Introduction...continued

The Doctinal Effect - Doctrine and Practice

Doctrine is that which is taught and practice is how that information is implemented or put into practice. To believe something and to do nothing about that belief is the same as not believing the doctrine.

James 2:18-19 "But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder."

It is seen here in the book of James that demons believe but that their belief is not beneficial to them.

What we as Christians believe should be of benefit to us, therefore it is of no use to say that we believe in spiritual gifts but make no room for their operation within a church service.

It is of no benefit to say that we as a church believe in prophecy and then make no efforts to create the atmosphere or environment where it is safe for the operation of the prophetic gift.

The only evidence or fruit that a doctrine is believed is the accompanying change to lifestyle and practice. It is vitally important that the church of today is open to spiritual gifts but it can be said that it is equally important that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are correctly and properly administrated.

There is an argument that says, "If it is truly a gift of the Holy Spirit, then the Holy Spirit will take care of the administration of the gift". It is possible that this is an abdication of the spiritual authority that Christ places upon those in Christian leadership and such teaching is surely part of the reason why some Church leaders are afraid to allow the practice of the gifts in church services.

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