"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."

I Timothy 6:12 

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR LAWLESS CONCERNING SOUND DOCTRINE IN REGARDS TO THE LOCAL CHURCH

II Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary

DOC’TRINE, n. [L. doctrina, from doceo, to teach.]

1. In a general sense, whatever is taught. Hence, a principle or position in any science; whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master. The doctrines of the gospel are the principles or truths taught by Christ and his apostles. The doctrines of Plato are the principles which he taught. Hence a doctrine may be true or false; it may be tenet or opinion.

2. The act of teaching.

                He taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine. Mark iv.

3. Learning; knowledge.

                Whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Is. xxviii.

4. The truths of the gospel in general.

                That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Tit. ii.

5. Instruction and confirmation in the truths of the gospel. 2 Tim. iii.

I would like to take a moment to discuss our Doctrinal Statement. It is this local church’s belief that we, as all Christians, should adhere to the truth found in the Bible. When we say the Bible, we are talking exclusively about the Authorized King James Version of 1611. This alone should be the child of God’s rulebook and source of truth. However, in the Laodicean age in which we live, the local church finds itself in a struggle over almost all matters of faith and practice. It is our desire that all Christians would come to know the truth of the Bible, stand upon it and “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” However, as we are told throughout scripture “that in the last days perilous times shall come” and “that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrine of devils.” I am afraid this is what we are witnessing in the world in which we live. The church is to be “the pillar and ground of the truth” however we are finding as much false teaching and false doctrine within the professing body of Christ as we do without. It is for this reason we lay so much emphasis on “sound doctrine.” The statements then given in the following pages are a collection of our beliefs upon which this local church stands. 

 Mark B. Lawless (Pastor/Teacher, Battlefield Baptist Church )