“Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to
Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had
been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he
spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew
only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue,
but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and
explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished
to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the
disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who
through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in
public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.” Acts 18:24-28
This is the third of six references to Aquila and Priscilla. Paul met the couple while he was working as a tent maker and they became indispensable to his team, often traveling with him. Priscilla and Aquila loved the Lord and used their gift of “edification” (the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually) to lift many people up during the church’s early years.
This week, we’re beginning a new season of NLC home groups, and stories of this couple seem more impactful because of it. My wife and I are opening our home on Thursday nights for a meal, some great company and a discussion on prayer. Attending these mid-week gatherings has become as natural as going to church on Sunday. Home groups are much like the early church gatherings, people coming together in someone’s home, growing in their relationship with God and each other. Everyone builds each other up, asks questions or offers answers.
I grew up in a structured, organized denomination where spiritual instructors were usually ordained priests or ministers (although “lay people” could teach children). The idea that “regular” folks might help someone grow in their faith wasn’t really an option. There is so much lost in that equation.
Everyone has something to offer: be it an experience, a question or a good joke. When we bring scripture, prayer, even communion, out of a formal church setting and place them on a coffee table, it puts our Christian walk in a new perspective.
If you are new to attending a group you might do a lot of listening at first, but it won’t take long before you’re contributing your own opinions. Hearing about another’s struggles, or miracles, has value. Real life stories of God working in normal, everyday lives show others they are not alone in their struggles and beliefs. The Spirit used Aquila and Priscilla to build others up, including the apostle Paul. In doing so, they also grew in their own faith.
So come to church, hear the Word then join a group to and see how everything you have heard is carried from the pew (or folding chair) to the living room. When you do, you’ll begin to experience God’s presence in your own home. When that happens, it’s very likely someone else will, too. That, I think, would be the ultimate compliment to a Christian.
Prayer
Lord, let your Spirit fill the homes of everyone in the church, and may the groups beginning this week lead more people into a deeper, personal relationship with you.
This is the third of six references to Aquila and Priscilla. Paul met the couple while he was working as a tent maker and they became indispensable to his team, often traveling with him. Priscilla and Aquila loved the Lord and used their gift of “edification” (the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually) to lift many people up during the church’s early years.
This week, we’re beginning a new season of NLC home groups, and stories of this couple seem more impactful because of it. My wife and I are opening our home on Thursday nights for a meal, some great company and a discussion on prayer. Attending these mid-week gatherings has become as natural as going to church on Sunday. Home groups are much like the early church gatherings, people coming together in someone’s home, growing in their relationship with God and each other. Everyone builds each other up, asks questions or offers answers.
I grew up in a structured, organized denomination where spiritual instructors were usually ordained priests or ministers (although “lay people” could teach children). The idea that “regular” folks might help someone grow in their faith wasn’t really an option. There is so much lost in that equation.
Everyone has something to offer: be it an experience, a question or a good joke. When we bring scripture, prayer, even communion, out of a formal church setting and place them on a coffee table, it puts our Christian walk in a new perspective.
If you are new to attending a group you might do a lot of listening at first, but it won’t take long before you’re contributing your own opinions. Hearing about another’s struggles, or miracles, has value. Real life stories of God working in normal, everyday lives show others they are not alone in their struggles and beliefs. The Spirit used Aquila and Priscilla to build others up, including the apostle Paul. In doing so, they also grew in their own faith.
So come to church, hear the Word then join a group to and see how everything you have heard is carried from the pew (or folding chair) to the living room. When you do, you’ll begin to experience God’s presence in your own home. When that happens, it’s very likely someone else will, too. That, I think, would be the ultimate compliment to a Christian.
Prayer
Lord, let your Spirit fill the homes of everyone in the church, and may the groups beginning this week lead more people into a deeper, personal relationship with you.
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