House to House Church Ministry - Home Church Movement in America
  Christian Home Church
  • Home
  • Free Bible Studies
  • Free Sermons Online
  • Resources
    • Short Stories
    • Giving
  • About
  • Contact

Let's Test Ourselves

3/22/2011

1 Comment

 
Picture
 
Examine yourselves, 
whether ye be in the faith; 
prove your own selves...  
2 Corinthians 13:5


We check ourselves out in the mirror before heading off to work. Hair looks good, no broccoli in the teeth, etc., Thank God for mirrors! They're helpful, but they don't go below the surface. That takes some deeper introspection and honesty. Have I even thought about the Lord today? Have I sought him once about my plans for the week? Good questions.

One of the things I hope to accomplish in an entertaining way with my Christian Fiction novel, Parting Ways, is to challenge readers to examine their walk with God. Do we really live what we believe? Do we even know what we believe and why? Have we ever disagreed with a church teaching? If so, what did we do about it?

I've heard some things preached that completely contradicted the very scriptures the preacher was referencing. What??? Unfortunately, most church gatherings are not designed for discussions. It's all one way. God forbid anyone question the pastor! But that's what we should do. If anyone preaches or teaches openly, they should be accountable for it openly. I can guarantee you this: There would be less bad doctrine taught if a preacher knew he was going to face questioning from knowledgeable elders.

We should all have a working knowledge of the scriptures. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

In Parting Ways, I tell a story about an ambitious young pastor whose unique talents bring him before huge crowds in his denomination. He quickly rises through the church ranks, but the more he studies the Word and gets closer to God, the more he clashes with church leadership. On the edge of being promoted to his dream position in front of a global audience, he's forced to make a difficult choice - a choice that could end his ministry for good.

The story is fictional, but denominational doctrines not squaring with the Bible is all too real. Jesus chided the Pharisees because they taught for doctrine the commandments of men. Let's not be guilty of doing that. Let's be guilty of hearing and doing what Christ and the apostles taught even if we must part ways with traditions. It's the truth that makes us free - if we know it - not the denominational handbooks or Rev. Blackwell's Commentaries.


Examining ourselves starts with the word. Can we find our way in the scriptures? Are we walking by the light of the Word or by the light of the world? Here's a thought, let's read over this scripture the next time we get in front of the mirror...

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.(1 John 2:15-17)

Are we in the faith? Can we prove it?

UPDATE: The cover for Parting Ways has been selected and the book is getting formatted now. Lord willing it will be ready for release Monday, April 18th, 2011. Please visit PatrickSipperly.com for the latest news and updates.

Thanks for helping me spread the word out about Parting Ways and ChristianHomeChurch.com

1 Comment
Patty TIllerson
3/22/2011 11:36:08 pm

very, very good article. Keep up the good work!

Reply



Leave a Reply.


    Share|
    Patrick Sipperly

    Patrick Sipperly

    Video producer, author, 
    and minister of the 
    Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Visit his other sites:
    AZVideoCompany.com
    DurangoVideo.com
    PatrickSipperly.com

    Picture

    The easiest way to create a website for your church. Create your website at Weebly.com!


    Archives

    November 2017
    October 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    September 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    November 2011
    October 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010


    Categories

    All
    Audio
    Bible
    Business
    Christian Fiction
    Church
    Church Fellowship
    Daily Devotion
    Encouragement
    Evangelism
    Faith
    Forgiveness
    Grace
    Holy Ghost
    Home Church
    House Church
    How To Pray For America
    Kjv
    Last Days
    Marriage
    Ministry
    Mormon Commercials
    Parting Ways
    Pornography
    Preaching The Word
    Purpose Of The Church
    Questions About Church
    Revelation
    Salvation
    The Church
    Videos
    What To Do About Guilt
    Women

    RSS Feed





© 2011 | Powered By The ArizonaVideoCompany.com