House Churches - a PrimerSample

Encouragement and Support

This scripture shows well the value of coming together as a church to strengthen and encourage one another in a spirit of mutual love.

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, they are warm; but how can one be warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

These proverbs show that where there are two (or more), the situation is improved. Two people can support and encourage each other, but one alone will struggle.

So, too, in the church. If someone is troubled, the other members can lift them up and help them find their way. Likewise, when a person is physically or spiritually attacked, the power of two is far superior to the strength of one alone, and more prayer is always a blessing.

The church is necessary because we are supported and encouraged as we walk with Christ. It is in the church that the love of Christ is manifested among its members.

One person standing alone will struggle and become an easy target for the devil to attack, just as when one animal is separated from a herd and becomes easy prey for a predator.

God never intended for people to stand alone. From the beginning, God made the point that it was not good for man to be alone. God created all of the animals and finally created Eve to be the perfect companion for Adam. This was and still is God's will: that we should not stand alone.

It is also true of the church, for God works through the church with His people, and the church is referred to as Christ’s Bride in Revelation.

We should also take notice of the scripture in Hebrews 10:23-25, which encourages us to meet together.

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 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 10:23-25)

Note the purposes for which the people were asked to congregate as a church.

• To stir one another up to love and to do good works.
• To hold fast our confession of hope in our faith, since faith, hope, and love abide.
• To encourage one another, especially today, as the evil in this world is escalating.
• And finally, to consider and watch for the signs heralding the return of the Lord.

These purposes often work better in a house church and are easier to achieve than in larger congregations where people can be lost in the crowd. The ability to share our faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ and to encourage and build one another up is best achieved in the Church setting and even better in a house church.

Call to Action:

Take the time to consider how you can show love, support, and encouragement to your brothers and sisters in the church. Church is the best place to do this, especially in a house church.