More specifically, we can say that within that household it is the marriage that is the first and most foundational expression of the church (and the Kingdom). Paul explains this amazing truth in Eph. 5:22 - 33. Wilson tells us (p. 205) "…Jewish tradition teaches in a striking way that the joining of a man and woman in the covenant of marriage is a reenactment or replica of God's eternal covenant relation to his chosen."

 Unifying Family and Church    4/2003

1. Jesus is the King and because of His great love for us (Eph. 2:4) He has "rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves…" (Col. 1:13).

2. By "the Kingdom", we mean the rule and reign of the King. We mean all of the benefits and responsibilities of living in submission to King Jesus. His desire is that we would "live a life worthy of the calling you have received." (Eph. 4:1)

3. The word translated "church" is ekklesia (from ek = "out" and kaleo = "to call"). It means "those who have been called out or summoned for a special purpose". In this case, it refers to those who have been called out of the dominion of darkness and called into the Kingdom of the Son. Properly understood, church is the primary expression of the Kingdom of God.

4. The church is a "big deal" to God! "The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence." (Eph. 1:22-23, The Message)

5. The church is God's primary "visual aid" for the entire universe. "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." Eph. 3:10-11

6. The church is not simply a meeting in a special building for one or two hours each week. Rather, it is the Kingdom of God lived out in a group of people on a 24/7 basis. Those people do meet together regularly to strengthen and build up each other (1 Cor. 14:26) but church is not limited to those meetings.

7. In order to extend the Kingdom into a particular region or people group, the King often comes first (Lk.10:1) to one particular household (oikos) which is led by a man (or woman or couple) of peace (Lk. 10:5). Examples: Cornelius (Acts 10), Philippian jailer (Acts 16), Lydia (Acts 16). This household is first of all the demonstration of the Kingdom (Wolfgang Simson: "a shopping window of God"). Then, it becomes the starting point from which the "virus" of the Kingdom spreads to the surrounding area or people group.

8. So, the first and most foundational expression of the church (and the Kingdom) is often one particular household. This is consistent with Jewish values. The rabbis refer to the home as "a miqdash me'at, that is, a "small sanctuary" or "miniature temple"…Foundational to all theory on the biblical concept of family is the Jewish teaching that the home is more important than the synagogue. In Jewish tradition, the center of religious life has always been the home." Wilson, Our Father Abraham, p. 214, 216.

9. More specifically, we can say that within that household it is the marriage that is the first and most foundational expression of the church (and the Kingdom). Paul explains this amazing truth in Eph. 5:22 - 33. Wilson tells us (p. 205) "…Jewish tradition teaches in a striking way that the joining of a man and woman in the covenant of marriage is a reenactment or replica of God's eternal covenant relation to his chosen."

10. So, the church (and the Kingdom) is expressed first between husband and wife, then between parents and children, then in the relationship between several households (the Jew called this a "synagogue" (a word which simple means "a gathering"), then in larger expressions of the church.

11. Can a church be as small as two people (husband and wife)? Based on Mt. 18:20, I believe it can. "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." "The smallest group of Christians - even a couple - enjoys the largest promise of God - Jesus. That should encourage Christian couples - together in prayer or service they constitute a veritable temple and so they can expect miracles with their children, their congregations, and with their Christian mission in the world." Bruner, Matthew: Volume 2, p. 655.

12. The King "invades" one household for the benefit of that household - to "lavish" upon it His grace (Eph. 1:7-8). He also intends on using that household as the "base of operations" to extend his grace to other households. (Lk. 10:5-9) "All the families of the earth will be blessed through you." (Gen. 12:3) "Make disciples (subjects of the King) of all people groups (ta ethne)" (Mt. 28:19-20). Ta ethne can refer to any way in which people are grouped - ethnic groups, geographical units (towns, zip codes), etc.

13. All of the above represents an important paradigm shift in our thinking about the church. From church as a meeting once a week in a special building to church as 24/7 Kingdom relationships in a particular household. There are at least two potentially important outcomes of this way of thinking. First, marriage and family relationships might be significantly strengthened. Second, the church might be released to expand rapidly and spontaneously. ("Church = family" is the ultimate expression of "simple church". Only that which is simple can multiply rapidly.)