Sound Doctrine

Weekly Update – October 13th, 2022

Last Sunday we looked at Titus 2:1-10 and the effects that sound doctrine has upon the church.  Where Titus was stationed, on the island of Crete, some false teachers had come into the church, and with their false teaching they were “upsetting whole families” (1:11) and causing many to “turn away from the truth” (1:14).  As a result, those who turned away from the truth, ended up with lives that were “detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (1:16).  Therefore, the apostle Paul tells Titus that these false teachers must be “silenced” (1:11) and sharply rebuked (1:13).  Ultimately this isn’t the solution to the problem in the church at Crete though.  Silencing and rebuking false teaching was only the first step.  The solution was to teach sound doctrine (2:1).

If the solution to false teaching is sound doctrine, then we ought to know what that means. In other words, what is sound doctrine?  Take this definition from Bobby Jamison in his book titled Sound Doctrine.  He says, “sound doctrine is a summary of the Bible’s teaching that is both faithful to the Bible and useful for life.”  Every part of this definition is key for us.  A summary of the Bible’s teaching, meaning that the message of the Bible, must provide the foundation for all teaching within the church, if that teaching is going to be sound.  But furthermore, we don’t merely listen to teaching without any result.  Sound teaching ought to then lead to sound living.  This means that when doctrine is bad, our lives will be lived in dishonor to God.  But where doctrine is good, good and faithful living ought to follow. 

So then, to live sound lives that reflect sound doctrine, here are four application points from Sunday’s message:

First – Know the Story of the Bible.  Don’t settle for knowing a few encouraging verses here or there, but know your Old Testament, know the Gospels, and then grow in understanding how the writers of the New Testament connect the Bible all together.  Even more than this, know the Bible’s full message as it begins with God and creation and ends with God and His creation remade.

Second – Elect Faithful Elders who will Lead the Church.  In Titus 1:5, the apostle Paul tells Titus, to “appoint elders in every town” for the purpose of having them, in 1:9, “give instruction in sound doctrine and also rebuke those who contradict it.”  Therefore, if we move towards electing elders, we ought to also be wise about who it is we elect, if the Lord leads us there in the upcoming months. 

Third – Seek to be Active in the Church.  This is not meant to be a general call, although seeking to be active in the church is always a good thing.  Instead, as it relates to sound doctrine, we should be active in the church specifically where the word of God is being taught. If sound doctrine taught affects how we live our lives, then we should seek not only to study it on our own, but to hear it taught as well.  This would include the main service, our Bible Study hour, home groups, other Bible studies, and even one on one relationships where you might study the word of God with someone else. 

Fourth – Let Sound Doctrine Lead You to Worship.  A knowledge of the truth is not merely so that you might know how to live, but so that you might delight in God and desire him above all things. That is ultimately what changes you and me.  For the more you know about God and His love shown to you through His son, the more you will marvel at His mercy towards you and rejoice in his grace to save you. 

Doctrine is not only meant for the mind, but for your heart.  For the more you study to know the truth of God’s word, the more your heart should worship Him. Therefore, sound doctrine isn’t just for more knowledge, but it is so that you might endure in your faith until the end, trusting in Jesus and rejoicing in His truth. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.  - Isaiah 53:4-5

Announcements:

Missouri Missions Offering: Every year, along with nearly 1,800 other churches, our church partners to pray and give concerning the Lord’s work in our state. The statewide goal is $740,000 this year. Our church goal is $4000. Through your generous giving, we have collected $4492 for the Missouri Missions Offering. Check out more information about this effort HERE.

Membership Matters Class: On Sunday, October 9th and 23rd there will be a Membership Matters class for those interested in joining FBC. This 2 week class will be held in the library from 5:30 – 7:30pm. Sign up in the hall if you plan to attend. You can find out more about our membership process HERE. 

Ladies’ Brunch and Crafting: Ladies of the church are invited to the Diaz home for a potluck brunch and crafting at 10am on Saturday, October 22nd. More information can be found HERE and a signup sheet can be found on the bulletin board.

Game Night: There will be a potluck and game night held in the Faith Center Gym on October 23rd from 4:00-6:00pm. Bring your favorite game and snack.

Budget/Constitution Q&A: We will meet at 6pm on Sunday, October 30th, for the annual budget meeting. We will also be having a question and answer time about the proposed revisions to the constitution.

Trunk or Treat:  On Monday, October 31st from 5:30-7pm, we will host a trunk or treat outside in our front parking lot. We need people who are willing to hand out candy from the back of their cars, others who can help with set up and/or break down, and some who can simply be present to help with anything else that might be needed for the night. There will be a barrel out in the Welcome Center to collect candy. Sign up in the hall to volunteer.

Awana

Join us for Awana Bible Clubs on Wednesday nights. Dinner is at 6:00pm and Awana Clubs are from 6:30-8:00pm. If you are interested in volunteering, talk with Amy Blankenship.

Bible Study

Join us for Bible Study at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. Click HERE for more information.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups began on Sunday, September 18th. If you are interested in joining one, you can find more information HERE.

Ladies’ Bible Study

Ladies, join us for a Bible study through the book of Exodus on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm. You can learn more about this 10 week Bible Study HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.