THE CHURCH IN THY HOUSE

 

Sunday, May 18, 2025

 

THE CHURCH IN THY HOUSE

 

Philem 1-2

1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

 

Rom 16:3-5

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

 

          Perhaps you, like myself, are unable either through illness or circumstance from assembling in a church. You may be carrying a load of guilt for your absence. Well, as Adam Clarke pointed out:

 

 “[To the church in thy house] The congregation of Christians frequently assembling in Philemon's house; for at this time the Christians had neither temples, churches, nor chapels.” Philem 2

(from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

 

          So, how do we navigate this new circumstance if our usual habit is regular church attendance? Let me suggest some things from my own experience.

 

          If it is work, consider your work to be an offering and a ministry. I recall that, while I was a ministerial student, I was required to work many Sundays. All I could do was let God know that this was necessary and, hopefully, temporary. If you are a first responder, a police officer, firefighter, ambulance driver, or nurse, then you truly are ministering to others. It is work on the behalf of Christ.

 

Heb 6:10

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

 

          Now that I am retired, I have a greater understanding and appreciation for those I once regarded as “homebound”. Illness associated with age is either familiar or creeping up on you! Perhaps you are a caregiver, and you are responsible for the well-being of another. This is the character of “The Good Samaritan.”

 

          We have so many tools available to us because of modern technology. Stay in the Word! Read the Bible, pray, and meditate on the things of God. If your church offers services online, take advantage of these. Grow a deeper love for your God.

 

Matt 18:20

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

Dear Lord, some of Thy children are kept from your house today. They may feel guilty or isolated. Please meet with them today as they worship in solitude. AMEN