It seems we, in the church, have come a long way from where we started. So many things have changed. A brief look at history is all it takes to realize some of the major shifts that have occurred in what began long ago in the lives of the disciples. It's not the organization called "the church" that I am so much concerned with here. Rather, it is the more Biblical use of the term I am speaking of. The church, in that sense, is confined to refer to those who hold claim to following after Jesus as both their Lord and Savior. Imperfect men indwelled by a perfect God who rely on His Word (referring to both Jesus the Word made flesh and the written word in which God has made himself known), for every aspect of their existence now, as well as the promise of an eternal life to come. These are the ones who are partakers of the "New Covenant." Superior to the "Old", in that the requirement to enter into relationship with God is no longer based upon your Jewish nationality and observance of the Law, but has come to those to whom God has revealed Himself in the person of Jesus - Emmanuel - God, literally, with us.

Our church is currently going through a study of 2 Peter on Wednesday nights and my pastor and I have been having discussions concerning the passages as we approach them. Clearly, Peter has quite a bit to say about "false doctrine" and "false teaching" in this book. Peter is not alone in his concern for the church in this matter and warnings about maintaining correct doctrine can be found from Jesus to Paul to John to Peter - and in greater number than you might first imagine. 

In tossing the issue about, I decided to share my thoughts with my pastor in writing and, after reading them over again, felt that posting the letter I shared with him here made sense. We had both come to an understanding that, while many teach about keeping doctrine pure, too many times we are left to our own devices to determine the difference between right teaching and incorrect doctrine. Too seldom are we provided examples of areas of doctrinal truth to cling to - and, sometimes, what sounds correct at first glance, becomes entirely false teaching once we take a better look at it.

I hope this might help others as well as we seek to worship God "in Spirit and in truth". Here, then, without further adieu, are the thoughts I shared with my pastor.

There is a song by Wayne Watson called, "Growing". It is a song about growing in our walk as a Christian. I love the song and play it often.

Here's the lyrics to the chorus:

"I'm growing. I don't like it. I'm growing and it hurts.

I love you, but I'm tired. I guess I've got a lot to learn.

Yeah, I guess I've got a lot to learn".