The Importance of Doctrine:The Apostle Paul commended Christians in Rome because they “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine [teaching] which was delivered [to] you” (Romans 6:17, KJV). He also urged Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine…. for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16). Paul also warned repeatedly, “in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy…” (1 Timothy 4:1–3). Paul also warned that as the end of the age approaches, one-time believers “will not endure sound doctrine,” but will “have itching ears” and follow various teachers—turning theirs away from the truth to fables and lies (2 Timothy 4:3–4; 1 Timothy 4:1–2). In order to avoid being deceived and misled, we need to study the Scriptures carefully so that we know what the Bible teaches as doctrine (see the Bereans in Acts 17:10–12), and exercise spiritual discernment that comes from nourishing and being led by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:6–7; Romans 8:14). We also need to remember Jesus’ warning that not everyone who thinks he or she is on the right track, actually is (Matthew 7:21–23). This is serious business, especially in these last days.Have a profitable Sabbath,Douglas S. Winnail
Jesus is still missing. Can someone please find him? Proper church doctrine will save you, which is much, much more important than that inconvenient dude whom we seldom ever mention, and when we do it is in passing him by for weightier matters.
