truth that was passed on to them from those in foundation - apostles and prophets. When the entire Body of Christ is built on the complete truth, it be- comes unified, strong, upright, and able to withstand all adversity. All too often throughout history, mankind has been deceived into following teachings conjured in the minds of men. It happened in Christ’s time with the Pharisees they had their own doctrine which Christ warned against (see Matthew 16:6,12). It also happened during Paul’s ministry—false gospels, along with demonic doctrines (see Galatians 1:6-9 and I Timothy 4:1- 3) crept into the Church. Guarding the true doctrine of God has been a test on God’s Church ever since—especially so in this La- odicean age. Paul was inspired to warn Timothy in II Timothy 3:13–15: But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scrip - tures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. God restored much understanding of His truth to His Church in the 20th century under the leadership of Herbert W. Armstrong. Since the time of his death many have come up with their own teach- ing—doctrine—claiming it to be
tribulations will test every Chris- tian’s foundation. Christ warned, “the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house…” (Matthew 7:25). Floods and strong winds represent overwhelming trials, life’s pres- sures, and temptations. If we have not built on every word of God, we risk spiritual instability. A Chris- tian must have a rock-solid grasp of all of God’s doctrines. Anything less than full obedience leaves us vulnerable when the storms of life strike. Standing Strong Standing strong in the truth is not an easy task. Study, prayer, medita- tion, and living by God’s Word has always been difficult in every age. God’s people need to be “workmen” earnestly contending for His truth. Christ commended the faithful Phil- adelphians alive and remaining in the final Church age, saying: “You have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name”— Revelation 3:8. Protection is promised to those who keep His Word—to those who hold fast to the precious doctrines. When we do, our lives rest on a firm and upright foundation. For those who find areas of weakness in their foun - dation, hope is not lost—act now! “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”— Ephesians 5:16 Strengthen your foundation. Em- brace every one of God’s doctrines. Build straight and true. God’s Word is sure; His truth unchanging. If we build our lives upon it, our founda- tion will stand forever.
“new truth.” Claiming to “grow in grace and knowledge” these new teachings are in opposition or dis- harmony with what God led His apostle (and those supporting him) to teach. Such doctrines are by defi - nition not God’s! God’s warning through the Apostle Paul is as much for the Church age now as it ever was. Avoid Failure Paul also instructed the brethren to “take up the whole armor of God… having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:13– 14). Notice, it is the whole, not part, of the armor. Psalm 119 reinforces the point: “All Your commandments are truth”— verse 151. “All Your commandments are righ- teousness” — verse 172. Failure to live by the full truth of God results in a weakened and unstable foundation—a spiritual structure that leans and eventually collapses under pressure. Trials and
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