[This is the first part of a multipart series]
I grew up in the Christian (New Testament) church, believeing that we should follow Christ's commands which would result in our becoming like Him and in doing so, be rewarded with a place in Heaven. Even Paul talked about "follow my example, follow me as I follow Christ". So, I found myself trying to do just that on my own strength and failing miserably! Besides the suffering experienced by the martyrs for their faith, i figured it also included those who were, like me, constantly attempting and failing to follow Christ! So, there I was, all the time wondering, "Is this Christianity--what it means to follow Christ? A constant 'try-and/or fail' experience? THAT brings glory to God?" Needless to say, I was somewhat confused and disappointed in myself. Then, on the other hand, I was struggling with all sorts of things: immoral thoughts, envy, anger, fits of rage, selfishness and pride. I was battling with and against myself and trying to live what seemed like an impossible Godly life! I was a mess!
A peek into my mind, to hear the thoughts of a 40-something single male as he walks this planet called Earth.
John M. Kirton II
DISCLAIMER: This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own solely and not those of The Village Church, her ministers, pastors, administrators, staff, covenant members, regular attenders or visitors; my parents; my alma mater, Dallas Christian College, her administration, faculty, Board, alumni, or students, past, present and future; or my employer and fellow employees.
My Story
- John M. Kirton II
- I attended public school for two years and private school for the remainder of my education. After graduation, I attended Bible college in Dallas, Texas, for four and one-half years consecutively. Unfortunately, I failed a class and was unable to graduate with my class but God enabled me to re-take the course and I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Bible and minors in Youth Ministry and Biblical Languages in 1994. After failing the aforementioned course, I had continued attending a church but began to falter in my faith. It was during my second year after my Bible college years that I was introduced to the International Churches of Christ (ICOC), where I became a member and was involved for twelve years. It was not until my twelfth year that, after much prayer from my parents and closest friends, Greg Faure and Wayne Stiles, I became convinced that the ICOC was a religious sect. In June, 2000, I left the ICOC and became a covenant member of The Village Church in Highland Village, TX, in April, 2004.
