In my early teens I was exposed to one of the most legalistic denominations in the country. Surely many of the folk were really hard after the holiness of God, but their leaders told them that it was basically a matter of how the women dressed and wore their hair. Strangely, the men did not have to contend with nearly as many rules as the women.

Anyway, it was a good experience for me, as I later came to a greater understanding of the wonderful Grace of God in Christ Jesus, that brings us into a truly heart-felt holiness and love for our Lord.

The church that I spent most of my Christian experience in, over 20 years, was actually full of the grace of the Lord, and the people really do love each other.

But about 3 1/2 years ago, the constrains of the traditional one-man pastor system with official deacons and elders, and the business of the building, was too much for me to endure any longer. I had no idea of the wonderful time I would later be having in what we call Home Church. But I knew I needed a change.

Now I am learning that one does not need a denomination or the King James Bible to be legalistic. Any set of rules will do.

The appeal of legalism continues even today, in this freedom-oriented culture. You see, it only needs the basic fleshly pride of man to maintain it. Remember when Paul stated in Philippians 3 that he had much to boast of, in that he was a member of the strictest sect of the Pharisees, but counted all dung, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord, blessed be His wonderful Name!

For some time, in my eagerness to learn about Home Church, I listened long and intently to those who had been in it much longer than I, but eventually I begin to see a new sort of legalism rising up. I began to see the formation of new laws and rules, such as:

Thou shalt not meet in buildings

Thou shalt not have pastors

Thou shalt not preach or teach sermons from the Bible

Thou shalt not have elders or leaders of any kind

Thou shalt not grow beyond a certain number (it inhibits intimacy)

Thou shalt not organize or plan or have any kind of agenda

Thou shalt not function in your gift and calling, unless in a purely "relational" manner

Etc, etc, etc.

Needless to say, those who are under this legalistic bondage, feel it is their God-given duty to force these "high standards" upon everyone else.

Thanks be unto God, the brethren in our area had the wisdom to seek God for themselves, and receive direction from Him, wonderfully aided by the Spirit-annointed, Written Word.

The writings of Watchman Nee have also been of great help. But one of the most important sources of help from the beginning has been veteran house churchers who have graciously helped to maintain my freedom in Christ, by continually pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ, rather than these House Church Rules and Regulations.

A little over a year ago, we almost gave up the home meetings. The selfish, self-centered attitudes at that time almost strangled the life out of our time together. But the Lord has been so good and faithful, now bringing together people who are really willing to deny themselves for the vision of the church that we see IN THE SCRIPTURES.

We are desiring not to be conformed to the cultural trends of the world or the church world, even the HC world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, proving His good, acceptable and perfect will.

There is nothing for us to boast in. Whether we see a deeper vision of the NT church, or whether we meet in homes without designated leaders, or whether we diligently intimidate others who dare to "violate" HC rules.

My heart is broken in tenderness and thankfulness unto my Lord Jesus for His glorious gospel, His Cross, His written Word, and the power of the Holy Ghost Who lives within me to make the truth real in my life.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith, and self control."

But the works of the flesh are encouraged by legalism. Observe the strife and envy, confusion and divisions that our legalistic brethren cultivate in their "crusades" for an unbiblical standard, which includes an unhealthy distain for older, wiser, more mature men and women of God in favor of the independence and arrogance of youth.

Even the lack of self-control is glorified in the name of "being real."

May the Lord give us discernment and help us to choose His Life, over the soulish realm of legalism and religion. I sincerely hope this post will help someone on this list in their search for and attempt to recover the true simplicity of Christ for themselves.

Dan Beaty
Columbus, Ohio

http://www.livingtruth.com

You have sounded a warning to those who in their ignorance or over enthusiasm may end up in forming another legalistic structure in the name of home church. There is a danger that "absence of building, non-hierarchical leadership, no regular sermon etc.," can become idols in our lives. While we forsake those structures which hinders the flow of life of God we should not create another structure which becomes an idol to us.

I believe that what we need is utter dependence on the Lord rather than on any system and greater humility so that He can continually teach us and lead us. One of the purposes of trials in the lives of Israelites in wilderness was to make them to know what was in their heart and whether they would love and follow the Lord, in spite of difficult situations. In our journey towards experiencing true church life I believe that our Lord will provide ample opportunities to reveal our heart conditions and enough trials to know whether we are after the Lord or any other idols.

Blessed are those who are humble and teachable.

Your piece was very timely. I hope you didn't mind me posting it over an email list where I'm a moderator.

We have recently left the Mennonites, and are grappling with the very issues you stated.