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LIST OF HOME FELLOWSHIPS BY STATE
TEXAS
Allen, TX
info@SafeGuardYourSoul.com
972-571-3459
Spring, TX
Fellowship of the Cross Home Fellowship
719 Slate Valley Ln.
Spring, TX 77373
md_washington@sbcglobal.net
Matthew Washington
713-429-4543
Know of any New Testament gatherings that can be added to this growing list? If so, please email us at info@SafeGuardYourSoul.com
The Biblical Case for Home Fellowship Groups
“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. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 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, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:40-47
Just after the Day of Pentecost, which was the birth of the New Testament Church, the earliest of believers met in the temple and also began meeting house to house daily. They were consumed with Jesus Christ as He filled them with the Holy Ghost and their lives were given over to Him in true worship. This was before deception had the opportunity to enter in and so the model is set forth in the passage above as to what pleases the LORD when His people gather. The LORD hasn’t changed and there were certain things these earliest of Christians did which stand as monumental in importance to believers today.
Early believers “continued stedfastly in”:
- “the apostles' doctrine (God’s Word)”
- “fellowship”
- “breaking of bread”
- “in prayers”
These are things true disciples of Jesus Christ today should assure are the order whereby their meetings are governed and as led of the Holy Spirit. Another verse to memorize and meditate upon in this regard is Colossians 3:16.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
Please e-mail us with any group that is following the pattern of a New Testament fellowship and elevates the written Word of God as final authority.
In an attempt to help facilitate the fellowship of true believers we present this list below. We are going to do our best to place groups on this list that we believe (as much as we can tell) are set up according to what we see in Holy Scripture. Please know that we are not able to be at these places, and so cannot fully know what is going on in the fellowships. Please discern accordingly. May the LORD lead each of us into a deeper communion with Him and genuine fellowship with His body.
By God’s grace, there is an exodus transpiring the world over from the ungodly system of the visible church which is in apostasy (2 Thess. 2:3, 10-12; 1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-7, 13). This was foretold to happen so we should not be surprised. Most pulpits are occupied by self-serving men who are using Christ’s name who are on a power (pride) trip and to perpetuating their own little church kingdom/business that they reign over. Yet in the New Testament Scriptures, we always see a plurality of elders as the divinely-ordained structure for a fellowship that brings God glory (Acts 14:23; 15:4; 16:4; Tit. 1:5). Doesn’t the Word of God tell us that in the multitude of counselors there is great safety? (Prov. 11:4; 24:6).
It should be understood that the very thought of a home fellowship concerns many pastors because they lose control which is what they are all about - controlling the thinking and money of the people.
In Acts 15 we see the apostles of our LORD gathering to determine, as led of the Spirit, what the truth of the true Gospel is.
“And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.” Acts 15:4-6
In Spirit-inspired effort to walk in exact truth, the apostles and elders of the LORD were led to bring clarity on that which the LORD required for one to be saved. So, they gathered to discuss this matter as is seen in Acts 15. There is safety in the multitude of true men of God who uphold the Word of God as final authority as they live in the Spirit with Him (Jn. 10:35; Rom. 3:4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
As deceivers began to enter the churches in the first and subsequent centuries, the core truth of the original Gospel was lost. So it is today and even worse (Amos 8:11; 2 Tim. 3:13). In perfect accordance with prophecy about these final days, the exponential multiplication of wolves in sheep’s clothing has made it virtually impossible for true disciples who love His truth to locate a true New Testament gathering. Regrettably there is scarcely a local fellowship that the genuine truth-seeker can attend where the Person of Jesus Christ is truly exalted and men abased (Ps. 39:5; Jer. 17:9; 1 Cor. 2:1-5; 2 Cor. 1:24; 3:5; 4:5; Gal. 2:20; 6:14; Col. 2:4, 8, 18-19). The pride-inspired kingdom building spirit has taken over as it did in the first century with a deceiver named Diotrephes who would not allow the counsel of God to move through other called and ordained elders of Christ’s body (3 Jn. 9-11). Jesus also warned of the reality and presence of Jezebel in the local churches in Revelation 2. The same ancient spirits of devils that possessed Ahab, Jezebel, and Diotrephes, now possess many who have hi-jacked the positions of leadership in the modern church world. Deceivers abound as God’s Word is ignored by enterprising men in leadership who are building their own kingdoms using His holy name for their own personal gain/agenda (Isa. 9:16; 56:10-12; Jer. 23; Ezek. 34; Matt. 23; 2 Thess. 2:3, 10-12; 2 Tim. 3:1-7, 13; 4:2-5, etc.).
Never forget that in God’s economy, the truth is not determined by who has the pulpit, but rather by who has and is walking in divine truth which is final authority (Jn. 3:34; 4:23-24; 8:47; 18:36-37; Rom. 3:4).
A search for all the references to the word “synagogue” will yield a fascinating revelatory study. Here’s a telling text from Acts 18:
“And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Acts 18:4-11
Note that the apostle Paul and the other true believers “departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house.” (Acts 18:7) He was then able to freely function in “teaching the word of God among them.” (Acts 18:11)
The LORD confirmed this separation to be His leading and that His approval and blessing was upon those who loved Him and His truth. - “THEN (after the church split where they left the deceivers who had control over the physical building) spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee.” (Acts 18:9-10)
Then, as it is now, it seems that the LORD has to separate those who truly love Him from those who don’t. It is an observable pattern in Holy Scripture that the LORD moves His true disciples outside of the camp of those who have merely a form of godliness, worshipping Him with their lips while their hearts are far from Him (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:8; 2 Tim. 3:5).
“And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.” Acts 19:8-12
Note here that Paul was “disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God” which grates against those who have a personal agenda as they build their own kingdom in lieu of being used to build Christ’s true Church (His people). The building of the true kingdom of God hinders the building of the hirelings own kingdom. As is always the case, when Paul preached the kingdom of God, the true biblical revelation of Jesus and miracles followed.
Local churches are to be places of prayer, fellowship, and the receiving of God’s pure Word. The carnal mind sees these physical buildings and organizations of mere men as being establishments. But the LORD looks on the heart of any matter and when any group claiming to be Christian ceases to please God by following His biblical revelation, He removes His candlestick and they cease to be established in His kingdom. They are removed (Rev. 1-3).
Paul had to take the true brethren out of the visible church of his day. They had to leave the church building and the deceivers who controlled it, in order to be free to obey and follow the LORD in preaching the original Gospel. As Jesus promised, He then confirmed His Word with signs following (Mk. 16:15-20) – “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Cor. 3:17)
The truth is always the occasion for division in that some will buy it and some won’t. Didn’t our LORD promise division? - “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matt. 10:34) Jesus told us to rejoice and be exceeding glad when these things happen!
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
Our Savior promised that His true disciples would be put out of the synagogues for adhering to His truth.
“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.” John 16:1-4
It is obvious that from the verse earliest of years, the New Testament believers had to be separated from the “evil workers” who held the positions and power in the local churches (Phil. 3:1-3; 17-21). The truth is always resisted, especially by those wolves who have refused to lay down their lives and consequently possess a self-serving personal agenda (Acts 7:51-60). Those false teachers and false prophets Scripture so often warns us about, will always seek to kill the true disciples from whose mouths and lives the truth flow. Jesus is coming and is going to reward every man according to His own works (Matt. 16:27; Rev. 20:13). A man’s works reveal his true heart (Prov. 20:11).
Twisted Accusations
“…and Ahab (Israel’s king and Jezebel’s husband) went to meet Elijah. And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.” 1 Kings 18:16-18
Wow! Did you catch that twist? “Ahab (evil king) said unto him (the true prophet Elijah), Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” When Ahab accused Elijah of being in the wrong, Elijah replied: “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.” As is usually the case, it was the one who had the office, power, position, and money that was not true to the LORD. King Ahab worked evil in the LORD’s sight as he forsook the Word. He then smoke screened his deceit by blaming the true prophet Elijah. This sound familiar? Incredibly, Ahab the deceiver who had ignored God’s Word and yet maintained his position of leadership over the people, accused a true disciple (Elijah) of being false by saying he was the one “that troubleth Israel.” The same is true today and O what brazen audacity deceivers possess! Remember Romans 2:1-2.
Unless there is the rare case where a God-fearing man who honors God’s Word as final authority is in leadership, there will inevitably be a stronghold of Satan. Jesus spoke of “the synagogue of Satan” which defines much of what we see in the modern church world where men rule while falsely claiming to be Christ’s representatives. They have usurped the place of Christ, the only “Head” of the true body and have intercepted the affections of men’s hearts, displacing them from Jesus onto themselves (Eph. 5:23; Col. 2:18-19; 3:1-3; Rev. 3:9-13).
This message from Holy Writ is sure to be confirming to what God is calling many to do - come out from among the rebels who now control the visible leadership positions in the local church buildings.
The LORD will be glorified to connect His special people in true fellowship with Him and one another as He ordained and has been so corrupted to steal His glory in the modern church houses (Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9).
What to Bring to a Gathering of True Saints
- a humble, broken, and contrite heart (Ps.34:18; 51:17; Isa. 66:2; James 4:6-10)
- a heart that is fervently hungering and thirsting for more of Jesus (Matt. 5:6)
- a heart and will to lift up, bless, glorify, and praise the LORD Jesus Christ (Ps. 34:1-2; Lk. 24:53; Jn. 12:21; Heb. 13:15)
- a deep desire for the Word Himself to be revealed through His written Word and the Holy Ghost (Col. 3:16; 1 Pet. 2:2)
- a heart that is seeking to be united to fear the LORD (Ps. 2:11; 86:11; Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:5-6; Acts 9:31).
- a heart that is repentant for any ungodly thoughts (you have harbored), actions, or attitudes (Ps. 51:10; 139:23-24; 2 Cor. 13:5; Col. 3:5-6, Rev. 3:17-19, etc.).
- a heart that truly understands that God only rewards those who diligently seek His face (2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 11:6)
- a heart postured to be filled and then elevate others above self (Matt. 23:11-12; Phil. 2:2-5)
- a heart whose goal is to know the LORD more and more intimately (Jn. 17:3; Phil. 3:10-14)
- a heart hungry for more of the LORD, understanding that He reveals Himself via His Word and Spirit to true seekers (Ps. 119; Lk. 24: 27; Jn. 1:1; 4:23-24; 5:39; 20:31).
- a heart that seeks God’s correction, chastening, rebuke, and exhortation (Ps. 141:5; 2 Tim. 4:2-5; Heb. 12:1-6; Rev. 3:19)
- a heart repentant over idolatry/spiritual adultery that is postured to elevate Jesus and not mere men (1 Cor. 1:29-31; 7:23; 2 Cor. 1:24; Col. 2:8, 18-19).
- a heart desiring to love more fervently and obey more diligently the LORD Jesus (Ps. 40:8; 119:2; Matt. 22:37-40; Jn. 14:15, 21; 1 Jn. 2:3-6).
- a heart, desire, and will to deny self, take up the cross and truly follow Jesus (Lk. 9:23-24).
- a heart which from its depths cries out "He MUST increase, but I must decrease." (Jn. 3:30).
Beloved, do you add to or take away from the atmosphere of the gathering(s) you attend? Are you preparing your heart as that time of gathering nears, or do you just plop or stumble into that fellowship carnal and disrespectful of the divine Person of the Holy Ghost? ““And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Eph. 4:30) Enter ready to be “of one accord, of one mind.” (Phil. 2:2) Be exhorted to obey the LORD and change your life by setting your heart to seek the LORD’s face daily in private communion and to enter all future gatherings of saints with a heart that is broken and desirous to see Jesus and to bless His precious people. Lay down your life - die (Jn. 12:24; 2 Cor. 4:9-11; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3, etc.). Get your thoughts off of yourself and onto Jesus and others (Col. 3:1-4). Lift in prayer those whom the LORD is going to bring to those gatherings - that they by the Holy Spirit would be brought into full conformity to the holy image of Jesus Christ for which purpose He apprehended them and yourself (Rom. 8:29).
“Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” Rom. 15:2-7
To add a group, please email: info@SafeGuardYourSoul.com
Related links:
Essentials of False Leaders Finding a Good Fellowship Open Letter to all who Lead/Follow
Missionary Madness? True & False Authority Discernment Characteristics of Pharisees
What about the False Teachers? Where Is Jesus In All This Noise? Truth Protects Belly of the Matter The Original Gospel Biblical Case Against Naivety Who Should I Believe?
Judging Prophecy 2nd-Hand Spirituality No Brand Name! Am I Seeking My Own Glory? Titles & Trappings
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