From the book, “What People Ask About The Church,” by Dale A. Robbins — 7 — The most important doctrine or teaching of the church is none other
than "Jesus Christ." So many churches, in the worthy exploration of scripture
sometimes begin to place their primary emphasis upon other things, or various aspects of
scripture or doctrine. Obviously, every church should teach and proclaim the "whole
counsel" and the broad scope of God's Word — but as it relates to Jesus. You
see, Jesus is the focal point of all doctrinal teaching. He is the intersection at which
all teachings converge. When anything else begins to take center-stage — that is,
when anything other than Jesus Christ, such as traditions, doctrines, or interpretations
become the primary focus — problems and even deception can enter in. We are reminded of the Pharisees who held such high regard for the
scriptures. They equated their intellectual knowledge of scripture as the basis for
spirituality and eternal life. However, Jesus explained to them that the scriptures,
themselves, were not the "end," but a "means" to bring them to the
true objective which is Himself — Jesus Christ! He said to them, "You search the
Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify
of Me" (John 5:39). We live in an hour in which people frequently claim revelations of
so-called deeper truths, which have sometimes served as a diversion away from the basic
character and practical life application of Jesus Christ. Some claim that they now have so
much "deep spiritual understanding," that they really cannot relate to those who
are "less spiritual" or inferior. This is ridiculous. Such persons may not
realize that although Jesus was our highest example of spirituality, yet he was so humble,
so down-to-earth and simple he could relate simple practical truths to sinners. Any intricate, exotic teaching, regardless of how Biblical or
spiritually deep it may seem to be, unless it lifts up Jesus Christ, together with His
character or the practical truths and principles He taught, is probably irrelevant to you
as a Christian. It may even lead you astray into an attitude of intellectual arrogance,
false spiritual superiority, or heresy. Always remember that the doctrine of Jesus Christ
is Christ-centered, simple and practical. Paul warned believers from being confused by
complicated teachings which would lead away from the simplicity of Jesus. "But I
fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be
corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Cor. 11:3). Although Paul was an intellectual giant, trained as a Pharisee at
the feet of the great Jewish scholar, Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), he limited his preaching to
one basic thing: "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ
and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). It is Jesus that has all the answers to life's
problems. It is Jesus that changes men's lives, if we will but proclaim Him and present
Jesus to the world. "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples
to Myself" (John 12:32). In particular, the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the doctrine of Jesus Christ, and is the great cornerstone of the entire Christian faith. The Apostle Paul said that without the resurrection, the whole concept of Christianity would be invalidated. "And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain and your faith is also vain" (1 Cor. 15:14) This article is copyrighted © by Dale A. Robbins, 1995, and is a publication of Victorious Publications, Grass Valley, CA 95949. Unless otherwise stated, all scripture references were taken from The New King James Bible, © Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982.You may download for personal use as long as you retain credit to the author. Obtain permission before reproducing copies for any reason, by filling out our simple permission form. For media reproduction rights, or to obtain published quantities of this title, . |
 |
|
If you liked this article, you’ll really love the whole book! |