
Outsiders, families, and friends, they saw in these small gatherings we call house-churches that all that was promised in their message, their gospel—a God who loves, salvation, resurrection, bodily eternal life, sonship, heirship—was truly for all who believed (and not just the elite, wealthy, and socially privileged, but for anyone who believed) because they saw—in homes, around tables—all were welcome, none had more honor than another—and these small gathered groups risked everything by breaking bread with strangers and unequals and in lifting that fourth cup and proclaiming Jesus, not Caesar, was Lord.
This is why the church grew.
Lord, do it again.
Lord, do this with us.