Take heed unto thyself, and unto the DOCTRINE

[RevBuddy]

St. Matt:

In the frame of reference given to us by the Scriptures, the definition of doctrine can be reduced to its most common denominator. There is no doubt that doctrine is biblical teaching, its eternal truths and its the revealed plan of salvation. But its elemental meaning is simpler than that...God-given doctrine (teachings of The Book) is the clearest reflection of God's character and attributes. As we are made in His image and as Jesus Christ is the express image of the invisible God, so too, biblical doctrine is the express image of that self same God. Doctrine reflects the fundamental nature of God, His essence and His characteristics.

And if this is the case, it is critically important that doctrine be interpreted in two ways: (1) in light of God's sovereign, holy nature, and (2) NOT for any private or personal interpretation.

Surely we do the Spirit of God great harm when we take His pure doctrine and misinterpret (and even twist) it for our own point of view.

God = doctrine

[anapko]

Originally Posted by stmatthew

How important is doctrine to you?

Paul stresses the importance of doctrine several times to Timothy in 1 Timothy Chapter 4. He seems to indicate that doctrine is very important for the minister to uphold to the flock. He tells Timothy to give attendance to DOCTRINE. He also tells Timothy to Take heed unto the DOCTRINE.

We live in a country that is fast leaving solid doctrine. Even in the Apostolic ranks the teacher of doctrine is fast being traded in for the progressive, motivational preacher, who says a whole lot of flowery words, but instills nothing lasting into the heart of the hearer.

So just how much do you value down to earth solid doctrine?

Doctrine is essential to our living. I mean we teach doctrine to our children, not from a church viewpoint, in our everyday lives. " The Jones may do that, but we don't do that in this family!" But, I don't follow a man-made doctrine that plays to a fetish a person has. Really, where did a lot of preaching issues pertaining to "standards" come from? With due respect to our ladies, but did Mary, the mother of Jesus wear her hair piled on top of her head? Or did the Rabbi's harp from the synogogue pulpits about the ladies toe out/heel out sandals? Just food for thought