"...please realise that this movement is happening worldwide (Home Church). People are being thrown out of their churches because they will not conform to the unbiblical teachings and activities of the leaders. Others are coming out as they feel they cannot stay in any more. Often they have tried to talk to the leaders.

The result is - not only here in Britain but worldwide - the formation of house fellowships. That is, small groups of like minded Christians, bible based. These house fellowships range in number of members from 4 to 20 or so (in my view they should have divided before they got to that number). Because they are not wrapped up in ‘church’ activities they are finding they have time for their neighbours. And their neighbours want to know about the teaching of the scriptures and they do not want to know about Toronto et al. My "Adullam News" 10 has an article under ‘House Fellowship notes’ to encourage this evangelism.

I believe that this is a movement of God. He is preparing his church for end times persecution. An early leader in the House Church movement in Britain wrote 2 years ago to me raising the idea that this movement of God is true, the charismatic one of the 60s and 70s having failed. Possibly I say. I have been involved in teaching leadership of house fellowships for 30 years. It is clearly a call of God on my life. I have spent much time getting church house groups off the ground as well as encouraging and speaking at house fellowships. I call them house fellowships to distinguish them from the house church movement groups.” “It occurred to me that there are many going through ‘feeling like a remnant.’ It is impossible to know how many people have left their ‘churches’ because the leadership and/or ‘sheep’ are involved in heresy, false doctrines and commitment to the world instead of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. ‘And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold’ Matthew 24:12, becomes the reality of many. The reality of loss is evident in the testimonies of those that have looked and taken a step in faith and obedience. For some that has meant to reImages faithful to God equals walking out of a group, even if it means being isolated and alone. What seems a common denominator is that those who ‘leave,’ consistently question and express their concerns to the leadership, beforehand, and based on the Word of God. Unfortunately, they find those that they thought to be like-minded are far from agreeing. Whether it be in issues of worldly thinking or Promise Keepers the response of ‘the many’ is to ignore and not speak from knowledge of the Word of God. Most pastors and elders leading the flock into error seem to be relieved when they do not have to face the challenges of scripture. Most will refuse to discuss their position on issues from a Biblical perspective. Some even, appear confused when asked if they weighed their ideas against the scriptures. Perhaps most disconcerting is that after ‘a remnant’ leaves the ‘church,’ most report that neither the pastor, the elders nor others reach out to visit or encourage them back. The implications are that those that leave have ‘fallen’ far from the Lord. In some instances, that thinking seems to be encouraged so that those who should be responsible can make up excuses for not correcting the problem. The fact that many resist any discussion involving the Bible has shaken many that leave the fellowship. The response invariably includes disbelief, shock, and a deep and profound grief for the ‘sheep’ and leadership who are so blinded. Another consistent that seems to happen to the ‘remnant’ is being unable to find another fellowship. Although some do, many are finding isolation even in larger centers, where one would think, ‘believers reside.’ Overcoming the loss of fellowship also accompanies dealing with the verse: Hebrews 10:25,’Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ What some discover is that God honors the desire to serve Him by providing some form of fellowship and encouragement. Often it happens in the strangest of ways.”

“In Britain there are large areas where there is no church suitable to join. Ministers’ fraternals for whole towns have been taken over by the Restorationists/Word-Faith. This has been policy and through these fraternals, other unsuspecting ministers have been be-friended - meeting a big need, and through this and through prayer for them, these once sound ministers have had their worldview changed and they now go along with the crowd. I assume you realise that prayer from Toronto/Pen. devotees can convey a spirit to the one ‘prayed’ for and that other spirit [imparts] Toronto/Restorationists worldview. The answer is, get together with the like-minded in your own house. If you can’t it is at least possible to telephone.

The most difficult thing people find to do when leaving a church is parting from friends who do not understand. And the most difficult situation is if you have teenage children who you have not taught the truth and who therefore do not want to leave their friends. Many parents seem to prefer to leave their children under false teaching fearing they will fall away from the Lord otherwise. DEAR! DEAR! A problem but they seem unable to trust the Lord.

On the mission field where two or three gather together in Jesus’ Name that is counted as an embryo church. Why not in the first world? The challenge then, when ‘feeling like a remnant,’ is to come to grips with all of that, and not look back. It means coming to the understanding that God never said it would be easy. All through the scriptures, God often put individuals in difficult and lonely positions so they would ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.’ Proverbs 3:5 That has never been more real as we look at the progress of the New World Order and the attitude of those in power. Jesus said there would be a great falling away before His return. Luke 21:16,17 says ‘And you shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.’ Those verses become very real to those that ‘feel like a remnant.’ The betrayal felt is connected to those you love and care, often deeply, about. Yet, those same people turn their backs to you, for daring to believe the inerrant, wonderful and alive, Word of God. God brings to mind things He has promised us like, ‘and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.’ Proverbs 18: 24b. Moreover, the things of this world grow dim when we remember; ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.’

And ‘But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:19.

What concerns could we have when we remember
‘Casting all your care upon Him: for He careth for you. 1Peter 5:7.

‘Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say Rejoice.’ Phil.4: 4
because we know ‘our redemption draweth nigh.’

We don’t have to be caught up in ‘feeling like a remnant.’
We just have to remember who called us out.

REJOICE IN THE LORD: HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING.”

(End of United Kingdom quote).

BACK IN AUSTRALIA -
HOW TO RUN A HOME FELLOWSHIP.

Despatch has a prepared Bible Study Course, under the headship of Dr Dennis Spackman of New Zealand. The course could equip you with a solid Biblical knowledge. All studies will eventually have a Leader’s Handbook to complement them. This means you could use the studies for Home Assemblies, and learn the Diploma Course at the same time yourself. Those who already have completed the Diploma Course could now feel confident to run a small gathering of Christians in the home.
Do not do so if you have a good, Biblically-correct fellowship already in your area however, they need your support. Or maybe you are a mature Christian with good Biblical knowledge who just wants encouragement, and a bit of help with running a group.

Return to Despatch Vol. 10:1

RETURN TO Images DESPATCH T.O.C.
Click Here
 

   despatch@mail.cth.com.au