Showing posts with label bible reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bible reading. Show all posts

Thursday 6 August 2020

A living Word giving confidence

In these particular times people look for solutions for their restricted life. Because of the corona measures, many feel very restricted in their liberty. Some therefore want to go to court to reverse or stop the corona restrictions. They do forget that protecting the citizens in our society is the responsible role a government should take care off. Protecting everybody habiting in their state, should be the priority of a state.

People may be annoyed that they have to stay in the house or may not meet with so many people, but they should look it from the positive side. Now they can have more time for themselves.

In that extra time given, people also could use some more time with the One they can not see, but Who is always there. That Unseen God has given His Word. And now we could take some extra time to look at that Word, given to us with The Bible.

The Bible is not just a book of theological doctrine and premises; it is the living, breathing Word of God. In it, we encounter the very Voice of God—the same voice that created the stars, our universe with water, plants and animals. The same Voice which led a lot of people, guiding them through difficult situations, helping them when they needed help.

Scripture is not just about learning ancient truths. It is about God speaking to us, in real-time, with real direction. Without that, our souls will shrivel and die.

In “Word of God”  we can find the words of many prophets. one of them was the Nazarene Jesus christ (Jeshua)  Also his words are meticulously notated by his closest disciples, the apostles.
In the Word of the gospel, we can meet the promised one from God, Jesus who is also called the 'son of God', 'the sent one from God' and the Messiah or Christ.

That great preacher wanted to show to everybody (who wanted to hear) Who the Only Real God is. He also wanted others to know that he is the Way to God, the gate to God's Kingdom. He who gives us a taste of the goodness of God and teaches us that, in all things, we can trust him. In Jesus, we see that at our worst moment, he still loved us, and we know that if he loved us then he will never leave us now.

The apostle Peter advises us to nourish ourself constantly on that good gospel Word. We should drink it like the milk a baby drinks to survive and without which it will remain severely undernourished.

For many people, the only Bible they get is from the preacher on Sunday. Not having a daily quiet time, where you pour God’s Word into you, means you will shrivel up spiritually — and it won’t matter how long you’ve been a Christian or how many facts you know. We need the constant intake of the imperishable, life-giving Word of God. Even Jesus was saturated in it.

Let us not forget that all human teaching passes away but God His teaching shall stay forever. In times of crisis, lots of people bring up lots of questions and often also start doubting God, Who they suddenly seem to know as the One to blame. When there are no services any more in your church, please do not forget to regularly read the Bible and to meditate on it. If you have a partner or when you have children, please do take time with them to read the Bible and talk about what is been read. Make sure the Word of God can be echoing in your house at regular times. that way you also shall feel how God can also with you and your family and give you confidence to cope in this particular time.

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Additional reading 

  1. Honest-hearted people are losing faith in humanity and humanity losing faith in God
  2. All human teaching passes away
  3. God Statements recorded in a book
  4. The God speaking out providing provings, signs and miracles
  5. God’s Blog recorded in a Book
  6. God’s Self-Revelation
  7. the Bible – God’s guide for life #1 Introduction
  8. the Bible – God’s guide for life #2 Needs in life
  9. Creator and Blogger God 3 Lesson and solution
  10. Creator and Blogger God 4 Expounding voice
  11. the Bible – God’s guide for life #3 Fast food or staple diet
  12. the Bible – God’s guide for life #4 Not to get the best from our diet– or from ourselves
  13. Today’s thought “Word of the Only One God – To be read and listened at” (November 21)
  14. Today’s thought “Jehovah God makes us dwell in safety and confident trust” (January 02)

Tuesday 7 November 2017

500 years of a provision of the Word in the language of the peoples

English: page of the Acts of the Apostles from...
English: page of the Acts of the Apostles from the last edition of the bible originally translated by Johann Dietenberger, published in Augsburg 1776 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In past generations, especially when God’s word was first available for people to read in their own language, God’s offer of “salvation” was embraced by many. Let us read God’s word ever more fervently – and let it ‘infect’ our hearts, so that there is the same reaction in us as when Paul’s preached to the Gentiles!

We read, when they “heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48). May we be among the “appointed”.

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Thursday 2 November 2017

A special anniversary for the Church where Catholics and Protestants find common ground

Luther Before the Diet of Worms, photogravure ...
Luther Before the Diet of Worms, photogravure after the historicist painting by Anton von Werner (1843-1915) in the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
500 years ago 95 theses where posted at the door of the cloister church of Wittenberg, which became to serve as the catalyst for one of the world’s largest religious splits, as thousands broke off from the Roman Catholic Church.
Martin Luther his legacy, 500 years later, is 560 million Protestants across the globe, making up more than a third of the world’s Christians.

Religiously speaking, the Reformation led to the translation of the Bible into languages other than Latin, allowing many people to engage with scripture for the first time. It also brought an end to the controversial sale of "indulgences" — payments the Church said reduced punishment for sins after death, which Luther regarded as corrupt.

Universal education for girls and boys is one of the legacy which is not wiped out, but some of the early protestant teachings seem by many forgotten.

For the special anniversary Chancellor Angela Merkel, the daughter of a Lutheran pastor, has encouraged German churches to promote a narrative of unity over division in their celebrations. that unity which was not present 500 years ago seems to be very close.

Many protestants today are not any more exited or more interested in reading the bible than Roman Catholics. In several countries they also are not any more interested to go regularly to services. concerning doing good a big change entered in the vision of many. In Luther’s home country of Germany, 61 percent of Protestants believe good deeds are needed for salvation. In John Calvin’s Switzerland, 57 percent agree, as do 47 percent in Abraham Kuyper’s Holland.

In the united States we can find conservative protestants and fundamentalist protestants who think whatever they do wrong they shall be saved and going to heaven when they are baptised or so called 'reborn'. Half of American Protestants say that both good deeds and faith in God are needed to get into heaven (52%).

Lots of Americans are convinced they need pastors and churches. Some even believe how bigger the church how closer it is to the 'truth'. From those American protestants 52% believe that in addition to the Bible, we need guidance from church teachings and traditions, according to two studies released at the end of August by the Pew Research Center.

Pope Francis I considers this anniversary an
"opportunity to mend a critical moment of our history by moving beyond the controversies and disagreements that have often prevented us from understanding one another.”

Not long after Francis’ address, the Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury in England expressed remorse for the violence committed there in the name of the Reformation. Hundreds of churches and monasteries were demolished in the 1500s, and many people gruesomely killed, during England’s pained transition from Catholicism to Protestantism.

Since the 16th century and the tumultuous times that followed Protestant and Catholic relations have improved dramatically. At regular intervals we also can see protestants and Catholics bringing an ecumenical service. when we look at several protestant churches today we also find many which also have statues and paintings in the church depicting persons they call god or saints.

When in the 16th and 17th century so many tried to read the Bible and wanted to find the biblical Truth, today there are not many protestants really interested to examine certain dogma's or sayings by theologians. Most of them hold strongly to their denominational teachings, not giving it much thought.

Not many probably would mind if their church comes closer to other churches of the Protestant or Catholic Faith as long as they can keep to their traditions.

From that perspective the attitude of the general public has become passive not to say the least. And those who are still active in church, most often do not want to think to examine the things they are taught by their denomination.

Whilst 500 years ago many where pleased to spend a lot of time reading the Bible, today there are not so much people really interested and that reflects also in protestant services where is less given time  for the word of God and where is spend more time and attention to the entertainment factor of the service.

Today we can use some preachers who are willing to take up the task given by Jesus, to proclaim the Kingdom of God. We can use a new awakening.

Read more about it:
  1. Followers, protestors and reformers
  2. A New Reformation
  3. Trying to Get Rid of Holy Days for a Long Time
  4. 8 Reasons Christian Holidays Should Not Be Observed
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  1. Hoogdag voor vele protestanten
  2. Zijn Beelden een Gevaar of de Redding voor het Geloof?
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Monday 6 March 2017

Lenten Season and our minds and hearts the spiritual temple in which God seeks to live

English: Meditation
Meditation (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
For many the Lenten Season has come for them to bring them thinking about life but also about death and about God. Let us hope there are enough people who want those 40 days serious to think about the essence of their being and about the essence of God. God wants to be found and people should look after him.

People should come to fully grasp the reality that our minds and hearts are the spiritual temple in which God seeks to live.
We must ask ourselves, what are the things we meditate upon?
Do we make ample time each day for this meditation?
It is vital that we are positive in reacting to this challenge – how utterly wonderful to have God in our very being, watching over us!

We therefore should see how important it is that we read God’s word every day.

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Preceding:
Lent, 40 days, meditation and repentance

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Find to read:

  1. Adar 6, Matan Torah remembering the giving of Torah
  2. Adar 7 Moshe’s review of the Torah contained in the Book of Deuteronomy
  3. Statutes given unto us 
  4. God-breathed prophetic words written torah and the mitzvot to teach us
  5. Mishmash of a legal code but importance of mitzvah or commandments
  6. Written by inspiration of God for our admonition, to whom it shall be imputed if they believe
  7. Observing the commandments and becoming doers of the Word
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Tuesday 9 June 2015

A question to be posed

At the Belgian ecclesia site there is a series going on about the necessity to look for and to find God. One of the presented ways its by going to look at the old writings which found their way from one generation to the next, throughout the ages.

From the writings people should come to see that they may find more insight in the happenings of the world and in the way human beings behave in this world and how we can stand straight in this system of things. There is also shown the way how people can gain encouragement and hope from spending time in God’s word.

It is not always easy to stand straight in life or to find your ways in life. For many people life seems a struggle. Lots of people can use some encouragement and need to find hope.  The hope available in God’s word ought to be reason enough to read it on a regular basis.

Often we hear people questioning God and His position and actions. But when going into discussion with such people we come to hear that they have no clue of what happened earlier in history. They only think about an apple for the story of Adam and Eve but have no idea what really happened there in the Garden of Eden and which promises where made already so early in human history. 

They often do not know that God has given everybody to see His works and to hear His Voice.
Today many are interested in the social media but are not so interested in going to look for the number 1 best seller of all time!
The Bible earns its place on the most read book, even when so many do not want to have a look at it. But they better did.

The Creator of everything has something to say to them and to you.  Whatever your situation is, God will speak to you about it.  Any problem, any obstacle, any hindrance or fear you may have has already been addressed by God in this book.

When you have questions in life it is not bad to pose them. Concerning the Book of books: the question is not “Should I read the Bible” but rather “When will I read the Bible?”

Preceding article:
Bible sayings about God
Bible, helmet of health, salvation and sword of the spirit

The article series to look for:

Dealing with worries in our lives
God’s never-ending stream of much-needed mercies
Best intimate relation to look for
A voice and a Word given for wisdom


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find also:
  1. Creator of heaven and earth and everything aroundיהוה The Only One Elohim who creates and gives all
  2. Bible basic intro
  3. Bible Word of God, inspired and infallible 
  4. Trusting, Faith, calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #3 Voice of God #4 Words in Scripture
  5. Trusting, Faith, calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #3 Voice of God #5 To meditate and Transform
  6. Trusting, Faith, calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #3 Voice of God #6 Words to feed and communicate
  7. True God giving His Word for getting wisdom
  8. The Word of God in print
  9. Bible, helmet of salvation, God’s Words put in the mouth of prophets for perfecting, to reprove and correct
  10. Bible, God speaking words profitable for doctrine, for reproof and for correction
  11. Bible, God’s Word to edify (ERV)
  12. Bible, sword of the Spirit to come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man
  13. Bible, helmet of health, salvation and sword of the spirit
  14.  
  15. No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation
  16. Eternal Word that tells everything
  17. Hearing words to accept
  18. Plain necessary food of the gospel
  19. Looking for wisdom not departing from God’s Word
  20. The holy spirit will bring back to your minds all the things told
  21. True God giving His Word for getting wisdom
  22. Words to inspire and to give wisdom
  23. Bric-a-brac of the Bible
  24. Bible a guide – Bijbel als gids 
  25. Coming to understanding from sayings written long ago
  26. We should use the Bible every day
  27. May reading the Bible provoke us into action to set our feet on the narrow way
  28. Feed Your Faith Daily
  29. The Bible and names in it
  30. Bible power to change
  31. May reading the Bible provoke us into action to set our feet on the narrow way
  32.  

Tuesday 21 April 2015

Not able to make contact with God because to busy

Do you have that feeling that there is to much to do in a day and that you do not have any time to do something different than your work and afterwards to fall in the couch to relax?

Do you find everyday like a battle to stay on top of things?

There are the kids,which you have to get them ready for school, before you are off to work. Then you have to tackle all the problems at work.
Having a day job, family commitments and then there are so many things you want to have done or which consume your day.

Seeing the clock tick, the time passing by fast, you do not seem to find time to do something else than those things which are required from you.
Finding time for some alone-time with God can be a hassle and at times seem impossible.
Do you know it is not so difficult to take time with God?

Any moment of the day you can pray and have a little word with God. You can use your own words. If you do not know how to start off, you can begin with saying "Our Father" and than building your phrases around the text of that prayer Jesus gave us as an example to pray.

Another way is just before you get out of bed, to take a little moment, waking up with a prayer.
After you get home from work, have done the cooking, even watched some television, before going to bed, take some time to read in the Bible. Make it a custom just before putting yourself at rest to take one moment to let the Words of God come to you. Even when you would read just some or at least one bible verse a day, and let it inspire you, you will grow in the Word of God.

It is not bad to end the day with a retrospective. Just take one moment really for yourself and for your Maker.
At the end of the day check if you tried once more to live your life as God asks you to do. Know that it does not have to be so hard hard to reach out to Him in prayer. He is there to listen to you at any moment. Be it that you are in the bathroom or any small room, no matter where, you can talk to Him. Dare to speak to Him and ask Him to help you lead a Christian life.

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Accuracy, Word-for-Word Translation Preferred by most Bible Readers

Survey: Bible Readers want Accuracy, Word-for-Word Translation

A new study from LifeWay Research reveals some key findings on what distinctives Bible readers desire for their Bible. A total of 2,000 Bible readers participated through a demographically representative online panel, but to qualify, participants had to read the Bible in a typical month either by themselves or as part of a family activity and not merely in a church or corporate group setting.


Most American Bible readers prefer word-for-word translations of the original Greek and Hebrew over thought-for-thought translations and value accuracy over readability.
That is the finding of a new LifeWay Research study of a total of 2,000 Bible readers who participated through a demographically representative online panel. To qualify, participants had to read the Bible in a typical month either by themselves or as part of a family activity and not merely in a church or corporate group setting.
When asked whether they prefer “word-for-word translations, where the original words are translated as exactly as possible” or “thought-for-thought translations, where the translators attempt to reproduce the intent of the original thought rather than translating the exact words,” 61 percent chose word-for-word.
That includes 33 percent who strongly prefer word-for-word translation and 28 percent who somewhat prefer it. In contrast, 20 percent prefer thought-for-thought, including 6 percent with a strong preference and 14 percent who somewhat prefer it. Fourteen percent say both translation philosophies are equally fine, and 5 percent are not sure.
Regarding accuracy, respondents were asked, “In general, what is more important to you in a Bible: total accuracy to the original words, or easy readability?” Three out of four (75 percent) opt for total accuracy, with 43 percent saying accuracy is much more important and 32 percent saying it is somewhat more important.
Fourteen percent say easy readability is somewhat more important, and 8 percent say it is much more important. Three percent are not sure.
“It is interesting to note that Bible sales do not necessarily follow these preferences,” said Scott McConnell, director of LifeWay Research. “Those reading the Bible each month represent only a portion of all Bible purchasers.
“Bible readers can share their preferences for different translation principles but may not be aware of which characteristics are present in specific translations – even the ones that they own. Without specific instruction most readers will not notice when a translation moves away from a literal or word-for-word translation.”
Respondents hold a variety of opinions regarding the style of language they prefer in a Bible translation for personal reading. Among them:
– 68 percent want language to be simpler to understand while 7 percent want it to be more difficult to understand.
– 81 percent say it should be more enjoyable to read while 4 percent prefer it to be more of a chore to read.
– 27 percent favor contemporary language while 46 percent want traditional language.
– 36 percent want more modern language while 37 percent favor more old-fashioned language.
– 19 percent feel understanding the language should require a higher level of education while 49 percent say it should not require a higher level of education.
– 63 percent believe it should be simple for anyone to understand while 14 percent say the language should be meant more for people who have a lot of experience with the Bible.
– 40 percent prefer more formal language while 26 percent say should be more informal.
– 22 percent want language more for casual reading while 44 percent say it should be designed more for in-depth study.
“In the same way drivers want big, powerful, fuel-efficient vehicles, Bible readers want word-for-word translations that are easy to understand,” said McConnell. “As translators try to cross the globe and two millennia, fully accomplishing both is not always possible.”
The survey also asked about translation of God’s name. Though many Bible versions translate God’s name in the Old Testament as “the LORD,” others prefer using what is believed to be the original pronunciation, “Yahweh.”
Nearly eight in 10 Bible readers (79 percent) prefer the traditional translation “the LORD” over the original pronunciation “Yahweh.” That includes 51 percent who strongly prefer “the LORD” and 27 percent who somewhat prefer it. Seven percent somewhat prefer “Yahweh” while 6 percent strongly prefer it. Eight percent are not sure which they favor.
The vast majority of Bible readers do not prefer gender-inclusive translation approaches. A full 82 percent prefer a literal translation of masculine words that describe people in general rather than a more inclusive translation like “humankind” or “person.”
Study participants were told: “Bible translators have to make choices regarding gender issues. For example, the original Greek and Hebrew often uses masculine words such as those literally meaning ‘man’ to describe people in general. Some translators think these should be translated literally as ‘man’ while others think they should be translated into gender-inclusive terms such as ‘humankind,’ ‘human being,’ ‘person’ or ‘one.’ Which do you prefer?”
A majority (53 percent) strongly prefer literal translation while 29 percent somewhat prefer the literal rendering. Only 9 percent somewhat prefer gender-inclusive translation, and 3 percent strongly prefer it. Six percent are not sure.
Bible readers are even more adamant about not making references to God gender-inclusive.
They were told, “Another issue Bible translators face relates to references to God as ‘father’ in the Greek and Hebrew. Some translators think these should be translated literally as ‘father’ while others think they should be translated into gender-inclusive terms such as ‘parent.’ Do you prefer the literal or more gender-inclusive?”
In response, 89 percent want a literal translation of gender-specific references to God, including 68 percent who strongly prefer literal translation and 21 percent who somewhat prefer literal translation. Five percent somewhat prefer gender-inclusive translation, and 2 percent strongly prefer gender-inclusive translation. Four percent are not sure.
“The places in the Bible in which the inspired writers used masculine words for God, a large majority of Bible readers want translators to use masculine words as well,” noted McConnell. “This is true regardless of whether the reader describes their own spiritual beliefs as liberal or conservative.”
Methodology: The LifeWay Research survey was conducted in August 2011 via online panel. A representative sample of U.S. adult population was invited to participate. Two thousand people who read the Bible once a month or more qualified for the study. Only people who read the Bible personally (outside of group activities) or as part of a family activity were included. The sample of 2,000 provides 95 percent confidence that the sampling error does not exceed + 2.2 percent.
- Nashville, Tenn. - PRWEB -  October 03, 2011

Wednesday 16 February 2011

Appointed to be read

There has never been such a choice of what to read and indeed how to read it. Either by means of the printed page or electronically, everybody wants our attention and usually our money. There is only one place where we can read about the unbreakable promises of God, and that is in the Bible. There is a special reason why English readers should seize the opportunity to read through the Bible in 2011.

Appointed to be read in the Churches is what was written in 1611 in a book that shook the world.
Barker’s printing house in Aldersgate Street, London, brought a major work on the market which opened a total new world for many people. Nobody could trick them in things which were not really written in that volumes work.
400 years ago in England the landmark was set for the Holy Bible containing the Old and New Testaments to be read over the many years by so many people of different tongues. Translated out of the original tongues: and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by His Majesty’s special command – Appointed to be read in the Churches it became a major working tool for many Bible students.

presents a year long a series tracing the the process of Bible translation through the ages, so you can see how the King James Version came about, and why it is important that you read the Bible for yourself. By the exposition readers can see the way in which God has worked through the centuries to preserve the gospel  message. It looks at the many translations in the light of time. Free and authoritative Latin translations, Anglo-Saxon versions, the inhibited free access to reading the Bible up to the liberation of the Word of God.



Please do find : Inspiration and Early Translations; Part One: The Bible, Appointed to be Read … in the Glad Tidings of January 2011.

“Glad Tidings” is not a newspaper devoted to tracking and reporting newsworthy events.
If it was it would need to be renamed “Bad Tidings!”, for newspapers do not allow much space for good news stories.
The purpose of that Christadelphian magazine is to draw attention to God’s plan and purpose for the world, which is longestablished, as His promise to Abraham makes clear.

Thursday 11 November 2010

Scripture alone Sola Scriptora

Timothy Ross wrote in Scripture alone Sola Scriptora


Why do folks love this idea. Is it because we are rebel's by nature ? Who are we to think such things. Doesn't God speak to us today outside of the Bible? Isn't the Bible just a collection of what God has said to normal people like you and me garced by God in a special ...way called prophets adn Apostles and so forth?

The early church wrestled over what Books to put in the canon. Ever studied how they put it all together it might help alot of you and others out. Martin Luther wanted to reform the Institution of Rome not leave her. Many believed he was going to be a pope one day and that he was really brilliant. There was at least two cannon's proposed The common one we have today and the Eusibius cannon. Which one and why? Enoch and othe books like this were recognized by Eusibius . Also why are Protestants so agains the Apocrypha it is full of things that line up historically with scripture and is used by Paul in his writings. So when folks say scripture alone which ones ? I know this is controversial but as a student and scholar this is my question for all real folks after God. Note theApostles had there own traditions also and people say you teach traditons. Really who says? Are you your own God or not accountable to the Body? I am guilty and repent I wonder how many want to turn a new leaf and folow after the Spirit tha trose Jesus from the dead keep the good and throw out the Bad. Do you really know the origins of your theological thoughts? Somebody always is molded by somebody elses ideas. We all have a theology or a traditon but these are not apart of are dogma's . Can you really say Your Doctrine and traditon isn't your dogma. The yare different. So what are your thoughts.

Tuesday 21 September 2010

An ecclesia in your neighborhood

Sometimes you hear people complaining that they do not have a church nearby.
But then you could wonder why they do not bring the church in their village. God is everywhere and you can reach Him at any place all over the world. He is not limited to a certain building.
So those who would like to have an ecclesia nearby could start to create that place in their home town.

The Brothers in Christ prefer to use the term ecclesia (ekklesia in the Greek) meaning ‘gathering’ and historically refers to any gathering in any context, secular or otherwise. The word implies people not buildings or programs. All of God’s people make up the church. We are the church together. ‘Church’ is people. That is the view the earliest Christians had of themselves.‘Church’ is loaded with so many connotations. We wish we didn’t have to use it! One easily thinks of buildings with pointy roofs, stained glass windows, pews, pulpits, shrines and statues, priests and pastors. People think of it as ‘where you go’ and ‘what you do’. This is a far cry from the view the earliest Christians had of themselves.

The basic unit of the church in the first three centuries was the ‘household’ or ‘oikos’ (Gr). Oikos refers to the ‘household’ rather than just the building. Households in New Testament times included wider family, slaves, servants, clients and in fact one’s ‘sphere of influence’. We as brothers and sisters in Christ should feel bounded together and should not feel that there are any differences between us in rank, colour, age. Everybody in the community should have the same value. Our binding element should be Christ Jesus, who died for us all. As his followers we should be like being his brother or sister and should share the love with others as he showed his love for all those around him.  Jesus went into different houses and showed in them how people could come to his Father. In one upper room he also showed the apostles how they should continue his work and have a meal together with other believers. Around the table he asked them to do in remembrance of him a breaking of the bread and a sharing of the cup of the New Covenant. Jesus did not do that in the temple, but in a hired room in a normal house. We also can either hire a room, use an open or public space or better still, use a living or other room in some ones house. Jesus was reared in a home in a family and as a family man he loved also the atmosphere and fulfilled his ministry often in homes. The house was, as today, the place where the basic unit of society lives – the family. Note the many times we read of Jesus eating with His disciples and with others – in homes.
Disciples were sent out on a door-to-door mission and Jesus also told them to continue their way in case they were not welcome at a certain place. After Pentecost, Christians met in houses. In Romans 16:3-5 and in several other places in the New Testament, reference is made to the church that meets in a home. Work and ministry in homes was part of Paul’s mission journeys.


Start with two or three friends - have a meal together, and share your vision.  Plan to encourage one another, share you lives, pray together to seek God's way forward to be and to do what He wants for you as a gathering and for the community around you.  It's as simple as that!

In our small community it is important to be open to new comers. But we always do have to be aware that we all come from many different experiences in our Christian journey. the ecclesia does not have to have many people, it is more important that those who are present are people who want to share the Good News and want to serve God. However small it is important that they are willing to encourage one another, share life, pray together, read the Bible together, and enjoy God and one another.

You could ask if there has to be a strict order of the gathering. Except that there should be a welcoming moment, an opening, a centre part  with lots of time to be taken for the Word of God with Bible reading and exhortation, the Breaking of the Bread and then a closure, there should be no strict format you have to follow or for everyone to agree on minor matters of doctrine for this to happen. It just can be inspiring to have every time a different service. Also we should avoid any regular uttering of preformed repeating texts. You do not have to be afraid to create prayers or moments of meditation on the spur of the moment, or to be afraid that the texts would not be brought fluently enough when it is not a set text. Members of the community should be sympathetic to anybody who dares to open his or her mouth. Understanding has to go out to all those who bring something into the service. Spoken or sang anything is welcome. A worship service has to be one of action and everybody in the ecclesia should be part of that action. All, young or old can contribute.

The experience of the Risen Lord was an ever-present vibrant reality within the individual and amongst the followers of Christ as they encouraged, blessed, taught and enabled one another, and as they joyously spread the Good News of the Gospel from household to household. Today is should not be different. We all should spread the word and that beautiful message of the Good News the New Covenant and the coming of the Kingdom of God.
By coming together in one place or other we can give each other a moment of blessed time.  for us it can create an opportunity to built one another from the teaching we received from the time we could have free to read in the Bible. We should be aware that not everybody has the same chances to spend the same amount on reading the Word of God. Also not everybody has the same gifts to read and understand easily. So we all should help each other to see the light. We should give each other the possibility to bring forward some questions on all sorts of matters. All the questions brought forward can then be answered in the light of Gods Word. By bringing forwards different interpretations every body can see  and hear how others think and understand certain phrases in the Bible. Everybody can also share the experience of the ways of God in each person. Very grassroots and alive. Teaching and admonishing one another all can look at and share prophecy, tongues and other gifts.

We should not be afraid that every worshipping service is different. What happens arises from the experience of God that each member has. Growth happens as the encouraging and enabling one to another takes us further on the journey as individuals and as a group. In the ecclesia we should enable and encourage the gifts of one another for the building of the Body. And this is easier to do in a smaller community, so it may not bother us that we are such a few.