Topic: The Home Church
Date:18 November 2018
Memory Verse: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” – Acts 2:46
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 16:15-19 Kjv
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.
17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Introduction: A common feature in the early Church was the presence of home churches or house fellowship in the residences of believers. No matter how highly placed you were or what office you occupied in the main church, you either belonged to a home church or had a thriving one in your house. Even Apostle Peter belonged to one Acts 12:11-17.
Lesson Outlines
1. Why the home church?
2. Benefits of home churches
Why The Home Church?
Today, the home church is recognised as the extension of the local assembly (Acts 2:46). It is a convenient unit where every member of the church could be reached and catered for. It is, therefore, a good caring unit (1Corinthians 16:15,18; Acts 16:40). The areas of care or need are easily identified in a home church or a house care fellowship (Romans 16:1-6). The home church leader would have addressed issues that would have been brought to the main church (Exodus 18:21-23).
Class Activity 1: Why is attendance in some home centers dropping?
Benefits of Home Churches
The church is a place of prayer, healing, worship, baptism of the Holy Spirit and preparation for water baptism. Therefore, every activity that can take place in the regular church can also take place in a home church. These include: salvation of souls (Acts 2:40-42); Water baptism (Acts 10:47-48); baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-46); healing the sick (Mark 2:1-4,11-12); fasting/prayer (Acts 12:5,12); divine visitation/presence (Acts 2:1-5); sharing of the word of God (Acts 10:34-43).
Class Activity 2: What can individual (you and class members) do to bring about growth and development to the house fellowship in your localities?
Summary: Home church is an integral part of the main church. God is also present there.
Conclusion: The home church does not only sustain the church growth but also cares for the individual members of the church.
Questions:
1. Mention reasons the home church is necessary.
2. What are the benefits of a home church?
RCCG Sunday School Hymn
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
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