Which is better, a house church or a church building? I would argue that house churches ought to be preferred by Christians instead church buildings. There are some great congregations out there that meet in dedicated church buildings, however, I think Christians should meet in houses instead. The house church model is more biblical. The New Testament church never owned any buildings, all their worship services took place in the homes of those who believed. The day of Pentecost took place in the upper room of a house (Acts 1:12-14, 2:1) which was quite possibly the same house that Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover (see also Luke 22:12, Mark 14:15). On the day of Pentecost 3000 people believed the gospel and joined the church (Acts 2:41) and they met from day to day in the Temple (a public place of prayer) and in their homes (Acts 2:46). The Apostles would go house to house teaching and preaching about Jesus Christ (Acts 5:42). Acts 2:47 tells us that the Lord added to their number daily. House churches are mentioned all through the NT (Acts 12:12, Acts 20:20, Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:9, Colossians 4:15 and Philemon 1:2) but there is not a single mention of a church building in the NT. If we believe that the scriptures are sufficient then why do we need church buildings? There is no mention of church buildings in the bible. The people are the church.

I've been to many church building congregations and to be honest I never really found them to be edifying. They are more often apostate and compromised. They are very worldly and more like a show or concert event rather then a New Testament fellowship. I've been to Baptist churches, Pentecostal churches, Presbyterian churches and many others. They all seem ridged and controlled. No freedom to fellowship in a biblical manner.

False teachers could never be as rich or powerful as they are in church buildings. People like Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn and all the other charlatans rely on the church building model of worship. Without it they would never have rose to such an influence in the church world. Being a house church pastor is not as glamorous as being a pastor in a church building such as Baptist, Presbyterian or Pentecostal. There is less money involved and less prestige in the eyes of me. Therefore, there is more chance that the elders of a house church will be in it for the right reasons. It's more humbling to be a house church elder.

There is also more accountability for both the members and the elders in a house church. In a church building pastors are often a law unto themselves. People come to here them speak rather then to meet with the family of God and fellowship. Even preachers that are considered as biblical are filthy rich. In a house church the pastors are more intimately acquainted with his flock. I bet Joel Osteen doesn't visit people in their homes. Nether does Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn or Creflo Dollar. They are too big for their boots.

I think the church that Jesus started began in a house and that's what we should continue to do as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

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