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Start A Church, Look For A Church, Or Preach The Gospel? Listen to Audio!

6/2/2013

I get emails from all over the world. One question that I see frequently is if I know of a home church in a particular area. Great question, but the short answer is no. I don't have a directory of house churches. And since most churches that meet in houses don't have websites or a listing in the phone book, it might be difficult to track one down.

This situation along with other promptings in my heart have compelled me to go back into the scriptures about starting churches or even looking for churches. Most of us have been taught to go look for a church if we move to a new area or if we feel to change where we fellowship. If we have a traditional ministry background, we may consider starting a church. But is that what the Bible tells us to do? Did Jesus Christ commission his disciples to go into all the world and start churches?

This isn't a trick question at all. As a matter of fact, it might be an "A-ha" moment. If you left a denominational church, why did you leave? Why did you leave the comfort of your own pew for something else? Let me further bait the hook with this: If you left because you didn't agree with teachings coming over the pulpit or from headquarters, is it possible there are many more things yet to be revealed to us as we dig into the scriptures for ourselves? I believe there is. Many wonderful things!

The Easiest Way to Create a Website. Weebly.com

This home church journey for me has been a bit of a wilderness experience - but a needful one. God has been faithfully showing me some basic truths in dry places. The bummer is that I'm a slow learner. The praise is the lights are finally on and someone is home! I realize it's easy to get the cart before the horse and overlook some important basics. Rather than write all this out, I've created a short audio for you. It's less than 10 minutes long and may be as eye opening to you as it was to me. You might see a whole new answer to the question of looking for a church or starting one...

If you skipped over the audio, please go back and listen. I'd like to get your thoughts on all this and to know if this makes sense to you from the scriptures. Should we look for another church? Should we seek to start a church? What does the Bible say? What do you say?

Please participate in our poll. Do you prefer videos or audios for Bible studies?
Then leave your comments!

Thanks.

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How To Get Revelation

8/17/2011

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God doesn't throw revelation out to just anyone. Psalms 25:14 says, The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. He reserves deep truths for those who have the right heart toward him. Consider this observation from Jesus when he told the parable of the sower...

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (Matthew 13:15)

Contrast that heart with this one...

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:23)

If I have an open heart, I'll hear the word, understand it, and my life will bear fruit!

So here's the real question: Am I open to hear, or do I think I know it all and can't be taught anything else? Do I have a teachable spirit?

I'm convinced that sometimes God purposely uses unexpected ways and unlikely people to share great and deep truths with us. To hear, we might have to humble ourselves or let go of preconceived ideas. If we're too hung up on the messenger, we could miss a great blessing - just ask Naaman about that (2 Kings 5).

How To Get Revelation

First, the word of God is truth (John 17:17), and we must never deviate, add to or take away from the scriptures.

Secondly, don't forget that the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Truth. We need the Holy Ghost to be led in to all truth (John 16:13) and keep in mind that God's Spirit will never go against God's Word. Jesus told his disciples not to start preaching until they received the Holy Ghost! (Acts 1-2)

Third, truth has always been there, but our understanding of truth may need ongoing development. Peter wrote, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...” (2 Peter 3:18). Growing means there's more to learn.

Church should be the perfect setting for interactive teaching and open discussions that lead to growth and revelation in the word. Allow me to use a simple beach ball to illustrate how to get revelation...

Different Sides of Truth

Everyone of us approaches truth from a different angle based on how we've been taught, personal experiences, relationship with God, etc. Let's imagine we're looking at a beach ball for the very first time. From my angle, I see something round with blue, white, and yellow stripes. Someone else from a different angle agrees that it's round, but disagrees with the yellow and blue. "It's just red and white! No blue or yellow at all!

Some will end fellowship right there because of disagreement. But if we can agree to stay in the word and try to understand each other, we might come to realize that we both lack the 3-dimensional perspective. What we know individually is good and right, but incomplete. If we can reason together, forebear with one another, discuss it, and pray about it, we'll both get a more perfect understanding. This might take more than one discussion.

Later we'll meet someone else with even more understanding, and they'll blow us away by explaining how this beach ball truth is not only round and colorful, but it bounces, floats and if you let the air out, it goes flat! But he's a kook who fasts and prays a lot - way too much if you ask me - and who's gonna believe him? Ha ha. Let the air out...that's funny...

Truth and revelation may come a puzzle piece at a time. But if we have the right heart, if we're open to learn, if we pray and seek the Lord, if we read and study the Word for ourselves we'll come to understand how those pieces all connect together to form a beautiful secret the world will never see. That's how to get revelation!

Related Posts:
Are You Really Reading God's Word?
Secrets

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What Is The Mind of Christ? 5 Ways to Keep Spiritually Minded

8/11/2011

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For to be carnally minded is
death; but to be spiritually
minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

Is it just me or have you also noticed that keeping your head and heart in the right place is real work? It takes a deliberate effort to maintain a godly perspective in a negative world. I'm not just talking about having a positive attitude; I mean being spiritually minded.

We're all born with a natural, carnal mind that tends to be focused on 3 things: I, me and mine. From birth it's all about us and what we want. As babies, we cried to get attention. As children and teens we whined to get what we wanted. As adults we've mastered all kinds of techniques to ultimately get our way, haven't we?

The spiritual mind is the exact opposite. It is others focused starting with pleasing God first. Jesus said about himself, "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:38)

What is the mind of Christ? Consider this:

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:3-8)

Having the mind of Christ involves abandoning my own will and ego, putting others' needs ahead of my own, and humbling myself to serve even to the point of great personal sacrifice. Talk about a tall order! But that's exactly what Jesus Christ, the great King of Glory did for us.

Here's where the rubber meets the road: Husbands, how are we serving our wives? Are we putting their needs – physical and emotional - above our own? Wives, are you truly honoring your husband the way the Bible describes? Do you think he feels it? Having the mind of Christ should start at home!

If you're a church leader, are you doing everything you can to promote others, or is it all about you and your ministry? What are you doing so that others will increase and you will decrease?

5 Ways To Keep Spiritually Minded

1. Read & Study the Scriptures
That sounds like no-brainer, yet on an average week, how often do we read the Bible? Most will admit "not very". It's easy to say we're too busy...except we somehow seem to have time for TV, Facebook, romance novels, etc. If we don't get into the Word of God, the Word of God won't be getting in to us! Let's not forget that Christ was the Word made flesh... (John 1:1-14)

2. Pray In The Spirit
Jude writes, But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21). The value of praying in the Spirit is incalculable. I write more about praying in the Holy Ghost here. See Rom. 8:26-27

3. Meditate upon the Word
Learn to go beyond just reading the scriptures. Meditate upon them, let the words of Christ sink into you. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. (1 Timothy 4:15)

4. Fellowship with other Believers
Being with other like minded souls is a real morale boost and facilitates iron sharpening iron.

5. Share the Word
Teach a Bible Study to someone! It's one of the most amazing ways to learn the Word of God and become solid in what you believe. Start with a simple, free topical Bible Study and share it with a friend. Then watch what happens to you!

We'll never get the mind of Christ by accident. It takes deliberate effort. But read the top verse again and remember the benefits of being spiritually minded: life and peace!

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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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Bible Verses, Forgiveness, and Repentance

5/15/2011

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This Article Was Featured In The Pagosa Daily Post in Pagosa Springs, Colorado!

And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God for Christ's
sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

What does the Bible say about forgiveness? Plenty! If you're a “cut to the chase” person like me, then have a look at this:

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)

If we follow this out to conclusion, the unforgiving person won't be forgiven and will die in their sins. They will stand before God, the Righteous Judge, with unrepented and unforgiven sins and will be judged according to the Word. Don't be that guy!

"If a bad man offends you, forgive him, lest there be two bad men."

By the way, God doesn't use a sliding scale when it comes to sin like we do sometimes (Adultery = 9; Lying = 7.5; White Lies = 5; Stealing = 6.8...) Sin is sin and all sin carries the same judgment: death.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

Forgiveness is the most God-like characteristic I can think of, but it isn't a passive characteristic. The Bible doesn't say anywhere to just “forgive and forget” and that's it. That attitude, though gracious sounding, isn't biblical and rarely brings real peace and resolve. Here's what should happen:

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (Luke 17:3-4)

That word rebuke means: to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.

And here's how that should take place...

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (Matthew 18:15-17)

Shouldn't we confront others the way we'd want to be confronted if we're in the wrong? Makes sense. Ever notice how soon after we get on to someone about a fault that someone is getting on to us – often about the very same thing? I hate it when that happens!

“Lord, let my words be sweet today, for tomorrow I may have to eat them.”

Finally, let's give each other room to repent. Some offenses can be cleared away in a conversation, others may require time to work out, pay back, rebuild trust, or repair. Give a person time and opportunity to make things right – the same amount of time we hope to receive when it's our turn to seek forgiveness.

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matthew 7:2)

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

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Church Ideas – Fun Church Activities

2/27/2011

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Fellowship Should Be A Total Blast!

A friend of mine recently emailed a YouTube video to me that is as informative as it is entertaining. Kudos to Volkswagen for putting this together. It serves as the foundation of this post and a great reminder to us about life in general. Have a look:

The goal of this video project wasn't to get people to make noise or learn how to play the piano with their feet. They wanted to see if they could get more people to take the stairs by making it fun to do. As you saw in the video, they accomplished their mission. They concluded that, “Fun can obviously change behavior for the better.”

This idea should be applied to more areas of our life!

Not sure if taking out the trash will ever be fun...but I'll keep thinking about that one.

If you read the last post about An Interactive Church, then you had a chance to read 1 Cor. 14:26, which is what I like to use as the blueprint for what should happen when we come together as a church:

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. (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Having fun isn't the goal of the church coming together, but isn't it a reasonable question to ask if there is room for more spice and variety when we gather as a church?

“Fun” is obviously going to vary from one person to another, but I think it's a worthy topic of discussion. Coming together shouldn't be a chore or something to get through. If we have an attitude of expectation and look forward to what God has in store for us, then the stage is set for wonderful things!

Thou Shalt Not Freak Out!

NOTE:
If you're freaking out reading this because all you
can see is one more thing to add to your already
overloaded schedule, then stop.
This isn't supposed to be more work to do.

In the latter part of Acts 2, here's what we read:

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 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, 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, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a good time to me!

Allow me to throw some ideas out there to make a church gathering more fun:

Have a potluck or meet at a restaurant (church should be a spiritual potluck!)
Fellowship at the park, beach, top of a mountain, etc.,
Join forces on needs within the church
Church Fellowship Road Trip to some neat location (everyone in an RV?)
Progressive lunch or dinner with a spiritual topic
Prayer hike
Creative short story writing and sharing
Make a short movie and put it on YouTube

Okay, some of those are more like group projects rather than fellowship enhancements, but a little out of the box thinking now and then doesn't hurt. I'm sure you've got better ideas!

So, enough of me. I'd love to hear your comments. What church ideas have you come up with to make things more exciting and interesting? What works for you just might be exactly what another home church group is looking for!

Fun shouldn't just be limited to childhood, should it? Solomon wrote,

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven... A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance... (Ecc. 3:1-4)

So long as we're living according to the Word, let's really enjoy our moments with each other. In between our time of weeping and mourning, let's be sure to take time to laugh and to dance!

I think we could all use more wholesome excitement in our lives. Please take a moment to share your comments below on how you creatively season your fellowship with fun!

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An Interactive Church

2/22/2011

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Let's imagine we're going to the movies or a concert. What usually takes place? We drive to a particular location, pay to get in, find our seats, perhaps say hello to those around us, then, we'll watch the visuals or listen to the performance. Afterward, we'll head for the exit and go home.

Is that an accurate summary - minus the popcorn? That's what is expected for those kinds of activities, right? We're supposed to be quiet spectators.

Now, let's take a look at our church experience. Notice any similarities? Is it so similar, that one could conclude that, in practice, church appears to be something we observe?

Over the years, I've found that most of us do what we've been taught to do - especially when it comes to church. We've been taught that church is a weekly event centered around listening to a pastor. Outside of singing a few songs, there's very little participation.

Now contrast this experience with how the Bible describes the gathering of the church:

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. (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Is that verse way different then what you're used to? Let me put it this way: If you're a mature saint of God, when was the last time you taught, spoke in tongues or interpreted? Shared a word of wisdom with the church lately?

Look at Paul's words again. How many people should participate? A few or every one? Does Paul describe a spectator church or a participatory church?

Since the church is the body of Christ, let's consider our own bodies for a moment. We have eyes, ears, hands, legs, feet, etc., Do we enjoy having all of our members? Do we like using all of our members? I'll bet we do.

Is it possible that Jesus Christ – as head of his body, the church – likes to have and wants to use all of his members too? I think so. Not only does he want to use each of us, he has gifted each of us to edify (instruct, benefit, uplift) each other. The whole church is to minister to itself.

We've been taught for generations to sit and listen to a singular person preach week after week. But according to the scriptures, all of us should be participating in each other's growth, encouraging and edifying one another.

Unfortunately, the church has become more like a program to watch. Many great teachers have been sidelined by denominational rules. Hundreds of prophets have never been encouraged to speak out what they hear from God. Exhorters have been silenced because they "didn't go to Bible school," and the Holy Ghost has been barred from entrance so there won't be any tongues and therefore no interpretation of tongues.

May I be so bold as to say that part of the reason why America is in the condition it's in spiritually is because of an atrophied church that's become a collection of spectators listening to sermons, rather than the vibrant, interactive body of Christ? Teachers should teach; Evangelists should preach; Exhorters should exhort; Words of wisdom should flow from the wise, workers of miracles should work, tongues should be spoken and interpreters should interpret!

Does that sound like a foreign language? It shouldn't; it's in the Bible. Have a look for yourself in the book of Acts, Rom. 12, I Cor. 12-14, and Eph. 4.

“But Pat, participation like that would never work in our church of over 300 people!”

You're probably right. So, what we need to to is repent and return to scriptures. Did you know that churches meeting in houses is spoken of no less than four times in the New Testament? Believers meeting in small groups was the primary way the church came together, and everyone took part under the oversight of multiple elders.

“Fellowship” has a two-part meaning: Partnership and Participation. Every one of us should be actively involved - not passively listening week and week. But we keep doing it because that's what we've been taught...by people who were taught the same thing. Many leaders today were taught that church is something to run rather than a family to be a part of.

The church Jesus came to build is more exciting than a movie, and more instrumental to society than a concert! It's supposed to be the interactive and dynamic body of Christ the gates of hell won't prevail against! More than ever before, we should act like it.

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Church: The Ultimate Potluck

7/7/2010

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Potluck. A meal shared among friends where everyone brings enough of a dish to share with others, and no one person is responsible for everything. I just hear the word “potluck” and start to salivate. I can't help it. Every potluck I've been to has had great cooks bringing amazing dishes. If you'll excuse me, I may need another helping of Sis. Mary's savory Swedish meatballs...

According to the scriptures, church is suppose to be a lot like a spiritual potluck. It's suppose to be a time of mutual edifying, giving, and receiving, and everyone should bring something. Paul summed up a church gathering like this: "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" (1 Corinthians 14:26).

The church Jesus Christ came to build is dynamic and flexible. It has survived poverty, persecution and prosperity. People have met together in temples, in restaurants, by rivers and from house to house, every day of the week and sometimes twice on Sundays. And the purpose of us gathering together is for mutual benefit. Like a potluck, you bring something and I'll bring something. We'll actively encourage each other and we'll glorify God together. It is not a program for spectators.

Is there any part of our physical bodies we don't want working properly? I doubt it. In like manner, Christ wants all of his body functioning together under his direction. Each member of that body (eyes, ears, feet, hands, etc, ) has a place and a purpose. And that purpose is to edify one another, not to merely occupy a pew. We grow when we give to and receive from each other. Consider this exhortation about why we gather together:

"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.

By God's design, church is very participatory. The word “fellowship” by definition involves “partnership” and “participation.” When we gather together in Jesus name, we should all come together prepared to edify each other. Teachers should teach. Prophets should prophesy. Exhorters should give words of exhortation. Does this sound off the wall? Please read Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Ephesians 4, and see if you still feel that way. Concerned about how this works in an orderly way? We'll talk about that soon. For now, know this: you are a valid and important part of the church and have worthwhile things to share.

I started ChristianHomeChurch.com as means of edifying the church to be the church. I plan to write, create videos, and invite others to contribute as well. If you have a comment, question, or a concern, please send an email and we'll address it in future posts. Let's pursue God together, both giving and receiving so that everyone will benefit.

So this is what I brought to the potluck. What did you bring?

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Start A Church, Look For A Church, Or Preach The Gospel? Listen to Audio!

How To Get Revelation

What Is The Mind of Christ? 5 Ways to Keep Spiritually Minded

Why Go To Church - Part 2

Bible Verses, Forgiveness, and Repentance

Church Ideas – Fun Church Activities

An Interactive Church

Church: The Ultimate Potluck

Patrick Sipperly

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