What is a House Church?

Simple-Church Ministries of Lancaster

Join us as we discover and experience what House church life is like when believers come together to share the life of Jesus organically within our local Simple church community!

What is a House church?

A House church is a local “faith community” of believers in Jesus Christ who enjoy an extended family relationship for the purposes of discovering, experiencing, and celebrating the life of Jesus within their midst.

1) A House church is established through the nurturing and care of relationships that are based on a commitment to family, community, discipleship, and mutual support.

2) A House church may meet in a home, business, restaurant, park, school, office, or other casual setting. It is important to distinguish that:

3) A House church is not where we meet, but how we meet.

4) A House church meeting is usually an “open meeting.” That is, in an organic House church setting, members are encouraged to each participate and have part in the gathering as the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit may lead.

However, this does not mean that there are no leaders present. It simply means that even when leaders are present, Jesus will still lead or guide the meeting, as each member is sensitive to the realization that the “open meeting” is under the Headship of Christ, as members participate and function openly as they are lead by His Holy Spirit. Continue reading →

Simple Church – Understanding the Eternal Security of the Believer

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 Jn. 3:2)

”For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Tim. 1:12)

There are many promises in the Word of God giving assurance to the true believer in Christ that he cannot lose his salvation. To be saved (born-again) is to have eternal life.

Eternal life is not based on human merit, but is a gift to all who come to Christ in faith and place their trust in him and his finished work of the cross. To have eternal life is to experience everlasting joy and peace in the presence of God, forever. Jesus promised:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (Jn. 10:28-29).

However, not all who profess salvation are genuinely saved (Matt. 7:21). In addition, there are also warnings in the Word of God to make your calling and election sure (1 Pet. 1:10). Indeed, there are tares that grow among the wheat (Matt. 13:24-30).

There will be some who will fall away from “the faith“ and reveal their true nature as counterfeit believers (2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4). Only the process of time will reveal who is truly saved and who is not (I Pet. 1:5). Continue reading →

The Rapture, the End of the World, and the Nation of Israel

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matt: 24:32-36) KJV

Harold Camping a little known radio preacher recently caught the attention of the world and mainstream media with his audacious predictions of the rapture of the church and the end of the world. Although the aged Camping had given similar apocalyptic predictions, which were found to be false, his devoted followers were hoping that this time his predictions would come to pass──They did not.

In light of this, one might well ask how any serious bible reader could be carried away with the foolishness of date setting to begin with? Furthermore, how could anyone with even a basic understanding of bible prophecy be defrauded into thinking any person could predict the exact day of the rapture and end of the world?

The truth is many bible teachers are led to such error because they have not developed a proper system of theology and eschatology with respect to the nation of Israel. In bible prophecy Israel is the fig tree. If you want to know where we are in relation to the events of the last days, then look at what is taking place with Israel. Continue reading →

The Baptism with the Holy Spirit – A Regeneration and Sanctification Perspective

The Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a very controversial subject within the Christian community. Although Christians of all denominations believe in a soteriology which includes a baptism with the Holy Spirit, theologically, all do not agree as to the time and manner in which a believer is baptized with the Holy Spirit.

It is our belief that the Holy Spirit baptism is promised to every believer regenerated by faith in Christ. However, not every believer is baptized with the Holy Spirit at the time of conversion.

As we examine the New Testament record found in the book of Acts, we shall discover, it is indeed possible to be converted to Christ and regenerated by the Spirit, but yet not receive the experience known as the Baptism with the Holy Spirit until some time afterward.

Why Must We Study the Book of Acts?

The book of Acts is the only history book in the New Testament. Unlike the epistles, which are letters written to churches or individuals to instruct believers in the faith; in Acts, Luke records with great detail the historical setting and chronology of the first century church as it unfolds, from the time leading up to the day of Pentecost 33 AD and the years immediately following.

While the epistles are written to those who had already received the experience of the baptism with the Holy Spirit, the book of Acts alone provides the historical record of how some of the churches and individuals to whom the epistles were written were saved and subsequently received the experience known as the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Without studying the book of Acts, one cannot understand or appreciate the distinction between being born again of the Spirit and being baptized with the Spirit (Jn. 3:5; Acts 1:5-8). The theological contribution of each historical account of early believers with the Holy Spirit is recorded with such detail as to provide a consistent biblical theology with respect to New Testament accounts of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Continue reading →

“Im not that bad”?

Over the last few months, I have talked to a few who shared their personal testimony with me. This is always interesting to me. In each testimony, there seems to be a re-occurring “theme” of sorts.

Especially concerning the individual’s lifestyle not being “so bad,” regarding drinking, smoking, and oh yeah, don’t forget, being incarcerated. (Please allow me a tiny bit of sarcasm.)

I believe it prideful to think we are not “as bad” as the “other guy,” who did, in human eyes, what some deem to be a worse sin than others. Take Catholicism, for instance; I understand that they put sin into two separate categories of venal (forgivable) and mortal (unforgivable).

However, Jesus tells us, that being a Christian is not about what we eat and drink, but about whether we can fulfill his commandment to love Him with all of our heart, mind, and soul; and whether we can love our neighbor (who may still do the aforementioned) as ourselves.

Some of the most powerful testimonies I’ve ever heard, happened from behind prison walls. You see; it is “but for the grace of God, there go I.” Continue reading →

Spiritual Warfare – What Every Christian Should Know

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph. 6:12-13 KJV)

Every Christian should become acquainted with the principles of spiritual warfare. The bible reveals we are in the midst of a great spiritual war. It is an invisible supernatural war that rages in the dimension of the spirit world, between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light (2 Kings 6:16-17).

This is not a new war; this war has existed for unknown eons of time. It is a war where fallen angels and demon spirits (the enemies of God) have become the rulers of the darkness of this world (age).

Satan, the god and prince of this world is the antagonist and instigator of this primeval conflict (Jn. 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:4). Together, with his army of fallen angels and demon spirits, his purpose is to thwart the eternal plan and purposes of God in heaven and Earth.

At the center of this conflict is God’s prize creation, Man.

The Invisible Enemy:

Whether we realize it or not an unseen but evil enemy is all around us. Whether we wake or sleep this spiritual warfare continually rages on.

Though most of us are unaware, unwitting, and unwilling participants, this war touches the everyday lives of every human being on Earth. There are no neutral parties in this war; there are no exceptions; no one is exempt. Continue reading →

The Godhead – Trinity or Oneness?

The bible declares that there is only one true God. The bible also declares that God is one, and that God has revealed Himself in eternity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-God in three persons. The apostle John writes,

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1 Jn. 5:7)

The triune nature of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is an infinite mystery that transcends human understanding. Therefore, it is impossible for the finite mind of man to grasp the infinite triune being of God.

By triune, we mean that God is a trinity. This means that God is three in one. He exists eternally in three separate and distinct persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Some do not approve of the term persons when referring to the Godhead. However, by saying God is a trinity, or that He eternally exists in three persons does not mean that there are three Gods; for this would be tri-theism (the belief in three Gods).

The use of the term persons in a theological sense is confined strictly to describe an infinite concept of the triune nature of God, so that finite man can approach the Godhead with an understanding that he can embrace. The term persons is used to represent the distinction within the Godhead. Continue reading →

The Lord’s Supper-Celebrating the Bread and the Cup

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (Acts 2:44).

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).

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (1 Cor. 10:16)

If you were raised in a traditional church setting you have become accustomed to participating in the special but sacred service called the Holy Communion. This special service, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper is traditionally administered by the clergy and is usually a solemn, reflective, and introspective time of prayer, confession, and re-dedication of the believer to Christ.

However, in contrast to most churches of today, churches of the 1^st century had an entirely different perspective and experience of what we call the Holy Communion.

The Common Meal

In the early church the Lord’s Supper was not reduced to a sacred ceremony consisting of a small cracker and a tiny glass of grape juice administered by professional clergy. In contrast to modern practice the early church observed the Lord’s Supper regularly, breaking bread from house to house. This consisted of a complete meal including bread and wine, symbols of the New Covenant (Acts 2:44, 46). Continue reading →

Understanding Prophecy, Prophesying, and Prophets

“Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. ” (1 Cor. 14:29-33)

The subject of prophecy, prophesying, and prophets has caught the attention of many believers today, so I thought I would take the time to weigh in on this important but controversial area.

It appears that some reject the idea of New Testament prophets in the church today. Some believe that since the canonization of the scriptures the gift of prophecy as well as the office of the prophet has ceased and they are no longer needed today.

Personally, I think there is a lack of fundamental knowledge and understanding in the Body of Christ when it comes to the entire arena of prophecy, prophesying, and prophets.

Compound the issue with the misuse and abuse of the gifts and callings of some who represent these things and you end up with confusion, misinformation, and mistrust of anything prophetic in nature. So, let us begin by defining what prophecy is. Continue reading →

Simple Church – Leadership and Government

<a href="http://www.vimeo.com/37322647">http://www.vimeo.com/37322647</a>

New Testament leadership and government is a subject of interest and controversy in today’s church. The types of church government and leadership in use today range from strong central government of an ecclesiastical body, to strong local government vested in a single leader, church board, or other congregational or representative body of either clergy or laity.

Simple churches (commonly called house churches) endorse an apostolic pattern of church planting and church government found in the book of Acts. In addition to emphasizing the planting of Simple churches, each local assembly is established to become an independent, self-governing body.

As such, Simple churches are not part of an ecclesiastical governmental structure, but a simple network of believers under the divine authority of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Each local assembly is a sovereign, autonomous body under the Headship of Jesus Christ. Continue reading →

Simple Church Feedback

The church as we know it is undergoing a radical change; a transformation from the institutional to the organic, as believers are coming together in a relational, family, House church, Simple church kind of way.

Simple Church Ministries of Lancaster and CharlesSmoot.org is devoted to spreading the good news of the “finished work” of Jesus Christ around the globe.

If you are currently attending or have attended “the church in Charles and Helen’s house,” let us know if this ministry has been a blessing to you by placing a comment under the blog post entitled Simple Church feedback.

If you are interested in sharing Christ within an organic setting you will find the House church an environment of discovery, experience, and celebration. To find a House church in your area go to http://www.hccentral.com/.

Blessings,

Charles & Helen Smoot

Faith, Works, and the Finished Work of the Cross

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (Jn. 19:30) KJV

Recently I received a letter from a dear brother who shared with me a conversation between two believers discussing the relationship between faith and works.

One assumed the position that salvation is a free-gift by grace through faith; the other the position that obedience is an essential component and evidence of salvation.

Without trying to be critical or judgmental, I believe such discussions exist because many believers do not have an understanding or appreciation of what is commonly referred to in theology as, the finished work of the cross.

More importantly, some believers do not appreciate nor understand how Christ’s finished work of substitution and atonement relates to the justification, sanctification, and preservation of the believer.

More Than Good News

All of my life I have heard many teach that the gospel is the good news. However, the gospel of Jesus Christ is more than simply good news.

Just what is it about this good news that makes it so good? Continue reading →

Simple Church-5 Dynamics of Organic Community

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ²Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ³Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ⁴Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. ⁵I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. ⁶If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ⁸Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples (St. Jn 15: 1-8). -KJV (emphasis mine)

Organic Relationship

One of the best known parables of Jesus is that of the Vine and the Branches. It is a metaphor that illustrates the spiritual, vital, and fruitful union shared between Christ and the church.

I particularly like this metaphor because it not only depicts the Headship of Christ; it also alludes to the inter-dependent and organic relationship of believers to each other.

1) This organic relationship underscores the vital dependence of each believer upon Christ, who is the source of our spiritual life and fruitfulness (Jn. 15:4; Col. 3:4).

2) This parable further illustrates the inter-dependent nature of the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:16).

As the individual branches are one with the vine, so we are “members one of another,” are “members in particular,” and share the same spiritual life of the Vine (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:27). Continue reading →

The Oneness of the Spirit

Sunday evening, I was delighted how “perfect strangers” could have oneness. The fellowship in our home meeting was an extra-ordinary experience shared by nine people, who, if not for Christ might not even connect in the world.

Ephesians 4:3 tells us to:

“Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace” (Amplified).

In our humanness we look for commonness in such things as age, sex, ethnicity, economics, etc, because this appeals to our flesh. Yet, what is truly powerful is what occurs when our spirits connect because of HIM, “…because you love one another” (Eph. 4:2 Amplified).

Go ahead; invite another believer into your home. Especially someone you don’t normally worship with and you will share the most important thing you have in common, the oneness of the Spirit.

Simple Church-How to meet under the Headship of Christ

The exaltation of Jesus Christ and the mutual edification of the Body of Christ should be the purpose and focus of every House church gathering.

When we come together, we are essentially practicing how to experience Jesus in our midst. This experience, however, does not take place over night.

It takes time for a House church to discover how to be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul spent many years writing letters to the church instructing them in the things of God.

The church in Corinth in particular was one in which Paul gave instructions in how to experience and share Christ in a decent and orderly way so that everyone could be mutually edified, encouraged, and strengthened in the faith.

The early churches gathered regularly to worship and share the life of Christ with one another. For a little over 300 years, believers primarily gathered in homes all across the city to pray, sing, worship, and share the life of Christ together.

Four pillars of early church community:

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers“ (Acts 2:42).

“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). Continue reading →

Baptism in a Bathtub-The day love cast out fear

WOW, what an unexpected treasure Saturday night. We have brothers and sisters who worship around a bonfire! We roast hot-dogs and marshmallows. One of the brothers wanted to be baptized.

The amazing thing to me is─He, like me, got overwhelmed with fear and feelings of inferiority. This is the lie of our enemy!

You see, we will NEVER be good enough in ourselves! We are good only good enough through the atonement of Jesus Christ (1 John 4:10).

I know so many who have had a similar experience prior to their own baptism.

1 John 4:18 (Amplified) says, “There is no fear in love (dread does not exist), but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns out of doors and expels every trace of terror!”

It was a beautiful thing to watch the saints encourage him and to see love cast out fear.

We all piled into the bathroom and watched our dear brother go into the water. Hallelujah! What a wonderful experience.

There are so many times the Lord tells us to “fear not.” I encourage you to do a word search on it. Fear does come in many forms. Walk in faith and obedience. The Lord gives courage through His love and Spirit.

The Law, A Shadow of Things to Come

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (Heb. 10:1)

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. (Col. 2:17)

The Law, A Shadow of Things To Come

It has been said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is Old Testament revealed. However, many preachers do not understand the relationship between the types and shadows of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament (Col. 2:17).

When interpreting and applying Old Testament scriptures many have ignored a very important hermeneutic principle of interpretation. That is:

When interpreting the relationship between the types and shadows of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament, we must progress in revelation and knowledge from a revealed truth (the New Testament covenant of Grace)in order to understand a concealed truth (the Old Testament covenant of The Law).

Think of the Law as the shadow of an object which is cast backward through time. The shadow (in this instance) is the Old Testament typology of the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms (Lk. 24:44). The object which cast the shadow backward through time is the cross of Jesus Christ, His “finished work,“ and the New Testament of Grace.

In other words, as New Testament believers, we must interpret the types and shadows of the Law from the standpoint of Grace rather than interpret Grace from the standpoint of the Law.

Just because we are first introduced to The Law (the shadow) does not mean that we are to use the Law to interpret Grace (the body casting the shadow) (Col.2:17). Why is this so? Continue reading →

The Law, No longer under a Schoolmaster

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Gal. 3:24-25)

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (Heb. 10:1)

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. (Heb. 7:19)

No Longer Under a Schoolmaster

Although the Old Testament canon of scripture (Genesis – Malachi) is referred to as the Law and the Prophets, the Law specifically was the moral, civil, and ceremonial code that was given to the prophet Moses as revealed in the first five books of the Bible known as the Pentateuch (Genesis – Deuteronomy).

The apostle Paul said this law was the handwriting of ordinances contained in commandments that was against us and contrary to us (Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14). Continue reading →

What team do you root for?

After watching “my” Cowboys loose last evening, it became evident to me; we can have an identity problem.

People like associating themselves with things. A danger to believers is in being enamored with belonging to the biggest, latest, or best church in town.

If “serving” or church membership is more valued than your personal devotional worship, prayer, or study time, it may have become an idol.

Matt 6:21 tells us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be.”

Remember what team you are on. We are followers of Jesus Christ.

Legalism

Since the dawn of history and in each age or dispensation thereafter, man has always attempted to justify himself, to make him-self holy, clean, acceptable and right with God. In addition, man has always attempted to improve on God’s plan of redemption. Such attempts have always led man to some form of legalism.

Since the beginning of the church and for nearly 2,000 years, there has also existed a great debate within-a theological tug of war between proponents of law vs. grace and works vs. faith. This is written about that struggle, a struggle that will continue until Jesus returns.

Legalism, A Religious Phenomenon

Legalism is a religious phenomenon within the Body of Christ. At the core of legalism is the concept of righteousness through works (human merit). For the purposes of this work, I would like to offer the following definition of works.

Works: righteous acts, deeds, effort, or service based on human merit.

Righteousness through works is self-righteousness. Self-righteousness and legalism are both a curse and a stumbling block to the Body of Christ (Rom. 9:31-33).

Legalism is responsible for more darkness and false teaching within the Body of Christ than anything else.

Legalism, The Yoke of Bondage

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines legalism as strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code. For purposes of this work, I offer a definition of legalism:

Legalism is any belief system where man derives merit through the keeping of the Law or other man-made doctrines, disciplines, or rules in order that he might obtain righteousness with God and thereby secure for himself favor, blessings, and in the end, salvation and eternal life. Continue reading →