This photo was taken in around 1900.
Article by Molly Noble Bull
I am sure the term house church means many things to many people. My definition only applies to the house church I attend and my interpretation of that term. So let us begin.
I have always been pro-life, and after Roe vs. Wade made abortion the law of the land, I read in a national magazine that the denominational church I was raised in went along with the right-to-choose abortion format. Since I knew from the Book of Jeremiah chapter one and verse five that human life begins at conception, I also knew I must leave the church of my childhood and early adulthood and find a Bible-Believing church. As a result, I became a fundamentalist, and I thank God for that fundamentalists’ denomination for teaching me more about the Bible. But even there, I saw things in the Bible that didn’t completely jive with the teaching of the church.
Saint Paul said in 1 Corinthians chapter eleven that women should cover their heads when in prayer, and the women of our Bible study group cover their heads during prayer in our House Church. We believe that our tithes and offerings should go directly to the poor and needy and not to pay for the expenses of a church building, and the leaders of our group are employed elsewhere. But until now, I have not revealed to my Christian friends the rest of our beliefs because they are vastly different from the norm within Christian circles. But before I continue, let me make it clear that I love the Lord our God with all my heart and soul and mind, and I try always to love my neighbor as myself. I believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, and the Bible is the only Holy Book I live by. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God the Father, and therefore, Jesus is God the Son. Jesus paid for my sins with his blood on a cross nearly two thousand years ago, and Jesus is my Lord, Savior and King. I hope to serve him forever.
Saint Paul said in 1 Corinthians chapter eleven that women should cover their heads when in prayer, and the women of our Bible study group cover their heads during prayer in our House Church. We believe that our tithes and offerings should go directly to the poor and needy and not to pay for the expenses of a church building, and the leaders of our group are employed elsewhere. But until now, I have not revealed to my Christian friends the rest of our beliefs because they are vastly different from the norm within Christian circles. But before I continue, let me make it clear that I love the Lord our God with all my heart and soul and mind, and I try always to love my neighbor as myself. I believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, and the Bible is the only Holy Book I live by. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God the Father, and therefore, Jesus is God the Son. Jesus paid for my sins with his blood on a cross nearly two thousand years ago, and Jesus is my Lord, Savior and King. I hope to serve him forever.
Though we are not Jehovah’s Witnesses, we do not celebrate Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day anymore. To learn why, click below. http://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/studies/holidays2.htm
So now in these end-times, we house church, meaning a group of believers meet weekly in homes instead of in church buildings.
Click and read the article above, and then decide in prayer whether we are right or wrong, regarding these holidays. The Lord has promised to lead us into all truth. However, He also said to test the spirits to see if they are from the Lord.
I covet your comments.
12 comments:
Hmm. Interesting blog post. I know a lot about the Jehovah's Witnesses since I was raised as one for several years. About the holidays, well, I have mixed feelings about it. My husband and I never celebrated Christmas (meaning we never had a tree or decorations) until our son came along. I haven't read the link about the holidays yet. I will read it and leave a comment about it later.
~Cecelia Dowdy~
www.ceceliadowdy.com
www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com
Thanks for writing, Cecelia. This was not an easy article to write since many think not celebrating Christmas means we don't love God which not true. We love the Lord with all our hearts; at least, I do.
Love,
Molly
I know of many Christians who don't celebrate Christmas, and understand why. But I think it's a little bit legalistic, and to not celebrate would crush my family. So I look at it as a time to celebrate the love my family shares, which wouldn't exist without God's love. As for house church, I think it's a wonderful idea.
I understand completely, Robin. It took me years to reach this point, and I would never put someone down from doing what the scriptures are telling them to do.
LOVE,
Molly
Okay, I skimmed the link you provided. I guess due to my upbringing, I've always been fascinated with the origin of holidays - especially since we never celebrated them when I was growing up. Two interesting books that you might want to read about the origins of Christmas are:
Battle For Christmas
Christmas - A Candid History
Like Robin, I think the holidays are a good time for families to get together, share a meal and have a good time...maybe exchange some gifts, but it's not necessary to exchange gifts. Plus, a lot of people are off from work for the Holiday, so it would make sense for everybody to socialize.
For children it's different. Our son asked for a Christmas tree, so we got one for him and he loves it! Last year was the first year that we got a tree. Also, he goes to a Christian school and it would crush his heart seeing his friends with new gifts and having nice Christmases and then we wouldn't do it - that's part of the reason why we celebrate.
Plus, I do recall wanting to celebrate as a child, but I was never allowed. HOwever, I will admit that what was really appealing to me was getting all those gifts! Very materialistic indeed!
Thanks, Cecelia.
I wrote this to explain why I
believe as I do.
I understand that Christian Jewish Believers don't celebrate Christian either. However, we do celebrate the fourth of July, Thanksgiving and birthday's.
Love,
Molly
I meant to say "don't celebrate Christmas" not Christian. We are Christians, and we love the Lord very much.
Love,
Molly
The holidays are so much fun for us now that we have grandkids. I love everything about the celebrations. Tho sometimes the stress and money issues many encounter would be enuf to make me wonder if it's worth it. I have no qualms about celebrating Christmas and other holidays the way we do. We keep ours simple and stay within a budget. If I am ever put under conviction to stop or to change the way we celebrate I def will. I certainly don't begrudge anyone else's choice to celebrate or not celebrate. It's a choice for all of us. Long live diversity as long as Christ is the center of our decision making process.
Thanks for writing, Teresa, and everybody. I love your feedback.
Love,
Molly
Molly, I'm curious - how long have you been a member of the House Church?
My husband and I joined in about 2007. So we haven't been members long. Thanks for asking, Cecelia.
Love,
Molly
Molly, I forgot to ask you something about your House Church. Are you allowed to celebrate birthdays? Just curious.
~Cecelia Dowdy~
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