CAN WE WORSHIP AND BREAK BREAD IN OUR HOUSES?

CAN WE WORSHIP AND BREAK BREAD IN OUR HOUSES?

By BENSON OMOLE.

Good day to you, Brethren.

You too must have experienced what I have been witnessing, these few days. I have received many requests, seeking for my opinion, understanding, and judgement concerning the correctness of breaking the bread, at home. This agitation was necessitated by the present pandemic, and the subsequent medical advice banning all public forms of gathering. Then, many churches dissolved to meeting at home, hence this “family-worship” style. 

Many matured Saints want to know whether Christians are scripturally authorized to practice all the items of worship at homes. I will attempt to answer this question. I may not be able to satisfy all the agitating minds, on this matter. Let me say this, with every sense of humility, someone must initiate the discussion! 

Let us quickly consider the acts that make a worship complete, full, and perfect. The very first place to go, must be the beginning of the new testament worship, in Acts of the Apostles, chapter Two: 

“…42 ¶ And <de> they continued <en> steadfastly <proskartereo> in the apostles <apostolos>' doctrine <didache> and <kai> fellowship <koinonia>, and <kai> in breaking <klasis> of bread <artos>, and <kai> in prayers <proseuche>…47 Praising <aineo> God <theos>, and <kai> having <echo> favour <charis>…”

We can favorably deduce from these verses that the early Christians were consistently doing the following in their worship:

1. Teaching, and Admonishing themselves in the Apostles’ doctrine. v42.

2. Fellowshipping (Contribution, Sharing) with one another, according to needs. v42.

3. Breaking of Bread, for the remembrance of His death. v42.

4. Prayers, to God, by the authority of our Savior Jesus Christ. v42.

5. Praising God, with their lips, in songs from their hearts too. v47.

Therefore, in the church of the first century they actively participated in several devotional acts of worship on the Lord’s day. 

A. Teaching (which included reading the Scriptures), and Admonition was done (Colossians 4:16; 1Thess. 5:27). 

B.  Contribution was taken (1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Acts 11:27-30). 

C. The Lord’s Supper was observed (Matt 26:26; Luke 22:19; Acts 20:7). 

D.  Prayers were made to GOD (1 Corinthians 14:15, 16). 

E.  The church sang songs to the glory of God (Ephesians 5:18-19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15). 

However, there are divine rules governing the performance of each of these items of worship. For the convenience of this discussion, I will direct our minds to the GENERAL rules of worship, and will make comments on the SPECIFIC rules governing each of these items of worship.

GENERAL RULES OF WORSHIP.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was traveling from Judea to Galilee, John 4:3. On His way He came to the city of Sychar, John 4:5. There He saw a Samaritan woman, and after few discussions, He told her that:

"…but the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:23-24. 

Jesus Christ, in that statements revealed three elements as general rule, or standard of an acceptable worship:

A.  The object of an acceptable worship is GOD, the Almighty. Matthew 4:10.

B.  The correct attitude of acceptable worship is to first have a right spirit, sober character, sincere disposition before GOD. 2Cor. 8:5. 

C.  The pattern of an acceptable worship must conform to the revealed truth, the divine standard, the Word of GOD. Colossians 3:16, 17; Rom. 1:9.

SPECIFIC RULES OF WOSHIP.

There are specific rules and standards governing each of these items of worship:

TEACHING/ADMONITION.

CONTENT:

Each Local assembly of GOD must teach the BIBLE, the WORD of GOD, only.   

a. “…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2Tim. 3:14-17. 

b. “… For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope…” Romans !5:4.

c. “…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2Peter 1:20-21.

d. “… If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed…” 1Tim. 4: 6.

e  “…Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching…” 2Tim. 4: 2.

f.  “… These things command and teach…” 1Tim. 4:11.

g.  “…For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith…" Rom. 1:16-17.

WHO IS TO TEACH IN THE ASSEMBLY:

Jesus Christ, the owner of the Church made provision for His Church to be fed with the “food of the spirit”, the Word of GOD, constantly.

He initially gave such gifts as,

EVANGELIST 

PASTORS/ELDERS, and 

TEACHERS

                For the purpose of reminding the church, the doctrine of Christ, in the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make one wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. To profit the church in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the assembly may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

There is no scriptural reason to admonish the Church of the Lord by the performing Artists, Jesters, Comedian, Motivational Speakers, and etc.

The Word of GOD did not permit women to teach in the Church meeting, 1Tim. 2: 11-15; 1Cor. 14:33-35. However, women can teach at Home, 1Peter 3:1-2; Acts 18:24-26.

FREQUENCY: 

The church can be taught, and be admonished any day, any time of their choice. The Teacher may adopt any approved method to teach, and admonish the church. The Brethren can be taught, anywhere they gather, at home, streets, assembly Hall, rented Hall; Open field, etc.

QUESTIONS DURING TEACHING.

This is at the discretion of the Teacher, and the Brethren.

COLLECTION AND SHARING.

DESIGNATED DAY.

Giving to GOD in the worship can only be done on the first day of the week, (SUNDAY).

A.  “…Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come…” 1Cor. 16:1-2.

B.  “…And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God… For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have…” 2Cor. 8:5, 12.

C.  “…But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So, let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work…” 2Cor. 9:6-8.

COMMENTS: -

1.  Christians are commanded to give from their provisions to GOD, during the worship, as coded in the New Testament, to all the churches of Christ.

2.  Giving to God, in the Christian worship is mandatory, (“so you must do also”).

3.  Christian Worshippers must give to GOD, only on the Lord’s Day, Sunday. Giving to GOD, in the worship, is a weekly responsibility.

4.  The responsibility to give, on the Lord’s Day, is to EACH Christian. Not to a group of Christians, but to each Christian! Individuals.

5.  Collation of Offerings by a group of Christians, or by families is not approved in the doctrine! Each Christian is to give to God. 1Cor. 16:2.

6.  Barnabas, Ananias + Sapphira gave gifts to the church, for the upkeep of the Brethren! This may not be at the worship session of the Church.

7.  Christians are to give to GOD as they were prospered. There is no authority for any percentage, anymore.

8.  A Giver to GOD must first surrender his/her will, mind to God, through Jesus Christ, by the faith.

9.  There must be first the willingness to release the money to GOD. The Giver must be the owner of the gift!

10.  Giving to God, in the worship must be proportionate to the financial worth of the Giver.

11.  Giving must be purposeful, and from the heart. 

12.  Must be cheerfully given, and not grudgingly.

13.  Giving of Offering to God is not compulsorily required, from a Christian who does not have! 

BREAKING OF BREAD.

1.  “…And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you…” Luke 22:19-20.

2.  “…Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight…” Acts 20:7.

3.  “…For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Therefore, whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body…” 1Cor. 11:26-29.

4.  “…Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another…” 1Cor. 11:33.

COMMENTS: -

A.  The emblem must not be changed from the items used by our Lord Jesus Christ: the unleavened Bread; and juice from the Fruits of the Vine.

B.  The Day authorized for the observance of the Holy Communion is the first Day of the week, Sunday. Acts 20:7

C.  The purpose of the Holy Communion is to remember the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though this memorial is to be done only on Sunday, the Day of our Lord, because He resurrected on that Day, the First Day of The Week.

D.  One of the basic rules of this observance is that Christians must come/gather together into one place. “…when the disciples came together to break bread…” Acts 20:7; “…when you come together in one place…” 1Cor. 11:20; “…Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another…” 1Cor. 11:33.

E.  The memorial of our Lord Jesus Christ must be held on the Lord’s Day, when the Brethren, in a Local Assembly, come together to worship God.

F.  The acts performed in the Matt. 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20, were to be described only as an example, or a type, of the Lord’s Supper. It was the Last Supper, which was designed by Jesus Christ, to typify the Lord’s Supper. Hence His statement, "…But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom…" Matt. 26:29. “…"for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Luke 22:16.

G.  If a Brother, for necessity sake, cannot gather together with the Brethren, at the Church meeting, can the Church send him his own ration of the Communion emblems? The answer is No. 

Secondly, if a family is absent, because of a natural calamity, can the Church take the communion to them at home? No!

Thirdly, can that same family break their own bread, at home?

If all these three cases mentioned above are not authorised to bread bread. Why?

The Lord’s Supper is called a Communion “koinonia” because it is to be shared and distributed “koinonia” together, in the fellowship “koinonia”, by the Brethren, jointly. These are the ways “koinonia” was interpreted in the Bible.

     I.  1Cor. 10:16: - The cup <poterion> of blessing <eulogia> which <hos> we bless <eulogeo>, is it <esti> not <ouchi> the communion <koinonia> of the blood <haima> of Christ <Christos>? The bread <artos> which <hos> we break <klao>, is it <esti> not <ouchi> the communion <koinonia> of the body <soma> of Christ <Christos>?

      II.  2Cor. 9:13; - Whiles by <dia> the experiment <dokime> of this <taute> ministration <diakonia> they glorify <doxazo> God <theos> for <epi> your <humon> professed <homologia> subjection <hupotage> unto <eis> the gospel <euaggelion> of Christ <Christos>, and <kai> for your liberal <haplotes> distribution <koinonia> unto <eis> them <autos>, and <kai> unto <eis> all <pas> men;

       III.  Ac 2:42: - ¶ And <de> they continued <en> stedfastly <proskartereo> in the apostles <apostolos>' doctrine <didache> and <kai> fellowship <koinonia>, and <kai> in breaking <klasis> of bread <artos>, and <kai> in prayers <proseuche>.

H.   Can a Brother break Bread alone? No. Breaking of Bread is a communal item of worship. One person cannot Break bread alone. One person may worship at home, or in isolation. One may sing, pray, and encourage self. One cannot break Bread, nor do Giving alone.

I.  In like manner, Family worship is not a replacement for Church worship.

J.  The place for the Communion of the Lord’s Supper is in the Church of God; The place for the common meal is in the Home, Houses. Read this: - “…What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God…” 1Cor. 11:22.

PRAYERS TO GOD.

PRAYER is an essential item of the Church worship.

A.  "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him…” Matt. 6:5-15.

B.  "…And in that day, you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.” John 16:22-27.

C.  "…Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you…” Matt. 7:7.

D.  “…Therefore, if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? …Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge…For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 1Cor. 14:23-29.

E.  "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.… "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you…” Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:27-49.

COMMENTS:-

A.  Christians have a Heavenly Father whom they commune with often.

B.  In Christian worship, a soul can pray to God, alone. Likewise, in a Family devotion, they can pray to GOD.

C.  In Church worship only One voice leads the Church in prayers, at a time. The others say AMEN, to the prayers. 

Amen means “so be it” (That I may perform <quwm> the oath <sh@buw`ah> which I have sworn <shaba> unto your fathers <'ab>, to give <nathan> them a land <'erets> flowing <zuwb> with milk <chalab> and honey <d@bash>, as it is this day <yowm>. Then answered <`anah> I, and said <'amar>, So be it <'amen>, O LORD Jer.11:5); 

It also means “in truth” (That he who blesseth <barak> himself in the earth <'erets> shall bless <barak> himself in the God <'elohiym> of truth <'amen>; and he that sweareth <shaba> in the earth <'erets> shall swear <shaba> by the God <'elohiym> of truth <'amen>; because the former <ri'shown> troubles <tsarah> are forgotten <shakach>, and because they are hid <cathar> from mine eyes <`ayin>. 

D.  Since the meaning of Amen is an acknowledgement of all the requests made in the body of the prayers, therefore it is to be a closing affirmation. Amen must be said at the close of the prayers.

E.  Prayer to God is a great privilege, made possible only “by the name” (by the authority) of our Savior Jesus Christ. Phil. 2:9-10; Eph. 2:18.

F.  Jesus Christ is the only access we have to GOD. Ephesian 2:18; John 14:6: - "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me…”

G.  Love, (Agape) is an essential ingredient in the Christian worship, especially in the Prayers.

H.  God answer all prayers, but in different ways:  

1.  Yes, have all your request.

2.  Yes, your request will be met soonest.

3.  No, but have some other things.

4.  No, you are not qualified.

 SINGING TO GOD.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

         We can worship God by singing (Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual songs).

A.  “…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…” Col. 3:16.

B.  “…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Eph. 5:19.

C.  “…What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding...” 1Cor. 14:15.

D.  “…Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms…” James 5:13.

E.  “…But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…” Acts 16:25.

    COMMENTS: -

A.  Individual Christian can sing to God. James 5:13.

B.  In the Christian Family devotion, they can sing to God.

C.  The Church sings to GOD the Almighty, in all her worship.

D.  Christians were authorized to sing a Capella only, in all their worships.

E.  There is no authority for clapping of Hands, and Dancing during the singing!

F.  Likewise, there is no authority for selected Singers (Choirs, and etc.) as Church do not sing songs to entertain themselves.

G.  The lyrics, wordings, of the Christian songs must be understandable, useful to communicate, and admonish themselves.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES.

Our Heavenly Father is very generous to have lavished His love on us, and also permitting us (mere Mortals) to worship Him, acceptably!

A.  He accepts our personal, individual worship, (worshipping alone):

1.   When I sing to Him.

2.   When I pray to Him.

3.   When I admonish myself in His Holy Word.

4.   In the personal worship/devotion, the worship is perfect/complete, even without Breaking of Bread, and conducting Giving to God.

5.  Even, mid-week services of a Local Church is also complete/perfect, though Brethren do not Break Bread nor do Collection of money!

B.  He also accepts our Family devotion and worship.

1.  When we sing to Him.

2.  When we pray to Him.

3.  When we admonish our family members, in His Holy Word.

4.  Family Devotion is different from the Church Worship!

5.  There is no authority to Break Bread at home, in a family devotion. (Except if the Church meets in the home). For example, the rule of silence for women applies to the Church meetings, not at family devotions. “…let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law…” 1Cor. 14:34. Women can pray at home, if instructed to do so by the Husband. Women can even teach Husbands at home, in case of need. “…and if they would learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home: for it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church…” 1Cor. 14:35; 1Peter 3:1.

6.  Some Local Churches do meet in the homes/houses of some Brethren, Rom. 16:5; 1Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15; Philemon 1:2. These are purely Local Congregations. The worship of this type of Congregation is not a FAMILY WORSHIP!

7.  Likewise, the rule of Giving as commanded, allows each one to give to God, not by groups of families, or friends. “…let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper…” 1Cor. 16:2. “…it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he has not. RSV 2Cor. 8:12. “…So let each one give as he purposes in his heart…” 2Cor. 9:7. Each Christian is to store up till the commencement of the Church meeting, and there give to God. There is no authority that Collection will first be collected, collated by the family, before it gets to God.

CONCLUSSION.  

1.  The CHURCH is described in the scripture in two ways: - 

    A. CHURCH UNIVERSAL. Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22-23.

    B. LOCAL CHURCH. 1 Cor 16:1: 2 Cor 8:1; Rom 16:1; Acts 14:20-23. 

2.  At this time of the pandemic, all gathering of people are banned in almost all the countries of the World.

3.  Churches/Brethren can no longer meet for worship purposes, in their assemblies.

4.  Brethren have therefore resulted to meeting at home. This step is sometimes necessary during a time of war, pandemic, persecution, and etc.

5.  At the end of this pandemic, we must be careful not to substitute the Church worship with the Family devotion. The setting, and the arrangement of Local Congregation is divinely commanded and authorized, in the BIBLE.  “…not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting [one another]; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh…” Heb. 10:25-29.

                                                            

THANK YOU FOR READING.

Please make your questions, and comments.

Benson Omole, a gospel Preacher, works with the Church of Christ Ekute Quarters Ado Ekiti, in Nigeria.

He can be reached on +2348032208899; +2348054224342; +2348060066660.