Christian Doctrine or Christian Unity?

There seems to be a great deal of controversy about “doctrine”. To those outside the Church the mere mention of the word conjures up visions that range from “outdate historical notions” to “things that Christians fight over”. It does not fair much better inside many churches. Today the mention of doctrine seems to carry an almost negative connotation to it. There are many prominent leaders inside of Christianity today who make an impassioned plea for us to ignore doctrine and just “love Jesus”. Are these valid requests? Is God the one behind all of this? Is doctrine on its way out? We hear comments such as, “let the body of Christ come together”, and “leave your doctrine and return to Jesus” resonating in the messages of many pulpits and songs today.

Why is this so? What are the reasons for this type of plea coming from Christians? These arguments take many forms, but follow the same basic pattern. The following points can be seen in a majority of them. The pattern is similar to this:

• First, the church is a place where all must feel welcome. This is what Jesus taught.

• Second, anything that causes disharmony in the church goes against what Jesus wants for the church and must be avoided.

• Third, since doctrine is divisive, we must de-emphasize this and emphasize things that bring harmony.

• Forth, the focus of Jesus in the New Testament was love and unity. Jesus prayed that his disciples would all be in unity.  Paul said the greatest of all things was love. These things bring harmony into the church.

• Fifth, therefore we must focus on these two things above all else, love and unity. 

There are an astounding number of Christians that accept this line of argument and ones similar to it. They have subsequently stopped studying and teaching many biblically based Christian doctrines.  This is the first step toward an individual, group, or denomination making the study of the Word of God less important. This soon gives way to the opinion that the Bible’s teaching on issues becomes optional and then in many cases not even necessary.  The final phase of this disastrous practice is the for Bible to be set aside and man’s opinion to become the foundation for the “doctrine of the church.” 

The following is a brief point-by-point response to the above claims:

First, while it is necessary for the church to open to all and make efforts to reach all and to show the love of God, it is not the key business of the church to focus on “political correctness” but on the Great Commission. Love was but one of many things Jesus taught, but He also taught about the disharmony that His message would bring. One of the main dangers that the Bible warns most about in the church is not being politically correct.  It was false teachers.

Second, the notion that anything that causes disharmony in the church is to be avoided because this is what Jesus wants is a point taken out of context. We do not avoid controversy for the sake of unity. This would force the church to remain silent on nearly every mission front, neutralize revival efforts and many attempts to win the lost. This would be exactly what the Enemy would want.

Third, doctrine can be divisive. In what circumstances can it be divisive? There is not time or room to go into great detail on all of the reasons that doctrine could be divisive. The following are a few of the more common reasons that are true in most situations. Take note of the following:

a.   A Biblically illiterate congregation, group or individual can lead to doctrinal problems in a church.

b.   A poorly trained pastor or teacher who does not have a good knowledge of the Bible that presents Biblical teaching inaccurately.

c.   A non-essential doctrine being brought to the status of an essential doctrine of the Christian Faith. For example, insisting that a person must accept mid-tribulation rapture position along with believing that Jesus died for their sins as a requirement for salvation.

d.   Misrepresenting a Biblical doctrine to gain power, influence and/or for financial gain.

e.   Presenting a false doctrine as Biblical truth.

f.    When a group or individual’s words or writings are given equal or superior status to the Bible.

g.   When what is preached from the pulpit is shaped by societal norms and political correctness instead of Biblical standards.

Forth, while unity and harmony in the church is vital. Jesus never taught that we must harmonize our beliefs with the world to achieve this goal. Look at what Jesus said that the impact of the Gospel would have in some families. Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. If you will read the scriptures we are told to love one another. We are never told that this means we have to compromise the Truth so as not to offend anyone. On the contrary, if we compromise the truth, we are not loving. We are defined as liars and deceivers. We become that which populates Hell instead of that which populates Heaven! Jesus is the focal point of unity in the church. Unity is not the focus and mission of the church! Please see Matthew 28:19-20.

Fifth, those that seem to be crystallized around the truths of the love and unity suffer from the same ailment of those who cannot see the forest for the trees. If you stand 6 inches away from a tree and stare at it and refuse to look anywhere else, I guarantee that you will never see the forest. Jesus defined his main objective in Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. The main focus of the church is defined in Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Look at verse 20. We are to observe all of the things that Christ commanded.

Sound Christian Doctrine and adherence to Biblical standards is proclaimed by liberals as something that will cause churches to fail and diminish while their churches grow and reach more people. After all, didn’t Jesus come to reach people? The following article is offered as a rebuttal to that erroneous line of thought. The following is an excerpt from the Agape Press article “Conservatives Work to Keep Their Denominations on Biblical Track “ by Ed Vitagliano dated January 30, 2003.

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“……... Large mainline denominations like the United Methodist Church (UMC), the Episcopal Church, and the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) have been losing members steadily since the mid-1960s. (See Chart Below)

A study released in September 2002, indicates that the membership loss may be tied to dissatisfaction with the mainline’s drift into religious liberalism. Entitled “Religious Congregations and Membership 2000,” the study of 149 denominations was sponsored by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. The research showed that conservative denominations which held to traditional, orthodox doctrine, and which expected a high level of commitment from members, grew at a faster rate than liberal, mainline churches.

Ken Sanchagrin, sociology professor at Mars Hill (North Carolina) College and director of the Glenmary Research Center, which published the study, told Baptist Press, “I was astounded to see that by and large the growing churches are those that we ordinarily call conservative. And when I looked at those that were declining, most were moderate or liberal churches. And the more liberal the denomination, by most people’s definition, the more they were losing.”

For example, denominations like Southern Baptist, the Presbyterian Church in America, and Assemblies of God had grown during the 1990s by 5%, 42.4%, and 18.5% respectively. On the other hand, there was a decline in membership in mainline denominations like the PCUSA (11.6%), UMC (6.7%), Episcopal Church (5.3%), and the United Churches of Christ (14.8%).

Mark Tooley, who directs the United Methodist Action committee of the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD), said, “Churches that allow themselves to be defined by the secular culture’s definition of ‘inclusivity’ and ‘tolerance’ really have little to offer that will change hearts or inspire great loyalty, much less create membership growth.”

He added, “Liberal theology, with its de-emphasis on traditional Christian belief in favor of social activism, is committing demographic suicide. The future of Christianity belongs to robust orthodoxy, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox.”

Part of the problem may be that liberal denominations have a difficult time distinguishing themselves in the grey twilight that exists between the clear-cut choice of either orthodox Christianity or New Age beliefs.

David Roozen, director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, agrees, according to Baptist Press. “[Liberal denominations] are never going to out-conservative the conservatives. But if they start emphasizing 'religion is your own choice -- feel it if you feel it,' then people start asking why they need church at all.”

Liberals Run Amok
The litany of liberal offenses within mainline churches has begun to sound like the well-worn horror stories told around a campfire: bishops who deny the orthodox doctrine of the Christian faith; the abandonment of the true gospel for a politically correct "social gospel"; and the embracing of homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle.

The problem with these horror stories, however, is that they’re true. For example, what did UMC bishops discuss with President Bush, who is a Methodist, when they met with him for the first time in May 2001? According to IRD, they focused on social issues that could only be characterized as having an obscure Biblical connection: they criticized the president’s initiative to develop an anti-missile defense system; insisted that the U.S. Navy abandon its munitions testing program in Puerto Rico; and demanded the U.S. military stop holding “war games” in Korea.

Even worse for mainline churches are leaders who appear to reject the very foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. Bible-believing Christians within the Episcopal Church must have rolled their eyes and sighed every time Bishop John Spong wrote another book which touted his heretical views – for Spong adamantly rejects as invalid the Christian beliefs in Christ’s divinity, His work on the cross, and the resurrection.

The UMC faithful have their own heretic -- Bishop Joseph Sprague. President of the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops of the United Methodist Church, Sprague made statements in early 2002 that had many Methodists in the pew hopping mad. Sprague said he considered the Virgin Birth a “theological myth,” and argued that the Resurrection of Christ, rather than being an actual event, was a mere metaphor. Sprague also said Jesus Christ was not the only way to heaven.

No issue may be more disturbing for evangelicals within the more liberal mainline churches than the subject of homosexuality. In the U.S., Canada and Europe, for example, a growing number of Anglican ministers (the Anglican Church in the U.S. is called the Episcopal Church) have rejected the Biblical view of homosexuality, formally blessing same-sex relationships and even ordaining homosexuals to the ministry.”

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The above excerpt is documented proof that ignoring God’s word and His teachings (doctrine) leads to failure, not success. Let us move on to consider what doctrine is and what the Bible says about it.

Definition of “Doctrine.”

A basic and simple definition of doctrine is teaching. The focus is on both the act and the content of the teaching. A doctrine can be described as a teaching or set of teachings on a given subject.

OT usage:

In the Old Testament there is no one single word that is used for the word doctrine. The words “statutes”, “law”, “teach”, “to instruct”, “to learn”, “commandment”, “testimonies” and “truth” are used when dealing with this concept.

Dr. Gordon Fee makes the following observation about the teaching of doctrine among the Jews. “Among the Jews, especially in the Old Testament, teaching served not for the communication of religious truth, but rather to bring the one taught into direct confrontation with the Divine will.  What is taught are the commandments; what is expected is obedience. Thus Moses is taught what he should do (Exodus 4:15), and he in turn teaches Israel the commandments (Deut 4:1, 5, et al.), which they likewise are to teach to their children (Deut 6:1, 6, 7, et al.). Therefore, although a “doctrine” of the unity of God or of divine election is presupposed in OT teaching, such teaching is not the communication of such “doctrines” but instruction in the divine will. (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, volume 2 page 152.)

NT usage:

In the New Testament we have two basic terms that are used for doctrine. The first one is didache. The second one is didaskalia. Again to put it simply the words mean both the act of teaching and that which is taught.

In the New Testament doctrine is used of the teaching associated with the truth of the word of God. Jesus’ teaching was radical to the people of his day. He taught with power and authority. Paul’s teaching centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Again, you will find that words such as “statutes”, “law”, “teach”, “to instruct”, “to learn”, “commandment”, “testimonies” and “truth” are used when dealing with this concept.

It needs to be pointed out here that a great amount of doctrine has to do with how a Christian lives his or her life. Notice the words of Paul to Timothy as he challenges Timothy to keep his doctrine sound. Notice what this is antithesis to. 1 Timothy 1:10 “For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;” Please note here that one important aspect of doctrine was living a Godly life. Jesus himself said that the world would know that we were His followers by loving one another. John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. This is Jesus’ teaching, in other words this is doctrine!

 Why is it needed?

There are numerous answers to this question. Lets briefly examine a few. The question to many is why do we need doctrine in the first place? Can’t we all just get along? Does it really matter? The answer to these question are: Because God said so, No, and Yes.

First, lets go back to the source of doctrine, the Bible. We have the Bible so that we can have a source of Truth. The Bible is God’s revelation to man about the who’s, what’s where’s and when’s of life the universe and everything. Lets put this into perspective. In one form or another you use doctrine on a daily basis. When you say “doctrine”, you are saying the same thing as “theological viewpoint”, “philosophical view”, “my opinion is…”, ” I heard someone say that…” or the ever popular “well I have always believed…” and the old stand by “let me tell you what I think…”. All of these are repeating back what you know, believe or have heard.

Have you ever considered what lies at the base of all of this information that you draw upon on a daily basis? When you do you get your “truth” about life the universe and everything? Is this information built on information revealed from an omniscient God? Is it from someone who bases his or her opinion on someone else’s opinion that thinks you evolved from primordial ooze? Is what you believe about the world around you Biblically based or politically correct and sanitized of all truth?

Second, God had to reveal the truth to us because we were incapable of learning it our selves. Consider this. How would we find out about Creation and the details of it unless someone who was there told us about it. How could we know about the heart, mind, character and nature of God unless He revealed it to us? How would we know anything about a being whose powers and abilities are limitless compared to our limited existence?  Look at the variation of the ideas about God and Creation man has come up with on his own. It was absolutely essential that God revealed the truth for us. With out Him we are incapable of finding, knowing and discerning the truth.

Third, having a proper understanding of issues has a direct bearing on a person’s life on earth and life here-after. Consider the following questions that are the first basic questions in a philosophy class. Who am I in this universe? Is there life after death? Is there a difference between Good and Evil? Add to those: Is there only one truth? Is Jesus the only way to Heaven? What do I have to do to get to heaven?  These are important question to which truthful answers are of vital importance. The consequences of wrong information on anyone of these could prove to be spiritually fatal. Having accurate information on who God is and what we are doing here and what He has done for us so that we don’t have to spend an eternity in Hell is important.

God has also revealed to us information on many subjects. Marriage, children, money, ethics, and over a thousand other subjects are covered in the Bible. It is important to notice that God gave us instructions in many different areas of our lives. This underscores the importance of doctrine. God did not inspire a 66 volume book just so He could be on the Best Seller’s List. He did so because we needed it.

Forth, Jesus said that it was important to obey all of his teachings (that’s doctrine!!!!). For those who say “forget about doctrine and let’s just love Jesus”, Jesus has something to say to you about that:

 John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

 John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

 John 14:23-24  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

 John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 What does God have to say on the matter?

 The best thing to do when you are studying a subject like this in the Bible is to take a look at everything that God had to say on the issue. The following selection of scriptures is provided as a survey through the Bible of this subject matter. There is no better way to know what God has said about something than to read what God has said about it. For those who claim the subject and concept of doctrine is irrelevant, look at the many times that the subject is referred to in the Bible. Good doctrine and teaching are praised. When people are condemned, many times it is for their doctrine. Biblical doctrine touches every facet of our lives. Doctrine is more than just being able to define a “theological term.” Doctrines (Biblical teachings) touch the way you live from day to day. They touch every facet of who you are and what you do. There are doctrines dealing with sex, marriage, finances, parenting, church leadership, widows, orphans, charity, church discipline, heretics, false teachers, evangelism, and hundreds of other subjects. To put it simply, they are in the Bible because God expects us to know and live by them. Please examine the following scriptures.

 Genesis 26:4-5  And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

 Exodus 18:16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

 Exodus 18:20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

 Exodus 24:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give you tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that you may teach them.

 Leviticus 10:11 And that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

 Leviticus 19:37 Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD.

 Leviticus 20:8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.

 Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

 Deuteronomy 6:17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

 Deuteronomy 7:11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

 Deuteronomy 11:19 And you shall teach them your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down at night, and when you get up in the morning.

 Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

 Job 11:4 For you have said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.

 Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

 Psalms 25:4 Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

 Psalms 25:5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me: for you are the God of my salvation; on you do I wait all the day.

 Psalms 25:8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

 Psalms 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

 Psalms 119 – a reading of the entire chapter is a must.  The longest Psalm, the longest chapter in the Bible is about the importance of God’s words, teaching, statutes, doctrines, teachings or what ever name you want to call them, it stresses the importance of the Word of God and how it should be studied and obeyed.

 Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me your statutes.

 Psalms 119:24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

 Psalms 119:88 Quicken me after thy loving kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

 Psalms 132:12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

 Proverbs 4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

 Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

 Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

 Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.

 Isaiah 29:24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

 Jeremiah 10:8 But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.

 Ezekiel 11:12 And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you.

 Ezekiel 11:20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

 Ezekiel 44:23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

 Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine.

 Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Notice here that teaching incorrect doctrines results in worship that is not accepted by God!

 Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

 Matthew 22:33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine

 Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

 Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Teaching all things means that Biblical doctrine can not be left out of the church!

 Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not and not as the scribes.

 Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey

 Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

 Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Again, notice the result of non-Biblical doctrines! It leads people and entire congregations to participate in activities that God does not accept as worship!

 Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

 Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,

 Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

 John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

 John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

 John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

 John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

 John 14:23-24  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

 John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 “Don’t worry about doctrine, just love Jesus” …  Talk about a contradictory statement!!! According to Jesus’ statements above, it is impossible to love Him and forget about doctrine!!!

 John 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

 Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

 Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

 Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Notice the subject of the teaching (doctrine) of the early church. No anti-war protests, no environmental sermons,  no equal rights protests just JESUS!!!

 Acts 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

 Acts 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

 Acts 17:19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

 Acts 18:11  And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

 Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

 Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Those who teach counter to Biblical doctrine are to be avoided in the church and are to be counted as heretics! That’s not my opinion, see Titus 3:10!

 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

This is the reason so many people have difficulty understanding some points of doctrine. The unregenerate person and the carnal or immature Christian has this to contend with.

 1 Corinthians 3:10-11  10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11 For no other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 So many problems in doctrine and theology come from violating this scripture.

 1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

 Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

A heresy is a false teaching or false doctrine. Look at the list of things a heresy is grouped with!

 Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

We are to be on the lookout for false doctrines and we are expected to know the truth to the point where a false doctrine will not sway us!

 Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation (that is your daily life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Your day to day life is to be pleasing to God and lived in such a manner as to be representative of a Christ and His gospel. How can one do this unless one knows what Jesus taught about how you should do this? You have to know  the doctrine He taught!

 Philippians 3:7-18 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 

The focus is JESUS!!!

 Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

 Colossians 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

 Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

 1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

It is permissible to admonish those who do not teach correct Biblical doctrine to STOP.

 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Things that are not sound doctrine are compared to some very LOW and REPULSIVE items.

 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

 1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

 1 Timothy 4:11 These things command and teach.

 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Pay attention to your doctrine. It is important. God says so!!!!

 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

 1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

God takes His Teachings (that’s doctrine) seriously.

 1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Those who do not teach sound doctrine are proud ignoramuses. See Proverbs 16:5!

 2 Timothy 1:13  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

 2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 2 Timothy 4:3 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;

 Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

 Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

 Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

 Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things

 Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

 Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

 Hebrews 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment

 Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

 1 Peter 3:8  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

 1 John 4:1-3  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

 2 John 7  For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

 2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

 2 John 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

 Jude 3-5 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not..

 Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

 Revelation 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

 Revelation 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

 Doctrine is essential. Christian doctrine is both lived and believed. They are inseparable. The living out of one’s salvation is essential. It is not merely enough to know we are saved, sanctified and justified. We must live this out in our daily lives to our friends, family, neighbors and to God. To be able to do this you must know what God has said about it. As the above scriptures have made it clear, you have to know what Jesus taught because HE said so!

 Christian unity is important. Real Christian unity is centered around the divine personage and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Today many are trying to achieve unity by reducing Jesus to a mere human that was just a teacher. They attempt unity by removing Jesus from their very doctrinal statements. This goes against what the Bible teaches. This is a false unity. This is heresy.

 In the Early Church, there was a document that is called “The Didache” or “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles”. This is one of the earliest documents and a heavily used guide for teaching.  I guess you could say this was one of the first “best sellers.”  Even though it is not an inspired work like the Bible, it is interesting to see what our predecessors had to deal with. CLICK HERE to read it. This was a guide to doctrinal teaching for many early Christians. You will find it interesting.