2 Kings 6-7 / Acts 15:36-16:15 / Psalm 142 / Proverbs 17:24-25
There are many perspectives on what a Church gathering should look like. Some believe the group must meet in a certain building. Some believe there must be certain elements included for the gathering to be a true Christian service. Some believe anywhere the body of Christ gathers is to be considered the Church.
No matter what you believe about the forms we observe – whether in a building or out, whether singing, scripture reading or studying, altar calls, communion, or many other things that might be included – any time Christians gather and honor the name of Christ, His presence is there, and “Church” has been had.
Some prefer traditional organ music with hymns, some enjoy a guitar and what we used to call scripture choruses. Some want a carefully laid out order of service, and some prefer a structure that allows Holy Spirit to direct within that framework.
That’s why I found it interesting that on the Sabbath Paul and Silas were not in the synagogue, but rather they went outside the city to a riverbank where they expected other believers would be gathered to pray. They were in the large city of Philippi, so I would guess there was a synagogue in which to meet. The text doesn’t tell us why they chose to meet in a non-traditional place. Maybe they were looking for those not normally found in the traditional setting.
No matter the reason for the change in the usual routine of meeting in the synagogue, Paul and Silas found themselves talking with a woman named Lydia. She was a merchant of expensive purple cloth, so she was likely wealthy. She also worshiped God. She easily received the message preached because the Lord opened her heart to the truth – on a riverbank, outside the city.
Scripture says Lydia and her household were baptized, so evidently they were ready to hear the message of Truth brought to them. I’m fascinated by the concept of someone and their household being baptized and as I studied I found varied opinions on the topic.
Since it would be inappropriate to force Christianity upon someone who was not ready, I don’t believe Lydia compelled her household to be baptized. One of two things likely happened. Either her family members were with her, heard the message, believed, and were baptized. Or she shared the message with them when she returned home, they believed, and wanted to be baptized.
If you have received Christ and been baptized, and your household did not follow you in your faith, there is still hope and time. I wish it were as simple as every member believing together, but that does not always happen. I will encourage you not to give up praying and believing for the salvation of your family members.
They have seen your journey and heard your testimony. I believe faith has already been planted within their hearts and that at the right time, God will cause them to respond to His Truth and Love.
So, whether in a traditional or non-traditional setting – whether with an organ, a guitar or a whole band – whether communion is observed or not – Jesus Christ is well able to meet His people wherever they gather and bring growth and change to them by His Word and Spirit.
