Doctrine divides

One of the greatest antidotes to ecumenism is doctrine. Ecumenism thrives in an environment where doctrine is disparaged. Such is the situation in Mongolia, where the initial missionaries, in an effort to promote a false unity, agreed to minimize doctrinal differences and speak only of unity. Though unintended by the initial missionaries, the result was a general inability to judge any doctrine according to Scripture.

Today, there are many doctrines that are being taught in churches in Mongolia that do not line up with Scripture. Professing Christians sometimes will even admit that what they have been taught is not in Scripture but, with a smile, will argue that they have no right to judge another man’s doctrine. One national pastor I know, sponsored by Baptists from America, told me that he has no right to say that praying in tongues is wrong.

Sometimes, a Mongolian knows that what he is being taught is wrong, but he does not know the biblical reason why it is wrong. Even well-taught Christians in Mongolia often say to me, “I know it’s in the Bible somewhere, I just don’t know where.” Because Mongolians do not have the extensive reference materials in Mongolian that we have in English, it can be difficult for them to find verses when they say, “I know I’ve read that somewhere.”

The last observation is that there are no Mongolians who have grown up in church hearing the Bible stories and Bible lessons that many of us heard as children. They are unaware of the significance of Abraham. They sometimes do not know David as more than a king of Israel who wrote the Psalms. Daniel is an unknown to them.

To meet these needs and to inculcate doctrine into Mongolians, particularly Mongolian men, Bill Patterson and I started an evening Bible institute. The classes this spring are A Survey of Bible Doctrines and The Pentateuch.

At the beginning we were encouraged by the high level of interest. One night there were seven Mongolians in attendance. However, that number has gradually dwindled until three students were left. But I refuse to be discouraged. The three students whom we have are learning important doctrines and are better prepared to defend their beliefs than they were when we started. They are learning that a Christian who submits himself to the teaching of Scripture is required to measure all teaching that he receives by the Bible. We encourage them to study their Bibles and to bring us questions they have on the topics we are teaching. They know the significance of Abraham’s faith and can give you an overview of the Bible’s teaching on Itself. Further, because we require them to take copious notes, they have a systematic record of what they have studied. The next time someone tries to tell them that Jesus is not truly God, even if they cannot remember exactly where it can be found, they can go back to their notes to be reminded of Bible doctrine.

The goal is to leave behind doctrinally solid, nationally led, truly independent Baptist churches in Mongolia. Although there are many facets to such a work, the Bible institute contributes substantially to the doctrinally solid aspect of planting churches.

My desire is that you will pray with us for this Bible institute as it continues on into the future. Pray for me to teach with wisdom and clarity; pray for the students to remember and to use the doctrines they are studying, and pray for greater interest in the Bible institute among the men who attend the church.