The Relevant Disciple

Is a Reformation needed in the American Church? I personally believe that a reformation is needed and is currently going on.  I believe this reformation began when conservative pastors, lay people, and theologians begin to reject the liberal movement in the Southern Baptist Convention.The battle started over the inerrancy and infallibility of scripture.  That battle continues today but thanks to men such as Adrian Rogers, Paige Patterson and many more the battle has turned in the right way. 

Now the reformation is turning toward doctrine and world missions.  Unfortunately for decades doctrine has fallen by the wayside and we have churches full of people who believe all kinds of things.  We have churches that preach and teach salvation by grace alone but have deacons and Sunday School teachers teaching universalism.  If we claim to be people who follow the book then we must call this heresy.  In Acts 4:12, Luke clearly tells us that salvation comes only in the name of Jesus.  I have no idea how anyone can read the bible and come up with universalism.  The bible is clear that Jesus Christ is the way of salvation.  We need pastors and churches who are willing to stand up and say we stand on the doctrines of scripture.  Doctrine is not a side note but it is vital to our growth and survival.  Men such as John MacArthur, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, and many others are leading the way in standing up for doctrine. 

This reformation of doctrine is sweeping across this country and this reformation is pointing us back to the bible and back to the original reformation. As a pastor and preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ it is my responsibility to preach the bible and to teach doctrine to those who are under my watch care.  Listed below is some great resources to establish a strong understanding of doctrine.

Wayne Grudem - Systematic Theology.
Mark Driscoll - Doctrine

Take some time and start studying the doctrines of scripture and see your faith and knowledge of scripture grow!