Sound Doctrine

As the church of the living God, we are to be the pillar and foundation of truth. (I Timothy 3:15) The world is preaching tolerance & pressuring us to compromise the truths in God's Word. In church history, you will see at times the church has put great importance on doctrine and other times a total neglect of doctrine.

I find that many churches in the United States are no longer putting enough importance on church doctrine and teaching in the name of love and tolerance. In the name of freedom and free choice the church often neglects sound Bible teaching. Every one has the right to believe and act as they feel God would lead them. (key word here is "I" and "Feel") In fear of hurting people's feelings or God forbid that they might leave the church because they don't agree or feel uncomfortable, we often tone down strong teaching and give water downed preaching.

We in the church have often fallen into the western trap of individuality and independence void of sound doctrine. Some believe it is all about me, God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus as my buddy.

I Timothy 4:1 - "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."

I Timothy 4:16 - " Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

The word "doctrine" is mentioned 6 times in the Epistles and the word "teach or teaching" is mentioned  54 times. The word "instruction" is mentioned 13 times.

Let us as a church watch our lives and doctrine closely. Right living is dependent on sound teaching and doctrine accompanied by the Holy Spirit.