From house to house #2: Continuing to bring the good news right to the world

In the previous posting we saw how the first century community of the group The Way could grow.

The disciples of the Nazarene Jewish master teacher Jeshua (Jesus Christ) were convinced that he was that long ago promised Messiah, who was to bring salvation for them and the world. They doubted not his position, being a son of man, sent and authorized by God, to declare the Most High and to show His Wonderworks. They never considered the man they could see and touch, to be the invisible Spirit God. They also knew that man of flesh and blood before them, had also to grow up and learn all things, whilst God is the Only One Who knows everything. They were aware that many people questioned Jesus his authority and that it was difficult to grasp for many that such a humble preacher could be the king spoken of in the Scriptures.

Jesus and his followers of the first hour were considered people who had no right to explain the Words of God. The Jewish leaders, like the church leaders of today, did not acknowledge non-ordained rabbis as workers of God. As such the talmidim, and newer disciples of Jesus and the apostles, were not liked by those leaders, to have the attention of the plebs. Though such aversion against them did not stop them for continuing the work of their master. The aggression against them did not hold them back from telling others any of the things that were profitable, nor from teaching the bystanders publicly and from house to house. They also kept rejoicing because they were able to go from house to house bringing such Good News.

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, (Acts 20:20, NRKJV)

46 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, NRKJV)

40 And they were persuaded by him. And after summoning the apostles, having beat them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. 41 Indeed therefore they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to be treated shamefully for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they ceased not teaching and preaching good news, Jesus, the Christ. (Acts 5:40-42, ACV))

They also did not consider their message as something exclusively for one or another group of people. All the apostles were convinced that they had to follow up the task given to them by their master, getting everybody to hear the message of God. Having accepted Jesus, did not make them to sit down and do nothing with that faith. Without doing something for Christ and God their faith would be of no use, because faith without works is death. Like Jesus had done the works of Whom had sent him, followers of Christ should also do the works for God.

3 Yahushua answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of Elohim should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:3-5, NRKJV)

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (Jas 2:26, NRKJV)

Therefore, they all thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving יהוה with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward יהוה, and faith toward our Saviour Yahushua the Messiah. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Spirit witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. (Acts 20:18-23, NRKJV)

The apostle Paul told the elders of Ephesus:

“From the first day that I stepped into the district of Asia . . . I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house. But I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.” (Ac 20:18-21; compare KJ, Dy, AS, RS, Mo, NIV, La.) {“katoikon” – ‘according to house’ or ‘from house to house’}

Paul was here speaking of his efforts to preach to these men when they were yet unbelievers, persons needing to know

“about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.”

Thus, from the start of his missionary service in Asia, Paul searched “from house to house” for spiritually inclined persons. Finding such ones, he doubtless returned to their homes to teach them further and, as these became believers, to strengthen them in the faith. Dr. A. T. Robertson, in his book Word Pictures in the New Testament, comments as follows on Acts 20:20:

“By (according to) houses. It is worth noting that this greatest of all preachers preached from house to house and did not make his visits mere social calls.”​—1930, Vol. III, pp. 349, 350.

Going from door to door has not to be just to have a little chat. Or it is not about the socializing the apostles talk in their letters. As in the time of the apostles we too should solemnly testify before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is going to judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. When baptized we should not consider ourselves saved in such a way that we do not have to do anything any more for our faith. No matter what sort of season, cold or warm weather, dry or wet, we should make an effort to meet others to talk about Jesus and his God. Every day of every season we should reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. Certainly these days we should know that even when we have to face so many people who they will not tolerate sound doctrine, we have to confront them with the Biblical truth. It was already known in the apostles their time that many will accumulate teachers to themselves according to their own desires, who tickle the ear,  and will indeed turn the ear away from the truth, and will be turned aside to myths. But every follower of Christ should be  sober in all things, enduring afflictions, doing the work of an evangelist, bringing his ministry to fullness.

Knowing that in the last days+ critical times shall be hard to deal with for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power. Also, from those people will arise preachers who love shouting or raising their voice with empty wordspresenting empty speeches that violate what is holy or set apart+ . Such preachers shall be liked very much but shall not be the ones who shall preach the real Jesus and his Only One True God. Those more favourable preachers with their big or even mega churches shall lead to more and more ungodliness, their word spread like gangrene. 

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto יהוה, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more wickedness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2Tim 2:15-18, NRKJV)

Going around or preaching on the internet we should not be afraid to show others how those men have deviated from the truth, preferring the false human doctrine of the Trinity, making of the all-knowing God a fool and liar, having Jesus not knowing when he would come back or when the end-times would come.

As real believers and followers of Christ Jesus, the sent one from God we do not have to be afraid that the solid foundation of God shall not remain standing, having this seal,

“Jehovah knows those who belong to him.”

As believers in the Only One true God, believing that Jesus is His only begotten beloved son, we should never stop calling on the name of Jehovah, renouncing unrighteousness or fearing people. We may not cease showing others the Bibbblical Truth so that they too can come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

Paul exhorted his friend Timothy to preach the word.

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all יהוה delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live reverently in Yahushua the Messiah shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Yahushua the Messiah. (2Tim 3:10-15, NRKJV)

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Preceding

A Book to trust #29 God His Book, God-breathed profitable for doctrine, for reproof and for correction

Trinitarians making their proof for existence of God look ridiculous #2

Trinitarians making their proof for existence of God look ridiculous #3

Trinitarians making their proof for existence of God look ridiculous #4

When a day of darkness and of gloominess shall come

Christ the foundation of the church

How do you keep an eye out for heretical teachings?

From those preaching the Gospel and Baptism in Jesus name

The Most Appropriate teacher and Scoffers in our contemporary age

Making proclamation as a herald

When a day of darkness and of gloominess shall come

Preaching Christ not done to isolate him in the minds of their listeners

From house to house #1: Not ceasing to Preach daily in the temple and in every house

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Additional reading

1. We may not be ignorant to get wisdom
2. Bible, sword of the Spirit to come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man
3. Daily Spiritual Food To prepare ourselves for the Kingdom of God
4. Prayer of a man of flesh and blood who is authorized and glorified by God
5. Faith, hope and love abide
6. When Jesus saw their faith
7. Matthew 13 – Parables on Kingdom mysteries
8. Matthew 15 An argument with the Scribes – Teachers and traditions
9. Matthew 20 It is never too late
10. Matthew 21:10-11 Who Is This? – a Question still posed today #2
11. More than just a man with authority of speaking
12. The son of man given authority by God
13. Authority from the One God to one mediator between God and men
14. Knowing The Truth and Loving The Truth
15. Salvation and Righteousness
16. The Mountain: Radical Obedience
17. Commanded to love
18. The Mountain: Radical Love
19. A Royal Rule given to followers of Christ
20. The Call of Christ
21. As Christ’s slaves doing the Will of God in gratitude
22. When having found faith through the study of the Bible we do need to do works of faith
23. Justification – salvation is by grace through faith – JI Packer
24. Our life depending on faith
25. Faith itself not the cause of justification – Louis Berkhof
26. Paul giving notice of the works we have to do
27. The works we have to do according to James
28. James 2:14-23 — Justified Dynamic Faith & works
29. James 2:24 – You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
30. James 2:25. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
31. Comments to James remarks, about Faith and works
32. Letter to the Romans, chapter 3
33. Romans 4 and the Sacraments
34. Additional comments to the Letter to the Romans 4
35. Luther’s misunderstanding
36. Which is worse–works without faith, or faith without works?
37. January 27, 417, Pope Innocent I condemning Pelagius about Faith and Works
38. God’s wrath and sanctification
39. The Hater of Jesus and Jesus’ followers having become a speaker for him
40. Back from gone #4 Your inner feelings and actions
41. Gates to different belief systems in this world
42. There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving
43. Myth 12: The Hyper-Grace Gospel Makes People Lazy
44. What sort people of faith do we want to be
45. Being Religious and Spiritual 8 Spiritual, Mystic and not or well religious
46. Faith Alone Does Not Save . . . No Matter How Many Times Protestants Say It Does
47. Kel Hammond on Faith, grace and works
48. Every Believer Must Do Good Works and Proclaim the Gospel
49. Mental Enslavement and Sins Syndrome (MESS)
50. Americans their stars, pretension, God, Allah and end of times signs #2 War on God’s Plan, Name and title
51. To Soar In The Spirit You Have To Be Hard Core
52. Today’s thought “They flattered … they lied” (February 14)
53. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God
54. Breathing and growing with no heir
55. Breathing to teach
56. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong
57. Evangelisation, local preaching opposite overseas evangelism
58. Answering a fool according to his folly
59. When questioned about your faith
60. Together we can Cultivate more faith
61. United helping to spread the Good News
62. Cognizance at the doorstep or at the internet socket
63. The Christadelphians or “Brethren in Christ”

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Related

1. Must We Study the Bible?
2. God Requires Us To Do Some Research
3. Read, Meditate, Delight, Obey: I. Meditating on God’s Word
4. The Written Word
5. Does Anyone Read the Bible anymore?
6. Read the Bible with an Open Mind and an Open Heart
7. The Authority of Scripture
8. Why Do Inerrantists Think the Bible is Inerrant Anyway?
9. The Power of Scripture
10. Jesus, history, myth, reality
11. Who Is Jesus? (by Shaped by the word)
12. Who is Jesus? (by Facts are best)
13. Jesus Changing face of Jesus-myth vs a historicized life of Jesus and a new spirituality – gnosticism
14. “God Authorized Plans”
15. >By what authority?
16. Jesus’ authority on earth (Matthew 9:2-8)
17. “The authority of Jesus” by Thomas Schreiner
18. Mt 21.23-27 The authority of Jesus questioned
19. Do you recognize the king’s authority? (Matthew 9:32-34)
20. Legion Of Demons
21. Luke – Chapter 20
22. His Unquestionable Authority
23. A King & a Kingdom
24. Paul Taught Us All
25. Why Paul Told Timothy To Rightly Divide
26. Paul’s Mandate & Model for Ministry (Acts 20:1-38)
27. Acts 20:7-9
28. 20/20 Vision (Acts 20:20) – Part 1
29. Qualities a bible- or sunday-school-teacher must have – 2 Timothy 2:15
30. “Humility” Word Study: Acts 20:18-21
31. A Workman
32. Weekly devotional: Godless chatter (11 in Paul’s letters to Timothy series)
33. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
34. Living as an Approved Worker
35. It’s All About Context
36. Memo Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
37. Memo Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15 doing your best to God as one approved
38. Dead End Bible Study
39. The Lure of Fake News
40. It Fits
41. God Said What He Meant
42. The Church’s Endurance (2 Timothy 2-3)
43. 2 Timothy 3 Idle Spirits
44. Best of Times; Worst of Times 2 Timothy 3:1-9
45. It’s Worth the Struggle – 2 Timothy 3:1-13 – Part 2
46. All Tangled Up 2 Timothy 3:13 says, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
47. Thomas Hall, 1658, on 2 Timothy 3:15: “Love the Scriptures for their purity. As God is to be loved for his purity, so is his word.”
48. Thomas Hall, 1658, 2 Timothy 3:16 on God’s very words inscripturated
49. Thomas Hall, 1658, on 2 Timothy 3:16 and Scripture’s Inspiration 5 – By Peter van Kleeck
50. 2 Timothy 3:15-17
51. Physicians of the Soul (2 Timothy 3:16, 4:2)
52. VOTD September 10
53. Challenge Day 13 Do your best to understand the words God-breathed, and then think through what this means, what Paul is implying. If all Scripture is God-breathed, what does that mean for you and me? What does it mean for the part the Bible is to play in our lives?
54. Challenge Day 17 Sometimes, we need to be the spoken-out-loud voice that God’s Spirit has been whispering (even shouting) within our brother’s or sister’s spirit.
55. Challenge Day 18 The author of Hebrews likens the Christian life to training and running a race (Hebrews 12), and just like a runner, there will be times in our lives when we will need correction. Paul says the Bible—all Scripture—is useful for that. For correcting ourselves, for correcting others, for letting others help correct us (this last one has a lot to do with rebuking and teaching, too).
56. Staying Grounded
57. Persistence
58. Persistence in Prayer & all Things
59. Joy Comes in the Morning