Why do we solemnize a holy matrimony in Church? There are basically 8 reasons. Interestingly, reason No. 1 is to establish a family church. By Church design, a family is the first unit of a Church. So, when we perform wedding ceremonies, we are indirectly starting a Church! In this new Church, the husband is the new pastor and the wife is the new pastoress; soon we expect to have children who would become by default the new members. Unfortunately, this aspect of understanding has not been made obvious to couples during wedlock. I pray that pastors will begin to open up this understanding to couples before joining them in holy matrimony. A holy matrimony establishes a Church altar in your home! A Church with 10 families simply has 10 branches. While the big Church meets twice or thrice weekly, the family Church meets twice daily - morning devotions and night prayers.

Government policies may 'stop' the big Church, but never can they stop the family Church. This type of Church had been in existence right from the bible days:

This is example No. 1:
Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Rom 16:5).

This is example No. 2:
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (1Co 16:19).

This is example No. 3:
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. (Col 4:15).

This is example No. 4:
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house. (Phm 1:2).

This is example No. 5:
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. (Act 2:46).

Even when Saul was wrecking havock of the church, he was entering into every house where churches exist. (Act 8:3).

The Church in your house is unstoppable. COVID-19 cannot stop it. So you must strengthen that Church within this period. You can turn the lockdown for your family to a lookup. Don't accept lockdown. In a lockdown, you idle away the time and waste resources. In a lookup, you make the most of your relationship with God in the family - more time for family prayers, extended Bible reading and studies, and more Christian book reviews. Engage your children. Teach memory verses. Learn new songs. Act drama. Create interesting moments. Do your pastor or pastoress job. That's a lookup! Strengthen your family Church!

The Church in my own house greets you.
Greet the Church in your own house for me!

This message is from Pastor David Ogbueli....... Dominion City