Monday, 6/15/20 – Pressing on… “…the church that meets in your home”

“…the church that meets in your home”

Our church met in “home groups” for the first time this past Sunday morning. I shared with our group what I share with you now…

We are in good company meeting together like this.

Early believers celebrated the Lord’s Supper “from house to house” (Acts 2:46). The apostles taught and preached daily “in the temple courts and from house to house” (Acts 5:42). The Apostle Paul taught “publickly, and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).

Later Paul wrote letters to numerous “home group” churches: “Priscilla and Aquila… also the church that meets at their house.” (Rom. 16:4,5). (See also 1 Cor. 16:19). “Nympha and the church in her house.” (Col. 4:15). “Philemon… and to the church that meets in your home” (Philemon 1:1-2).

Jesus Himself had promised “…where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:20)

Just prior to His ascension Jesus told his disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised…” (Acts 1:4). The inhabitants of the whole world have in essence these days been told to wait… to stay where they are. Fear of what lay ahead has gripped many. But wise is the believer who has seen this time as a time ordained by God. Blessed are they who see this time of waiting as an intended time

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:1-2)

At just that right time God moved… the believers empowered, the Church grew…”They broke bread in their homes and ate together… And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (See all: Acts 2:42-47). When the lame man begged something of Peter and John, Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” And the lame man walked (Read all: Acts 3:1-10).

Believer, you have that same thing now… within you… wanting to be given to a fear-filled world.

These days are no surprise to God, though they are to us. Rather, God is restoring His Church. He is preparing His People, His Body, His Bride.

And that Bride, dear believer, is little ole you and I.

Press on… forgive…  freely give… be surprised what God may next do in you… through you!

Let the sleeper rouse…

“Jesus didn’t die So that we would come to church, He died so that we would become the church.”

More tomorrow…

To hear Pastor Andrew’s Sunday message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.