For a variety of reasons, 2nd Timothy is one of my favorite epistles. Many years ago it became the first book of the Bible that I ever studied in-depth. As I was preparing for this morning’s message I became burdened with the importance of doctrine in the church and came across a quote from something A.W. Tozer wrote that comments on this topic in a profound way. But before I share the quote, let me tell you a little bit about this great man of God.
Aiden Wilson Tozer lived from 1897-1963. In 1919, just 5 years after his conversion and without formal theological training, he accepted an offer to pastor his first church beginning 44 years of ministry associated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA – no longer theologically and doctrinally sound). His first pastorate was in a small storefront church in Nutter Fort, West Virginia, and a later ministry found him pasturing Southside Alliance Church in Chicago for 30 years.
Tozer was an incredible writer and this skill was honed as he served as the editor for the Alliance Weekly – the official voice of the CMA. Among the more than 40 books that he authored at least 2 are regarded as Christian classics: The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy. Living a simple and non-materialistic lifestyle he and his wife never owned a car, preferring bus and train travel. Even after becoming a well-known Christian author, he signed away much of his royalties to those who were in need. His gravestone bears a simple epitaph: “A. W. Tozer - A Man of God”.
Now, here’s the quote I wanted to share with you regarding the importance of doctrine – (keep in mind that this was written back in the 1960’s): “We have gotten accustomed to the blurred puffs of gray fog that pass for doctrine in churches and expect nothing better. From some previously unimpeachable sources are now coming vague statements consisting of a milky mixture of Scripture, science, and human sentiment that is true to none of its ingredients because each one works to cancel the others out.
Little by little Christians these days are being brainwashed – one evidence of this being that increasing numbers of them are becoming ashamed to be found unequivocally on the side of truth. They say they believe, but their beliefs have been so diluted as to be impossible of clear definition. Moral power has always accompanied definite beliefs. Great saints have always been dogmatic. We need a return to a gentle dogmatism that smiles while it stands stubborn and firm on the Word of God that lives and abides forever.” Amen – the heights from whence we have fallen.
Pastor John