Contrary to today’s popular opinions of large buildings with thousands of members, the early church started small, in home groups of believers.
He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. (From Luke 9:2-5, MSG)
“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
“When you enter a town or village, don’t insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave. (From Matthew 10:5-11, MSG)
The New Testament church was built through small meetings in small homes. Big buildings were unheard of. Big hearts were the norm.
Emperor Constantine recognized Christianity as a legal religion in 313, and he built many churches. The oldest church is thought to be at Dura Europos on the Euphrates River in eastern Roman Syria. It was a house that was remodeled in or about 240 A.D. But for centuries before that the church was a believer’s home.
Think on that friends. Worship with a few friends on zoom or Facebook friends and you are still church. The church is the people, not the building.
And the purpose of the church is Jesus.
Prayer -Lord we thank you for these words. “I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I’m the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16, MSG)
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