A Lesson From Dad

My father encouraged me to always read the church's doctrinal or statement of beliefs. Whenever he visited a church or plan to attend he would request a copy. It's a practice I've kept over the years.

We have visited many churches through the years. We encountered some unusual behaviors and beliefs. Other churches were strict and unbending when it came to rules of life and conduct.

In preparation of moving to another state, I checked a number of church websites and read their statement of beliefs. One church defined sinned as an "attitude". This led to a good discussion with my wife. I hold to a different meaning. The original Greek describes it as "missing the mark" (Romans 3:23). An attitude?

What you believe makes a difference in how you live. Most importantly, what you believe can strengthen or weaken your faith in Christ. Remember faith comes from hearing and hearing God's word (Romans 10:17). Paul encouraged Timothy, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."(I Timothy 4:16 KJV).

We live in society that is very confused and clouded. Apostle Paul warns, "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:3 NIV).

So take a lesson from my Dad. Sound Biblical preaching makes a difference in what you believe. Anchor yourself to truth.