Doctrine- Part 1

There are many today that strike the very word from their vocabulary. I'm speaking of doctrine. There are many people, particularly in my generation, that argue it makes no difference if they subscribe to a particular doctrine. I've heard statements like the following:

"It doesn't matter what I believe. I just love Jesus."

"Well, you might see it that way, but I just don't."

My personal favorite, "It might be good for you, but I'll never receive it."

Let's not forget that the Bible is a book of doctrine. If we didn't have the doctrine of salvation, how would anyone get saved? If we didn't have the doctrine of healing, how would anybody get healed? If we didn't have the doctrine of the baptism with the Holy Spirit, how would anyone get filled? If we didn't have the doctrine of the Cross, how would anybody be free?

Myer Pearlman, a noted Bible Scholar of the past said,

“It is often said that it does not matter what a man believes so long as he does right. This is one way of dismissing doctrine as having no importance in relation to life. But ever person has a theology or doctrine whether he knows it or not; man’s actions are influenced by what he believes.”

Bible doctrine is not a "give-or-take" circumstance. If one truly wants to follow the Lord, he must have an attitude of, "If you give it Lord, I want it." If you're going to do this Christian thing at half throttle, you aren't doing it the way the Lord intended. He didn't give the doctrine of healing so just a few could get healed. He didn't give the doctrine of blessing so just a few could get blessed. He didn't give the doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Ghost so only a few would get filled and receive a prayer language. God doesn't play games. He gives these gifts for our benefit. Develop a passion for the truth. Desire to know and receive everything that He has promised in His word.

In conclusion, remember that doctrine is not a negative word. It is an extremely positive word. If it weren't for scriptural doctrine preached, I definitely wouldn't be where I am today. I'm thankful that God is patient with us throughout this Christian walk.

Wow.....I wrote more than I thought I would. I think there has to be a part 2. Haha....Love you all!

LTJ
Rom. 8:2