[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

Who says they want to be a “church”? Have you never heard of a home Bible study, which is distinct from a church?

Well, the ONLY Scriptural pattern for the organisation of New Testament Christians is the local church. Neither denominations and hierarchies, nor "free-lancers" in "home bible studies" are following the pattern Jesus Christ set up. Worshipping in a home Bible study is analagous to one of the Old Testament high places - places without God's sanction that man chooses for himself, instead of God choosing for him.

[Do Not Make Fun Of His Ears]

>>Well, the ONLY Scriptural pattern for the organisation of New Testament Christians is the local church. Neither denominations and hierarchies, nor “free-lancers” in “home bible studies” are following the pattern Jesus Christ set up. Worshipping in a home Bible study is analagous to one of the Old Testament high places - places without God’s sanction that man chooses for himself, instead of God choosing for him.
<<

Well, now you are getting into theology, which is NOT the business of government to dictate.

And if you are trying to say home Bible studies violate the New Testament...well, I hope you aren’t saying that. Because that is ludicrous.

Actually, the Bible says “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

So getting together in his name IS sanctioned by God. Wherever. Whenever. Period.

And you DON’T have to define it as a “church.”

[editor-surveyor]

>> “Worshipping in a home Bible study is analagous to one of the Old Testament high places - places without God’s sanction that man chooses for himself, instead of God choosing for him.” <<

.
Nonsense!

Most of the gatherings mentioned in the Pauline epistles were in various believer’s homes. Christ said that he is there “whenever two or more of you are gathered in my name.”

[Rocky]

It’s not the place, it’s what’s in the heart.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:21-24 (KJV)