And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:42
Earlier, in Acts 2:46, we read that the church in Jerusalem “continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.” Here in Acts 5:42, we read that that same aspect of Christian worship and fellowship continued. It is normative for Christian fellowship.
The aspect that I am referring to in this blog post is that we meet in two different venues: (1) gathered together in church (“in the temple”), and in homes (“in every house”).
Obviously, believers love to gather as local churches for public worship and all that such gatherings entail. In addition, however, gathering in small groups in homes is vital. Though our Home Fellowship (HF) ministry as been modified a few times over the last thirty-five years, HFs are not only a vital aspect of the ministry of Grace Bible Church, but a biblical aspect as well.
We are living in difficult times due to the government regulations associated with the current virus. Gathering together is difficult, both as a whole church and in small groups. Let me offer several words of encouragement in this regard.
The whole body together: (1) Let us long to be reunited again as soon as we are able, resisting any temptation to “forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Heb.10:24-25). (2) Let those of us who can, attend in-person worship every time (Sundays and Thursdays!). (3) Let those of us who cannot attend in person, be grateful for, and faithfully participate in the online opportunities that we are able to provide.
Home Fellowships: (1) Let those who are able (and we acknowledge than there are those who cannot), attend HF gatherings. (2) And let us all do whatever we can to stay connected with our HF groups via, telephone, email, and cards sent in the mail.