Why Is It Important to Focus on the Bible Rather Than Denominational Teachings?

Direct Answer

Yes, it's vital because eternal judgment is based on obedience to God's Word, not denominational loyalty.

Les Feldick emphasizes that when we stand before the Lord, He won't ask about our church or denomination, but whether we've been obedient to the Book. Scripture is the only basis for judgment, so understanding what it truly says—not what any group claims—is essential. Therefore, focusing on the Bible over denominational teachings aligns with God's standard of accountability.

Key Scriptures

2 Timothy 2:15 — Paul instructs believers to study the Word correctly, which supports searching Scripture independently of human traditions.

1 Corinthians 3:13 — This verse indicates every person's work will be tested by fire, pointing to God's judgment based on the Word.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible consistently calls believers to give heed to the written Word of God as the ultimate authority. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul declares that 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.' This implies that Scripture itself is the standard for truth and practice. Moreover, in John 5:39, Jesus says, 'Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.' This command underscores the necessity of personal examination of the Word rather than relying on human systems. The Bible also warns against human traditions that nullify God's commandments (Mark 7:7-9), reinforcing that God's Word takes precedence over denominational teaching.

What Does Les Feldick Teach About Focusing on the Bible Over Denominations?

Les Feldick consistently teaches that the primary focus of Christian life should be the Bible, not denominational doctrines. He stresses, as shown in [Clip 0], that when we stand before the Lord, He won't ask about our loyalty to a church or denomination, but whether we've been obedient to the Word. This is the only thing that counts for eternity. He also emphasizes that denominational labels are set aside in his teaching, aiming to help people see what the Book actually says. In [Clip 4], he reiterates that God will not look at our denominational background but will judge us according to the Book. Feldick further encourages personal study, noting that many people have been 'brainwashed' into thinking things are in the Bible that aren't ([Clip 5]). He encourages believers to search the Scriptures themselves, as seen in [Clip 3], where he tells callers to turn to their Bibles, and if they can't find a teaching, then 'run from it.'

Will Denominational Loyalty Matter at the Judgment Seat?

No, according to Les Feldick, denominational loyalty will not matter. He states in [Clip 0] that the Lord will not ask if we were obedient to our church or denomination but whether we were obedient to the Word. This is echoed in [Clip 4] where he says, 'We're going to be judged according to the Book, not according to what less says, but according to the Book.' Thus, what counts for eternity is conformity to Scripture, not adherence to a human institution.

How Should Believers Approach Bible Study in Light of Denominations?

Believers should approach Bible study with the goal of discerning what the Scripture actually says, apart from denominational preconceptions. Les encourages people to 'search the Scriptures' and to 'take away the blinders' from denominational narrow-mindedness ([Clip 2]). He also underscores the importance of not just seeing what is in the Bible but also recognizing what is not there, as many have assumed things that are not present ([Clip 5]). This personal engagement with the Word is essential because, as he says, 'we're not going to stand before the Lord one day and plead what we did what the denomination says' ([Clip 1]).

Does Les Feldick Claim Special Revelation or Complete Knowledge?

No, Les Feldick explicitly claims he does not have special revelations or all the answers. Instead, he aims to teach the Word as accurately as possible, relying on the Holy Spirit. In [Clip 2], he states, 'I have to feel that I'm staying as true to the Word as is humanly possible, and depending totally on the leading of the Holy Spirit as we teach.' He also says in [Clip 6] that we should not take anybody at their word, including himself, but rather come back to see what the Book says. Thus, his focus is on pointing people to the Bible, not to himself.

From the Teaching

Judgment Based on Obedience to the Word

Les explains that at the Lord's throne, He won't ask about obedience to a church or denomination, but whether we've been obedient to the Word, which is what counts for eternity.

What the Book Says and Doesn't Say

Les emphasizes the importance of knowing both what the Bible says and what it does not say, because many have misconceptions that aren't in Scripture.

Avoiding Denominational Narrow-Mindedness

Les encourages people to set aside denominational blinders and search the Scriptures, warning that disagreeing simply because 'your denomination doesn't agree' is dangerous.

Searching the Scriptures Yourself

Les advises that if you cannot find a teaching in your Bible, you should 'run from it,' because we are judged by the Word, not by any denomination.

Judged According to the Book

Les reiterates that God will not even look at our denominational background; we will be judged according to the Book alone.

Brainwashed Misconceptions

Les notes that many people have been brainwashed into thinking certain things are in the Bible when they aren't, so it's vital to study the Word itself.

Knocking Down Denominational Walls

Les describes his ministry as knocking down walls built by denominations to help people discern the Word by itself, with the Holy Spirit's wisdom.

Teaching for Personal Understanding

Les states that his only reason for teaching is so that people can study and read their Bible with understanding, not to promote any group.

Bible Verses

2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

This verse establishes Scripture as the authoritative source for doctrine and correction, supporting the priority of the Bible over human teachings.

John 5:39: Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Jesus commands personal searching of the Scriptures, endorsing individual study rather than sole reliance on denominational interpretation.

Mark 7:7-9: 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Jesus criticizes human traditions that override God's commandments, reinforcing the idea that denominational traditions should not replace Scripture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will God judge us based on our denomination?

No, according to Les Feldick, God will judge us based on the Bible alone. At the judgment, He won't ask about our denominational loyalty but whether we've been obedient to the Word. As he says, we will be judged according to the Book, not according to what any denomination says.

What should I do if I can't find a teaching in my Bible?

Les advises that if you can't find it in your Bible, then you should 'run from it.' Since the Bible is the only standard by which God will judge us, teachings that are not grounded in Scripture should be rejected, regardless of who teaches them.

Does Les Feldick claim to have all the answers?

No, Les explicitly says he doesn't have special revelations or complete knowledge. He aims to teach as true to the Word as possible, relying on the Holy Spirit. He encourages people to search the Scriptures for themselves, not simply take anyone's word.

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Source Video

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