Sadly, in this current day and age, there is an increasing tendency to dismiss doctrine as being unnecessary, even when the Word of God states that we (as believers in Jesus by faith) may be made perfect from God-breathed scripture. And that we are sanctified by truth. What is truth, you ask? Jesus said, "Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
His Word given for instruction in righteousness so that we, as believers in Jesus the Christ by faith, can discern what is right, and true, and honest, and as well, sound doctrine. But, as a consequence, it appears too that doctrine (in these last days) has become the dividing line, the standard by which some accuse, of being the cause of dissension within the institutional church.
So, instead of seeking the truth, that our Lord and Saviour said we would find if we studied the scriptures, many have opted for finding one accord in music, one man ministry, and theatrical production. Anything apparently but the Word of our Lord God, who after His kindness and love, willingly became our Saviour.
But we have been warned against such worldly endeavours. In Acts 20:28, specifically, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood."
Feed the church of God with the bread of life. Jesus said, "I am the Bread of life!" (John 6:35)
Jesus said, " ... he that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35, 48, 58; John 4:14; John 7:37; Isaiah 55:1-2)
Instead, too often, we settle for church, and the traditions of men, rather than come to Jesus. And sadly, our willingness to compromise is telling. Consequently, fewer and fewer believers understand that the bread which Jesus spoke of is indeed the Bread which came down from heaven, that when a man eats thereof, will not die.
As Jesus said, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of THIS Bread, he shall live forever, and the Bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51; John 3:13; Hebrews 10:5)
He came to take away the first, that He may establish the second, by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of Jesus Christ once and for all. (Hebrews 10:9-10) For by one offering, He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)
He paid the price so that where remission of these is, there is no more offering fro sin. No more offering for sin. He became the perfect sacrifice for His church which He hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 10:18)
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:19-23; Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 9:8, 12; John 14:6; Hebrews 7:19; Hebrews 10:1; Ephesians 3:12; I Corinthians 1:9; I Corinthians 10:13)
This is why we study the scriptures, and consider doctrine, so that we can (as did the apostles) leave the foundational principles of the doctrine of Christ, going on unto perfection; "not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:1-2)
Stand in the offering plate.
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