Home Churches?

[John81]

It isn't always God's will for folks to move in order to find a church they want to attend. God doesn't always want us where it's easiest or most comfortable whether we talk about church or otherwise. The Lord has some folks where they are to minister right there in some way, whether that be caring for aged parents, being a strong Christian witness and influence at a particular place of work or the community in general, or even to help form a God-honoring church that may or may not begin in someones home.

If God does call someone to move, the by all means they should move, but if the Lord has not called a person to move, then the Lord has a reason for them being where they are.

[ELI3]

It's usually about priorities and commitment.

This is true, but some would see their first priority to the Lord in their personal relationship, their spouse,thier family, and then the church. We need to think about our jobs and homes as they relate to food on the table and a roof over the heads of the ones that the Lord has made us responsible for.

In the days were living in, and current economic conditions, it is "not so simple" to simply move closer. The housing market is a bust and they are not moving very fast. Yes, if it's God's will, He'll make it happen, but if He doesn't then what?

Again, many are thankful to have the job they have, changing is very risky. The bottom line is, as this relates to home/house churching, if it is God's will and leadership, you are in good shape, otherwise, He will make His way known and provision will be there.

I agree; "If it is God's will". However, according to Scripture (Heb. 10:25), isn't it God's will to be faithful to a local Bible-believing church?

Look at what you are saying. If everyone used these excuses to justify why they can't be faithful to God's command then: as goes the economy, so goes the church. This hardly seems to be the attitude of the early Christians. (Think about the catacombs in Rome)

Yes, if it's God's will, He'll make it happen, but if He doesn't then what?

Isn't Matt. 6:33 still in the Scriptures?

It isn't always God's will for folks to move in order to find a church they want to attend. God doesn't always want us where it's easiest or most comfortable whether we talk about church or otherwise. The Lord has some folks where they are to minister right there in some way, whether that be caring for aged parents, being a strong Christian witness and influence at a particular place of work or the community in general, or even to help form a God-honoring church that may or may not begin in someones home.

If God does call someone to move, the by all means they should move, but if the Lord has not called a person to move, then the Lord has a reason for them being where they are.

Please don't misunderstand me, I realize that there can be some extenuating circumstances for a temporary period of time. Even some of the early Christians fled Jerusalem because of persecution(Acts 8:1-4), but as soon as possible they were assembling with other believers in local churches (Acts 11:26).
I also believe that one should truly be led of the Holy Spirit in this matter. Unfortunately, in this "Laodocean age", too many people are not willing to put Christ and His cause to "build His church" as a top priority in their lives. (II Cor. 4:16-18)

ELI

[PreacherBen]

as goes the economy, so goes the church. This hardly seems to be the attitude of the early Christians. (Think about the catacombs in Rome)

Exactly, perhaps, as goes the conditions God allows in His sovereignty, so goes the church. If it's persecution, so be it, if it's taking care of your aged parents, so be it, we need to have a heart that submits to his conditions even when they seem to be outside of the box we are all comfortable with, and no I am not condoning throwing out the scriptures and the teaching of not forsaking the assembling. However, consider, when you have several believers in your home, and a qualified and called leader, then aren't you meeting the basic criteria of meeting in his name? It's great when we can be in a town or near a town that has a church that has convitions you can be in agreement with, but when you can't you have to follow the Lord (for those who have a heart of listen.)