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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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House Church and a Christian Fiction Novel Called Parting Ways

5/1/2011

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Wednesday, May 4, 2011 Parting Ways my Christian Fiction Novel will make it's official debut. It's the culmination of several years of ministry experience mixed together with life and creativity to make a 286-page novel published by TreasureLine Books. My thanks goes out to all the close friends and family who encouraged me along the way with this project and writing in general.

Jesus Christ didn't teach without a parable. His short stories revealing hidden truths and spiritual principles have captured imaginations throughout the ages. Stories have a way with sticking with us. Following our Lord's example, I hope I've written an entertaining book that sheds colorful flicks of light on the wonderful topics of church and living for God.

Is this a novel about house church? Yes and no. It's really the story of a man who desires to do great things for God. His ministry journey is fraught with treachery and heartbreak and ultimately a decision that we all must face: Who will we follow, God or man?

The characters in the Christian Fiction book are fascinating to me:

Peter Bishop is a business man and a preacher with a very unique talent.

Daylene Bishop is Peter's mother who sees things others can't, especially around her son.

Tom and Valarie Warner, a retired couple, are faithful encouragers who walk in the gifts of the Spirit.

Brad Stellar, coffee house owner and friend.

Katie Rogers is Peter's fast growing niece from a broken home.

Senior Pastor Evan Seager a denominational minister with unsettling plans for the church, is next in line to take over leadership...


...and many others!

www.PatrickSipperly.com
If you're looking for an engaging Christian Fiction novel, I hope you'll give Parting Ways a try. It will be available in paperback, Kindle and Smashwords. It's available on Amazon.com, however if you order from the www.PatrickSipperly.com website, you'll save 10%. Autographed copies are also available.

Add Parting Ways to your summer reading list!

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Church Quiz Answers To Questions About Church

1/22/2011

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Did you enjoy this quiz? Discover anything interesting? I sure did! Things that make you go, "Really?" "Dude!" 

I've posted my answers below. I don't claim to be the "Bible Answer Man," but answers to questions about our faith can be found in the scriptures. We don't need a special decoder ring or a seminary degree. We need the right heart and the willingness to dig. The Lord invites us into his Word! Let's go!

So here's what I came up with...

1. How many books are there in the New Testament?
27 books. I wish all my math story problems were that simple.

2. When does the New Testament actually begin?
At first glance this is a no brainer, right? Matthew 1:1. But the trick is the word Testament, as in Last Will & Testament. According to Hebrews 9:16-17, For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

The New Testament began after the death of Christ. So, all of Jesus' preaching and teaching prior to his death was under the Old Testament, even though he often preached of things to come.

3. How often did Jesus command his disciples to go start churches?
I found this particularly interesting because “Church Planting” is such a big topic today (what kind of dirt would you should use?). But Jesus never commanded anyone to go plant or start a church. Here's what he did say...

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...
(Matthew 28:19)

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)

The horse comes before the cart – not the other way around. If we focus on what Christ commanded, the word will be preached, disciples will be multiplied and churches will naturally form as we gather in his name. It's why I talk about teaching Bible studies. 

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.      (Acts 8:4)

4. According to the Book of Acts, was baptism a suggestion or a command?
Folks, even Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. The apostles preached baptism in Jesus name every single time they preached in Acts. If you haven't been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of your sins, would you please make it a priority today?

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord... (Acts 10:48)

5. How many times is pastor or pastors mentioned in the New Testament?
With all of the prominence given to the role of pastors, including Pastor Appreciation Month (while Jesus only gets December 25th), you'd think that the Bible would be full of references and instruction about the role of a pastor. But surprisingly there is only 1 New Testament reference (Eph. 4:11). Pastors are listed among the many spiritual gifts Christ has given to his church. Interesting... 

6. How many people does it take make a church?
There is no number given. Which should give us an indication of how important numbers for the sake of numbers is to God. We see a large congregation and get excited! But ask Gideon how impressed God is with the size of a gathering. What we do see is this: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)

7. How often did the apostles teach on tithing?
Were you shocked to see that the apostles didn't teach people to tithe even once? Perhaps because the tribe of Levi doesn't need to be supported for the work of the tabernacle. Yet, it seems many church leaders teach that Old Testament command to fund a New Testament church. That's how I was taught, and that's what I taught when I was a full-time minister on the church payroll years ago. I don't teach that anymore. 

Some will look at what Jesus said in Luke 11:42 for support. But remember this is present tense preaching prior to Christ's death which is still Old Testament. Tithing is not a New Testament command. Giving from the heart is - but that's a topic for another time.

8. What verse(s) gives us the authority to add to the scriptures?
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:5-6) 

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (Revelation 22:18)  

Enough said. Beware of Bible versions that have added to or taken away ... 

9. How many years of Bible school are required before one can become ordained?
Zero. Every church should be it's own Bible school. Like a family, elders should teach the young the Word of God. Then as a person matures in Christ, and according to the instruction found in Titus 1 and 1Timothy 3, they should be ordained an elder.

10. Who is the head of the church?
Christ is head of his church. Not a pastor, pope, or general superintendent.
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (Ephesians 5:23)

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A Church Quiz

1/20/2011

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Questions About Church

Search the scriptures; 
for in them ye think ye have 
eternal life: and they are they 
which testify of me. 

John 5:39 

I'm working on a novel about a young man's pursuit of God and in doing so, I've been digging deeper into the scriptures about church. I'm always amazed to see what surfaces when I go beyond mere reading, and topically study the Bible. 

I'm strengthened by the rereading of truth, but on occasion, I'm challenged by what I read. Something sticks out to me that hadn't seen before and my old beliefs are confronted. This is healthy and a sign of growth! Truth has always been there, but up to that moment, I wasn't able to see it. Revelational moments like these are often times life changing!

So, ready for a church quiz? I threw this quiz together based upon this recent studying into questions about church. Some answers will come easily, others might involve opening your concordance. In either case, I hope you enjoy this little 10-question church trivia brain teaser that might not be so trivial!

For this church quiz, please use your Bible as a textbook and be able to back up your answer with specific Bible verses. Then if you want, post your answers in the comments section. Here we go!

1. How many books are there in the New Testament?

 2. When does the New Testament actually begin?

3. How often did Jesus command his disciples to start churches?

4. According to the Book of Acts, was baptism a suggestion or a command?

 5. How many times is pastor or pastors mentioned in the New Testament?

 6. How many people does it take to make a church?

7. How often did the apostles teach on tithing?

 8. What verse(s) gives us the authority to add to the scriptures?

 9. How many years of Bible school are required before one can become ordained?

10. Who is the head of the church?

Got them answered? Great! I'll give my answers to these questions about church on the next post and we can compare notes. Remember, the scriptures are the only true and accurate reference material. Other books, commentaries or opinions from well respected theologians aren't the same as the holy Word of God and won't count.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (
Acts 17:11)


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    Patrick Sipperly

    Patrick Sipperly

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    and minister of the 
    Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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