A church at home
And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 1 Corinthians 16:3
The final chapter in 1 Corinthians has Paul’s closing remarks to the Christians at Corinth. They apparently asked a question about giving and he gives them instructions on collecting and delivering. He goes on to tell them his plans for visiting and where he will be until then. He talked about some of his friends and ask that the people be encouraging and receive them when they come to Corinth. This chapter seems to only be relevant to the current day when it was sent.
Verse 19 is where I find something that can be related to today’s world. It says: The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
I don’t think we fully grasp the concept that the first churches were in people’s homes. I have to remind myself of this fact often when I am reading the New Testament books. I have to remind myself that they didn’t have church buildings they could go to for worship. They were not welcome to worship the Lord Jesus at the synagogues nor was that the place they could tell the good news that Jesus came to save all people. The first Christians met in homes, and it was usually the home of the people leading the group.
This is what makes small groups today so inviting. When you host a group in your home, you can invite neighbors and friends in that may not already know the Lord Jesus. It is one of the greatest ways to reach those who would not consider going into a church building. Yes, there are actually people out there who feel that way. However, small groups are widely frowned upon in many churches today because of fear that people will leave their church community, when the truth is that small groups can actually grow a church or make a large church seem small.
By gathering in groups in your home, you have the opportunity to encourage and grow with those who want to live their life by faith. You can watch videos on certain subjects in God’s word that you want to understand better that may not get so much attention in your weekend service. You also gain a sense of accountability that others are there to walk with you through life and to help you overcome things you are struggling with. It is the coming together during the week that fills the churches on the weekends. It can be easy to lose those who only come together once a week or month.
Lastly, we come to Paul’s farewell, verses 20-23. If he were posting his message today on social media, I believe it would look like this:
#Allthebrethrengreetyou #Greetoneanotherwithaholykiss #Thesalutationwithmyownhand—Paul’s #IfanyonedoesnotlovetheLordJesusChristlethimbeaccursed #OLordcome! #ThegraceofourLordJesusChristbewithyou #MylovebewithyouallinChristJesus #Amen.
Today I want to encourage you, in all seriousness, to consider leading a group of people in your home to help strengthen their relationship with their heavenly Father. Put together a study on the things you are interested in knowing more about His love for you. It could even be an activity group that you meet up to hike or play games, just add a time of devotional and some prayer with it and just like that, you have a church in your own home to get you through the week until the next weekend service meets at the church building. We need to stay connected and encouraged all week long, not just on the weekends. Make this happen by inviting others to meet at your home through out the week.
Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 16
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:
2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).
6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—
16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
The Daily Dose 