Doctrine… What an outdated term! At least that’s how most people feel. Hearing the word “doctrine” produces images of tired, old theologians studying ancient, dust-laden books in a decrepit library far from society. Unfortunately, that’s an entirely ill-conceived idea.

Doctrine is simply the set of beliefs one holds as a church. In fact, rather than a conception of irrelevancy and decrepitness, doctrine can actually be life-giving. Doctrine that flows from the Scripture and is centered upon the Gospel is a solid foundation and a source of strength for a church.

BUT doctrine can very easily be a poison that undermines the church and leads to death if it’s not based upon the truth of Scripture. In fact, this is just the death that Pergamum had begun to experience in the book of Revelation. This second church in need of Revitalization is called out by Jesus for giving into false teaching, or in other words, deadly doctrine.

Any church that veers from the truth of God’s Word and the Gospel will experience a decline in spiritual vitality and ultimately death. Some may keep their physical numbers up as they merely tickle the ears of the world around them, but their people will not be receiving life.

Cling to God’s Word and the Gospel as your foundation and authority.

Otherwise, your church will experience the death threatened by Jesus to the church in Pergamum.