" It Really Does Matter " (Intro 1 of 5)

2nd.Corinthians 13:5   " Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith;  prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that JESUS CHRIST is in you, except ye be reprobates (one who rejects the faith). "

     Many Christians today are being told that when it comes to Christian doctrine, it really does not matter what one believes about particular areas of doctrine and theology as long as one embraces JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR or as long as one is sincere in his belief or experience.  In this day and age, sincerity and flexibility in biblical interpretation are exalted, while certainty and dogmatism are condemned.

     Although any believer would have to admit that some interpretive issues are relatively minor and Christian love and forbearance are in order, the doctrines that many believers are relegating to the  "minor"  category are, in fact, extremely major.  These are issues that affect the very foundation and fabric of not only Christian living but of the person and plan of GOD for the believer today.  And, it stands to reason that all the various doctrinal views that exist pertaining to a particular issue cannot be correct.  If one view stands as the "truth,"  then competing views must fall into the category of  "error."  GOD has declared HIS truth in HIS WORD, and HE wants us to be certain of it.

     In today's text, the Apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthian believers to "examine"  and  "prove"  their beliefs and behavior.  Obviously, what we believe concerning Salvation and living the Christian life matters to GOD, for we cannot "examine"  or  "prove"  ourselves without first considering our belief and behavior.  The LORD has given us HIS WORD so that we might know the truth, know WHO HE is, know how to live a life that glorifies HIM, and know the difference between truth and error.  It really DOES matter what you believe and how you live - so do not let anyone try to convince you otherwise ! MDC

Introduction Part 1 of 5

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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