The doctrine of the Trinity reminds us that God always exists as a community. Since we are created 'in the image of God' we too are to find our fulfillment in relationships. The 'naked and not ashamed' verse in Genesis refers to that openness with God and with each other.
Our house churches should be places where we can experiment with new levels of relationship, genuine friendships rather than formal customs.
Having started this thread I had better add to it.
We meet in homes, and everyone participates. Teaching is shared, interactive and life related. Food forms part of our gatherings.
Children are not excluded or compelled to stay, so they come and go as they want to. Sometimes we all stop while a toddler wants mum or dad for something, or just continue around any mild disturbance.
We usually meet on Sunday mornings, but if someone is busy then we will meet Saturday evening. Three weeks ago it was my wife's birthday. Church that week was a party on Friday evening.
We have talked through and prayed about crises in work situations, often over weeks, exams, family needs, contacts during the week and other life related experiences when we meet. Sometimes conversation over the initial coffee and snacks just continue through to lunch time, as we just continue to relate and share on a matter that arose.
We laugh, we cry, we encourage, we participate, we enjoy the children, we debate, challenge and get enriched. Didn't Jesus say something about others seeing real relationships (love one another) being evidence for others to come to belief in Him?
This is what lies behind the post. Let's hear from others.
John
NZ
I used to have this sort of thing in a house group I was once part of. The house group no longer exists as it was made up of about 20 members. After a couple of very good years, half of us moved off to Uni or similar. What was left was basically the music group of the church most of us were from plus already strongly linked family and friends. So they continued fellowship in there own way.
I am desperate to get something like this back, where I am now. How does one start one? I know no-one, other than church folk, who don't wana coz they've got their church. I have just moved to my current home. I know there is a plan, but I am getting hungry for fellowship. I have been away and am rediscovering God and all that comes with him. I am fully aware that soon I shal need proper support. And I am eager to offer what I can to others.
'naked' 'openness' with one another might lead some thoughts towards an awkward situation at least. It seems to suggest an openness almost no official 'churches' practice.
..
other tangent.
the doctrine of the trinity was never meant to remind us that god always exists as a community.
The community of Jews always understood that,
ever since Yhvh Chose Them,
and
the Jews, to Whom Yhvh entrusted the Scriptures,
and, the Jews, through whom Yhvh provided Salvation to the gentiles also,
don't agree with the greek ways of adding to and distorting Truth.
That's one very big reason the Jews don't like socalled christendumb.
Am i correct in asuming that you are a Jew? If so...
As a gentile, personally i consider Israel to be God's chosen people, and do not subscribe to the "replacement" theory.
You and i serve the same God.
i see Jews as my spiritual brothers and sisters. [including yeshuaslavejeff]
i had nothing to do with any persecution, or attacks on Jews by christians in the past.
i love Israel, and all Jews. They will always have a place in my heart [including yeshuaslavejeff]
Included in God's covenant with Israel are these words, and i take them very seriously; "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you"
i pray for the peace of Jerusalem
I used to have this sort of thing in a house group I was once part of. The house group no longer exists as it was made up of about 20 members. After a couple of very good years, half of us moved off to Uni or similar. What was left was basically the music group of the church most of us were from plus already strongly linked family and friends. So they continued fellowship in there own way.
I am desperate to get something like this back, where I am now. How does one start one? I know no-one, other than church folk, who don't wana coz they've got their church. I have just moved to my current home. I know there is a plan, but I am getting hungry for fellowship. I have been away and am rediscovering God and all that comes with him. I am fully aware that soon I shal need proper support. And I am eager to offer what I can to others.
We do miss a good thing don't we. Sometimes just having friends and associates around and chat informally can get things going if that leads to some interesting discussion.
But many are very wedded to the more traditional formats for church.
I used to have this sort of thing in a house group I was once part of. The house group no longer exists as it was made up of about 20 members. After a couple of very good years, half of us moved off to Uni or similar. What was left was basically the music group of the church most of us were from plus already strongly linked family and friends. So they continued fellowship in there own way.
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