home cookin'
"On entering any house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' " —Luke 10:5
Jesus ministered in the temple and synagogue, on the mountain and at the lake, on the streets and in the desert. However, He chose none of these places to be the base for world evangelism. The chosen place for the ministry of Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be, the home.
The home is where it's at in God's plan of salvation. The large church building exists to serve the home-church and not vice versa. The home has priority. Dioceses, educational institutions, and international ministries are valid structures only insofar as they serve the church of the home.
For the first three-hundred years of Christianity, every church was in a home. The Lord wanted to establish a home-centered Christianity. Insofar as we remember our roots in the home-church, we will see fulfillment of the Lord's Scriptural promises and world evangelism. If we forget our roots and our homes, we will surely fail.
Since the home is the basic structure and the very fabric of Christian life, Christianity is only as strong as its homes. We must restore the home as the center of Christian life. Seek the Spirit's guidance, take radical measures, make any sacrifices necessary to make your home a church-home. It's that important.
Prayer: "I kneel before the Father from Whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name...May He strengthen you inwardly through the working of His Spirit" (Eph 3:14-16).
Promise: "Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort." —Is 66:11
Praise: Praise Jesus Christ, Who strengthens us inwardly through the working of His Spirit! (Eph 3:16)
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our series of tapes on Church Homes on audio AV 17A-1, AV 17A-3, AV 17B-1, or video V-17A, V-17B.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert A. Stricker, December 13, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 2003