Should We Meet in House Churches?

[@francisalvarado99]

Great response. The truth shall make you free! Find the Lord and bless His name. He is not hiding in a building.

[@bonafidetom52]

The Institutional 'Church" does not reflect nor provide for the functioning of the body with mutual edification. They have tried to overcome this fault with life groups, cell groups, etc but these are largely just a reflection and regurgitation of the pastor's sermon. This along with the clergy laity divide go a long way to show the inadequacy of the churches that exist. There are a ton of other non Biblical practices entangled with church as we see it today.

[@yardman2]

Amen brother, agree with all u wrote.

[@AnHebrewChild]

Amen Amen.

[@Goodnewsladiesbiblestudy]

Yes a muted body

[@kristenspencer9751]

What I miss most is the spiritual fellowship and the one-anothering and love present in a home gathering. The church I was at when I was re-born had life groups/cells that did not at all reflect the Sunday sermon. Each group was comprised of different people, different personalities, different spiritual gifts. But they were small and intimate places were people loved to gather. Really looked forward to it. The fruit was a lot of growth fairly quickly. A perfect place for a baby Christian.

[@n9wff]

It's utterly baffling that churches have "life groups" that emphasize the sermon yet, none of these leaders are equipped to teach deeper than superficially. One pastor posted on how he transitioned to house churches and the giving all went to those in need. No salaries No utilities No mortgages No building or taxes. I abhor seeing lots of money being spent on things not needed - new furniture, soundboard and amplifiers, new instruments, big screens, more lights - all this for four to six hours a week. Christians could edify each other better in smaller venues. Each can engage and not feel out of place and avoid these "covenants" that pastors demand to be signed before you can do anything. And do we really need bistros? Let's go back to the old path...

[@jkompfitness239]

Just a thought but no were in the new testament do I see the apostles, disciples etc address each other by titles ( Apostle Paul , Apostle Peter). They always said Paul an Apostle. Firstly I am Paul and my calling just so happens to be this an apostle. They always addressed each other as brothers. Jesus even said call no man teacher ( Title) for you have one the Christ you are all brethren. When we carry a title we elevate ourselves in the eyes of others and the only one that should be elevated is our head Jesus Christ.

[@thomasswedlund1097]

True

[@AshikJonathan]

very true

[@AshikJonathan]

amen

[@coryjones8473]

Was this a rebuke for John the Pastor?

[@AshikJonathan]

@@coryjones8473 whoever who calls himself one or prefers to called pastor, rev etc is full of pride.

[@MarkGriswold000]

the scriptures state, "...and Saul (later Paul) went into the Synagogues and homes of those in "that way" as he persecuted the Church. So yes GOD is honored ANYWHERE we choose with him. This is why to 'pray in the closet', 'give in secret' is so freeing and private relationship. Wonderful

[@perry900]

Yes take it to your homes and then to the streets. The Holy Spirit will Lead you. Just lift Jesus up. The business is just about done. Obey God and be hospitable to one another open the doors of your houses because the business won’t.

[@thomasswedlund1097]

The advantages of following the simple pattern of home churches far outweigh the disadvantages. If you consider accountability and participation important then we should return to a pattern that allows for it. The early church meeting in the temple was not similar to our modern church meeting because it was a public gathering in a place antagonistic to the faith.

[@mcfadden139]

The Christians soon after met in catacombs in many places. The house churches were not the ideal model for all believers at all times but necessary at that point because they were getting persecuted. Read Justin Martyr’s first apology about how a church service was conducted

[@harvestvillage695]

The temple and it's attraction to the Jerusalem church was a stumbling block. IMO it caused division between the jewish and gentile believers until it was destroyed in 70 AD.

[@alicia4him1]

You said... The advantages of following the simple pattern of home churches far outweigh the disadvantages. amen and AMEN !!! I hope you continue to comment. Your insight into the true Church... is right on... and needs to be heard !!!

[@waynejeez5620]

When Jesus said, "upon This Rock, I will build My church, He was NOT referring to a brick and mortar building (Matthew 16:18) He also tells us "full well you reject the commandment of God that you may keep your tradition (Mark 7:9). Instead of following the Lord, we have "put our own human spin" to what He has said, and WE have determined to follow that. There is a way out. Follow Him.

[@cmullenmusic]

God is faithful 💜✞🕊

[@nathansmith4030]

thank you for addressing this issue. This Is probably one of the most balanced assessments of house churches that I have heard. thanks again! God bless you all. :-)

[@gustavomartin2]

"Don´t you have houses to eat and drink in?" does not in any way imply the Corinthians were meeting in anything other than a house. A natural reading would be "Don´t you have [your own] houses?" On the final comment regarding Acts 4 reference to meeting both in the temple and in homes... come on. This is not a stamp of approval on both meeting places... the standard practice is what happens after Acts 7, not before. Architecture does impact discipleship, which is the reason for being of the church: Platform with many rows of pews/chairs in front is conducive to consumerism, not discipleship.

[@alicia4him1]

AMEN!!! pews or chairs in a row all facing forward to the platform or stage where all that is going to happens .. happens there. is not biblical.

[@PillCozbee]

"Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink?" doesn't imply they're not in one of their houses. I could easily mean "do you not have your own houses?" That said, I agree that there is no prescription of where the church should meet. There is only a model implied in Acts 2, and history is left to teach us the ups and downs of mega- and organized churches. Does the NT imply we build a Vatican with 30 foot walls around it?

[@AnHebrewChild]

I'd be careful what anyone from the Romans Catholic Church says. And yea, I mean going ALL the way back. "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." - JESUS

[@harvestvillage695]

Right. He mis-interpreted this verse. He's writing to the group. They met in one home, although they all had their own homes. "Don’t you have your own homes in which to eat and drink?" (1 Cor. 11:22)

[@alicia4him1]

@@AnHebrewChild i think also that PAUL is talking about not going to a meeting because there will be free food and we can indulge... and that is what draw you there...

[@NoContextRDH]

John Piper is in the ‘western’ church system i.e big church buildings with coffee machines and waiting for people to come through the door and thus he cannot see anything different. House churches are the NT model for church and wherever house churches are the gospel is thriving and souls are being won.. How many souls is the average big traditional location church winning? The answer is not many.. They sit on a Sunday and wait for them to come through the door.

[@thebestSteven]

The southern baptist convention has the international mission board who does more evangelism that anyone else.

[@floydc3664]

Very well explained... Thank you

[@rikart1]

Great ok WHERE AND HOW? JUST TRY TO FIND ONE

[@kristenspencer9751]

Maybe you should start one? They don't advertise. They fly under the radar.

[@philipbuckley759]

I wonder why he did not mention multiple involvement of the individuals and not a scheduled plan led by one person...

[@yardman2]

Because JM is clergy. He is entrenched in the IC and will support it instead of 1Corinthians 14:26...

[@Goodnewsladiesbiblestudy]

Control

[@alicia4him1]

Absolutely. the whole BODY (with all its members) functioning, in order, together, in Christ. For the fullness of Christ to be seen each time we are together.

[@piggymalone1]

I think it's God will to have both home churches and mega-churches. However, the former does mean close "family-friendly" fellowship, no building fund or building utilities or Pastor's salary to pay. The only leader of a home church should be the Holy Spirit, an elder or deacon should be there to keep order and facilitate.

[@MrMurfle]

Kinda ignores 1 Cor 14 doesn't it? "When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." (v 26) "Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged." (v 29-31) Hard to do that in all but the smallest church buildings.

[@davejcampbe11]

It seems to me that small churches struggle to see those verses expressed as well. Never seen a queue of prophets waiting to speak and hardly anyone bringing a hymn. I agree it would be easier in a small setting than a large one, but making church small isn't a magic bullet. Thoughts?

[@alicia4him1]

AMEN! each member of the body of Christ functioning so that the fullness of Christ can be experienced... That is why the platform in the building called ¨church¨ is sooo not of God. We are a family and intimacy is almost killed in the set up of the traditional man-led, man-organized meeting.

[@dayasagar7453]

Wrong interepetation regarding Paul address regarding lord's table.But I respect the response and views of u uncle..Paul is not referring to a different place than homes.Pauls focus was on the attitude of believers who are over Eating in gathers in houses.but I have got a Correction.Church is not house not organisation not a building but a gathering of believers

[@bigmac3006]

1 Corrinthians 11:17-22 does not state, let me repeat, does not state they met and not in a home. They very well were probably in a home and Paul was simply saying eat in your own home. This verse doesn't even imply a meeting place other than someone's home.

[@wisdomscripture5530]

This is an issue that has been heavy on my heart and mind lately. In America we have so many options and are not necessarily persecuted as heavily as some other countries where house churches are their only hope of hearing the Gospel. I also agree ideally both a smaller and larger combination is where I stand. But my only question I cannot seem to come to an answer on is this: if someone independently starts a house church (your neighbor bob down the road), and it grows, how is his theology and doctrine monitored? How is he being held accountable and developed? One thing I find comfort in with a church as an established place /building is in that establishment there is a proven track record of sound bibilical teaching (sermons etc - if you don’t like it don’t go), a system of support and resource for pastors, and the list goes on. My fear with a house church outside of a heavily persecuted area is that since anyone can start one - large amounts of people can be misled - whether knowingly Or unknowingly. I have talked with a couple of people who I’m pretty sure met regularly at house churches and there was not only no consistency in thought amongst them but there didn’t seem to be any organization. Just my thoughts - I love the idea of having both simultaneously.

[@mcfadden139]

Douglas you still don’t answer the question about interpretation and theology. That’s the problem with house churches, leading people astray with weird doctrines and barely any checks. The males who are judging the teacher aren’t going to be theologians. Too much room for error. Stop trying to reinvent the wheel and have reverence for the people who came before you

[@AnHebrewChild]

@@mcfadden139 you've got a lot to learn.

[@harvestvillage695]

Read Reimagining Church by Frank Viola . He addresses this at length. Just 2 quick observations: Many pastors aren't as accountable as it seems, since they can manipulate leadership and surround themselves with weak "yes men" who never challenge him. And in a biblical house church the minute someone presents a heresy or error, others in the group will bring loving correction.

[@alicia4him1]

@Venusaur Understood. The early church, I am sure, had elders that were solid in the Scriptures and full of the Holy Spirit and Christ centered so as not to have error. But we see Paul correcting each church he wrote to.. there were good things and bad. There needs to be a group of pastors, teachers and elders. Please read my comment (alice martinez). I used to belong to a group where there was not one pastor leading. It was glorious for about 5 years.. then the ¨little foxes¨ entered in and there was split. .... checks and balances are made possible by having 5 or 6 elders who submit one to another, gather often to pray for the church and the Leading of the Lord (Head of the church) for His direction. If someone, during a meeting speaks in error those who are catch the error gently, indirectly, correct the error with another scripture. Instead of saying. ¨ We can´t have small house meeting because someone may mislead the group.¨ is to say we can not do what the Lord asks us to do. Sorry for being so long.

[@alicia4him1]

@@harvestvillage695 Yes !!! If we have been crucified in Christ then I no longer live.. a pastor is really not THE pastor... no titles, right... It is, therefore, Christ who needs to be the pastor through him. That cuts out the temptation to become popular and lifted up. I like Frank Viola a lot.

[@toliveischrist950]

The whole stage set up in church buildings with the congregation sitting as an audience bothers me.

[@Goodnewsladiesbiblestudy]

Yes! I dreamt about that!

[@alicia4him1]

For me... you hit the nail on the head. We should not be sitting there looking to the platform to receive what only comes from there. Read I Cor. 14: 26 - and the following verses. The way that most of the churches are set up is NOT biblical. It is just NOT.

[@TimBunch]

Re: 1 Cor 11, you’ve read into the passage when you state they weren’t meeting in houses. “1 Corinthians 11:22 (ESV): 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?” This does not state they are not in a house, but that they each have their own houses for this.

[@bernardpopp541]

Each does that which seems right in his own sight...the falling away has come regarding a biblical anointed visible church.

[@paultrosclair1775]

Bernard Popp wow ! Sounds like you have chosen to ignore scripture. 1 Corinthians 16:19 KJV The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. Colossians 4:15 KJV Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. Philemon 1:2 KJV And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house

[@mcfadden139]

Paul Trosclair we have to distinguish between what was necessary and what was ideal. House churches were necessary due to persecution and the discreteness of the church. That doesn’t not mean that it should be replicated by all believers at all times in all places. Why were synagogues built? Why didn’t Jews meet in houses? When it is legal in a society to be Christian and meet in a church, it makes sense to have a building that the community is centered around where they gather. Also it is a neutral background which is helpful for assisting the downtrodden and act as a place of refuge. That’s how Christians have seen it for the last 1700 years

[@bw2442]

Synagogues are Old Testament which is under law, They have a heirachy, those under the new covenant are a whole different animal. Christ is now IN us, we are the temple, it is now inside us where we are taught by the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We meet as family with no one above us . Sitting in a structure with heirachy and a priest and clergy is a detraction and produces idolatry, blindness, distraction and baby Christian’s forever. That’s the problem we face today.

[@BreakfastWithTheBible]

I love how Pastor John can articulate his points so clearly with scripture to support his points. Very well stated!

[@Goodnewsladiesbiblestudy]

The gathering without allowing EVERY believer present to share is a weak church. Without this participation thru the HolyGhost the church is unable to be strengthened. The model we are seeing is unbiblical and it’s not ok to change scripture and man make up his own man made replica

[@robwilkinson8497]

i dont see a problem with them, they only become an issue if someone with an agenda begins a cult. the key thing (for any new believers especially) is having the freedom to have an opinion and freedom to leave without being condemned or threatened. yes a wayward person will need warning about messing with sin...but that freedom of choice is paramount..otherwise? you got a cult...and cults arent healthy.

[@bigearthpodcast5194]

Another question? Why do orthodox churches place Pastors as the leaders and teachers and healers. What happened to apostles?

[@maryeide3399]

!

[@yardman2]

Also what happened to evangelists and believers with gift of prophecy as leaders as many were in early church.

[@bw2442]

The 5 fold ministries were never meant to do it all, they were to train baby believers to do it, but the first thing immature believer were to be taught is how to sit at the feet of Jesus and have a connection and relationship with Jesus and the trinity. The Holy Spirit, only after knowing how to enjoy and receive from Jesus can a person have vision, gifts and wisdom to begin to do things. Most are shoved into doing before even knowing Jesus. This is why there is so much confusion in the body of Christ.

[@kalekcenturian7667]

I have reservations about house churches. As a person who is a senior Pastor at a Southern Baptist Church, I can attest that while I am part of a denomination. That being said, it does not mean that our church does not have autonomy. What is means is that we agree on (roughly) 16 keys points concerning Christianity. Those attending our church are not forced to attend. They are, though, welcome to have open discussion to others concerning what the Word of God has to say. Our church has devoted its Sunday night service and its Wednesday night service to Bible study, where questions are happily encouraged. For some reason, too many people have taken the attitude that if you are going to a denominational church, you have somehow gone against the Word of God. It must be noted that the early churches were loosely formed. But as more and more people became Christians, it became vital that the followers protect themselves from those who sought to bring unsound doctrine into the body. By joining together and establishing a set of doctrinal statements, it protected these people from many of these people. A denomination is not a cult.. It is my personal belief that there are many out there who take an opposing viewpoint on this issue for varying reasons, which is perfectly acceptable. Again, I am sure that there are many sound Biblical house churches- just as there are Biblically sound denominational churches. I believe it very dangerous to take such a position to state that being a part of a denomination is against the teachings of Christ, which I find is an extremely dangerous position to take (not to mention slightly dogmatic).

[@FireFly-tj3km]

unsound doctrine? you mean like cessationism and pre-trib rapture and pastor driven CEO style auditorium gatherings where the pastor exercises his gift for twenty years while everyone else watches from the pews?

[@bw2442]

If a body of believers is led astray it will be by someone who has a wrong spirit from the enemy who will say they believe in your doctrinal points . Having a list of beliefs won’t save you or anyone else from disception, you need discerning of spirits not a clipboard with a list. The Holy Spirit is to be our guide, teacher, comforter ,councilor. Yet I think most baptists don’t even know who he is……. The Old Testament dealt with things on an external footing, the new covenant is an inside job, Jesus said when he went up into heaven that he was sending the Holy Spirit who was to empower us and guide us in everything, go wait in the upper room and the spirit would come on them….. the churches of the world are predominantly blind as a bat , deceived by all the junk they put between them and God, Idols everywhere.

[@paultrosclair1775]

Jesus Christ organizes His church by four geographic designations. Worldwide Body of Christ Region City House Let's look first at the house church. ( all caps added by me for emphasis ) Romans 16:5 KJV Likewise greet the church that is in their HOUSE. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 1 Corinthians 16:19 KJV The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their HOUSE. Colossians 4:15 KJV Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his HOUSE. Philemon 1:2 KJV And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy HOUSE Churches by Region and City Revelation 1:10&11 By Region ...to the seven churches in Asia By City ... Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea Jesus Christ organizes His church SOLELY BY GEOGRAPHY. Notice there is no "church of Paul" or "church of Peter". They don't even refer to house churches that way. It was "the church that is in their house". Not "their church". Yet we hear "my church" or "our church" all the time today. Whose church is it ? If it's ours, then it isn't the Lord's. Churches that identify themselves by a certain leader, sect, name, or denomination are promoting division. Division = Carnality 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 KJV For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? [4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Remember that Jesus Christ called His followers OUT of all sorts of sects and groups to follow HIM alone ! The only thing that should ever divide followers of Christ is the physical distance between them ! I believe that a true revival is coming, one that will return the true church to our roots.

[@alicia4him1]

FANTASTIC !!!! SO SO SOOOOOOOOOO important what you have said. Yes... persecution will cleanse the church and the resulting revival will, as you said, return the TRUE church , THE BRIDE..to her ROOTS in Christ the foundation and HEAD and BRIDEGROOM.. halelujah !!

[@yardman2]

JM is part of the false clergy based IC curse that has crippled believers for about 2000 years. He inhibits the functioning of the HS that is inside each believer with his long sermons that restrict men into being weak pew potato spectators. Find a gathering where 1 Corinthians 14:26...is practiced. Also read Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola.

[@alicia4him1]

wow... weak pew potato spectators... that is RIGHT.. SPECTATORS instead of participatory meetings... where EACH ONE of us has something to give. The body of Christ has many parts... Many should be participating and functioning in their gifts... We should meet like a family...where we see each other´s faces.. and give no limit to the moving of the Holy Spirit as far as time limits ( if people need to leave early ,... no problem) Let us NEVER put the Holy Spirit in a box and tell Him what the planned meeting entails and when it is time to stop for lunch.

[@BruceConsidine]

Adamantly disagree. The scriptures show us all examples of the Ekklesia meeting together. Not one of them showed the "flexibility" of heaping up money, taking on huge debt, buying property, construction, incorporation as a religious business of the state (501c3,) or hiring and employing salaried professionals to preach. The giving went to the needy believers period. Maybe/Probably the poor in general too. The filthy lucre religious business claims to be an Ekklesia, steals from poor believers to fund a capital-intensive anti-Biblical business model, and claims a scriptural authority to do so. There is not so much an example of an Ekklesia paying rent, nor are there any commands about rent or property purchase. Temple/Synagogue (till kicked out) homes (various types,) public places (see Roman Empire,) Tyrannus's school. Today, non-believers watch Born Again believers preaching at them out of an anti-scriptural dirty money pit.

[@alicia4him1]

I get so so angry that so many people are stuck in the traditional church ... everybody does it because everybody does it. It is so so so sad and i am sick at heart at all the waste of money, like you said, in buildings, etc... when the Lord does not care about that. And paying a pastor a salary is terrible. If you carefully study the tithe.. we will see it is not for today. I believe, very much, in giving and offering for the poor, missions, etc. but PAUL himself said that he worked hard with his hands so he would not be a burden AND so that he could give to those in need.

[@bw2442]

The old test timeframe focused on laws, rules, behavior, looks, everything outside of us to appease God, the new covenant is about the Holy Spirit living inside of us and transforming us and making us righteous. But people keep trying to copy the old covenant carnal lifestyle instead of learning to live and walk by the power of the spirit.

[@jamessheffield4173]

In the New Testament no buildings were built ur rented.

[@truth7416]

John Pipers bed time story for Calvinist parents: Little Johnny, God has predestined the minority of people to be saved and go to heaven forever, and He has predestined the majority of people to be eternally damned and burn in the fires of hell. We have no idea, little Johnny, if God has predestined you to be forever damned or forever saved. We love you, little Johnny, but we accept the fact that God might not love you, and that He may have plans to send you to hell for your future sins. If you do find yourself one day burning in hell because He hasn’t elected to save you, just remember that we will always love you, even if God hates you. Take comfort knowing that we are not like God. We will be in heaven forever only because we were unconditionally chosen for salvation before we were born. That would be the only reason that we won’t be in hell with you if you find yourself there. It won’t be because of anything we did. So also take comfort in knowing that. It may not seem fair, but who are we to judge God? So again, if you find yourself in hell, remember that we will always love you as we forever worship the God who loved us but who hated you, the God who sent His Son to die for us but not for you. Please, we ask, don’t let it bother you-if you find yourself in hell-that we love the God who hated you and showed you no mercy. We must accept the fact that God is sovereign, and He does what He pleases. My dear beloved Calvinist, will you teach that to your children or grandchildren? I suspect that your answer will be “never.” But why not? Why would you ever hide the wonderful “doctrines of grace,” the “Bible truth,” from your own children or grandchildren? TRUTH IN LOVE

[@realityTV77]

Piper doesn't want to admit that the modern day church is false with a preacher as the head and everyone else is nothing but a spectators. No interaction among those in the church and no way to build each other up.

[@timothybax3089]

So this is what we have when the carnally minded try to teach us spiritual things. So sad.

[@paultrosclair1775]

He claims that scripture says nothing about "place" with regards to the church. This is absolutely FALSE !!!! 1 Corinthians 16:19 KJV The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. Colossians 4:15 KJV Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. Philemon 1:2 KJV And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house The pattern and tradition of the church is CLEAR as being home based !

[@bigmac3006]

Do you worship in a home Church?

[@henrydansereau757]

Warning to the Christian church. You are blaspheming the Holy Spirit, and under the judgment of God. God is commanding all people to get out of the Christian church. Revelation18:4

[@mcfadden139]

Please elaborate. What is the alternate to a church???

[@christianmatteussen98]

@@mcfadden139 He might mean the apostate churches that ordain homosexuals and women as priests for example

[@yardman2]

He is pointing out fact that pastor system and IC pagan practices stifle the flow of HS functioning in gathering of believers.

[@barry.anderberg]

This is pretty silly and John should know better. In fact I'm sure he does. He's no doubt familiar with the didache that describes how the earliest Christians worshipped. He's also no doubt familiar with the archaeological evidence such as that found in Dura Europos where the earliest known house church was unearthed. The early church would have been very liturgical, with special places for baptism, iconography, eucharist, vestments, candles, etc. In short it would have looked a lot more like what you'd find in an Orthodox cathedral.

[@JohnHoods]

Believers need to leave their homes to assemble in someone else’s home. In regards to the reference of (1 Corinthians 17:22).

[@atheist2christ]

I have no problem with large gatherings which can not happen in a home. Different things happen when people gather in a church as their primary place of connection and discipleship. The building and the framework, the culture all created a specific kind of follower of Jesus called church people, they often don't look like apprentices but look like passive student. Most churches are institutions that follow a worldly cooperate business model. I think there is a need to go back to basic but that does not mean we will never gather in a building called church. It hard for everyone in a church setting to become disciples who make disciples. It's, however, easy to become a recipient of a service.

[@laragreene8328]

Ask Pastor John??? Thats religious tradition !! If I need a question answered,I ask God!! My sheep know my voice!! Man knows little to nothing compared to God! My sheep follow me a stranger they will not follow!!

[@davejcampbe11]

Lara Greene I own sheep and they don’t tend to ask questions - I don’t believe Jesus was talking about this situation. After all, didn’t Jesus give teachers to the church? Why would he do that if they weren’t supposed to teach anything?

[@bw2442]

There is also a scripture that says you have no need that man teach you, you have the Holy Spirit who is inside you, he is called the spirit of truth, the comforter, councilor, the teacher the advocate. Why would he be called our teacher? Councilor? Hmmm. Could it be God actually wants to talk to you ? Or have a relationship? What a concept. If you aren’t hearing from him, consider your ways. Do you listen well? Do you go to a quiet place and ask him? Would you give validity to him if he spoke.

[@laragreene8328]

@@bw2442 I KNOW THAT VERSE VERY WELL....The holy spirit showed it to me many years ago!!!therefore i need no man to teach me!!! aND NO MANS opinions!!!

[@laragreene8328]

@@davejcampbe11 you dont know the bible!!!! If you did you wouldnt be so immature in your thinking. Jesus did everything we could possibly need even if you were stranded on a deserted island!!! you get it Jesus way or not at all!!! he couldnt cover ground to reach everyone as a human. Now with the Holy spirit he can talk to the whole world at the same time if he chooses to!!! why would you need man when the bible says you dont need them anymore!!

[@davejcampbe11]

@@laragreene8328 And yet here you are...teaching.

[@thehardertheyfall2702]

No. Absolutely NOT. ASK ME WHY

[@semperfitt356]

why?

[@heliaalves9062]

What's so wrong with house churches?

[@TwiFiveGirls101]

Why?

[@watchmanendtimes]

Another false teacher mixing works with grace. Mark and avoid.