DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SOUND DOCTRINE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – SOUND DOCTRINE

"But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine... Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you." (Titus 2:1, 15)

Doctrine gets a bad rap. I have heard people say, "I don't want to go to a church that preaches doctrine." That is a false premise, because the basic meaning of doctrine is teaching or instruction. Every church will teach something. The question is not whether they will have doctrine, but whether that doctrine is sound doctrine.

When a person is considering attending a church, the first thing that should be considered is what the church believes and teaches. Too often, the choice of a church is based on whether it has a good preacher, or whether the congregation is loving and accepting, or whether there are programs in the church to meet personal needs, or whether the ambiance of the sanctuary is warm and inviting. Those things are important, but the most important is whether the fundamental beliefs of the church are based on God's word.

The Bible – God's Word – is the only source of spiritual truth. So any doctrine must be accord with what God's says. That is why II Timothy 3:16 is such an important verse: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine....." Any teaching or belief that is not founded on God's Word is not sound doctrine.

An analogy of the word "sound" would be when we speak of a person in "sound mind or sound health." That is, there are no weaknesses, infirmities, or illnesses that would compromise the health of the mind or body. Sound doctrine is sure and strong when it is based on God's Word. The health of the church depends on it. And as Peter wrote, "We have the prophetic word confirmed (or as the KJV phrases it – a more sure word of prophecy), which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts" (II Peter 1:19).

We would all do well to make sure that what we teach and believe is sound doctrine.

Love, Dad