Home Bible Studies
Romans 16:5
Because home Bible studies are on the rise in many circles, both orthodox and heretical, I have been asked by many what I think of them and whether I encourage them. While I cannot and must not try to govern what other pastors and churches promote, it is my responsibility to teach you what the Scriptures teach.
THERE IS NO DOCTRINAL
BASIS OR BIBLICAL PRECEDENT FOR HOME BIBLE STUDIES BY SELF APPOINTED TEACHERS. Without
question, in the New Testament many local churches met in private homes (Rom.
16:5; I Cor.
CHRIST’S ASCENSION GIFTS TO HIS CHURCH, FOR THE PERFECTING OF HIS SAINTS AND THE EDIFICATION OF HIS BODY ARE PASTORS AND TEACHERS, GIFTED AND CALLED OF GOD FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY (Eph. 4:11-12). Yes, all believers are Christ’s witnesses. All may and should tell others what God has done for them by his marvelous, free grace in Christ. Yes, all believers are themselves priests unto God. Each one does business with God in the holy place in prayer and worship. Yes, every believer should read, study, and seek to understand the Word of God. But not all are pastors. Not all are teachers. Pastors/teachers are men whose God given gifts have been recognized by his church, who teach the Word of God with divine authority, which is recognized by those who voluntarily submit themselves to their ministries (I Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:7-9; Heb. 13:7, 17). Independent, self-appointed, freelance preachers and teachers (especially those recently converted) should always be held in suspicion. The Word of God is a sharp, two-edged sword. Only a fool gives a sword to a novice or a child!
HOME BIBLE STUDIES TEND TO DEVELOP SCHISMS
WITHIN A
Don Fortner
Don Fortner