Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:3-6: "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but

is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain."

There are in fact three doctrines that are mentioned in the New Testament. One is the divine doctrine which is mentioned in Titus 2:10: "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." There is the human doctrine mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 15:9: "And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." Then there is the Satanic doctrine that Paul makes mention of in 1 Timothy 4:1: "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons."

It still amazes me why, in the name of religion, men teach doctrines that are not found to be of Jesus Christ. It amazes me because if one is truly interested in what he must do to be saved and live a life righteous unto God, then why doesn't he look for the teachings (doctrine) of Christ to guide his steps? Paul began in 1 Timothy 6:3 by saying "if anyone teaches otherwise" then proceeds to tell us what happens to those that do so. In the Galatian letter he really spells it out when he writes: "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" (Gal 1:8). When it comes to religion we should be determined to know nothing except the gospel that Jesus taught us. After all, can any other doctrine save us? If you answered NO, you're right. And knowing this, then we better make sure that we strive to do only the will of the Lord in our life. In 1 Timothy 1:3 we are charged not to teach another gospel.

Notice: "As I urged you when I went into Macedonia-- remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith." A failure on our part to abide in the doctrine of Christ will lead to vain worship as Jesus clearly stated in Mark 7:7. Not only that, but our work that we do while here on this earth will perish when we do those things not authorized by Jesus. When Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians he said: "Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations--"Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," which all concern things which perish with the using-- according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh" (Col 2:20-23). The point Paul is trying to make is that if you have accepted Jesus in your life through obedience to His gospel, then why do you try to live up to worldly doctrines that perish, doctrines and commandments that have been established not by God, but by men? Every denomination is guilty of this to some degree. We are wasting our time and effort when we teach any other doctrine than that which was authorized by Jesus!

We have a responsibility to fulfill toward the keeping of the doctrine of Christ. It is our duty as Christians to preach this doctrine to others. The Bible says: "But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine" (Tit 2:1). In addition, we are to keep it pure (Tit 2:7), adorn it (Tit 2:10), follow it (1 Tim 4:6), exhort in it (Tit 1:9), convince others of it (Tit 1:9), and not to blaspheme it (1 Tim 6:1). Paul wrote these things to fellow laborers in the vineyard of the Lord. He instructed them on what they had to do to promote and to keep pure the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Are we doing our part to make sure that we are abiding in the gospel of Jesus? The Hebrew writer wrote: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Heb 9:27). We are going to be judged according to our works, good or bad (2 Cor 5:10). Knowing this, we better make sure that we are abiding in the doctrine that we are going to be judged by. Satan can't save us. Man can't save us. Only Jesus can save us. He'll save us based on our obedience to His doctrine which "was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3).

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There are people who say that they have a hard time understanding the Bible on certain subjects. According to them, the Bible just is not plain enough. Far too many times a misunderstanding is not because the Bible is not plain enough nor because the Lord has not been clear enough in his teaching. For example:

1. Salvation by faith only? If the Lord had wanted to teach that salvation was positively NOT by faith only, could he have been any plainer than he was in James 2:24, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only"

2. Can a child of God fall from grace? If Jesus had intended to teach that it is possible to fall from grace could he have done it any plainer than he did in Gal 5:4, "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace."

3. Is it ever permissible to swear or take an oath? The New Testament has something to say about oaths and swearing. If that book had meant to forbid all conceivable kinds of oath-taking and swearing, what words would it have used that would convey that idea clearer than, "Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne; nor by the earth; for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King," (Matt. 5:34-36) or "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath." (James 5:12)

4. What's wrong with religious titles? Had the Lord intended that his people not be given religious titles, would he have used language other than, "Be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ." (Matt. 23:8-10)

5. Is baptism essential to salvation? What clearer words would the Lord have used had he wanted people to get the idea that they must be baptized, than he did use when Saul was told, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)

Since inspired men claimed to "use great plainness of speech (2 Cor 3:12), let us then believe what they wrote.

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Taking my morning walk in Kansas City, I was listening to "Talk Radio," and I heard a discussion about an incident where a Lutheran minister had been disfellowshiped (or something to that effect) for anticipating in a inter-faith minister program. The host of this program, and others who called in, went on to discuss the idea of being exclusive, believing that one who differs with one is NOT pleasing to God.

It was stated that it the "height of insult" to tell another that you THINK that he/she who does not agree with you in religion is lost! The program that was under consideration had Moslems, Jews, Catholics Protestants, and possible some other religious "faiths" involved.

As I listened, I thought of Jesus's claim: "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (Jn. 8:12) "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (I Jn. 14:6).

I recognize that it SEEMS HARD for many in our land today to feel warmly toward one who believes that RELIGIOUS truth, like any other truth, is exclusive! That is: truth is narrow. Latter on, on the same "talk Radio" station, on Sunday morning, there was a discussion, that had a minister of the Christian church, a Catholic, and usually I understand there was a Jew, but he wasn’t present that particular Sunday morning. Some one called in and was talking about the need to follow Christ, and said you know the scripture says the way is "straight and narrow," and he was cut off by the Christian church preacher by saying, "I would say that is your interpretation of scripture."

Beloved, we live in a world where so many people think you are some kind of a mean, ignoramus to think that there is ONLY ONE WAY to heaven. Strange, however, they would not reason the same way regarding any other truth. I find it very difficult to think one can seriously claim to believe in the God of heaven, and the Bible to be His word to mankind - as claimed (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and at the same time claim that one has the choice of accepting whatever religion there is around that he/she likes and that such will get them to heaven.

How out of touch is that thinking, and contrary with the claims made for truth: "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding." (Prov. 23:23). Also: "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (Jn. 8:31-32).

God shows that if one does not love the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness, he/she will be allowed to believe a lie and be condemned. That is very significant, it appears to me — that we not allow anything to stand in our way of listening to and accepting the truth, and rejecting ALL that is not truth.

Beloved, I do not want to be perceived as being mean, nasty in dealing with other people, who are interested in spirituality. I am not self-righteous, nor unloving. Rather, I love people enough to try to teach them the truth, because I’m convinced that ONLY the truth will set one free. I also, understand how painful it is to give up a cherished idea that one has held for awhile. I’ve been there and done that. Yet, I recognize that when one has an honest and good heart (Lk. 8:15), he/she will listen to and consider the truth and finally come to comply with it, if they really want to go to heaven rather than suffer eternal punishment (Cf, Matt. 10:28; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Matt. 25:46). Believe the truth is obtainable, and capable of being complied with (Jas. 1:25). Please don’t be deceived. Heaven is to wonderful to miss. Hell is to terrible to experience. Jesus either stated the truth that He is the ONLY WAY, or He is not the Lord to be submissive to. Please accept Him as Lord, the RIGHT (Only) WAY!

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This question has been asked over many years. Perhaps we need to look closely at the scriptures to answer this age-old question.

Christ is the scriptural builder of the church of the New Testament. A church belonging to a denomination is traced back to founding men and women in every instance. Many times they pronounce that they have received a new revelation from God. Other times they claim to have had a vision in the night or a religious experience that cannot be explained. This is not of God as the scriptures speak of no such thing!

Most denominations are started by man because of ecclesiastical differences that cannot be resolved: Martin Luther (Lutheran), John Wesley (Methodist), John Calvin (Presbyterian), etc.

Christ established His church, the church of the New Testament (Mat 16:18), "... upon this rock I will build my church..." This is a promise made to Peter. Christ then gave Peter authority to state the conditions of admission into His church (Mat 16:19) (Acts 2:38).

It is scriptural that the church of Christ was founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. God did not plant any other church! In fact Jesus said, "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up." (Mat 15:13). ). If God would uproot other religions during that period, it only stands to reason that He will do the same today under the current "Christian" era. Jesus Christ did establish His church in the first century. His church was established on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and will never be destroyed, "... and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mat 15:18).

God’s standards have not been lowered regardless of what is being taught by denominational preachers and others, (Heb 13:8).

The New Testament church was founded on a scriptural foundation. No building or institution is stronger than it’s foundation. The Lord’s church is no exception and must be built in proportion with the foundation. Therefore for a scriptural church to be the church of Christ, it must be a foundation secured by the word of God.

What is a scriptural foundation or "rock"? A determination of "rock" refers to a confession. Peter confessed Christ in Matthew 16:16. Christ answered Peter, "... Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona ..." Christ tells of the promise to build His church (Mat 16:18). The "rock" is either Christ’s acknowledgement of Peter or Peter’s confession of Christ! Most denominations teach that this reference to the "rock" is to Peter (Petros). Still others claim that it refers to Christ (Petra). The Lord’s church was built on the "rock" (Petra), not human flesh (Petros).

Other scriptures bear the truth of this interpretation, (1 Cor 3:11) "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (Eph 2:20) "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." The Psalmist declared, "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner" (Psa 118:22). There are several other scriptures as well, (Mrk 21:42) (Isa 28:16) (Acts 4:11).

It matters what you call yourself, be it Pentecostal, Methodist, Lutheran, Nazarene, Baptist, Catholic, etc. If you are not part of the glorious church that our Lord established, you are in a lost condition. Institutions founded by men are being established at an alarming rate. They are founded by man for man and will not stand the time. They are not built on a solid foundation, the foundation found in scripture. Prove your church’s foundation by scripture, if you cannot, you are not part of the body of Christ. Only the Bible is the authority! All other institutions are part of the apostate churches and are doomed to destruction.

Christ is coming for His church, none of the others! If you have not obeyed the gospel, (2 Thes 1:7-8) "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ," you are not ready to meet Christ when He comes again, you are lost. You need to repent, confess Christ, and be baptized for remissions of your sins.

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We are witnessing more and more of this sort of thinking in our world. From the events surrounding Elian Gonzalez case to the justification of churches being involved in purely social activities, America has succumbed to the "end justifies the means" rationale. Why do you suppose this is true?

One reason for this kind of thinking is it allows people to decide what is morally correct. There is no absolute rule to honor and no individual moral accountability. Evil is only in the eye of the beholder. Sin is no longer sin if there is a "greater good" according to this mindset. All this amounts to selfishness and the elevation of man over God (cf. Rom. 3:8).

We are witnessing the fruition of humanistic, man-centered thinking and living. As with the Gentile world of old, even so today there are more and more refusing to have God in their knowledge, professing their wisdom and promoting perversion in the name of enlightenment (see Rom. 1:20-23). Evil is called good, and good is denounced as reprehensible (cf. Isa. 5:20-23). Here is an example from this week's news: "A three-judge panel of the 6^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down an earlier ruling by a federal judge in Columbus, Ohio that permitted the state to use, "With God, all things are possible," as its official motto, prompting critics to question the federal government's role in limiting a state or individual's right to free religious expression." ('With God, all things are possible,' WorldNetDaily.com, April 26, 2000). If this ruling is allowed to stand it would seem that both Jesus and the Bible are unconstitutional (since this is a quotation of Jesus from Matt. 19:26!) Having sown the wind of godless humanism, evolution and the moral wasteland of relativism, America is now reaping the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7).

"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psa. 11:3) Not standby and wring our hands. Not fret and worry. Not compromise because we cannot change them.

No, we should instead following the exhortations offered in Psalm 11:

1) Put our trust in the Lord (11:1-2). He is a mighty fortress of refuge for the weak and those pursued by their adversaries. He will not fail His people (Heb. 13:5-6). Keep the faith! (2 Tim. 4:7)

2) Remember that God is sovereign (11:4-6). God continues to rule in the kingdoms of men in spite of what men say (Dan. 4:28-33). He sees the evil and the good, and He will punish every sinner (Rom. 12:19).

3) Remember that God is righteous (11:7). He sees every injustice He and will right every wrong. Judgment is surely set for evildoers (Eccl. 12:14; 2 Thess. 1:4-9). And, He will reward those who live by faith (Heb. 10:36-39). May we all walk by faith, not by sight! (2 Cor. 5:7)

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What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today, because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow, because we didn't follow Him today?

What if we never saw another flower bloom, because we grumbled when God sent the rain?

What if God didn't walk with us today, because we failed to recognize it as His day?

What if God took away the Bible tomorrow, because we would not read it today?

What if God gook away His message, because we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if God didn't send His only begotten Son, because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin.

What if God stopped loving and caring for us, because we failed to love and care for others?

What if God would not hear us today, because we would not listen to Him yesterday?

What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?

What if God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

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