Denominational Doctrines by Jerry Moffitt

 

Denominational Doctrines

by Jerry Moffitt

 I have been honored to teach a class at the West Virginia School of Preaching called “Denominational Doctrines.” I posted on a Facebook page reported to be of preachers asking for input on a textbook for this class. I was a bit disappointed that there were questions about why there would be such a class. Really? This is a class to train preachers on denominations, their respective doctrines, and how to answer error with Scripture. Now, I will grant that there are other relevant subjects for a man training to be a gospel preacher, but I would not say those other subjects are more important. Paul instructed Timothy as an evangelist: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV). A sound gospel preacher does not have the authorization to pick and choose whether he is to reprove or correct.

Jerry Moffitt has written and debated for several years.  He has spent most of his life in pursuit and defense of divine truth. As I have been going through my late father’s library, I have come across several books, workbooks and other materials published to answer the errors advocated in denominations and cults. I am concerned in our offensive “non-offensive culture,” that we may have become too timid in our defense of the truth. I try to impress on my students that there is no room for being caustic, full of rancor, or have a tongue dripping with malice in defending the gospel because the truth is offensive enough. Be kind, considerate, friendly, and compassionate with people in error. Expose the error, save the sinner! This work is over 650 pages and full of great teaching material.

This work deals with a host of pertinent issues including the authority of the Bible, the nature of faith, baptism, Calvinism, premillennialism, and various religious bodies in our nation today. Moffitt provides solid refutation to many of the doctrinal errors that are advocated in manmade creeds, disciplines, and other sources. He also provides an overview of some of the prominent cults and the major tenets of their religion. I caution my students to verify a doctrine is still being taught by an organization because sometimes they change their doctrines. But be sure to point out to whom you study with that man’s doctrines change but God word never changes. There are several solid books on this subject that have been published that have points that are now out of date. Not because the writer made a mistake, but the doctrine was in error. Whether the newly adopted doctrine is correct or not still must pass the same truth test as the Bereans administered: “they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11 NKJV).

Originally printed in the West Virginia Christian, Vol. 30, No. 6, June 2023, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.