Colossians 4:15-18; Acts 2:42-47

Recurrent Thought

Members of a local Church play a significant role in what that assembly becomes and fulfills in its locality

The New Testament local assembly grew out of an organizational structure and culture that was found to be very effective. These building blocks when repeated with precision, from one region to another, made the church grow stronger and faster. The local church is resilient when it follows the basic but enduring NT building blocks. Despite going through the most difficult first three hundred years following, the NT Church grew both in character and number. From its Middle East setting, the Church expanded to Western Europe from there it further went to the Americas, and the rest of the world. With its Judeo-Christian values, the Church became the backbone and an instigator of many social-humanitarian developments wherever it was planted. It fostered good standards of living, and establish important humanitarian institutions such as hospitals and schools. 

Despite its obvious visionary expansion in the Global South, the church has, however, dwindled in Europe where it used to be very strong. Postmodernistic philosophies have affected the church so much, that the confusion of the world has entered the church. Only a small percentage of people now go to church in most West European nations that were once strong in the Faith and missionary zeal. It is been stated that 10% of the 1600 Anglican Churches in Britain are empty. Hundreds of such buildings are sold and converted into mosques, bars, etc. Although thousands of churches get started every year, thousands of others die and get closed. The effect is on the ministers too. As thousands get recruited, thousands of others leave the ministry each year

As Paul wraps the letter to the Colossians, he underscores some of the most significant building blocks of a church. Traditionally a local assembly, which in Greek is known as ekklesia is a “called out assembly composed of unique people with a strong allegiance to Jesus Christ.” Paul in not so direct way refers to what made the NT local Christian Assemblies start, strive, and thrive even in the harshest and hardest places. The following four Building Blocks of the New Testament local Churches

1. Biblically Based Local Churches Regularly Assemble Together (4:15)
   • Despite that the earliest of the believers were connected to the Jewish religion as a people, they slowly became distinctly and predominantly gentile in nature.
   • In Jerusalem, and as they went further out, the earliest churches met in houses.
   • Some members, would open their homes for the church to assemble.
   • We are told at Colosse the Church met in the House of Nympha. Depending on biblical version others translate it as Nymphas, which is male, and Nympha which is female. 
   • Fellowship is significant and the first of the building block for a strong Church
   • The New Testament Church was largely a “house movement.” They met from house to house (Acts 5:42; 8:3; 20:20) 
   • A Church that does not assemble loses out to the strength that fellowship gives 
   • Covid-19 Pandemic has made popular virtual delivery of Church services. It is an amazing thing we have seen in recent times. We must remember that as good as the virtual church is fine, we should not exchange and replace it with face-to-face fellowship. It should supplement and not cancel.  This does not mean it cancels your faith. You are not a Christian because you attend a church, but you attend a church because you a Christian;
   • As we meet together it helps to solidify our faith. Meeting helps to establish accountability which gives everyone walls to lean on for stability. A house church gives us a place for service to one another. It is a place we can demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ for others, practically.
     
     ICA Superten Cell System
     
     The International Christian Assembly is a Cell-based Church. We meet in houses every week. We don’t have a centralized traditional midweek bible study. This is ICA Grand Strategy. Every life activity is done through and in connection with it. Membership, Dedication, Wedding, Funerals, etc. As we come out of Covid 19: We have lower numbers in the Superten Cell system. We have fewer numbers accepting to use their home for a Cell. I encourage, You to be like Nympha who opened her home to the Church. Let go of your humble and many times camouflaged excuses of being busy, not ready, or we are poor etc
2. A Biblically Based Local Assembly Regularly Studies Scriptures Together (4:16)
   • When Paul wrote the letter to them, he admonished them to read it and also read the one from Laodicea, a city that was 9 miles from Colosse within the same Lycus Valley.
   • These were Circular letters written to the Churches for their admonition and direction
   • The Word was central to the NT Local Churches. They were to read the word publicly 
   • Apostolic Church began a tradition that became the building block of the Church: 
     Act 2:42  And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 
   • At the core of it was gathering around the Apostles’ Doctrine. 
   • Strong biblical local Assemblies are established by the Word. When people are ardent disciples they preserve in themselves the word that protects that future of the movement.
   • Notice that they are supposed to also read the letter from Laodicea. We don’t know how, but the Church is knocked down by heresies (Rev. 3:14-20)
3. A Biblically Based Local Assembly Regularly Encourages the Exercise of Ministry (4:17)
   • We have Archippus who is singled out in this letter. Imagine that this was to be ready publicly and in another Church!!
   • Archippus is mentioned in the book of Philemon and is believed to be the Son to Philemon and Appia (Philemon 1:2)
   • Furthermore, it is believed as Epaphras went to Rome, He left the young man Archippus to lead the congregation. He was the stand-in pastor for the senior pastor
   • As a young man he was intimidated and Paul writes to encourage
   • A local assembly, a house church is a center you are encouraged to exercise your ministry
   • We have too many “Archippuses” who are not engaged in the ministry God called them into
   • Lots of people receive ministry from the Lord, which they do not fulfill .
   • It is true that there are many discouraged people and the local church becomes the place of encouragement.
   • Next Generation ministers are the hope for the continuation of the Christian Church. 
   • Ministry maybe confusing, but for You all have the calling be encouraged!
4. Biblically Based Local Churches Are Sensitive with Suffering (4:18)
   • This was likely written by a secretary but he notarized it. 
   • Paul informs them to remember His Chains. Does he want them to have a pity party? 
   • It is for them to remember him before the throne of God in Prayer
   • He also writes them to remember the plight of prisoners, people who are suffering
   • Today, we have the church in prison, others are persecuted
   • Every Church, whether small or big must have a perception of those suffering

Paul Starts and Finishes the Letter with Grace echoing the fact that we do all things within the space of His grace

Paul began the letter with the salutation of Grace to You and Peace from God our Father (1:2)

Paul now ends the letter with greetings of Grace be with You (4:18)

Altar of Prayer

Dedicate oneself for the perpetuation of the Church
You have a Part to Play