“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Recently I read an article detailing a short glimpse at a book written by (according to the article) a New York Times best selling author. The title of the article interested me, so I read it. I don’t know if disgust or anger flared first, this was in responses to what I believe were false teachings and doctrine being introduced to everyone who read this article. The fact the article was on Facebook, was posted by a Christian group, who posts articles for many Christian’s to read, made me wonder how many of them may read it and believe it.
Several friends recently, all seminary grads, made the comment they believed most Christians they know, do not understand Doctrine. The one thing we should never waiver regarding as Christians is doctrine. However, I continue to see false doctrine abounding. The article I referenced above in several paragraphs stated the Trinity did not exist, there was only Christ. The Old Testament was obsolete and should not be read and if you follow the Ten Commandments you are committing sin. Yes, I said the article stated if you follow the Ten Commandments you are committing sin, because of course if there is a law, then you commit sin when you break it. If there is no law you do not commit sin, so therefore the Ten Commandments cause you to sin. This was written by a “Pastor” of a large church in Texas.
Why would people believe false teachings such as these? Because apparently the people who should be teaching true doctrine are not. I could even be included into this group. I have been asked on many occasions about doctrinal topics, that I did not want to offend someone with the answer, so I “sugar coated it”. We must all stop doing this, sound doctrine needs taught now more than ever in this new social media and news driven society where political correctness is everywhere. How do we determine sound doctrine from false doctrine? A one-word answer would be the scripture, the entire scripture, Old and New Testaments together. Next there needs to be proper Hermeneutical and Exegetical principles applied. This means there must be a proper interpretation and explanation of the scriptures.
I do not want to make this post extremely long and detail everything I would like in it. I will continue this topic in the near future with posts dealing doctrinal issues. I pray the Holy Spirit guides me with writing these posts as I feel personally sound doctrine has suffered immensely in our current culture. Only the scriptural teachings with the guidance of the Holy Spirit can position us to where we should be in serving God.
Why do I have a better grasp on scriptural doctrine than others? Good question, it is not specifically what I know or have learned, but what the Holy Spirit guides me to understand in my walk with God. In Psalms 139:23, David asks God to search him, to know his heart and his thoughts. A surrender to the truth of the scriptures is required to know its doctrine. I have studied the scriptures my entire life, along with Christian church history. I have studied how doctrine of the early church has suffered through the years, but God had always provided a way for it to continue. I have been told recently you have to posses a graduate level seminary degree in order to teach or preach in a church. I do not specifically agree with that stance, but I do have a graduate level degree from seminary. Thus, if you believe a seminary degree is required to have scriptural knowledge, I have the block checked. More importantly I pray continually for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all I do in life and more specifically in writing these posts.
I have added 2 Tim. 4:1-4 below to demonstrate the importance of establishing, enforcing and never surrendering sound scriptural doctrine:
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:1-4)
In Christ,
The Sword of the Spirit 