Prove all things, hold fast that which is good
How to "Rightly Divide" the Bible:
http://www.biblebelievers.com/Dispen1a.htm
I truly believe that the above link is a must read for anyone who has not studied how to "rightly divide the word of truth". It is the very foundation upon which all doctrine should be taught.
The MOST important thing to do when studying the Bible is to FORGET what you have been taught by men, and pray and ask the Lord to teach you. The average Baptist, pastors included, have never truly studied the Bible with the intent of having the Lord teach them. Most people approach the Bible with their preconceived notions based on what they have been taught and believed since their youth. The only reason I was able to see the truth and get saved out of the Catholic religion is because I cried out to God and begged Him to show me the truth. Today, I know a good bit about the Bible, and I still CRY OUT TO GOD AND BEG HIM TO SHOW ME WHERE I'M WRONG!
1Pe 5:5 KJV - Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Hey Pastor, "scholar", remember that verse? Why then do you feel as though you've got it all figured out? Why, as if you know everything already, don't you look to that man of low estate, and ask him what you might be wrong about? Why not discuss Bible doctrines with the men of the church and LEARN from them? Why not ASK other men what they think about your preaching and if it lines up with the Bible? I DO. I have learned most about the Bible by witnessing to people in other denominations and studying with them. What ever I can't easily prove, I study until I can easily prove it, or I give it to the Lord and ask Him to show me. Don't be afraid to be WRONG or you'll never know much, even if you think you do.
1Th 5:21 KJV - Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Why not PROVE your doctrines among men who may think differently than you do about them? That is how I have learned the Bible over the years. I question all things, even the "Baptist Tenets" of the faith, and PROVE them, or dismiss them, or admit that I'm not sure and pray about it. If someone can show me where I'm wrong, it will force me to "STUDY to show myself approved unto to God, a workman that needeth NOT to be ashamed...". Most Christians are either too lazy to study or are afraid of being wrong and having to admit it to others. Even worse, too many pastors like the way things are going for them and would never think of a change, even if the the Bible disagrees with them. It's all about "church", and not about Him or His words.
Pro 13:10 KJV - Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
Pro 16:18 KJV - Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
My point is, nothing matters if you are wrong about what God desires from us or if you're wrong about His doctrines set forth in His word. Paul said:
Tts 2:1 KJV - But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine
2Ti 4:3 KJV - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
If you feel that you are learned in His word to the point where you never seek instruction from others, you are proud, and knoweth nothing.
1Cr 8:2 KJV - And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
So go ahead and ask some others in your church, and out side of your church, and outside of your faith what they think about things, and then STUDY and prove yourself. You'll be amazed at how much you didn't know, and how much you'll learn about His word!
How to "Rightly Divide" the Bible:
http://www.biblebelievers.com/Dispen1a.htm
Some good doctrinal stuff here:http://baptist1611.com/