Temples and Living Rooms: A Both/And Faith

In Hebrews 10:23–25, Paul paints a vivid picture of the Christian journey—not as a solitary path, but as a shared pilgrimage. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess … and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” These words remind us that faith flourishes in community.

The early church understood this deeply. In Acts 2:46, we see believers gathering in temple courts and breaking bread in their homes “with glad and sincere hearts.” Acts 5:42 echoes this rhythm: “Day after day … in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news.” Their faith wasn’t confined to a building or a schedule—it was a lifestyle of worship and connection.

They didn’t choose between temple and home. They embraced both. And I believe we must do the same.

There’s something powerful about corporate worship on the Sabbath—the energy, the inspiration, the reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. But there’s also something sacred about the living room—the vulnerability, the depth, the space to be known and to know others. One inspires us; the other grounds us. Together, they shape a faith that is both wide and deep.

Yet many of us struggle with the “living room” part. Maybe you’ve tried joining a small group and it didn’t work out. Maybe the group dissolved, or you were told there wasn’t room. It’s easy to feel discouraged and step back. Community takes persistence. It takes courage to try again. And it takes faith to believe that God is still working—even when doors close.

Hebrews urges us not to give up meeting together. Why? Because encouragement is found in presence. Hope is strengthened in relationship. Love and good deeds are stirred when we walk alongside one another.

So I ask you: Do you have both? Do you make space for the Sabbath gathering and the weekday connection? Have you elevated one over the other?

If we want to be a compelling force for good, if we desire a deeper walk with Christ, we need both. We need the temple and the living room. We need inspiration and intimacy. We need to be reminded that we are not alone—and that together we can hold onto hope, encourage one another and live out love in tangible ways.

Let’s not settle for either/or. Let’s embrace both/and. Because when we do, I believe our best days are ahead—and our faith communities will reflect the fullness of God’s design. That’s how we live out our calling: “Together as One.”

By Elton DeMoraes, D.Min. 

President