Westminster Abbey in London |
When we parted company, I was saddened by her position which I have encountered many times over the years. People so easily say, "It doesn't matter what you believe so long as you believe in Jesus." But the question that comes to my mind is what DO you believe about Jesus? This is what doctrine teaches us, and understanding the foundations of our faith are critical to growth in Christ. It DOES matter what you believe.
The Church of the Holy Ghost in Heidelberg, Germany |
Within the pages of the Bible, we have the fullness of God's counsel. The words of truth form the doctrine of our faith which is critical knowledge for the Christian. To say, "It doesn't matter what people believe as long as they believe in Jesus" is naive at best and at worst, makes us a target for Satan. According to another letter which Paul wrote to Timothy, we read: "Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" ( 2 Timothy 2:15). In the same letter Paul goes on to write this about the Bible and hence the doctrine found in the Bible: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for gaining in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16).
Paul makes it clear that we are to study the Word of God and handle it carefully, but we also need to recognize that it is powerful in our lives. While studying the Bible on our own is important, we also must gather together in corporate worship which will help us stay the course and keep on the right track.
The pulpit in the Church of the Holy Ghost |
Of course, sound preaching and teaching in our fellowships is key. This is where our faith can clearly be expounded. We may also wish to return to some of the practices of early believers who used a two year period of discipling new believers before they were allowed to join the church. When they came into fellowship, these Christians understood and knew what they believed. Church membership was more important to them and they looked forward to their time of fellowship with others. Finally, we, as believers, need to take time to be students of God's Word absorbing the doctrines of Christ.
There is no greater reward than the study of our faith (doctrines). When we do this in the context of fellowship, we will come to understand more quickly the grace of our Lord that saved us. Doctrine (our belief system) does matter and so does church fellowship. May we be found faithful in both. Selah!
Share your thoughts here. I welcome your comments.
2 comments:
Well said, Barbara!
Tozer said (and I am paraphrasing) that the reason we study "doctrine" is so that we worship correctly. When we do not worship the God of the Bible we are worshipping a god of our own making and that is called idolatry. So many, in Western Christianity, believe that somehow studying doctrine will cause them to lose our affection for Christ. Just the opposite is true. The more we know about God, the more we love Him. It's amazing that Paul told Timothy to guard your doctrine carefully because by it you will save your life, and yet we dare be so flippant about it. Also, with respect to the church -- the body of Christ is the primary means whereby the grace of God flows in our lives. The command to fellowship is because we need it! You've hit upon it all so eloquently and I pray that God continue to bless you and make you a light! Much love to you!
You hit the nail on the head Christina. Truly fellowship with other believers is how the grace of God flows into our lives. WE all need accountability which being in fellowship offers us as well. In my own life, I know that the more I study God's Word and the doctrines of the faith, the more I love Him. We walk not by circumstances or feelings but by the fact and truth of God's Word. Thank you for visiting and being such an encourager yourself! Blessings!
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