"Home" churches

[praise_yeshua]

My theory is that their exponential growth was largely due to their being intimately involved in each other's lives in a way that formed deep community and resulted in natural discipleship.

Is this possible in today's corporate church model? Sure...but it's much, much harder whereas in some other settings, this formation is intrinsic to the gathering itself.

I would argue the opposite. They weren't deeply and intimately involved in each other's lives. There is no evidence that they were. In fact, they were often told things that implied "staying out" of each other's lives. To let every man have his own life and "gift" from God.

The difference then and now was largely due to the power of God manifest among them at that time. I can assure you..... if a "Paul" was really to show up this day and time and heal the sick out of every area he visited....... they'd be an explosion of converts. Would it last?

It didn't last then. It wouldn't last now. Sooner or later everyone has to come back down to "the ground". The "trial of faith" hits us all. Some flourish. Others perish. The solution for them is the solution now.

1. Fellowship soley in the Truth.
2. Look for and earnest desire for the fellowship of God. i.e. Walk in the Spirit.
3. Realize that everyone has their own life to live. If a man is in fellowship with God. Stay out of it.

 

[subllibrm]

1. Fellowship solely in the Truth.
2. Look for and earnest desire for the fellowship of God. i.e. Walk in the Spirit.
3. Realize that everyone has their own life to live. If a man is in fellowship with God. Stay out of it.

Those are good points. You should write a book and develop a video series. Then churches everywhere could get on board by instituting your program. I can see it now. The best selling book tour. The sold out "worship" gatherings with you as keynote speaker. The intimate workshops with church leaders from all over the world. The many opportunities to display your humility in public. Exponential growth everywhere.

Then the tax investigations. The sex tape scandals. The Jezebels trying to lure you away into sin in every city. The DOEGS coming out of every corner to destroy your anointed ministry.

Okay, so let's just leave it at good thoughts.

;D

 

[rsc2a]

Except that it completely ignores history. Selling everything and sharing commonly is a far, far cry from the rugged individualism PY is advocating, but oh how American for him to advocating for it. Bootstraps! Bootstraps!

 

[RAIDER]

My theory is that their exponential growth was largely due to their being intimately involved in each other's lives in a way that formed deep community and resulted in natural discipleship.

Is this possible in today's corporate church model? Sure...but it's much, much harder whereas in some other settings, this formation is intrinsic to the gathering itself.

I would assume then that, your house church needs to move into 7 or 8 homes at this point.

Why would you assume that?

They met in houses and you do as well. And it seems as though u r saying that, that model is the reason for there growth.

This clown can't find a church where a pastor can put up with his scorning and criticism.  He has come up with some "church model" foreign to all.

 

[rsc2a]

I don't know what's more amusing: that you think my view of the Church is unique or that you think the Mog had the right to tell others whether they can be a part of the eklessia.

 

[praise_yeshua]

Except that it completely ignores history. Selling everything and sharing commonly is a far, far cry from the rugged individualism PY is advocating, but oh how American for him to advocating for it. Bootstraps! Bootstraps!

I'm not ignoring anything. I know history rather well. You're the NUT that thinks everything done in the early church was successful. It wasn't. This "communal" living you're referencing didn't work. It didn't stop people from lying.  It didn't stop people from cheating.

For the record. The early church abandoned the model you're referencing soon after it began. There were no calls for other believers to sell everything they had and join the "community".

It didn't happen. You're the one ignoring history. Don't just focus on one little small "time" and think you understand how things should be done today.

I never advocated for rugged individualism. I am for everyone doing as God commands in their own lives. That often doesn't include basing what you do on what everyone else is doing.

You're like a little child that first learns how to read. They think they understand everything they read and nothing ever changes. Grow up.

 

[praise_yeshua]

I don't know what's more amusing: that you think my view of the Church is unique or that you think the Mog had the right to tell others whether they can be a part of the eklessia.

You've got your own theological MOG. You're bashing the "MOG" mentality and you're ideal is no different. You expect a communal assembly. You just want your own. One MOG bashing another MOG.

In the end, every INDIVIDUAL will give an account of their own actions. Stop. Think for a minute. What does that mean?

 

[RAIDER]

I don't know what's more amusing: that you think my view of the Church is unique or that you think the Mog had the right to tell others whether they can be a part of the eklessia.

Please, humor us all and explain to us your view of the church.  Also, tell us what your normal "church week" looks like.

 

[rsc2a]

Except that it completely ignores history. Selling everything and sharing commonly is a far, far cry from the rugged individualism PY is advocating, but oh how American for him to advocating for it. Bootstraps! Bootstraps!

I'm not ignoring anything. I know history rather well. You're the NUT that thinks everything done in the early church was successful. It wasn't. This "communal" living you're referencing didn't work. It didn't stop people from lying.  It didn't stop people from cheating.

For the record. The early church abandoned the model you're referencing soon after it began. There were no calls for other believers to sell everything they had and join the "community".

So "there was no evidence that they did this" now becomes "I'm ignoring the stuff I don't like." Got it.

It didn't happen. You're the one ignoring history. Don't just focus on one little small "time" and think you understand how things should be done today.

You just said it did happen....

I never advocated for rugged individualism. I am for everyone doing as God commands in their own lives. That often doesn't include basing what you do on what everyone else is doing.

Holy contradictions, Batman!

 

[rsc2a]

I don't know what's more amusing: that you think my view of the Church is unique or that you think the Mog had the right to tell others whether they can be a part of the eklessia.

You've got your own theological MOG. You're bashing the "MOG" mentality and you're ideal is no different. You expect a communal assembly. You just want your own. One MOG bashing another MOG.

In the end, every INDIVIDUAL will give an account of their own actions. Stop. Think for a minute. What does that mean?

I do? Interesting critique from someone who makes up their own canon...

 

[praise_yeshua]

I don't know what's more amusing: that you think my view of the Church is unique or that you think the Mog had the right to tell others whether they can be a part of the eklessia.

You've got your own theological MOG. You're bashing the "MOG" mentality and you're ideal is no different. You expect a communal assembly. You just want your own. One MOG bashing another MOG.

In the end, every INDIVIDUAL will give an account of their own actions. Stop. Think for a minute. What does that mean?

I do? Interesting critique from someone who makes up their own canon...

Why are you changing the subject? What does my "canon" have to do with this?

 

[praise_yeshua]

Except that it completely ignores history. Selling everything and sharing commonly is a far, far cry from the rugged individualism PY is advocating, but oh how American for him to advocating for it. Bootstraps! Bootstraps!

I'm not ignoring anything. I know history rather well. You're the NUT that thinks everything done in the early church was successful. It wasn't. This "communal" living you're referencing didn't work. It didn't stop people from lying.  It didn't stop people from cheating.

For the record. The early church abandoned the model you're referencing soon after it began. There were no calls for other believers to sell everything they had and join the "community".

So "there was no evidence that they did this" now becomes "I'm ignoring the stuff I don't like." Got it.

It didn't happen. You're the one ignoring history. Don't just focus on one little small "time" and think you understand how things should be done today.

You just said it did happen....

I never advocated for rugged individualism. I am for everyone doing as God commands in their own lives. That often doesn't include basing what you do on what everyone else is doing.

Holy contradictions, Batman!

Good grief. I explained myself perfectly. You're acting like a child.... again.... and again...... and again.

Did the early church abandon the model you're advocating or not?

 

[rsc2a]

I don't know what's more amusing: that you think my view of the Church is unique or that you think the Mog had the right to tell others whether they can be a part of the eklessia.

Please, humor us all and explain to us your view of the church.  Also, tell us what your normal "church week" looks like.

My view of the Church? The Church consists off all called-out followers of Jesus and is purposed to be an active witness to the gospel as she seeks, through the everyday actions of her members, to be a royal priesthood fufilling its role as an incarnate means by which God is reconciling all things.

My church week? This question makes no sense with a proper understanding of the church instead of some Gnostic view that would separate the physical life from the spiritual life.

 

[rsc2a]

I submit to God as revealed in the Christ, the traditions of my faith, my spouse, my kids, my local assembly, my neighbors and friends, and others.

Who, if anyone, do you submit to?

 

[RAIDER]

I don't know what's more amusing: that you think my view of the Church is unique or that you think the Mog had the right to tell others whether they can be a part of the eklessia.

Please, humor us all and explain to us your view of the church.  Also, tell us what your normal "church week" looks like.

My view of the Church? The Church consists off all called-out followers of Jesus and is purposed to be an active witness to the gospel as she seeks, through the everyday actions of her members, to be a royal priesthood fufilling its role as an incarnate means by which God is reconciling all things.

My church week? This question makes no sense with a proper understanding of the church instead of some Gnostic view that would separate the physical life from the spiritual life.

Are you a member of a local NT church?  Does your church have services?  Does your church send out missionaries?  Does your church baptize and disciple?

 

[rsc2a]

Yes, I am a member of a local assembly.

Our assembly meets biweekly for formal teaching and sharing of communion. Various members also meet very frequently throughout the week as we serve one another as a part of our shared lives.

The members are all missionaries, and we are all equipped and sent.

We all disciple as an integrated part of our lives and relationships. When appropriate, we have also performed baptisms.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

I don't know what's more amusing: that you think my view of the Church is unique or that you think the Mog had the right to tell others whether they can be a part of the eklessia.

Please, humor us all and explain to us your view of the church.  Also, tell us what your normal "church week" looks like.

My view of the Church? The Church consists off all called-out followers of Jesus and is purposed to be an active witness to the gospel as she seeks, through the everyday actions of her members, to be a royal priesthood fufilling its role as an incarnate means by which God is reconciling all things.

My church week? This question makes no sense with a proper understanding of the church instead of some Gnostic view that would separate the physical life from the spiritual life.

Are you a member of a local NT church?  Does your church have services?  Does your church send out missionaries?  Does your church baptize and disciple?

A church isn't about services: it is about service. It is about community with one another, provoking brethren to love and following Christ. The way rsc2a describes it is the better model for making it happen, though such community can form within and sometimes, despite a traditional format.

 

[praise_yeshua]

I don't know what's more amusing: that you think my view of the Church is unique or that you think the Mog had the right to tell others whether they can be a part of the eklessia.

Please, humor us all and explain to us your view of the church.  Also, tell us what your normal "church week" looks like.

My view of the Church? The Church consists off all called-out followers of Jesus and is purposed to be an active witness to the gospel as she seeks, through the everyday actions of her members, to be a royal priesthood fufilling its role as an incarnate means by which God is reconciling all things.

My church week? This question makes no sense with a proper understanding of the church instead of some Gnostic view that would separate the physical life from the spiritual life.

Are you a member of a local NT church?  Does your church have services?  Does your church send out missionaries?  Does your church baptize and disciple?

A church isn't about services: it is about service. It is about community with one another, provoking brethren to love and following Christ. The way rsc2a describes it is the better model for making it happen, though such community can form within and sometimes, despite a traditional format.

LIFE is about serving others. Don't attach THAT to "church". "Church" is a place to gather in worshiping God. The "church" has been made into far too many things it was never formed to be.

 

[rsc2a]

..."Church" is a place...

There's your problem right there.

 

[RAIDER]

Yes, I am a member of a local assembly.

Our assembly meets biweekly for formal teaching and sharing of communion. Various members also meet very frequently throughout the week as we serve one another as a part of our shared lives.

The members are all missionaries, and we are all equipped and sent.

We all disciple as an integrated part of our lives and relationships. When appropriate, we have also performed baptisms.

Are you a Branch Davidian?