Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
June 9, 2019

Doctrinal Purity Does Matter!
by Bryan Gibson
A few years ago a preacher posted this on his Facebook page: “If the primary vision of your church is to achieve doctrinal purity and uniformity, it’s time to reread the New Testament.” I did as he asked, and here’s what I found. Lest I be accused of any prejudicial statements, I’ll just let God speak for Himself.
“And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…” (Acts 2:42).
“Note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing…” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
“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” (Galatians 1:8).
“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:13).
“Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).
“Remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3).
If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed” (1 Timothy 4:6).
“Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine…take heed to yourself and to the doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13, 16).
“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…” (1 Timothy 6:3).
“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me…” (2 Timothy 1:13).
“Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9)
“Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth” (Titus 1:13-14).
“Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines” (Hebrews 13:9).
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31).
“Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 John 2:24).
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9).
“I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).
CONCLUSION: Concerning pure doctrine, then, God says to give attention to it; take heed to it; carefully follow it; strive together with other Christians for it; abide or continue in it; hold fast to it; contend for it; and deal decisively with those who don’t. If it matters that much to God, it should matter that much to us. Yes, doctrinal purity has aims beyond itself (e.g. 1 Timothy 1:5), but if we set aside doctrinal purity to fulfill those aims, we will fail miserably.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.