whatever way one might measure wealth -- is sure to attract people.  Healthy, wealthy, and wise is a principle taught straight from scripture.  Refer to 3 John 2

2.  A HOUSE should be a HOME.

I know of many houses -- or, structures which house people -- that are far from being considered Home.  Home is that feeling of safety, security, belonging, and acceptance, where one can simply BE.

When I'm 'at home' ... I kick off my shoes, put my feet up, relax, and enjoy the loved ones who live in my home with me.

My beautiful wife is the driving force of Peace in our home.  She sets the tone.  Her beauty, her spirit, her attitude, her discipline, her intuition, her wisdom, and her spiritual discernment flow into every nook and cranny of our home.

Our amazing children are fruit of our love and our labor, displaying natural gifts and abilities, and excelling in the skills they have acquired.  They prove by their actions that they love us, even when they goof; and we prove our love for them by maintaining a standard of Love, Forgiveness, Acceptance, and Discipline.  Everyone does their best to model Christ ... but, even when we miss the mark ... we always go back to Love.

When everyone is BEING who they are created to BE ... it's HOME.

Back to Philemon's House Church ...

For many reasons, the Church in 1st-century Christianity was meeting predominantly in Houses -- or, in the Homes of believers, and non-believers who were seeking Truth.  Politically, this was necessary due to dangerous rulers who were murdering and martyring Believers at every opportunity.  I'm sure that somehow in God's Grand Design ... He intended it.


21-st Century House Church ...

Here we are in 21-st century America, Europe, Asia, and beyond ... and it seems that the cycle has nearly come full circle.  Is it time to return to House Church?  Are we prepared to gather, belong, and care for one another at that level of intimacy and compassion?

Pride will throw temper tantrums in that atmosphere.  Selfishness will suffocate.  Hateful and prejudicial attitudes will be fully exposed.  Only the Law of LOVE will survive.  Only COMPASSION can be the Rule of that Law.

I welcome your thoughts and comments.  Love God ... and Love People.