WHAT KIND OF CHURCH DOES THE LORD WANT?
3. God Wants a Doctrinally Pure Church
God’s Word tells us that the church must stay true to His teachings, not letting other ideas or beliefs creep in. Paul warned the church to be vigilant against false teachings and to hold firmly to sound doctrine.
Romans 16:17
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”
Galatians 1:6-9
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”
One way to maintain doctrinal purity is by studying God’s Word and testing all things against Scripture.
Acts 17:11
“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
1 Peter 4:11
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
A doctrinally pure church remains steadfast in God’s truth, rejecting teachings that stray from His Word. By holding firm to sound doctrine, we honor God’s standard of holiness and keep our congregation grounded in the true gospel. A church committed to purity in teaching will stand strong in faith and serve as a reliable source of hope and guidance in a world filled with confusion.
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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”
Questions or comments? Please contact me: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.