How to Meet in Homes

Rating:
Summary: Shake! Rattle! Roll! Amazing book!
Review: A previous commentator remarked that Gene Edward's book, How To Meet In Homes, is "cynical and bitter." I recently purchased this book and can testify that this is absolutely not the case, though I can understand why some people may presume such initially; it is because this book is entirely offensive to the modern concept of what it means to "attend church."

I have to say that it is probably without dispute among most Protestant Christians that Martin Luther's 95 thesis, nailed to the Catholic Church's door, are not viewed as being merely the remarks of man who was bitter or cynical (and neither do most Christians regard Luther as being negative or wrongly critical), but most Christians would probably agree in saying that they were penned by a man who was graciously enlightened by God's truth, desperate for closer relationship with Christ, and this revelation motivated him to inspire others with this newfound liberty and not put up with the mistruths and deceptions any longer. Without meaning to elevate brother Gene on too high a pedestal, I would like to suggest that Gene's book be approached with a similar attitude; that Christians would honestly weigh his comments and see if they do not speak truth. I believe he has something powerful to say and I pray that the Church, the body of Christ, will have ears to hear.

This book, in my opinion, has enormous potential to stir and motivate Christians to get bravely real about their approach to the pursuit of the Lord Jesus and their embracing of one another in the body of Christ. This book calls for difficult introspection, honest assessment of our actions (both corporately and individually), and a call to a radical choice, whereby we will either remain content with tradition and dead, dry religion or pursue the presence of Jesus with radical abandon.

Myself being a current member of what may accurately be defined as an institutional/organized church (I'm almost ashamed to admit this given all the things God has been stirring in my heart up to this point of my life and as that parallels much of my studies in the Word of God and regarding Church history) I will say that, granted, Gene is very brash and blunt about the condition of the modern Church and how it sadly resembles nothing of the early Church founded by the Lord Jesus, but this book is not bitter at all. It is challenging, painful at times, convicting, piercing, and often offensive to the modern, traditional Christian way of thinking, but bitter it is not in the least!

I have read several other titles by Gene and listened to audio tapes by this brother in Christ. I have talked with people who know him personally and I know that bitter he is not. Any Christian who takes the time to read his other books such as "Crucified by Christians," "Prisoner in the Third Cell," and "A Tale of Three Kings," or gets to hear an audio tape of him talking about the Lord Jesus and His body while weeping, will understand this to be true. Anyone who has the chance to hear his testimony will understand that this is just a normal, ordinary guy with an extraordinary love for Jesus and for seeing believers find a fresh and vibrant passion for knowing Him intimately and allowing Christ alone to radically change our lives for His glory.

Because of brother Gene's radical and pointed observations about the modern organized Church, some Christians may take offence to some of his comments... but the book is written with love by a man who is broken and humble and has lived to know what he is talking about. Himself being a former Baptist minister and having suffered many trials and physical infirmities, brother Gene is a pure voice that loves the body of Christ (yes, even those brothers, sisters and ministers in the organized Church) and desires to see a deeper, more meaningful and organic expression of Christian life as demonstrated in the pages of God's precious Word.

This book will be difficult medicine for some to swallow, but I think it is good medicine nonetheless and I think every Christian, especially those of us who are a part of institutional type organized churches, need to hear the words presented in this book and confront them head on. Pastors need to read this book, if they can be brave enough to endure it and honestly contemplate. It will not be easy material to deal with because it is radical and it is so different from the way we commonly think of "church" today.

Whether this title liberates you, makes you think a little, or just makes your blood boil, I think you will agree it is worth every dime spent! Excellent! Highly recommended! But like the back cover of the book states: "Warning: Do not read this book if you enjoy Sunday morning church services!" If you like what you've always had and aren't interested to find out what you've been missing and, really, what the modern church structure and order of worship has robbed you from, don't bother reading this book.

This book was so impacting to me personally, I purchased three copies to share with others. I encourage you to read it. God bless!

Rating:
Summary: Shake! Rattle! Roll! Amazing book!
Review: A previous commentator remarked that Gene Edward's book, How To Meet In Homes, is "cynical and bitter." I recently purchased this book and can testify that this is absolutely not the case, though I can understand why some people may presume such initially; it is because this book is entirely offensive to the modern concept of what it means to "attend church."

I have to say that it is probably without dispute among most Protestant Christians that Martin Luther's 95 thesis, nailed to the Catholic Church's door, are not viewed as being merely the remarks of man who was bitter or cynical (and neither do most Christians regard Luther as being negative or wrongly critical), but most Christians would probably agree in saying that they were penned by a man who was graciously enlightened by God's truth, desperate for closer relationship with Christ, and this revelation motivated him to inspire others with this newfound liberty and not put up with the mistruths and deceptions any longer. Without meaning to elevate brother Gene on too high a pedestal, I would like to suggest that Gene's book be approached with a similar attitude; that Christians would honestly weigh his comments and see if they do not speak truth. I believe he has something powerful to say and I pray that the Church, the body of Christ, will have ears to hear.

This book, in my opinion, has enormous potential to stir and motivate Christians to get bravely real about their approach to the pursuit of the Lord Jesus and their embracing of one another in the body of Christ. This book calls for difficult introspection, honest assessment of our actions (both corporately and individually), and a call to a radical choice, whereby we will either remain content with tradition and dead, dry religion or pursue the presence of Jesus with radical abandon.

Myself being a current member of what may accurately be defined as an institutional/organized church (I'm almost ashamed to admit this given all the things God has been stirring in my heart up to this point of my life and as that parallels much of my studies in the Word of God and regarding Church history) I will say that, granted, Gene is very brash and blunt about the condition of the modern Church and how it sadly resembles nothing of the early Church founded by the Lord Jesus, but this book is not bitter at all. It is challenging, painful at times, convicting, piercing, and often offensive to the modern, traditional Christian way of thinking, but bitter it is not in the least!

I have read several other titles by Gene and listened to audio tapes by this brother in Christ. I have talked with people who know him personally and I know that bitter he is not. Any Christian who takes the time to read his other books such as "Crucified by Christians," "Prisoner in the Third Cell," and "A Tale of Three Kings," or gets to hear an audio tape of him talking about the Lord Jesus and His body while weeping, will understand this to be true. Anyone who has the chance to hear his testimony will understand that this is just a normal, ordinary guy with an extraordinary love for Jesus and for seeing believers find a fresh and vibrant passion for knowing Him intimately and allowing Christ alone to radically change our lives for His glory.

Because of brother Gene's radical and pointed observations about the modern organized Church, some Christians may take offence to some of his comments... but the book is written with love by a man who is broken and humble and has lived to know what he is talking about. Himself being a former Baptist minister and having suffered many trials and physical infirmities, brother Gene is a pure voice that loves the body of Christ (yes, even those brothers, sisters and ministers in the organized Church) and desires to see a deeper, more meaningful and organic expression of Christian life as demonstrated in the pages of God's precious Word.

This book will be difficult medicine for some to swallow, but I think it is good medicine nonetheless and I think every Christian, especially those of us who are a part of institutional type organized churches, need to hear the words presented in this book and confront them head on. Pastors need to read this book, if they can be brave enough to endure it and honestly contemplate. It will not be easy material to deal with because it is radical and it is so different from the way we commonly think of "church" today.

Whether this title liberates you, makes you think a little, or just makes your blood boil, I think you will agree it is worth every dime spent! Excellent! Highly recommended! But like the back cover of the book states: "Warning: Do not read this book if you enjoy Sunday morning church services!" If you like what you've always had and aren't interested to find out what you've been missing and, really, what the modern church structure and order of worship has robbed you from, don't bother reading this book.

This book was so impacting to me personally, I purchased three copies to share with others. I encourage you to read it. God bless!

Rating:
Summary: The only way church was meant to be . . .
Review: After reading this book, you may not want to go to church again. Edwards calls for a revolution in the way that Christians meet. He may just see. This book is very synical and bitter, but enlightening. There is nothing here that is not scriptural. If you have ever been bored with church, this book gives the reason why and how to change it. No other book or writer has come close.

Rating:
Summary: Blowing away the cobwebs
Review: This book by Gene Edwards is a thoroughly Biblical look at what the New Testament recognises as ekklesia, church meetings of born again believers. The book demolishes the present concept of the one-man Church ministry that so stultifies the growth of most Christians today. It destroys the chains of isolated and powerless involvement of present church goers. It is truly a liberation into the manifested presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is neither cynical nor bitter. The book just describes the parlous state that the present church has degenerated to. The only drawback to the book is its ending where the reader has to send for the follow up book which has not yet been printed.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Treatment on the Modern Church
Review: This book will shake your foundation if you believe that the way we practice Christinaity in America is the Biblical pattern. This book attacks nearly every Christian tradition from the modern pastoral system to the buildings built called "churches." Edwards uses practical sense, Scripture, and church history to show the fallicy of today's modern church.

The book comes across as an attack on the modern church and it is. Edwards makes no claims that he is not attacking the system. One of his quotes is from a Turkish proverb that says, "If you tell the truth when everyone is believing and practicing the opposite, you better have a fast horse." Most "pastors" and clergy (and those who support them) will not like Edwards nor his book since it attacks their careers.

In conclusion, this book is best read by those who are not afraid to question the modern church (1 Thess. 5:21). If you like Sunday mornings at your mainline church, don't read this book! You will get mad and will never be the same.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Treatment on the Modern Church
Review: This book will shake your foundation if you believe that the way we practice Christinaity in America is the Biblical pattern. This book attacks nearly every Christian tradition from the modern pastoral system to the buildings built called "churches." Edwards uses practical sense, Scripture, and church history to show the fallicy of today's modern church.

The book comes across as an attack on the modern church and it is. Edwards makes no claims that he is not attacking the system. One of his quotes is from a Turkish proverb that says, "If you tell the truth when everyone is believing and practicing the opposite, you better have a fast horse." Most "pastors" and clergy (and those who support them) will not like Edwards nor his book since it attacks their careers.

In conclusion, this book is best read by those who are not afraid to question the modern church (1 Thess. 5:21). If you like Sunday mornings at your mainline church, don't read this book! You will get mad and will never be the same.

Rating:
Summary: Will leave you unsettled!
Review: This is one of the most provocative books I ever read. It was foundational in my own transformation from the Institutions of Churches into faith communities. Gene Edwards does not pull any punches, but I feel he spends too much time comparing us to the churches in China. These churches are culturally much different. I'm not sure the comparison is fair. Spirit Filled Home Ministries is a network of independent home churches providing training, credentials and materials to home church leaders. These are free services. We have recently launched a free online college. Our views on small groups are similar to the author's.

go.home4church.org