The tests of doctrine

John 1:17 “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

(Read the doctrines that divide, brainstorm list)

A sincere Christian can easily get overwhelmed by the minutia of judgments, spoken or unspoken, as they try to find a spot in the church.

I remember telling a once, close friend how I wish I lived in the time of King David, where grace allowed him to have multiple wives in his ignorance and still be saved.

This is a big reason I cherish Westside. I have seen very little of this spirit.

Message:

Children of God hold an essential grasp of truth (2.18-27).

John 8:31–32 “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””

We are in the last hour, phase, of human history (2.18-19).

We know how this is going to play out (Gen 4, 6, and onward).

Antichrist - opposed to the King vs. calling on his name

Falling away (Gen 6, the Judges) (2.19)

We have been “anointed” by Jesus and know (2.20-21).

Jesus is King of kings.

You must give your allegiance to him, your life, your obedience.

You must listen to those who lead but do not give them your allegiance (Hebrews 13.17).

One who does not accept the truth is antichrist (2.22-23).

Cling to what you knew at conversion (2.24-25).

We know these basic truths (2.26-27).

Children of God treat doctrine with great seriousness (3.24b-4.6).

“It doesn’t matter.” “Don’t talk religion or politics.”

“By the Spirit whom he has given us” (3.24b).

Many speak falsehoods in Jesus’ name, many (4.1).

Compare what you hear to what the Spirit says (4.2-3).

These had stood their ground and overcome an attack (4.4).

Matthew 23:24 “You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!”

Leaders place biblical emphasis in their teaching and leading.

Much preaching simply appeals to the desires within us (4.5-6).

Traditions, dogma, passions, culture

Seen by what is said.

Seen by what is not discussed.

Children of God embrace Jesus’ teaching, no matter the consequence (5.1, 5-11).

There are so many reasons to accept the testimony of men (5.9).

Salvation is only in the Son (5.11).

All who do not follow the Son are lost (5.12).

Conclusion

When the foundation of our faith is Jesus, we can weather storms.

False “bumper sticker” theology:

“If I could tell the world just one thing it would be, we’re all ok.”

“To know all is to forgive all” (French saying)

“Don’t judge a man until you walk in his shoes.”

“We are all children of God.”

Morality is taught in songs, movies, and social:

Paint a horrible situation where doing the right thing seems cruel and heartless.

The solution is to prevent the situation, not lower ourselves more in response.

God is light, moral excellence. His truth is as real as his love.

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”