There is an apparent disapproval of by some on here regarding what has been refered to as dogma. I refer to it as unwavering and essential Truth but what's in a name? The content and importance is what I am after here.
I have been reading a book by John Piper titled "Contending For Our All" and there is a section I want to share:
J. Greshem Machen alerts us to the doctrinal "indifferentism" of our day and to the fact that we almost take it for granted that utilitarian thinking is the only hope for success and that preaching or teaching doctrine is a prescription for failure.
This skepticism about the value of doctrine is owing to bad preaching that is not passionate and clear and interesting and suspenseful and authentic about the glories of God and his way of salvation, and how it all connects with real life. "The dogma is the drama," as Dorothy Sayers said, and the reason we don't show this to people in our preaching and teaching and writing is that we have not seen and felt the greatnes of the glory of God and all his teachings. preaching doctrine should not be confusing or boring.
The rest of the quote by Dorothy Sayers is:
"Official Christianity, of late years, has been having what is known as a 'bad press.' We are constantly assured that the churches are empty because preachers insist too much upon doctrine -- dull dogma as people call it. The fact is the precise opposite. It is the neglect of dogma that makes for dullness. The Christian faith is the most exciting drama that ever staggered the imagination of man -- and the dogma is the drama."
J. Greshem Machen also had something amazing to say regarding the matter of boring/confusing teaching:
"That error, unquestionably, should be avoided. But it should be avoided not by abandonment of doctrinal preaching, but by our making doctrinal preaching real preaching. The preacher should present to his congregation the doctrine that the Holy Scripture contains; but he should fire the presentation of that doctrine with the devotion of his heart, and he should show how it can be made fruitful for Christian life."
I have been reading a book by John Piper titled "Contending For Our All" and there is a section I want to share:
J. Greshem Machen alerts us to the doctrinal "indifferentism" of our day and to the fact that we almost take it for granted that utilitarian thinking is the only hope for success and that preaching or teaching doctrine is a prescription for failure.
This skepticism about the value of doctrine is owing to bad preaching that is not passionate and clear and interesting and suspenseful and authentic about the glories of God and his way of salvation, and how it all connects with real life. "The dogma is the drama," as Dorothy Sayers said, and the reason we don't show this to people in our preaching and teaching and writing is that we have not seen and felt the greatnes of the glory of God and all his teachings. preaching doctrine should not be confusing or boring.
The rest of the quote by Dorothy Sayers is:
"Official Christianity, of late years, has been having what is known as a 'bad press.' We are constantly assured that the churches are empty because preachers insist too much upon doctrine -- dull dogma as people call it. The fact is the precise opposite. It is the neglect of dogma that makes for dullness. The Christian faith is the most exciting drama that ever staggered the imagination of man -- and the dogma is the drama."
J. Greshem Machen also had something amazing to say regarding the matter of boring/confusing teaching:
"That error, unquestionably, should be avoided. But it should be avoided not by abandonment of doctrinal preaching, but by our making doctrinal preaching real preaching. The preacher should present to his congregation the doctrine that the Holy Scripture contains; but he should fire the presentation of that doctrine with the devotion of his heart, and he should show how it can be made fruitful for Christian life."
