One of the most important doctrines of the WCG is that of the authority of Scripture. Although we didn't always understand Scripture correctly (and no doubt there are areas in which we still need correction), Scripture has always been the basis for what we taught. We kept the Sabbath, for example, because we thought Scripture said we should. The Bible was the standard by which issues were judged.
"Don't believe me--believe the Bible" was the catchphrase. Our articles were heavy with scriptures. Herbert Armstrong attracted people who believed the Bible, and he taught thousands more to believe the Bible.
Scripture has been for us the test of faith and practice. Even in our years of change, Scripture has been the authority. The reason we changed is that we kept reading the book.
Our focus on Scripture is probably the most constant factor throughout the decades of our church. This is a strength God has given us. This is something we can build on.
Faith is an essential part of Christianity. But not just any faith will do--our faith must be based on adequate evidence. And such evidence needs to be taught. The church Jesus founded is to be a teaching church, and his people are to be people who are learning. (The term "disciple" means "one who learns.")
People who believe in a Savior will be eager to learn more about him. They will hunger and thirst not just for a feeling about God, but also for knowledge of God that involves facts.
Doctrine is important--the New Testament makes that clear. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit filled the disciples and the church began to grow.
What did the people do? "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).
There were unusual needs, too, partly because some who came to Jerusalem for Pentecost stayed longer than they expected. How did the people respond to this need? "Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need" (verse 45).
At first, everyone's needs were taken care of informally. But eventually a system was created to meet the needs. Donations were given to the apostles for redistribution to the needy (Acts 4:34-35).
As important as this charitable work was, the apostles did not spend all their time with it. "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 5:42).
Why did the apostles back away from this need? "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.... We will ... give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:2-4).
Note the priority set by these spiritual leaders: praying, teaching and preaching. Spiritual leaders should not get bogged down in things that take them away from prayer and the Word of God. Our primary role in the church is teaching and preaching, and we cannot do that without a firm foundation in prayer and study.
"Ministry of the word" encapsulates diligent study of Scripture, careful thought about the message, systematic teaching and persuasive preaching.
Scripture emphasizes the importance of doctrine, of teaching, of truth. Jesus' commission to the church includes teaching (Matthew 28:20). Teaching was a large part of Jesus' own ministry.
Paul called himself a teacher (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11). His epistles were read in the churches and were the foundation of faith and practice.
He urged the Thessalonians to "stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter" (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
He told the Ephesians that they "were taught ... in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus" (Ephesians 4:21).
Paul told the Colossians: "We proclaim [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone.... Continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught.... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" (Colossians 1:28; 2:6-7; 3:16).
Paul told the Corinthians that everything in their worship meetings should be done for edifying or building the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:26). No matter what spiritual gift is being used, it should be used to edify.
This continues to be an important part of our work today. We have the God-given responsibility to teach our members. Let us devote ourselves to prayer and study, preaching and teaching.
Thank you all for your diligence and faithfulness.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998