I once shared the gospel with a lady in a bus. She said she was born again because her pastor baptized her in water and declared her saved. That was their church doctrine. I had to gently explain true salvation and lead her to Christ. What she believed was simply what she had been taught.
Friend, pay attention to what you hear (Mark 4:24). Your life will not rise above your doctrine. Many are frustrated today without realizing their lives are products of what they have consistently heard. If you dislike your direction, check your hearing (Galatians 6:7-9).
Pastors must commit to teaching truth (Acts 20:32). Believers must also be intentional about where they worship and who they listen to. A church is like a garden; it grows what is sown. Many mourn the church they have because they failed to watch their doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16).
You can survive a bad tailor or a bad lawyer, but you may not survive a bad pastor (Isaiah 9:16). People carefully choose doctors and lawyers, yet choose a pastor based on comfort, not truth and destiny (John 6:66-68). That carelessness is costly.
Of all the reasons for going to church, your feeding is primary (Jeremiah 3:15). When God promised to give pastors, He defined their core job: to feed with knowledge and understanding. Every other ministry flows from the ministry of the Word (1 Timothy 3:15).
Your doctrine shapes your lifestyle and the spirit ruling you (John 8:31-32). If a wrong lifestyle or spirit creeps in, check what you have been hearing. Words carry spirit (Ezekiel 2:2, John 6:63). Take heed what you hear. Your doctrine determines your destiny.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria
