Getting back to basics
Question:
I recently ran across your web site by accident. I don't even remember what I was looking for. After having read several of your comments and postings by various people, it seems you are one of the few churches that "get it" in these times. I have been a Christian for many years and recently been on a quest to get back to the basics of Christ-following Bible-believing Christianity.
I email my pastor quite often and it just happened that the Holy Spirit has also laid the "back to basics" on his heart recently. In times past I have not been a big reader of books, but I just finished a book about the history of the church and another book about the life and writing of C. H. Spurgeon. I found that Spurgeon was considered very narrow-minded in his day, but he seems to have stuck to the basics. He did not seem to be a person that got all hung up on doctrine as long as the pure gospel was preached.
I may never have an opportunity to visit your church but I would sure like to.
I am so tired of evangelical churches spending their time teaching people how to act like Christians rather than the hard facts of a born again, Christ-centered, converted life that is lived out daily.
Answer:
Thank you for the kind words of encouragement. It is always beneficial when people discard their religious traditions and creeds and seek out what Christianity truly is from the only God written book that created it.
Even at the beginning, Paul remonstrated the brethren stating, "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. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ" (Galatians 1:6-10).
True Christianity only comes from the teachings of Christ through his apostles. "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle" (II Thessalonians 2:13-15).
The apostles no longer walk among us to tell us directly what Christ would have us know, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they have left us a written testimony of God's word.
"For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter 1:12-21).
One point for your consideration: The word "doctrine" means "teachings." The doctrine of Christ is the gospel message. There is no distinction between them in God's word. "Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority"" (John 7:16-17). Speaking of the early Christians, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). The doctrine of Christ involves the saving of people's souls. "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered" (Romans 6:17). As Paul told Timothy, "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (I Timothy 4:16).
