Domestic Church (Acts 16:15) by Dr. Rich Reich

06 May Domestic Church (Acts 16:15) by Dr. Rich Reich

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion(FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
.
“After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home,’ and she prevailed on us.” ~ Acts 16:15 (full readings)
.
Rich’s Reflections:  Churches as we know them were not in existence until the fourth century.  Since both Jews and Romans were persecuting Christians, Christians could not meet in public places.  The home was the only possible meeting place; and therefore, early Christianity centered around the home.  This is why in today’s reading that Lydia, the Philippian convert, extended the invitation, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home” (Acts 16:15).  Before the fourth century, homes were churches.  Consequently, Satan tries to destroy our homes today through abortion, contraception, promiscuity, unfaithfulness, and divorce.  Christian homes should be a place of healing and blessing and not distrust and betrayal.  Be like Lydia and invite the Lord into your home.  Host a Bible study in your home, start family prayer night, offer fellowship to others, or even provide rooms for the homeless.  The home is the first school of the Christian life where all learn love, repeated forgiveness, and prayerful worship.  * Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team.  He is married to Erica and lives in Satellite Beach, FL.  Full bio.
.
Faith Challenge:  Offer your home as a place of prayer, Christian community, and evangelization.
.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
.
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
.
Feast Day:  Blessed Edward Jones
.
Faith Quote:  “There is no comfort anywhere for anyone who dreads to go home.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
.
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22