Make Sure We Teach THIS Kind of Sound Doctrine

​Most people think of "sound doctrine" as synonymous with "good theology." And we talk about orthodoxy, which means "right knowledge." And that is good. By all means. It's a bad thing to have wrong knowledge. But did you know that when the scriptures talk about sound doctrine, they are referring more to orthopraxy than orthodoxy? Sound doctrine is about right practice, right actions, right behavior, right doing, right living. This becomes so obvious in Paul's instruction to pastor Titus. If you're in a position to teach or pastor, make sure you don't miss this! 

00:00 Introduction to Sound Doctrine
00:35 Orthodoxy vs. Orthopraxy
00:44 Paul's Instructions to Titus
01:50 Behavioral Teachings for Different Groups
03:25 Emphasis on Right Living
04:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mission Update: Shipshe to Kansas to Colorado

In Shipshewana I was able to connect with a few more men. One works for a church network. Another had been developing a house church ministry, but now pastors a conventional church. And yet he continues to imagine a variety of radical,  unconventional ministry models. (I went home to Wendy, who lives with my constant imagineering about this and that, and I told her, "I just met my match!") The other meeting was with a new friend, a business man, who has a background in mission work.

The conversations were all warm and engaging. We all share the same concerns about the condition of the Western church. We're all intrigued by simpler church expressions. I'm reminded that one size does not fit all, and that our X242 way of being church is not the only way, but is one of the better ways.

We left Indiana toward Kansas We worked our way through Missouri over some of the worst roads we've ever encountered. It was exceptionally rough in general, with surprise bumps thrown in. (It's like your house suffering through an earthquake several times an hour.) One such bump exploded one of our trailer tires which also took out part of the trim and underbelly. It happened to be where there was no shoulder, so we limped a mile to the next exit where I changed it. The whole experience was a first for us. But we praise God that no one was hurt, and that we had everything we needed to get back on the road, losing just a couple hours over all.

We made it to the Kansas City area where we had reservations for a few nights. We were able to go into town and get the tire replaced, so we have a spare again. And we were able to meet with X242 friends who had a house church going in their home but through a series of events, have had to let it lie dormant for the time being. It's always good to see them. Please pray for encouragement in this season, and for clarity about what to do next.

They also introduced me to a KC area couple who lives on a farm out in the country. They have a vibrant faith and are trying to discern the specifics about using their property for ministry. They currently meet for church as just their little family of five. They also have had some other meetings with area friends for prayer and worship, tracking in the Encounter model of ministry which was formative for them not too long ago. They have recently poured a slab in preparation for a barndominium which they hope to fill with people regularly, not as a typical church, but more of an open-door type ministry place for people. A retreat of sorts. They are praying to be able to purchase the surrounding farm land to make it 100 acres. Please pray for God's leading and provision in this. 

We left Kansas and traveled to Woodland Park, Colorado for a couple nights. Yesterday we had an encouraging visit with friends just north of Denver, on our way to the Curt Gowdy State Park outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming where we're currently camped.

Thank you so much for your prayers.

• Pray specifically for travel safety. That's on my mind, and often in my stomach as I drive.
• Pray for the seed of encouragement to grow, in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, and Colorado.
• Pray for our time next weekend with friends who pastor a little church in Idaho.