All things Spiritual

Post date: Jul 30, 2018 2:54:53 PM

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending the graduation ceremony of a friend who had completed his studies at a local Christian university. While there I met another friend who shared with me a number of interesting facts about the university. There was one fact however which disturbed me more than the others. He said that the 60 plus multi-denominational student body was successfully interacting even though their doctrines were different. All though this was a notable achievement it concerned me that there were so many different doctrines being taught within the body of Christ.

The word doctrine can be defined as follows:

A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party or other group.

Greek meaning: didasko: to teach

Hebrew meaning: leqach: something received, i.e. (mentally) instruction (whether on part of the teacher or hearer), doctrine, learning.

John 5: 19 “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”

Following his baptism “…Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people”. (Matthew 4: 23) Jesus’ commitment to prayer and his willingness to submit to Godly instruction were the keys that contributed to his success. His words were God inspired; His actions were faith-filled and His results were supernatural. The scriptures testify of Him when it says; “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2: 5-8) When he was questioned about the source of His doctrine He stated; “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” (John 7: 16)

Acts 9: 3-5 “As he journeyed he came near Damascus: and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”   

The Apostle Paul was a former high ranking religious leader named Saul who surprised his Jewish peers by converting to the new Christian movement he was sent to destroy. His conversion occurred after having had a supernatural encounter with Jesus who he knew to be deceased. During this meeting he referred to Jesus as Lord and was commissioned by Him to “…preach the gospel…” to the gentile world. (1 Corinthians 1: 17) A few days later it was reported that he had also received the Holy Spirit and was baptized. Paul during his lifetime fulfilled his commission by evangelizing the then known world.  His letters of doctrinal instruction form the basis for much of the content of the New Testament. In one of these letters he confirmed the origin of his doctrine; “…but I make known to you brethren that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1: 11-12)  Paul, 14 years after he began to preach, he defended the credibility of his doctrine before Jesus’ disciples, the founding fathers of the “Christian” movement, who after hearing his address expressed both acceptance of him and his message. Like Jesus and the disciples Paul’s’ gospel was also accompanied by signs and wonders. On many occasions during his evangelistic tours he’d remain in one place to spread the word of his doctrine as the scripture records: Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” (Acts 14:3) 

Acts 5: 38-39 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it- lest you even be found to fight against God.

Unity is a vital component of the church. The Apostle Peter, in his letter to the Asian churches, was very supportive of Paul when he wrote“…as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.” (2 Peter 3:15-16) Paul fought hard to maintain unity within the gentile churches by teaching his divinely inspired doctrine to them. Wisely he sent likeminded men and women who would represent him and teach his gospel. To maintain unity Paul consistently challenged and addressed any doctrinal error that may have been creeping into the church “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2: 11)

1 Peter 1: 3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

The doctrine that Jesus, the Apostles and the Apostle Paul preached is still available to us today through the Spirit of Christ who dwells in us “…For since the world through all its [earthly] wisdom failed to recognize God, God in His wisdom was well pleased through the foolishness of the message preached [regarding salvation] to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1: 21) In my opinion, there is only one Christ inspired doctrine, it being righteousness (right standing with God) by faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ which when preached will reveal His glory with signs and wonders following. Paul stated; “And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming to you the “testimony of God [concerning salvation through Christ], I did not come with superiority or of wisdom [no lofty words of eloquence or philosophy as a Greek orator might do]; for I made the decision to know nothing [that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential things and opinions while] among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified[and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection] ( 1 Corinthians 2:1-2) Jesus also spoke of this doctrine when he taught; “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it from God, or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.” (John 7:17-18)

Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit. Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities give by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. And there are distinctive ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 1 Corinthians 12: 3-6 (AMP)