01/30/09 11:24PM
I read an article today that reflected on a lesson by Leroy Brownlow. The basic idea was that we should "preach what we practice" Most are familar with the cliche "practice what you preach"; however "preach what you practice" is a little different. The idea is that true children of God should openly preach what we practice, though it is different from the worldview. In Ephesians 4, the inspired writer speaks of ONE Lord, ONE Faith. In Matt. 16:18 Jesus declares that He would build His church (singular). The worldview is that many " different churches" are the branches with Christ being the sustaining "trunk". God's word disagrees with this world view. If you are saved, you will be in the Lord's church because He adds the saved to His church. Any "person/church" that preaches a different doctrine than the Lord's (one church) is anethema (Gal. 1:8). The same "preach what you practice" principle applies regarding other doctrinal issues, i.e. accapella singing, Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16 (no instrument use authorized); one required condition of salvation being baptism (immersion) for remission of sins, Acts 2:38; that one is NOT saved by faith alone (James 2:24), but that obedience perfects faith (James 2:22) and so on. It is important that we preach what we practice; that we are not ashamed of the Gospel.
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Matt 5:16-"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" Are actions and are example that we show in our lives should be what were preaching and teaching. We must first correct our lives in such a way that what we are preaching is exactly what needs to be done to live a christian life. Very encouraging post Mr. McCollum -
That is a very interesting way of looking at things. It's interesting how the world could take a phrase and kind of twist it. Food for thought. :) -
that has always been my saying...good thoughts -
good to see you at lectures!