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Why Go To Church - Part 2

7/26/2011

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Click Picture For Part 1
Over 110,000 Google searches every month are initiated with phrases like "Why Go To Church?" What are people looking for? Words to remind them of the importance of fellowship? Some support for skipping church? Are others bored with church and their walk with God and hope to find something more than what they currently have? Whatever the reasons, if you've stumbled upon this article using a similar search, I'm glad you're here and I pray you'll find what you're looking for.
 
                                            Why Should I Go To Church?


First, let's be clear about something: We don't go to church; we are the church. Church is a family more than anything else. However, since “going to church” is how most of us describe assembling together, I'll use it for this post.

Reasons Why to Go To Church

You Matter! Your Participation Is Important.
Too many of us wouldn't put church and participation in the same sentence. We're used to a few performing for the many who sit and listen. But here's what I Cor. 14: 26 says: How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. Christ designed his church to function like active and connected members of a body under his headship.


You Have Spiritual Gifts to Share With Others
According to Rom. 12, I Cor. 12-14, and Eph. 4, Christ has given gifts to his church. These gifts are for edifying others and should be encouraged. If you are not assembling together, others can't receive what you have, nor will you be blessed by others. Have a look at those chapters above to see what Christ has given to his church! We all fit in there somewhere.

Note:
 Spiritual Gifts and their use is a big topic and deserves it's own post. Ask about it later!

Your Presence Adds Excitement
Every group or church has it's own unique flavor and dynamic. Ever notice how the level of excitement raises or lowers according to who and how many of us assemble together? Numbers aren't what's important, but be assured others notice your absence. Have you ever been comforted by certain people just being there consistently? I sure have! You have no idea how  your faithful attendance impacts others.

Church Is About Giving & Receiving
Jesus Christ designed his church to be an interactive fellowship. Read the book of Acts and you'll see a dynamic church praying for and with each other, looking out for each others needs, meeting in each others houses at different days and times, teaching, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues, prophesying, working miracles, offering words of wisdom and knowledge, and preaching the word. Everyone participated!

Does the Bible say you have to go to church? Here's what the Bible says...
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

(Hebrews 10:23-25)

What is emphasis? Considering one another...provoke unto love and good works...exhorting one another... It's not about buildings, position or title, multimedia light shows, praise teams, elevating pastors, or fundraisers. Some of these things are helpful, but not the focus. Urging each other on from glory to glory is far more important than programs or electronic gadgetry.

The bottom line is that we were all created by Almighty God for purpose. We all have a special place in the body of Christ - and it's not in a pew! We have gifts to give, wisdom to share, miracles to experience and encouragement to receive from others.
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. (Ecc. 4:9-10)

The enemy of our soul would love nothing more than to see God's people separated from other believers and feeling worthless, unused, and unappreciated. We'll never experience the thrilling fulfillment God has for us if we're all by ourselves. The same is true if we're stuck in an organization that won't yield to the biblical pattern of interactive church.

Related Article: Important Things You Should Know About Church Before You Go Back!

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Why Go To Church - Part 1

7/25/2011

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      Why Should I Go To Church?

             Is Not Going To Church A Sin?

                  Is Going To Church In The Bible?

Christians ponder these questions nearly every Sunday. Do I have to go to church? Is it a sin to not go to church? Great questions! Questions that deserve biblical answers.

What is church anyway?

Most Christians in America view church as a weekly event. Church is a Sunday morning activity especially for the children. But is that what the Bible says? Does the Bible say I should go to a certain building, sit in a pew, sing a few songs, put money in the plate, and listen a pastor preach week after week?

From my early teens I was a regular church attender. Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesday nights we were in church.

Later, I became a full-time minister and regularly preached all the things I was taught. One foundational truth I learned was to never add to or take away from the Word. The Bible is truth (it doesn't just contain truth), it's our final authority (overriding church handouts and by-laws), and THE source of all of our doctrine (regardless of denomination, visiting preacher or our beloved Aunt Maggie).

So what happens when the minister searches the scriptures for direction on how the church is suppose to function, and can't find most of the things he's been taught? Does he brush his concerns aside and just keep going like he has year after year? Or does he practice what he's preached to others and lay aside his own beliefs in favor of the truth of the Word of God?

When Jesus confronted the Pharisees about their traditions and teachings, I laughed. When Jesus confronted me about my teachings and traditions, it wasn't so funny. As I recall, it was a time of fear and trembling.

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I believe there are thousands of church leaders today shaking in their shoes because they know the Bible does not support the pattern of church they were taught and currently live by. That fear is partly financial. They are like the buggy whip maker watching something called an automobile make it's way down the road without a horse.

If you go to church, why do you? Have you ever searched the scriptures to understand your relationship with other believers? You might be surprised to see what the Bible says! You might also be on the edge of a whole new life in Christ!

For some scriptural answers to the question, "Do I have to go to church?" Click Here to fast forward to Part 2 of this topic.


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Latest Review of the Christian Fiction Novel Parting Ways

7/12/2011

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The reviews of Parting Ways keep coming in and I'm overwhelmed! Thank you everyone! Your comments and feedback are inspirational!

I drew from many personal experiences in writing this Christian Fiction novel. 

Parting Ways is the story of an ambitious, young minister who must ultimately choose between following the truth he reads in the scriptures, or following the evolving teachings of his denominational church leaders. That's the brief thumbnail overview of the book. But here's what one reader shared on Amazon.com...
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The book has been getting many positive 5-Star reviews for which I'm truly grateful! I particularly appreciated CindyM's review because she reveals more of the other story elements that aren't depicted on the book's cover. Real life has many subplots, conflicts and rabbit trails doesn't it? Thank you CindyM for mentioning some of these other points. You might enjoy reading Parting Ways if you like...
  • Inspirational stories of faith and family;
  • Colorful characters with integrity, humor, and flaws;
  • The gifts of the Spirit at work in everyday situations;
  • Stories set against the backdrop of beautiful Arizona;
  • Real church outside of conventional religion;
  • To read of people who love America;
  • To read of the blessings of diligence and hard work;
  • A little unexpected romance;
  • The dark, flavorful world of coffee;
  • And to see the truly mysterious and unpredictable ways of God play out.
If you gave a nod to any of these literary ingredients, then add Parting Ways to your reading list! If you've already read it, please consider leaving a comment here and on Amazon.com. Your comments, reviews and feedback are greatly appreciated!

If you live in the Gilbert, Chandler, Temple, Mesa, Queen Creek or Phoenix area, you might be interested in coming to the Book Signing at Inspirations Bookstore and Tea Shoppe on Friday, August 12, 2011, from 6:30-8:30 PM. 
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Inspirations is located at the far west end of the shopping center off W. Queen Creek and S. Alma School Rd. 

Inspirations loves the local community and regularly features Christian Bands and other talent. Enjoy their huge assortment of teas, smoothies, gifts, books, music, and other Christ-centered items.

Once again, thanks for the reviews of Parting Ways everyone! 

Parting Ways is available in paperback on PatrickSipperly.com (Save 10% over Amazon.com), at Inspirations Bookstore & Tea Shoppe, Amazon.com. Or if you prefer to e-read it, check out Kindle or Smashwords. If you like to hear books on audio, listen to the first chapter narrated by the author here.
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Parting Ways - Chapter One Narrated

7/8/2011

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If you like audio books, then you might like to sample the first chapter of Parting Ways narrated by the author!

Find out more about Parting Ways by visiting PatrickSipperly.com

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