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Jumpstarter 9 of 10

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True Greatness  /  What Would Alexander Campbell Say to the Church Today?  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
Bercot criticizes “sterile biblicists” and notes Jesus’ sheep-and-goats judgment scene mentions nothing about doctrine, then contrasts that with churches that “ignore and even trample” Jesus’ explicit commands (divorce/remarriage, nonresistance, materialism); how do you personally weigh doctrinal precision versus obedience in real decisions—who you trust, where you worship, who you follow?
Another way to ask: Bercot says some churches focus on correct doctrine while ignoring Jesus’ clear commands (like divorce/remarriage, nonresistance, and materialism). In real life, how do you balance being right in doctrine with actually obeying Jesus when choosing who to trust, where to worship, or who to follow?

Direct Answer Bercot’s teaching pushes you to weigh obedience and a “living…relationship with Jesus Christ” more heavily than having “all of your doctrine in a row,” especially when churches excuse disobedience to Jesus’ explicit commands. Doctrine matters, but it is not the main measure of faithfulness if Christ’s commands are ignored.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot warns restorationists can become “sterile biblicists with an insufficient emphasis on the inner life.”
  • He says, “You can have all of your doctrine in a row, but if you don’t have a living…relationship with Jesus Christ, that does you no good.”
  • He points to the sheep/goats judgment: Jesus “doesn’t even make any mention whatsoever of doctrine.”
  • He says many churches “ignore and even trample on Jesus’ explicit commandments,” naming divorce/remarriage, nonresistance, and materialism.
  • He critiques substituting “man-made commandments” while “abrogating” Christ’s commands—echoing Jesus’ condemnation of the Pharisees.
Discussion Follow-ups When choosing who to trust or follow, do you look first for correct positions or for visible obedience and fruit? Where have you tolerated disobedience because the doctrine sounded “sound”?

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