cyberjosh
Member
I had a discussion with my Pastor not too long ago on Essential and Non-essential doctrines. He was talking about tolerance of other views on certain doctrines which are non-essential but said that where he will not budge are essential doctrines such as the way of salvation (through Jesus Christ alone), the person (diety) and work of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and justification (to name a few). Some of the Non-essential doctrines we discussed were Church government (Elders vs. Bishops vs. Pastors vs...), Spiritual gifts (such as tongues), what day you worship on, and certian other doctrines that churches adopt that "require" their congregation to follow a specific code of living, etc...
What is your stand on this? Do you recognize that there are non-essential doctrines, and that lingering over some of those can lead to bickering and unnecessary division in the Church? Paul knew of this ahead of time and warned us with several admonitions saying:
"Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels." (2 Timothy 2:23)
"Do not pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. " (1 Timothy 1:4)
"Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." (Titus 3:9)
There really are some things just not worth debating over again and again. Don't you agree?
God Bless,
~Josh
What is your stand on this? Do you recognize that there are non-essential doctrines, and that lingering over some of those can lead to bickering and unnecessary division in the Church? Paul knew of this ahead of time and warned us with several admonitions saying:
"Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels." (2 Timothy 2:23)
"Do not pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. " (1 Timothy 1:4)
"Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." (Titus 3:9)
There really are some things just not worth debating over again and again. Don't you agree?
God Bless,
~Josh