Apostolic Traditions (Part Two)

Today we consider a numnber of other apostolic traditions which are still God's design for believers and His churches/assemblies/ekklesias today.  I don't expect to win a popularity contest with these posts as I know they are at odds with many firmly held church traditions today! But I simply ask you to see if they are really what the Lord Jesus and the apostles taught. If you find that they are, I encourage you to embrace them wholeheartedly!

Baptizing Done immediately upon conversion vs. Delaying baptism for any of a wide variety of traditional reasons.  Disciples, those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus, are to be baptized and then taught! (Matthew 28:19,20)  In every case of baptism in the scriptures, believers were baptized immediately. The longest delay (on scriptural record) was three days between Saul’s conversion and his baptism! When Ananias came to him he asked, “Why tarriest thou?” and then commanded him, “Arise and be baptized!” (Acts 22:16)

“Clergy” and “Laity” are the Same People vs. “Clergy/Laity” Distinction. The apostle Peter taught that all believers are the “people” of God (Greek = laos or “laity”) (1 Pet.2:9,10). As an elder himself, Peter taught that elders are never to lord it over God’s “heritage” (Greek = kleros or “clergy”) (1 Pet.5:3). Thus, “clergy” and “laity” are one and the same, and they do not refer to church leaders vs. ordinary believers! This false distinction among the people of God has been promoted and accepted for centuries as a result of religious traditions of men and has wreaked untold havoc among “clergymen” and those that they so often designate as the “laity”!

Elders Appointed by God vs. Elders Hired by Sheep. Local church leaders were interchangeably called “elders/presbyters”, “pastors/shepherds”, or “bishops/overseers” (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Pet.5:1-3). These elders were appointed by apostles (Acts 14:23) or those they had trained (Titus 1:5) according to God’s requirements (1 Tim 3 and Titus 1). These men (a plurality of males Acts 20:30; I Tim.3:2, Tit.1:6) from within the flock, were appointed by and accountable to God (Acts 20:28; Heb13:17; 1 Pet 5:1,4). But unbiblical religious traditions teach that a lone shepherd, male or female, is called from outside the flock based on qualifications determined by the sheep, is accountable to the sheep, and is hired, salaried, and may even be fired by the sheep!

Unpaid Ministry vs. Salaried “Clergy.” Itinerant apostles worked with their hands to support the weak and taught local elders and all believers to do the same. (Acts 18:3; 20:33-35; 2 Cor.12:14-19; 1 Thess.2:7-9; 2 Thess.3:6-12). Believers who preach the Gospel and teach others rightfully receive gifts from those blessed by their labors (1 Cor. 9; Gal 6:6-10; Phil 4:11-18; 1 Tim 5:17,18; 3 John 1:5-8), but neither missionaries nor elders were paid for their ministries. They labored with their hands (Acts 20:33-35, served freely (Matt.10:8), preached the Gospel without charge (1 Cor.9:18), and served willingly and not for filthy lucre or sordid gain (1 Pet.5:2). So today, missionaries, elders of assemblies of God’s people, and all believers are to have their daily needs met in the same way because all are members in the same body.

Ministry by Every believer vs. A One-man Show. The apostles taught and modeled ministry by all, not by a few ministering to the many!(Acts 1:12-2:47, 4:23-33, 6:1-6, 13:1-3, 15:4-32, 20:7-12; 1 Cor. 5:4-13, 11:20-34, 14:23-40; Heb 10:24,25; I Peter 4:10,11). “Preaching” to believers was always by dialogue and discussion, rather than lecturing. Paul’s “preaching” in Acts 20 was the Greek word “dialegomai” or dialogue. Also, while religious tradition says that “homilies” (Greek = homileo) are monologue sermons, scriptural “homilies” are always conversations among a number of people! The word homileo is found 4 times in the New Testament and is translated “talked together”, “communed together”, “talked”, and “communed” (Luke 24:14,15; Acts 20:11, 24:26). Although one-way communication was done to evangelize unbelievers (Acts 2:14-40, 7:2-53, 17:22-31), sermonizing to saints is foreign to the New Testament! This is one major reason why the apostles never taught the early saints to buy, own, rent or acquire special church buildings! Believers most often gathered in homes (Acts 2:46, 20:20; Rom 16:3-5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Philem 1:2). Even when the whole church in a city gathered together, their venue was not owned by the church! (Acts 2:46, 5:12, 15:12,22,30;  19:9; 1 Cor.11:20 KJV & 14:23 KJV).

Generous Giving vs. Mandatory Tithing. Every believer should set aside and save money as God has prospered them, so they will have resources to give to those in need, rather than being obliged to give a “tithe” or contribute to a collection which is spent on salaries, mortgages, utilities, etc! (1 Cor.16:1,2). We are now the house in whom God dwells (Eph.2:19-22) and are to give to poor saints, rather than giving tithes to maintain an unscriptural clergy class and offerings to maintain “sanctuaries” in which God does not dwell!! (Acts 7:48; 17:24; Heb.3:5,6). 

Giving to the poor vs. Fundraising for the “clergy”, “full-time Christian workers”, or “denominational hierarchies”.  Christendom today has become just as commercialized as the secular business world as traditions of men have usurped divinely given instructions regarding giving and how the needs of God’s people are to be met! (Luke 6:38; I Corinthians 16:1,2; II Corinthians chapters 8 and 9.) But the apostles’ consistent instructions on these matters focus our attention rather on giving to the poor, the needy, the weak, the widow and the orphan.

The Lord’s Supper vs. The Lord’s Snack. We are to remember the Lord as often as we eat our daily meals, rather than practicing a “bite and sip” ritual administered by “clergy” to the “laity” (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:42,46; 1 Cor.11:24-26). Early believers “continued steadfastly” in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:41-47). If we only prayed once a year, once a quarter, once a month, or even once a week, would we really be “continuing steadfastly” in prayer? If not, can we claim to be “continuing steadfastly” in breaking of bread if we do it only annually, quarterly, monthly, or weekly?

Unity vs. Denominations. We are to designate God’s people simply as “brethren”, “disciples”, “saints”, “Christians”, “believers”, “children of God” and “sons of God.” This promotes unity, fellowship, and mutual ministry. But names that religious organizations use, intentionally distinguish them from others. The very essence of “denominationalism” is taking names which distinguish one group from others. Apostolic tradition refutes such practices (Rom 15:7; 1 Cor.1:9-13) and commands us to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph.4:2).

Scattering into the world vs. Assembling together for Gospel preaching. The Lord Jesus sent his disciples out by twos and commanded them to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel”. (Luke 10:1; Mark 16:15) He met unconverted people “on their own turf” and taught his disciples to do the same. The apostles did the same and the early churches followed their example. The world was “turned upside down” as the Gospel was proclaimed by the seaside, in markets, in public forums, in courtrooms, in prisons and in homes. As a result, “evangelistic efforts” which are so common in our day were totally foreign to the early churches!! The New Covenant scriptures are entirely void of any “gospel meetings” which were advertised and convened by believers in places where the saints were accustomed to assemble or in places which they owned or rented.

The above are certainly not an exhaustive list of all apostolic traditions! I have simply noted some main ones in a very brief format. I plan to deal with them in more detail in subsequent posts. But if you have difficulties, questions, comments to make regarding any of the above, please do so below and I'll seek to respond to your comments in upcoming posts.

So, What Now?

Throughout church history, whenever believers turned from religion and returned to apostolic traditions, they faced persecution from those who treasured men’s traditions above God’s Word. But they also experienced rich blessings from God for their costly obedience, and the church was reformed, revived, and renewed. How will our generation be remembered, and how will our choice of traditions affect future generations?        

Are we willing to turn from anti-scriptural traditions, inherited from denominations and families, to embrace the traditions modeled and mandated by the Lord Jesus and his apostles? Our behaviour with other saints, in response to this question, will clearly show whether or not we acknowledge Christ as our Head?

Apostolic Traditions (Part One)

I was raised, trained, schooled, “ordained” and served as a “church planting missionary” within religious traditions of men which I believed were truly scriptural. But a serious reading and study of the New Covenant scriptures, especially the Book of Acts, shook my religious beliefs to the core in 1978. Since then, I have been on an ongoing journey seeking to learn and practice apostolic traditions.

Apostolic Traditions vs. Man-made Traditions

Most Christians, like myself at one time, firmly believe that what their church teaches and practices is truly scriptural. But the fact of the matter is that many, if not most, church practices have been derived from traditions of men over the centuries since the apostles first taught the early church how God wanted churches to function. Until we actually search the scriptures and compare apostolic teachings with our own practices, we have no clue whether our practices are truly Biblical or not!

Most Christians believe that Christ is Head of the church, but yet His headship and lordship are actually denied by practices we have embraced which are contrary to His own instructions! How can we truly embrace Christ as Head apart from rejecting religious traditions that are contrary to His commands? We will acknowledge Him as our Head only when we fully embrace the simple yet dynamic practices which the Lord Jesus commanded the apostles to teach.

What is God’s Eternal Purpose?

God has an overriding purpose in Christ Jesus, but it is not simply the salvation of lost sinners! God’s purpose is not man-centered, but it certainly does include us. God loved us so much that Jesus died to save the world (John 3:16). Jesus said that he came into this world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). And God is certainly not willing that anyone should perish (2 Pet.3:9)

But, Paul clearly informs us in Ephesians 3 about God’s “big picture” goal according to his eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord. God’s eternal purpose is “that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold [i.e. many-sided] wisdom of God.” (Eph.3:10). This will only be accomplished as we obey Jesus’ commandments given to the apostles (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Cor.11:1,2; 14:37).

What’s the Relationship between Head and Body?

A brain surgeon, for example, can only show his many-sided wisdom as each member of his body obeys the instructions from his head. If his body is healthy, his members instantly obey directions from his head. But, if he is paralyzed or stricken with Alzheimer’s, his body parts will not obey his head as he would desire. Thus, his wisdom and skill will be obscured, rather than manifested.

So too when we, the members of Christ’s Body, are bound by unscriptural traditions, dysfunctional practices, and false teaching, God’s manifold wisdom is obscured, rather than manifested. In Christ’s Body, we can only function properly as we hear and obey the Lord Jesus’ commands to the apostles to be obeyed by all his disciples. Unfortunately, all of us have been “afflicted” by many religious traditions which are contrary to apostolic traditions. In the measure this is true of us, we are disobedient, in opposition to Jesus, and cannot minister as Christ desires!

Did Jesus and Paul believe in Traditions?

The Lord Jesus said, “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?... Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition…. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt.15:3,6,9).

The apostle Paul instructed the first-century saints with many similar words. To the Corinthians he wrote, “Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances (traditions), as I delivered them to you.” (1 Cor.11:2). Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to “stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” (2 Thess. 2:15).

And Paul told the Philippians, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do.” (Philip 4:9). Paul went further and said, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” (2 Thess.3:6).

Examples of Apostolic Traditions

Although I cannot give a detailed list in this post, here are just a few  (two in this post and others to follow) examples of dynamic apostolic traditions vs. the “man-made” traditions often practiced.

Baptizing Believers vs. Baptizing Infants. We are to practice baptism of believers/disciples who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ, rather than baptizing infants or unsaved church “members.” (Matt.28:18,19; Acts 2:38; 8:36-38). 

Baptizing Done by Believers vs. Baptizing Done Exclusively by “Clergy”. Disciples who make other disciples are commanded by the Lord to baptize them, rather than limiting the act of baptizing new believers to a credentialed clergy caste (Matt.28:18,19; Acts 8:30-38).

To be continued in subsequent posts

Introduction to Apostolic Traditions

Traditions: What are they?                                                                                                                                                      -something passed down from one to another and generally observed.    (Greek PARADOSIS, Strong’s  # 3862)       

What kinds of traditions are there ?

 (1) Traditions which are obedient to and in keeping with God-given commands.

          (godly, biblical and moral traditions)  These are called “the commandments of the Lord”,  “the  ordinances”,  “the   

         traditions which ye have been taught by word or our (the apostles’) epistle”,  "the traditions received of us (the

        apostles)”, and “the things which thou hast heard of me (Paul) among many witnesses”. Matthew 28:20;  I

        Corinthians 11:1,2;  14:37;  Philippians 4:9; II Thessalonians 2:15;  3:6;  and II Timothy 2:2

 (2) Traditions which are disobedient to and contradictory to God given commands.

          (ungodly,  anti-biblical, and immoral traditions)  These are called your own traditions”, “traditions of men”, 

        “traditions of the fathers” or “traditions of the elders”. Matthew 15:2,3,6;  Mark 7:3,5,8,9,13; Galatians 1:14; 

         Colossians 2:8; I Peter 1:18

 (3) Traditions which are neither obedient to nor disobedient to God-given commands.

          (neutral, non-biblical and amoral traditions)  For example, meeting regularly on a Tuesday night for Bible study,

         having receptions after weddings and funerals, or serving coffee and cookies when the saints gather in your home.

Apostolic Traditions: What are they?

  -practices which are:

    (1) commanded by Christ,

              Matthew 28:18)  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in  heaven and in
              earth. 19)   Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the  Father, and of the Son, and
             of the  Holy Ghost: 20)  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am
            with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

             1 Corinthians 11:1)  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2)  Now I praise you, brethren, that ye
             remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
             1 Corinthians 14:37)  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things
             that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

    (2) taught by the apostles, to be practiced by us,

             Philippians 4:9)  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and  

            the God of peace shall be with you.

            2 Thessalonians 2:15)  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught,
            whether by word, or our epistle.
            2 Thessalonians 3:6)  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that  ye withdraw
            yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.   and
                 
    (3) to be taught by us to others.

               2 Timothy 2:2)  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to

                faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Why is keeping them so important?

(1) Our response (obedience or disobedience to the commands of Christ communicated to us by the apostles)
     demonstrates whether or not Christ is our Lord.   Can someone who wilfully ignores and disobeys divine
    commands truly claim that Christ is their Lord?
     Luke 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
    Matthew 7:21)  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that
       doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
      prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23) 
     And  then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart  from  me, ye that work iniquity. 24)  Therefore whosoever
     heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
     25)  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it
      was founded upon a rock. 26)  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,  shall be
      likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27)  And the rain descended, and the floods came,
      and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

 (2) Our response (obedience or disobedience to such apostolic traditions) demonstrates the measure  of our a

      cknowledgment of the headship of Christ as members in His body.

      Colossians 1:18)  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that

        in all  things he might have the preeminence.

      Romans 12:4)  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5)  So we,
      being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6)  Having then gifts differing according
      to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7)  Or
      ministry,  let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8)  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he
     that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9) 
     Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10)  Be kindly affectioned
     one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11)  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit;
     serving the Lord; 12)  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13) Distributing to the
     necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14)  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15)  Rejoice with
    them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16)  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high
     things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17)  Recompense to no man evil for
     evil. Provide things honest in  the sight of all men. 18)  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with
    all men. 19)  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is
    mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20)  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so
    doing thou shalt heap coals of  fire on his head. 21)  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

 (3)Our response demonstrates the measure of our love to Christ and of our love for other children of God.  (Both

     are proven by keeping His commandments.)                  

       John 14:15)  If ye love me, keep my commandments.
       John 14:21)   He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall
        be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.                   
     2 Corinthians 5:14)  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were
       all dead: 15)  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him
       which died for them, and rose again.
    1 John 5:2)  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3) 
       For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
     2 John 1:6)  And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.

 (4) Our response (obedience or disobedience) will be an example which will inevitably have an  influence on others

       (for good or evil!)

        1 Timothy 4:11)  These things command and teach. 12)  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of
        the  believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
        1 Corinthians 16:15)  I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia,
         and  that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16)  That ye  submit yourselves unto such,
         and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

In the next post, I’ll begin a discussion of a number of apostolic traditions which are largely ignored and disobeyed in Christendom today. I encourage my readers to earnestly consider them and to begin to practice those which you may not have practiced before. As always, please feel free to leave your own comments and questions below.

THREE KINDS OF BIBLICAL NEW COVENANT CHURCHES (Part Three):

These three kinds of churches are also distinguished by the following:

 6.THE VOCAL PARTICIPANTS IN THEIR GATHERINGS:

     A. When the church which is the Body of Christ is gathered together:

           I don't know of any scripture which specifically addresses the matter of vocal participation when the  whole Body of Christ is gathered!  When the Lord comes and the whole Body is gathered together   for the first time, I'm sure He will give us all the instructions we'll need!

     B. When the whole church, the church of God in a city is gathered together:

          I Cor. 11:20-34 and 14:23-40 regulate such gatherings. (See I Cor.11:20,22 and 14:23 in the KJV, Darby`s “New Translation”, or Zodiates` “Word Study New Testament”.)

         The regulations of gatherings of whole churches of God in cities:

            - teach that such gatherings are not for eating the Lord’s supper. I Cor.11:20 This is to be done  when the saints come together to eat in their homes (Acts 2:46b; I Cor.11:22,33,34)

            -require men to be the vocal participants and require women to be silent.  They are to ask their questions of their husbands at home.

            -all speaking (prophesying, teaching, speaking in tongues, interpretation, revelation) is to be done one speaker at a time and when another has something to say, the first is to be silent. Thus there  is no reciprocal, conversational, or two way communication in such gatherings.

           -allow any male believer to speak, as long as they do it within the guidelines of scripture:

                In order that all in these very large gatherings may be edified:

                              -there is to be only one speaker at a time

                              -tongues speakers are to be silent unless there is an interpreter,

                              -there is to be speaking by no more than 3 prophets  and no more than 3 tongues speakers,

                             -other prophets are to judge/discern that which is spoken by prophets.

*It is interesting to note that God places such importance on these instructions that anyone’s claim to be a prophet or a spiritual person is to be judged by whether or not they acknowledge that these things are the commandments of the Lord!  I Cor.14:37

       

     C. When saints gather as churches in houses:

        There is to be exhortation, edification, provocation to love and to good works, loving, comforting one another and  praying for one another. (Hebrews 10:24,25) Because "each man" (the generic  term "every one", not every male) has received a gift from God  for the edification of the body and those who speak are to speak as the "oracles of God" and those who  minister are to do so as "good stewards of the manifold grace of God", (I Peter 4:10,11)there is opportunity for ministry from every one.

         

           All "one another" commands and instructions:

                               -include men and women,

                               -indicate actions which are mutual and reciprocal,

                               -indicate that all may participate audibly in the particular activity.

        In order that all believers in the gathering may be edified, exhorted, comforted, stirred up to love and good works, in order that all who need prayer may be prayed for, in order that there may be weeping with those who weep, and in order that there may be rejoicing with those that rejoice,

       There are no restrictions on:

         -the number who may be speaking at one time. (Ministry often takes place in a number of small  conversations, homilies or dialogues at one time - especially at meal times!

         -the number of tongues speakers or prophets who may speak, (While every person present does  not necessarily HAVE TO participate,  church gatherings in homes should be small enough so every one MAY participate if they have something to contribute for the edification of others.)

         -the vocal participation of women in teaching, prophesying, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues,  praying or asking of questions. (A gathering in a house is the place where questions, conversation and dialogue all have their place!) See examples in Acts 1:10-2:4;  4:31; 10:44-46;  12:12-17; 16:34;  18:26;  2:17 with 21:9)

7. OTHER SCRIPTURAL DESIGNATIONS FOR THESE CHURCHES:

A. THE CHURCH WHICH IS CHRIST'S BODY IS ALSO KNOWN AS:

   1. The house or habitation of God: Ephesians 2:22;  I Tim.3:14,15

   2. A holy temple: Ephesians 2:21;  I Cor.3:16,17;

   3. A building: I Cor.3:9; Ephesians 2:21

   4. The household of God, or household of faith: Ephesians 2:19; Galatians 6:10

   5. The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. I Tim.3:15

   6. "My (Christ's) church":  Matthew 16:18

   7. The general assembly and church of the firstborn. Hebrews 12:23

B. THE CHURCH OF GOD IN A CITY IS ALSO KNOWN AS:

   1. The whole church: Acts 15:22;  Romans 16:23; I Cor.14:23

   2. The church which is “in” or “at” a particular city or “of” the people in a particular city:  Jerusalem Acts 8:1; 11:22;  Antioch 13:1; Ephesus  Acts 20:17; Revelation 2:1, Cenchrea Romans 16:1;  Corinth I Cor.1:2; II Cor.1:1; Thessalonica I Thessalonians 1:1; II Thessalonians 1:1,  Babylon I Peter 5:13;  ,  Smyrna Revelation 2:8,  Pergamos Revelation 2:12,  Thyatira Revelation 2:18;  Sardis Revelation 3:1, Philadelphia Revelation 3:7, Laodicea Revelation 3:14

  

    Gatherings of the church of God in a city are designated by the following terms:

    1."All with one accord in one place" Acts 2:1; 

    2. The multitude of the disciples (in a particular city): Acts 6:22.

    3. "Gathered the multitude together"  Acts 15:30

    4. "when ye come together into one place" I Cor.11:20,

    5. “the whole church come together into one place” I Cor.14:23

C. A CHURCH IN A HOUSE IS ALSO KNOWN AS:

   1. The assembling of yourselves together (for provoking one another to love and to good works, and exhorting one another) Heb.10:24,25

   2. Your assembly:  James 2:2  (in which one could be seated by a footstool, v.3)

Fellowship among New Covenant believers in Jesus Christ cannot help but be demonstrated. Everyone in the whole world who is enjoying fellowship with Christ and other saints will be endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph.4:3)

Everyone who is enjoying union with Christ will be nurturing fellowship with other saints to which He has joined them in their community (regardless of the denomination from which they have come!) As we have opportunities to gather with all believers across our communities, we need to be prepared to allow God to rule and regulate such gatherings so that unbelievers who walk in off the streets will worship God, fall down on their faces and confess that, "God is in you of a truth!" I Cor.14:25

But it will be through churches in our homes, scattered across our communities, where deep and costly fellowship is forged, nurtured and protected,  that the love of Christ will be demonstrated so that unsaved neighbours around us will know that we are Christ's disciples because we love one another! John 13:34,35

(Beside the three kinds of biblical churches described above, do you know of any other kind of church found in the Bible?  If so, please leave a comment at the end of this post with the scriptural designation of such a church and the appropriate scripture reference where such is found.)