House 2 House Churches
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What is a House Church ?
Christians are meeting in each other's homes, eating meals together, praying, and sharing their lives with one another. The Churches that Jesus set up in the New Testament, were also House Churches. They were small gatherings, eating meals together, praying, sharing their lives with each other. Jesus never had Church buildings, religious programs, or professional religious leaders. Jesus set up a House Church structure, with a family enviroment, they gather together for instruction, worship, encouragement, and prayer.
Early Christian Churches
We need to bring back the faith and power of those Early Christian Churches. Nearly two thousand years ago, small House Churches sprang up all over the Roman Empire. The Christian churches were blessed with great Christian Leaders. They never had professional religious leaders, the Holy Spirit is the only one who can appoint the Ministers of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the one who builds the Churches of Christ. Everyone is equal, and has ownership of the Church. Jesus had 12 disciples who ate together, fished together, prayed together, and worshiped together. We must use the Holy Scriptures and the life of Chirst to change the world aroud us, and restored the Churches of Christ.
Let's us examine the Church that Jesus created in the book of Acts, the early Church of believers who were dediicated to pleasing God. In Acts 2:42 - 47, we read how to fulfill the mission Jesus has given to us. The early Church did not have riches or political influence, the things that today's Christian Church craves. But the early Church had the Spirit of the Lord living within them, and the power of God working through them.
" All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity-all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. "
In Acts 2:42, we read about the way the early Church had fellowship. Sharing meals in there homes, teaching the Word, and they performed many miraculous. The believers shared everything they had, they sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. The early believers had a intimate realationship with Christ, this was the source of their power.
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Transformation: The Spirit of Holiness
This life is a spiritual journey to prepare you for eternity. The desire for holiness can help you set your feet on the path to godliness. The Bible tells us to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness, and to be holy because God is holy. This is why God put you here on earth. The desire for holiness will tranform your life, and this is the secret of transformation.
Purse peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."
Hebrew 12:14
Without holiness no one will see the Lord, that's what the Bible tells us. We are called to be holy and live a holy life in a godless world. The world is bent on enticing us away from holiness and godliness. The secret lies in our desires, holiness must be our desire as believes. What are the desires of your life? Career, family, money, hobby, having fun, or self-centered desires. What ever is the desire of your heart, is your god. Do you think about the here and now, or do you think about eternity? Is it your goal in life to please God, or to please your sinful nature. The people in your Church must be focusing on their faith in God, prayer, godliness, and the Spirit of holiness. This must be the desire of the Church, and transformation will happen.
Whenever a group of Christians begin to discover the beauty and holiness, meeting together outside of man-made religious traditionalism, and the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. They will have a revival in their souls and will discover a new the realism in God's Holy Word. When this enthusiasm is truly heaven-inspired, biblical Christianity cannot help but be admired by believers and hated by Satan. Faithfulness to God's Word will clean out lives of idolatry and paganism in your life. The 120 believers who gathered in the "upper room" were united in their zeal, and purpose. They had a desire to please God and to see God’s will be done. Too many people today are concerned about the Church Organizations rather than the will of the Living God. The early disciples were bent on receiving the "promise of the Father" and doing the will of God. This attitude, that their lives were wrapped up in a new life where "old things are passed away," contributed greatly to their being of one heart. Church was not just a pastime, or a week-end event, they became the Temple of God.
The Authority of the Bible
Even among the nonliterate people, the Bible has been the guiding source for doctrine, church polity and life itself. Scripture provided the rudder for the church’s life, and its authority was unquestioned. Everyone involved in the House Church Movement often speak of the self-discipline required of the Ministers of Christ. Once a believer has established his identity as the primary Minister, it’s difficult for him ever to assume a back-seat profile. This is not to say that Ministers of Christ have no role in church planting. On the contrary, local church planters receive their best training by watching how the believer models Bible studies. The House Church Movement are driven by lay leaders. If believers are primarily fishermen of men, so too are their lay leaders. Growth of the House Church Movement continue to be led by Ministers of Christ. This reliance upon lay leadership ensures the largest possible pool of potential church planters and church leaders.
Prayer
Prayer has been fundamental to every House Church family, prayer typically provides the first pillar in a church. In the house Church movement, hundreds and even thousands of individuals are hearing the claims that Jesus Christ has on their lives. This sowing often relies heavily upon personal testimonies, to the life-changing power of the gospel. The early Christians never built church buildings, they met in homes or other public places available to them. Walking in the Spirit, or to be separate from the worldliness all around us. This was the calling of Christ for the Church. Paul was a house church planter. Although the church in Jerusalem was deemed to be an authority on final doctrinal issues, it was not to be that way for very long. The Lord placed true believers in His church, he knows His sheep and His sheep know his voice. Most agree that healthy churches should carry out the following five purposes: worship, outreach, discipleship, and fellowship. Their prayers, songs, and love for each other can change the community around them. Worship in the heart, and within reach of all members of the community and allows everyone to participate in a new churches. Prayer has been fundamental to every House Church Movement, churches don’t just happen. House Church buildings, the majority of the churches continue to be small, reproducible house churches of 10-30 members meeting in homes or storefronts.
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Walk like the Early Christian
The first century church had greater influence upon the world than all other generations of Christianity combined. What about you, would you like to walk like the early Christians?
I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18
The Lord added to them (the church) daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47)
Restoration is the very heart of the gospel is the burden of all. Jesus is the restorer, and His mission was to undo the consequences of the Fall, to reveal to them the Father, to create a new family of God and to call together a united people. It follows of that restoration has to do with people, not with institutional structure. The human spirit, seeking, inquiring, and growing, cannot flourish within the confines of rigid structure and control. House Churches may look the same as cell churches, but they generally are not organized under a single authority. Each has its advantages, new believers are expected to become new disciples. And immediately become disciplers of others, and than Ministers of Christ.
The Holy Spirit is the Source of Transformation
The Bible tells us in 1 Cor 6:9-10, " Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." This is why the desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit is everything, the realization that our desires is a transformation. The Holy Spirit is the Helper, the Comforter, and the teacher. How does the Holy Spirit speak to us, a still, small, strong thoughts or impresion in your spirit is how the Spirit will led you. The Holy Spirit will give us visions and dreams for our Church. Believers who walk in the Spirit become energizes, spiritual transformation will generate a desire for holiness, prayer, worship musical, and the kingdom of God. There are many people in today's world, searching for believers with this spiritual transformation. This is the Church that people would love to be involved with.
The Eternal Ministers of Christ
The Holy Spirit is the only one who can appoint the Ministers of Christ, this should be the goal of every born again believer. Your citizenship is in heaven, your High Priest and King is Jesus Christ. Everyone in your church should have the same goal, and the Holy Spirit works through everyone in the Church. The best advertisment for your church is your relationship with Jesus Christ. The people around you will be watching how you react in daily situations. How you face and solve your problems in life, and do you walk in the Spirit or in the flesh. Do you feel the presence of God, and thank Him for everything you have in life. This is your advertisement for your Church, your ministry, and your life.
Jesus always had a small group of disciples with Him, and they were taught the secrets of the kingdom of God. But when a large crowd of people gathered around, Jesus would speak in parables. Jesus told his disciples, that the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to others I speak in parables, so that though seeing, they may not see, though hearing, they may not understand. Jesus would speak in parables the hide the knowledge from the people, only the small group of disciples would understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. The apostle Paul had House Churches all over the Roman Empire, and they were taught the secrets of the kingdom.
What is a House Church
1. This is what God desires, for His people to come together to pray, share burdens, study, support each other. Believers come together in obedience for there love for God, and love for each other.
2. A place to break Bread, share Wine, and thereby commune with God: God gave us the last supper for a reason, to bring us together to share the bread of life in Christ. People need to pray for there daily needs, and we need to ask God to forgive us of our sins. Pray to love our enemies, and we need to preach to the lost.
3. We listen to God and share communion together, we learn of Jesus, that is what God desires of His church. God desires all new believers to be baptized before other believers, and before the world. So the unsaved will recognize there is a God that will forgive them of their sins.
4. A place for miracles, God healed people according to His Word, of emotional, mental, and spiritual problems. A Church is a place to share with those in need, to share with the needy for their daily needs. The Church is a place to enjoy the favor of all, we need to respect all of God’s people, and enjoy them. And also a place to present gifts to give of what we gain, we need to give to the needy, the widows, and the orphans.
5. The time of studying God's Word. The Church will be might be led by a teachers, not by just one person, but always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Next there is time of fellowship, prayer, and offerings are taken, for the poor. Home churches also help those that are involved in God’s work, teachers, pastors, and preachers have a secular job, in addition to their calling. The Desire of Holiness = Spiritual Growth
The Holy Spirit is the one who builds the Church of God, its not about you or me. How do you get the people to join your Church? If you sow you will also reap abundantly, and let the Holy Spirit do the work. The Bible is the authority for doctrine, church polity and life itself. Self-discipline is required for ministers of Christ, Church growth are driven by anyone. These Ministers of Christ must be led by the Spirit, if your Chruch is going to grow. The Ministers of Christ job is spiritual growth, with the Spirit of holiness, serving the Church and the people in darkness.
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Be Christ to the world Around you
( Bcttway Ministry ) B-Be, C-Christ, T-To, T-The, W-World A-Around Y -You), 1. We must make use of the Holy Scriptures and the life of Christ. As future leaders and the Ministers of Christ. We should have a vision of the New Testament Church being restored on earth. We need to study the life of Christ, and learn all we can so we can be like Him. The early church of God touched lives everywhere, do you ever wish that you had more power to change your world. Do you want to follow the Great Commission, to "GO", but don't know how? In the first century ordinary men and women just like you came face to face with Jesus, and became a force that turned the world upside down. The people had a desire for holiness and godliness. They were people who are more interested in the Kingdom of God, not just going to church every week. They are more eager to produce the fruits of the Spirit, than to become comfortable in our Christian culture. They are focused on spiritual growth, a desire for holiness and allowing God to transform them in every aspect of their life. What does the Bible tell us about the Misinters of Christ.
You are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God's own possesion." 1 Peter 2:9.
We are called to be holy and live a holy life in a godless world. The world is bent on enticing us away from holiness and godliness. The secret lies in our desires, holiness must be our desire as the Ministers of Christ. What are the desires of your life? Career, family, money, hobby, having fun, or self-centered desires. What ever is the desire of your heart, is your god. Do you think about the here and now, or do you think about eternity? Is it your goal in life to please God, or to please your sinful nature.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. " Romans 6:12.
The conflict within you between the flesh and Spirit is a form of spiritual warfare. You win many of the battles just by realizing that the struggle exists. Sin is a powerful desire, but it can no longer control you, unless you allow it to do so. Your desire for holiness and the Holy Spirit will help you win most of the battles. The Bible tells us in 1 Cor 6:9-10,
Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."
The apostle Paul had House churches all over the Roman Empire, the Holy Spirit ordained Paul to be a Minister of Christ. All the Ministers of Christ had one thing in common, God was the center of their lives, and the awarness of the presence of God every moment of the day.
Training the Disciples
Many of us study the Christian religion at the feet of ordained ministers and pastors. Pastor-lead Sunday Bible studies, pastor-presented sermons at official worship services - these were deemed essential to our definition of what it was to be a Christian. Unfortunately, it produced an incredible waste of time and money. Generations of Christians living superficial lives, sitting passively in pews, and giving there your money so they can build there religious church kingdom on earth. But in a small house church, the Holy Spirit works through the lives of every member of the church. The HolySpirit is the Spiritual leader of the Church.
The Holy Spirit is the Helper, the Comforter, and the teacher. We need to produce the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. But how does the Holy Spirit speak to us? A still, small, strong thoughts or impresion is how the Spirit will led you. The Holy Spirit will give us visions and dreams. The fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. The Holy Spirit will give us peace of mind, when circumstances are rough and unbearable. When the Holy Spirit draws you, their will be a desire for holiness. The power of the Spirit will begin a cleansing process, your thinking process will also begin to change.
The Spirit of Holiness
All members have a say about the direction of the Church and ministries. All the members participate in the Church. The primary purpose of the Church is to bring every member, to a openness to the Spirit of holiness. God speaks to people in multiple ways, He speaks through His word and the life experiences. We need the active input of every member, we need to see the Holy Spirit speaking through the family of God. We need the Holy Spirit's intervention in the Churches of God. The Chief Shephead of the House Church is Jesus Christ. The church recognizes the Bible as the authoritative guide for its beliefs. All of the believers have direct access to God through Christ, and with responsibility and authority to minister to one another. The Ministers of Christ acknowledge Jesus Christ as the only source of strength, there is no other Higher Power. It is the believers who use there home as their meeting place, as did the early Christians. They realize that meeting in a home environment demonstrates the best of stewardship. The family of God, with the Father, Jesus as the Son, and each other as sisters and brothers in God's household.
The Bible teaches that all believers are priests and are anointed for ministry. One of the main jobs of the Church family is to help each believer reach their God-given potential. Each believer has access to God the Father through Jesus, by the Holy Spirit.In order to bring every person to maturity in Christ. We need to emphasize the function rather than a spiritual title. Christianity is the family of God, and we are His children. But the Church of Christ must keep in touch with each other. With modern technology, and the internet makes it easier than ever keep in touch. As Ministers of Christ, it is very important to set up a internet Networks, we need to work together as believer's in Christ.
Spiritual Warfare
The people today have many problems, overcoming the addictions of the Flesh. Drugs Addictions, Sex Addictions, Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Low Self-Esteem, Gambling. Today we often hear that humans are basically good, people will blamed everyone else for their problems. But most people don't understand, we are born corrupt with an instinctive tendency to sin and rebel against God. Sin will separate us from God, who is holy and sinless. The Bible tells us in Romans 7:18 - 20, " For I know that in me ( that is, in my flesh ) nothing good dwells: for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do: but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me."
The Conflict within you
The conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is a form of spiritual warfare. You will win many of the battles, by just by realizing that the struggle exists. Your Sins and addictions are still a powerful force, but it can no longer control you unless you allow it to. The First Step, to overcoming sins and addictions is realizing that we are poweless over them. Only by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior can we overcome our addictions. Only God can heal you, and restore our focus on holiness, godliness, and fellowship with Christ.
You are about to experience the incredible journey, this is why God put you here on earth. Becoming a Minister of Christ will tranform your life, and most important prepare you for eternity." We are called to the Church, to the family of God. The world is bent on enticing us away from becoming a Minister of Christ. But the secret lies in our desires, godliness must be our desire as believers. What are the desires of your life? Career, family, money, hobby, having fun, or self-centered desires. What is the desire of your life, is your god. Do you think about the here and now, or do you think about eternity? Is it your goal in life to please God, or to please your self.
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Obedientance or Disobedience
Obedientance to holiness and godliness, or disobedientance to sin, death, and hell. We have two ways of thinking, led by the Spirit or by the world, flesh, and devil. Actions and behaviour in this world will be seen by God and His Angels. 2 Peter 3:11 " Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of person ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness. " The new spiritual birth, born again, born from above, we are a new creation. Become a new creation in Christ Jesus.
If we live our lives by the faith of the Son of God in us, then we are a new creation," Galation 2:20.
Through obedience and holiness we will be build up in the faith, and become a new creation. When troubles and temptation come on us, we will know how to handle them. The Holy Spirit will guide us, and the will of God be done in our life.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, " Romans 8:01."
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. " Galatians 5:16.
Ministers of Christ
Human beings have a God shaped hole within them, and only God is capable of satisfying that emptiness inside of us. So everyone is open to the teachings of Jesus Christ, but there are over 60 million Americans who claim to be born again Christians. They are confident of their salvation, because their Christian church told them they were saved. But the only time they worship God, is at church services a few times a year. Over 80 % of them do not feel a connection with God, or the presence of God.
Most of the born again Christians, have never led a single person to Jesus Christ. We were called to be imitators of Christ, and to be led by the Holy Spirit. God never saved anyone, just because they called themselves Christian. We are justified through Jesus, sanctified by the blood, and faithful to the Master's work. You just can't be a hearer of the word, and be led by the flesh, the world, and the devil.
The Teachings of Christ
Jesus said, " He who follows Me, walks not in darkness." The Ministers of Christ are to imitate His life and habits, and anyone who claims to be a Christian will imitate His life. We have millions of Americans and church leaders who claim to be Christians, but do they imitate the life of Jesus Christ? Jesus said that there will be many who hear the Gospel, but do not have the Holy Spirit living inside of them. Believers who understand the words of Jesus will follow Christ, and teach others to do the same.
What good is it to have a million dollar church kingdom, when your riches will perish in the kingdom of Hell. Jesus tells us to seek the eternal joy in the kingdom of Heaven, and to hate this evil world. Jesus also tells us not to follows our passions and desires in this world, and to have a humble opinion about your self. Without the fear of God, the desire for holiness, and sanification by the Holy Spirit, you would never be a Minister of Christ. The Spirit of Truth will manifest itself through a believer, if they are led by the Spirit of holiness. They will will enjoy a inner peace, and eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Image of Christ
Many Christians today seem content to live an adequare Christian life. They believe that if they go to church, read their Bible occasionally, and say their prayers once in a while, they are all right with God. They may be a member of the church committee, or a home visitor on an evangelism team, which they consider ministry above the norm. This is the Christian Church today, and lets not even talk about the Christian TV ministries. With every step you take, every decision you make, and every thought you enterain, Christ desires to live within you. Christ desires to communicate to you and through you. To be a Minister of Christ, is to allow Jesus to live in you. God is working on you this very moment, until Christ is formed in you.
That is why he said, " we are all being transformed into the same image ( of Christ ) from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord, (2 Cor 3:18 ).
How do we get Tranformed in the Image of Christ? How can Christ live in us and through us? This is where the Spirit-filled life comes in. Many people don't know much about the Holy Spirit, and know less about how He works in our life. The Spirit-filled life is the most wonderful life a person can know. It is the only way a person could become a Ministry of Christ. The Spirit-filled life is not base on emotions, but you will feel various emotions as the Spirit works in you.
The Holy Spirit works through you, to produce the character of Christ. It is not something that you do, but something that you are because of Who lives inside of you. The desire for the Holy Spirit is the key, the desire for holiness is the door. Either you have the desire to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, or you don't have the desire. Make the decision today, to choose the Spirit-filled life, the Spirit will work only by your invitation.( Your will be done, or the Will of God.) Believe me, you won't find a better offer or a more exciting adventure anywhere else.
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