Pressing On

"Doctrine Matters-The Word"

2012-01-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

Early in my Christian life, I heard a preacher make a statement that I have not yet forgotten. He said, “Doctrine Matters”. “Doctrine Matters”? What did he mean by that? My experience though several years of ministry has taught me that doctrine truly does matter. What we believe as Christians affects the way we view ourselves, our neighbors and the universe around us. Three doctrinal beliefs that have greatly affected my life are the doctrine of the Scripture, the doctrine of God and the doctrine of man. In this post I will discuss the first doctrine and most important doctrine. The doctrine of Holy Scripture.

First and foremost, our beliefs concerning Scripture determine our source of authority in life. As an evangelical Christian, I believe that the Bible, both Old and New Testament, is God’s revelation to man which is thorough and without error. Although God used humans to transcribe the Bible, God is ultimately the Author.

In Second Timothy chapter 3 verses 16 through 17, the Apostle Paul says to Timothy: “It is the sacred scripture that make you wise unto salvation". Paul goes on to declare that "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work”.

As believers we are to have a Biblical Worldview; the Bible is the only source of authority in the universe. It reveals how everything was created, the nature of man, and what he should believe as well as how he should conduct himself. The Bible exposes the person and work of Jesus and how we are to respond to Him.

The commands of Scripture are to be obeyed, the narratives of Scripture are to be gleaned from, and the examples of Scripture are to edify the believers. The Bible is sufficient, enough, and complete. It is able to teach me, rebuke me, correct me, and train me so that I may fulfill God’s will for my life. But the Scriptures are not only sufficient for my life, but they are sufficient to bring about change in the lives of others as well.

My reliance upon the Scripture is consistent with my reliance upon God Himself. God and His Word are in perfect harmony, as we can see in Psalm 138:2, which says, “For you have exalted above all things your name and your word”. The Scripture is capable of accomplishing great things by the power of the Holy Spirit when it is applied to the heart of a believer. Sola Scriptura !

Being a doer of the Word in 2012

2012-01-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

Why is it that we put such an emphasis in our churches on knowing the Word of God over doing the Word of God? How many Bible studies do we have to participate in, how many podcast sermons do we have to download, how many books do we have to read, or conferences do we have to attend before we take the Word of God and start living it? It is a question I constantly ask myself and my congregation. I think it is quite possible that we may be guilty of stressing right doctrine over right living. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am a firm believer of doctrine before practice. After all, it is our beliefs that drive our behavior. But being a hearer of the Word and not a doer is to deceive oneself. How can you be sure if you are in Christ unless you are bearing fruit? Am I not responsible for what I learning and teaching concerning the truth?

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

This verse has always convicted me because Jesus links belief or faith in Him with obedience. Belief and obedience are one in the same. Therefore, I believe the first step towards change is to come to the conviction that hearing, studying and learning the word of God means that I am accountable to the Lord for what I received. I should desire change in my life that reflects a greater holiness and a greater obedience to my Lord. But let's be honest. We all resist change even if it is blood bought, Bible wrought change.

One of the reasons we are so resistant to change is because we somehow do not think this change will be good for us. In my life it seems as if I will hear the Word of God on a subject such as financial stewardship and shutter. I know the will of God is that I give to those in need but that may mean that I will go without something. And God doesn’t really want me to be to be a sacrificial giver does He? He doesn’t want me to forfeit my security and comfort does He? Do I really think I can be happy if I live for something bigger than my own selfish desires? Well, the gospel promises something more and confronts our misplaced affections. The gospel offers something so incredibly satisfying, so infidelity valuable. The gospel offers Jesus as the pearl of great price. He is our treasure, He is supreme joy and satisfaction. As CT Studd, the great missionary to China, India and Africa, once said, "if Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him".

When God makes His will for our lives clear in Scripture it's for our own good. Our ultimate joy is dependent upon our willingness to change. The idea that God’s will for us is something that we will not enjoy is the same lie the Serpent told Eve. Surely, God did not say that! No, if you will eat (sin) you will be like God. The Serpent deceived Eve into thinking that God is somehow withholding His best from Adam and Eve. Has God really said that? Has he really blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ?(Ephesians 1:3) YES, He has!

If we truly believe that God has our best and His glory in store to those who love and obey, I think we would be quick to want change.

I DO BELIEVE LORD! HELP MY UNBELIEF! CHANGE ME IN 2012!

Pressing On

Pressing Onward

2011-10-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.