January 27, 2026

”Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 jn 1:9 kjv

”The importance of the Word of God simply cannot be overstated. Without it, we do not have the truth, faith, or salvation of God. And without the truth, faith, and salvation of God, we do not have God. Scripture is replete with teachings and warnings that make this perfectly clear.

“Where do we get the doctrine of Christ in which we are to abide to have God? From the Word of God.”

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 tim 3:14-16 kjv

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 pet 1:23-25 kjv

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” rom 10:17 kjv

The above: (By Tamara Hartzell: Author of "Reimagining God" and "In the Name of Purpose") from article in “Lighthouse Trails” Jan 26, 2026 Newsletter… a very good read, I think.

The above scriptures by Hartzell, referring to the days of the First Century “Church” chronicles, is in no way less important now in our “Church” times… think about it, the Apostle Paul lived in a pagan world [so we think]… but should we? I submit that today’s world is no less pagan than was Paul’s world. If we think so, we are deceived. Although there may be “churches” everywhere, but the mindsets of most religious people are mixed with corrupted thinking that disputes the very words quoted from the Bible above. People giving lip service, but their hearts are full of selfish and indulgent sinful thinking and practices… and they approve of others doing likewise. The Bible addresses this heart condition in many places; it seems to be a generational blight on humanity. The core problem is that people do not really acknowledge the “Word of God.” Conversely, they only know about it… but do not yield themselves to its instruction.

This brings us to the “doctrine of Christ.” Yahweh fully understood humanity from day one… even before we were: Thus, the reason for the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Further, Yahweh fully understood our need for the indwelling Holy Spirit, to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Our human failure to yield ourselves to an authority like Yahweh, was played out daily in the lives of the Children of Israel. Solomon said, “there is nothing new under the sun.” He said what has been, will be, and what is, has been. Each generation simply follows its former in self-inflicted failure. However, even in the midst of a pagan world [then and now] Yahweh does have a people “who have not bent their knees to Baal.” 1 kgs 19:18 kjv

This brings me to suggest even in the worst places of pagan culture, there are those who hear when Yahweh calls… they take up the doctrine of Christ. Meaning, they hear the Word of God, it takes seed-growth within their hearts and brings forth fruit. I have long ago surrendered to understanding that I don’t know why some do and some don’t… it to me, is simply a mystery. Thankfully, I am among the people who have received Yahweh’s grace that comes to us in and by Yeshua [Jesus], we follow the doctrine of Christ. We are not all clones, we are a mixed-multitude of humanity that, like Moses, we each had a “burning bush” moment, and the rest is, as they say, history. None of us can truly explain it, we can take no credit for it… we can only give thanks and praise to Yeshua for His work of love in our hearts that constrains us to Him. And He keeps us to His flock of “those who have not bent their knees to Baal.”

I would like to comment on Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, basically they address issues within the church, and issues among the brethren… Having been in pastoral ministry for years, when I read Paul’s Corinthian letters, it makes me think they are directed to the churches I’ve been affiliated with. As Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun.

Another thing, Paul in pagan Corinth taught the doctrine of Christ… as must we today teach it likewise… no substitutes please! It is the Word of God. Do you know that Paul in his letters constantly quoted from the Torah and its understood principles indirectly as well? How many “religious” groups are doing that today? Not many. Do you consider that Paul never had “New Testament” literature to teach from… Do you understand that the doctrine of Christ is foundational in the Tanach [Hebrew Scriptures]? In the Corinthian letters there are dozens of such contextual references. If you don’t understand, ask me for a list of them. Here’s the bottom line, religious doctrines confuse and distort the doctrine of Christ… only the Word of God reveals the person of God [Christ]. Because in today’s pagan world, we need sound “doctrine” so that we know who the real Yeshua is… The Word of God in the Flesh. There are many religious “doctrinal” impostors.

Shalom, John