“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).
I strongly believe that the success of a local church can be measured not just by the number of people in attendance but by the amount of seeds (Word of God) that they sow in the field (hearts of the people).
Raymart Lugue
The Power of His Word
Notice how the following verses illustrate the power of God’s Word:
- “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. . . And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:2-3).
- “And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake” (Luke 5:5-6).
- “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Indeed, the Word of God is incredibly powerful. It creates something out of nothing. It defies every law of nature. It brings salvation to the people. For this, God has magnified His word above all His name (Psalm 138:2).
Death and Life
Solomon said in Proverbs 18:21 that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Since the Word of God is powerful, and since we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), our tongue can also build up or destroy. Our words can build a tower like Babel and it can also destroy and create many offenses (James 3:2).
In II Corinthians 2:15, it is said that “we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.” If we speak in Christ, we bring the people into a decision of death or life.
There’s no responsibility in our world that is more critical than the ministry of preaching the Word of God. What we bring to the people are not just matters on earthly life; but eternal life and death.
The Significance of Teaching the Word
Jesus Christ played an important role in our salvation. He made Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. Because of this grace, salvation was made available to every one who will call upon the name of the Lord (Romans 10:13).
However, Paul noticed a need despite the fact that salvation is free for all: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
Without a preacher, the Word of God that brings salvation to the people will never be heard. It simply says that no one shall be saved if we will not teach what the Bible says.
Spiritual leadership is all about relationship.
Raymart Lugue
The Preached Word of God
When the Word of God is taught to the people, it creates a significant effect on their lives:
- “And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast. . .” (Jonah 3:3-4)
- “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:40-41).
If we will just teach the Word of God which we have received, God will surely confirm His Word to the people. No preached Word shall return unto God void; but it shall accomplish the thing which pleases Him (Isaiah 55:11).
Be not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). Preach the Word in season and out of season (II Timothy 4:2). Cast the bread of life upon the waters and you shall find it someday (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
HOUSE MINISTRY
“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart” (Acts 2:46).
New Testament Church
The church is not just the building wherein people are congregated every Sunday; if Christ is in us, we are His body and members in particular (I Corinthians 12:27). We, the church, are not just a collective body that is set on a hill (Matthew 5:14); individually, we are a single candle that gives light unto all that are in the house (Matthew 5:15).
For this cause, we don’t always need to be inside a church building to experience the Lord; but we can bring the church everywhere we go.
Such was the case during the first years of the New Testament church. It is said in Acts 2:41 that there were added three thousand souls for a single day. They didn’t have a place wherein they can altogether worship the Lord. However, they brought the church experience from house to house (Acts 2:46) and revival was seen spreading through such gatherings.
Christ’s Ministry
During his ministry on earth, Jesus Christ was heard preaching in the synagogues (Mark 1:39, Luke 4:15, 13:10). However, this was not just the place wherein He ministered unto the people and performed miracles for them. Below are some of the recorded house visits of the Lord:
- “Jesus was come into Peter’s house” (Matthew 8:14).
- “Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him” (Matthew 9:10).
- “And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment” (Luke 7:37).
- “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house” (Luke 19:5).
Benefits of House Ministries
- It establishes relationships.
Because our target converts are in the comfort of their own houses, there would be a free flow of communication between the teacher and the students of the Word. Because the usual classroom tensions inside church sanctuaries or rooms are absent, our expectation for their positive response to the Word is much higher. For these reasons, relationship between the teacher and the students are much easier to be established.
We must take note that spiritual leadership is all about relationship. If we cannot connect with them through a genuine relationship, there will be a difficulty in connecting them to God.
2. It draws more people to the Word of God.
Some people seem to be hesitant when they hear the word “church.” In the present world we are living in, people do not want to feel the awkwardness of being inside a church service. However, if the fellowship is just a few steps away from them, the chances of getting their attendance are higher.
3. It creates one-another opportunities.
The Word of God encourages us to have a one-another ministry. We are told to accept one another (Romans 15:7), to honor one another (Romans 12:10), to be kind to one another (Romans 12:10), to love one another (Romans 13:8) and to greet one another (I Corinthians 16:20). There is strength and comfort when the people of God gather together and have fellowship with one another. Conducting home bible studies creates such opportunities.
The result of house ministries is remarkable, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). If we want to win people for the Lord and have growth in our churches, conducting home Bible studies should be in our activity list.
Our greatest ability is our availability.
Author Unknown
CONDUCTING HOME BIBLE STUDIES
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Before a Home Bible Study
- Be available
Our greatest ability is our availability. No matter how good we are in teaching and no matter what knowledge we have about the Word of God and about the programs such as this, if we will not make ourselves available, everything is just a waste.
2. Prepare
Opportunity apart from preparation results in missed opportunity. The question here is, “if the right opportunity comes along, do we know what to do?” If we fail to plan, we plan to fail (Anonymous). Below are two types of preparations we need to do:
- Prepare your heart.
We must remember that it is God who saves. Connecting with the real Savior before connecting with people is therefore necessary. If we want to conduct a home bible study, we must spend time with God through prayer and fasting. We must also intercede for the people to whom we are planning to teach.
- Prepare your mind.
It is sure that the Holy Ghost will bring everything into our remembrance. However, if we didn’t put something in our mind and spirit through reading and studying the Word which we want to teach, what can the Spirit bring out for us to remember? Let us study to show ourselves approved unto God and so that we may rightly divide the Word of truth (II Timothy 2:15).
3. Choose
After being available and preparing our hearts and minds, it is important to know unto whom we will teach the Word of God. In doing this part of planning, let us consider our schedule and their availability. Also, consider the gender and the number of people in the said home Bible study for ethical reasons.
During a Home Bible Study
- Be on time
First impressions last. If we will not become true to the words we’ve spoken unto them, we cannot establish their trust.
2. Be polite / tactful
Remember that we represent Jesus Christ unto them. We must not put the name of the Lord in vain because of our lack of carefulness in communicating with people. Greet them with respect and be not too comfortable inside their houses.
3. Be casual
Make sure that we can talk with them casually – not too formal. Questions like “How’s your day?” are necessary before getting into the study of the Word.
4. Relax and finish on time
In teaching the Word, we must show that we are confident about the lessons we are giving them. By doing so, we are establishing their trust and confidence in us. It is also important to finish on time, or else, we might not be welcomed again.
After a Home Bible Study
- Do followup activities
Inform them that you want the fellowship to be regular. Make it sure you will go back for followup. Continue to pray for them. Invite them to the church after several home Bible studies. Build relationships with them.
CONCLUSION
Since it is a promise, many people think that revival will just automatically happen. This is a lie from the devil! We cannot just sit on a pew and have revival (Wayne Huntley). The Greatest Commission is to go; not to sit back and relax!
I strongly believe that the success of a local church can be measured not just by the number of people in attendance but by the amount of seeds (Word of God) that they sow in the field (hearts of the people). Our question, therefore, should be, “Am I sowing seeds?” It takes time to grow a church and have revival. We should never be discouraged as we go through this process of growth. However, if we are not sowing seeds, we should never expect God to give us an increase.
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