For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather round them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:3
We are living in a time when many will not put up with sound doctrine. Chances are high that we are not the first generation to be this stubborn. We only need to review the history of the children of Israel to find the proof we need. Instead of repenting of our sins, we become defensive and indignant when God’s word makes us uncomfortable. We often forget that our destiny depends on our starting point. If we start with “me” and what I want, we are doomed to failure and eternal damnation, but if we start with Jesus and what he wants, we will inherit the gift of eternal life. It is that simple. It is all about him.
Recently, I heard someone complain, “She is always talking about Jesus!” This is the main complaint of modern-day Christianity. We want to take Jesus out of the faith. This life of discipleship is all about Jesus and what he means to us and has done for us. It is about humility and complete surrender to the will of God. This life of discipleship is about walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit, not by sight. It is about lifting Jesus up. Without the person and testimony of Jesus, all we are left with, are beautiful sermon illustrations, interesting anecdotal stories, and strong personal opinions, none of which have the power to save sinners. Only the blood of Jesus cleanses from sin and imparts salvation to those who believe.
This is what the Bible teaches us: that “… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24); that “…God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16); that “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” (John 14:2-24); that Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.
The Bible reminds us: “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. (Revelation 22:12); and cautions, “Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. The Bible encourages us to, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:4). This and the entire unadulterated word of God is sound doctrine. AMEN!