The Home Christian's Handbook

Introduction

In the bible, in Chapter 18 of the book of Acts, there is an account about a certain tentmaker.

1After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. (Acts 18:1-4, NIV)

Who was this man, this tentmaker?  It was none other than the great theologian and preacher, the apostle Paul.  Formally a highly educated, elite Jewish Pharisee, he had converted to Christianity and renounced his former life in Judaism.  Of the 27 books of the bible’s New Testament, Paul would have the privilege of writing half of them.  He would be instrumental in spreading Christianity beyond Israel and throughout the known world of the first century.

Many think that Paul established churches in the modern sense, and was a Christian leader as we understand Christian leaders today.  This was not the case.  The churches that he established were something quite different.  His lifestyle was something that, in general, church leaders today do not practice.

We can begin to understand the life of the early Christians in the letters to them from their leaders.  To the Roman congregation, Paul writes:

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. (Romans 16:3-5, NASB)

In his letter to the Colossians, chapter 4, Paul writes,

Luke the beloved physician sends YOU his greetings, and so does De'mas. Give my greetings to the brothers at La·o·di·ce'a and to Nym'pha and to the congregation at her house.

It is clear that it was a common practice to form congregations in the homes of the early disciples.  It is also clear that the great apostle Paul was not above working with his hands to support his ministry.  Given the success of first century Christianity, and Paul’s example, we need to question what spiritual value there is in the accumulated wealth, elaborate lands and buildings, prestigious divinity schools, reverent titles, and paid careers that characterize organized religion today.  Are these things an improvement on the methods used by Paul, or merely diversions from the true essence and heart of authentic Christianity?

All Christians need to challenge their inherited religious ideas in light of the scriptures.  Take the word church, for example.  In the bible, the Greek word usually translated church or congregation is ekklesia, which means a meeting or assembly of people.  To Christians, it refers to those called out to worship God through Jesus Christ.  It does not refer to the actual building, or to an organization or institution, but to the people of faith.  Where the people actually meet is not important.  Who they are and Why they meet is important.  The biblical definition of church, which was understood by the early Christians, is completely different than what we normally think a church is today.

Jesus said that when two or three are gathered in his name, he is there with them (Mt. 18:20).  It is clear then, that a gathering of Christians for worship and fellowship in someone’s home is as much an ekklesia, or church, or congregation, as a gathering in an official building under the umbrella of some religious denomination.  It is the quality of the hearts and the people that own them that is important to God.  An informal gathering in someone’s home will be recognized and blessed by Jesus Christ himself, as he clearly stated.

As for the professional church leaders, along with their religious councils and governing bodies, perhaps they should observe the example of the apostle Paul more carefully.  Let them read Paul’s letters again and understand that true Christianity is not a paid profession or a career, it’s a way of life, and is attainable by all who sincerely love God and his son Jesus.

Let all of us experience our faith through our personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Let us define our beliefs from the scriptures, not from any theological tradition devised by men.  And may we have the courage, humility, and respect for truth, to challenge our former beliefs and discard them if we discover they are not in harmony with the bible.  Let us reach out for the true freedom found only in Jesus Christ.

Our Christian faith should never fear a sincere and honest pursuit of scriptural truth.  In fact, along with a deep love of God, devotion to Christ, and a caring respect for our neighbor, the pursuit of truth should be a driving force in our Christian life.  And that truth is based on, and supported by God’s Word, the bible.

23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24, RSV)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV)

Although many of us read the bible regularly, we often do so with a preconceived idea of what it teaches.  Most of us have inherited doctrines our religion taught us, and so our reading is not objective.  We look for scriptures which support the ideas we already know, instead of letting the scriptures speak for themselves.

If we, like John Locke, in The Reasonableness of Christianity, were to read the bible motivated by, “…an attentive and unbiased search…,” putting our learned doctrines aside temporarily, then we will discover truths and teachings which previously we were unaware of.  We would then be like the Bereans, who “…were noble-minded…  [and]  received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:10-11).

Of course, discerning the truth from the scriptures is not sufficient.  We need to walk in it.  This means reaching out to God, our Heavenly Father, through his son Jesus Christ.  It means repenting of our sins and developing a relationship with Christ, our Lord and King, following him wherever he leads.  It means serving God according to his will and purpose.  The bible can tell us which path to walk in, and how to walk correctly, but it can’t walk for us.  We have to do that.  And yet Christ promises to walk with us.

29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30, NIV)

It is my sincere desire that this handbook will assist you in your spiritual quest by  emphasizing your relationship with Christ, and by helping you to use the Scriptures effectively.