This episode of "Home as Church" is part of a series on creating welcome at home, where we're exploring ways we can use our homes to "awaken the palate and nourish the soul."
If you haven't listened to episode 14, I encourage you to head there first! We set up this episode and series there when we talked about beauty and worship.
The ideas of staying at home for church and "doing home church" have grown in the past few years. While scripture is clear that gathering together with other believers to hear teaching of scripture, to worship, and to practice communion among other vital activities cannot be forsaken, our homes can also be a place of worship and welcome.
Under the new covenant, our body is a temple.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
We are commanded not to forsake gathering together.
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:19
We are often called to meet with God first thing in the day.
Psalm 139:1-4 says, "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."
Psalm 143:8 - "Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
Psalm 5:3 - "O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch."
We are called by God to "welcome strangers."
Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Proverbs 31 is a rich description of all the ways this exemplary woman cares for her home - producing food, caring for the linens, welcoming those in need, making things beautiful.
Spending personal time with God
Try creating a Devo corner (prayer closet)
Create a Morning Routine
My email course A Grace-filled Beginning is a great resource!
Fellowship with other believers
Host a simple coffee date.
Have someone help with a task - you'll both be blessed!
Host a small group (listen to my interview with Kim on Episode 6, When We Feel Afraid, But God is Bigger!)
Have an off-limits "private quarters" and a public space in your home that is usually "guest ready" - and try to do a quick pick-up mid-day or in the evening.
Have a wing-man to help you host.
Welcoming "strangers" - showing hospitality to those outside the body of believers who don't know Jesus yet.
Consider a prayer group, even if you are the one modeling what it means to pray.
Host a low-commitment, lighthearted gathering.
Be intentional with your schedule.
Be creative.
Raise your hopes and lower your expectations
Be PATIENT
Be Interruptible (see Episode 5).
FIND FULL SHOWNOTES HERE.
RESOURCES:
My free email course: A Grace Filled Beginning
Tim Challies: "Help, I've Fallen Behind on My Bible Readings"
Reagan Rose: Morning Routine Planner
EPISODES MENTIONED:
Fast and Fun Gathering Ideas (episode 10)
How to Read the Bible and Really Get it
How to Read the Bible and Love It
Be Interruptible (episode 5)
Recipes for Hospitality (episode 6)
