A little over 4 years ago we left the institutional church (sou' baptist).First I remember the desert experience. All our friends were IC church members, so it was impossible for them to understand why we left. Of course they think we were just being rebellious, unsubmissive to authority etc (can y'all relate to that?) This was a very lonely time, isolated, away from the body. But I can see now how important this was to show that Christ can and will be with us through all things, and how the Holy Spirit can comfort us during trials.
After about a year we decided to go back to the IC..longing for the fellowship and programs (maybe a little like the israelites longing for the things of Egypt?) BUT ...the new wine won't fit in the old wineskin..and the ideas of freedom are not too welcome in the IC.
However, the Lord is faithful and good and through perseverance we now go to a gathering of saints, meeting house to house in a small town near us.
The saints are taught as the spirit leads. The music is wonderful, with everyone bringing freely of their talents. We learn to function as a family and not an organization. No one is grasping for power, money or position. We are content with the Lord being the focus and head.
So, I encourage those of you who are new to homechurch. If it's what the Lord wants you to do, then stay with it. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or desert experiences.
The Lord will build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Amen?
God Bless,
Jerry F.
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