We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Shaky Doctrine = Shaky Life


The man whose doctrine is shaky will be shaky in his whole life. . . those who are driven with every wind of doctrine are those who are too lazy to study doctrine.  My observation over the years is that the people who have not been taught the truth negatively as well as positively always get carried away by the heresies and cults. . . .

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, quoted in The Banner of Truth magazine, Aug/Sep 1986.  Cited in "Quotable," The Berean Call, June 2001.

3 comments:

Lindsay Smail said...

Very good point made here which is applicable to today: some ministers I know think if they only teach pure biblical doctrine it will be enough. But they should also be exposing the false doctrines to make certain their points are understood. A lot of pew-sitters just won't do the hard yards themselves.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Lindsay,

What I hear too often is that if you teach them the truth they will recognize the error. But that is proven false all the time. Error can be very subtle, which is why along with the truth you have to give examples of the error -- as well as why it is error!

Anonymous said...

The comment you posted is so true, Glen. Thank-you for sharing it. And about the time one becomes so proud/prideful in believing they know it all, or are doctrinally sound, then the fall truly comes. I know this from my own personal experience and being tossed around by every wind of doctrine from a pastor's strong personality/mouth as well as some very convincing and well versed women in my former Baptist church system with an Assembly of God minister.

The extra Biblical revelations/visions/ and experiences can lead one into such pride that worshipping man above and beyond our LORD Jesus Christ, then becomes the norm. It has taken me three years to heal from this spiritually abusive church system and the comments and lies from so called church people have been overwhelming at times. These people who claim to know God better than any other can hurt so much more through their hatred than the unchurched. So the words coming from Jesus own lips "You brood of vipers" to the religious folks of His day, are a constant reminder of how most of the churched act today.

Most churches here in the west worship and follow themselves, rather than Jesus and His teachings. So thankful our LORD has led me out of the 501c. 3's and into His arms, in spite of the spiritual abuse that took place, for the study and meditation of His Word is all the more precious to my soul.

Praise our LORD.