That which is called House Meetings in recent times is not a new thing, though some Christians have now started practicing that as the proper place to meet. They are mostly concerned about the form and comfort of gathering than the truth of gathering, and are often found developing a new sect of free-flowing religious ideas, fun times, etc., rather than the teachings of Bible truth in the Word of God.
The reference to Cell Groups meeting in homes, is different and speaks of small gatherings in homes to discuss what is preached and held in their "mother church ---which the members are joined to. They take their direction from the larger organized sect.
In the beginning the church met in homes (even an "upper room" Luke 22), and later other buildings as assemblies grew larger. Many assemblies from over a century ago have met in homes (often called Cottage Meetings). Since the revival by God, and return to church truth in the early 1800's apart from religious sects and denominations, those gatherings seeking a scriptural order and Gods intention for the church often meet in homes, until growing large enough to need to rent or own a building for it.
The important thing about such a universal gathering in that fellowship from 1827 AD, at least, is that it must be fully scriptural, without innovations, a name, religious ceremonies, traditions, programs, carnal reasoning and activities, a one-man ministry and hierarchies, etc. It believes in the priesthood of all believers and waiting upon the Holy Spirit, and avoids names and titles and mans ideas. The form of meetings is not alone the truth of gathering, and the scriptural fellowship is expected to express the truth of "one body in Christ" worldwide for "unity of the faith", and always in accord with the Word of God. This is not saying they are the "one body", but they continue to express that as shown by God.
The gathered saints thus study the Word of God together and value esteemed Commentaries and the help of Bible scholars down through history; and read verses of praise, sing to the Lord, and partake of the Lords Supper together; beside holding Gospel meetings for the public at times, and appreciating a godly fellowship together ---locally and worldwide. It sees Church Truth as in Acts 2:41-42 and the Epistles.
This is getting back to basics and holding what God set forth for His church testimony in the world, I believe, for universal unity. Such a fellowship was recovered in 1827 AD with a gathering to return to the testimony from the beginning. It still exists worldwide if one is interested.
R. DeWitt, 2011: from biblecounsel.net
The reference to Cell Groups meeting in homes, is different and speaks of small gatherings in homes to discuss what is preached and held in their "mother church ---which the members are joined to. They take their direction from the larger organized sect.
In the beginning the church met in homes (even an "upper room" Luke 22), and later other buildings as assemblies grew larger. Many assemblies from over a century ago have met in homes (often called Cottage Meetings). Since the revival by God, and return to church truth in the early 1800's apart from religious sects and denominations, those gatherings seeking a scriptural order and Gods intention for the church often meet in homes, until growing large enough to need to rent or own a building for it.
The important thing about such a universal gathering in that fellowship from 1827 AD, at least, is that it must be fully scriptural, without innovations, a name, religious ceremonies, traditions, programs, carnal reasoning and activities, a one-man ministry and hierarchies, etc. It believes in the priesthood of all believers and waiting upon the Holy Spirit, and avoids names and titles and mans ideas. The form of meetings is not alone the truth of gathering, and the scriptural fellowship is expected to express the truth of "one body in Christ" worldwide for "unity of the faith", and always in accord with the Word of God. This is not saying they are the "one body", but they continue to express that as shown by God.
The gathered saints thus study the Word of God together and value esteemed Commentaries and the help of Bible scholars down through history; and read verses of praise, sing to the Lord, and partake of the Lords Supper together; beside holding Gospel meetings for the public at times, and appreciating a godly fellowship together ---locally and worldwide. It sees Church Truth as in Acts 2:41-42 and the Epistles.
This is getting back to basics and holding what God set forth for His church testimony in the world, I believe, for universal unity. Such a fellowship was recovered in 1827 AD with a gathering to return to the testimony from the beginning. It still exists worldwide if one is interested.
R. DeWitt, 2011: from biblecounsel.net
