Doctrine is Primary

Those of us who emphasize orthodoxy and neglect acting in love must be chastised to live out our faith. We must be exhorted to put deeds to our words. But those of us who emphasize good works and neglect teaching orthodoxy must be rebuked to return back to the preaching of the Gospel. We must never delude ourselves that these two transgressions are equal. They are not. Doctrine is primary. Morality is secondary. For the latter to be genuine, it must flow from the former. Theology is not just fundamental, it is foundational. It is what defines true reality. It is what shapes who we are as a church. In the beginning was the Word.

So, what does it mean to be real in this world? It means to understand the world as it really is; to understand God as He really is; and to relate to both in light of this understanding. It is not enough to touch hearts for Jesus. We must also be willing to let Jesus be the one who touches those hearts. We must preach Jesus crucified and remember that any other thing we "do" is flowing from this ultimate truth and pointing to this ultimate truth.

"Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent" (John 6:26-29).

-- Cornell Ngare (A writer who serves God at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Nairobi, Kenya).  

hat tip - Berean Call