The Influence of Doctrine

The Influence of Doctrine

By Apostle Felix

20  Jesus taught them another parable: “How can I describe God’s kingdom realm? Let me give you this illustration: 
21  It is like something as small as yeast that a woman kneads into a large amount of dough. It works unseen until it permeates the entire batch and rises high.” 

Luke 13: 20, 21

The kingdom of God may appear weak and insignificant when it is been introduced to a community. This is the reason why some tend to despise the church and the message of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 

1 Corinthians 1: 18

The message of the kingdom of God is the power of God. It is very simple in its presentation but yet has the power to change a nation. The gospel of the cross is the doctrine of Christ that has the power to influence and impact thinking patterns of individuals and societies.

Jesus likened the kingdom of God to a small amount of yeast that is added to the dough and at the end of day, the yeast permeates the entire dough. The yeast looked small, weak and insignificant, but yet affects the entire dough. Yeast can be fragile and small in quantity but has all it takes to influence the state of the dough. So is the Kingdom of God. Jesus started His ministry with insignificant people, who were fishermen and tax collectors. In the natural, Jesus’ mission looked like one without a future, because Jesus had no influential individuals on the team. And not only that, the team was small. The followers had decreased with time. Just before His departure, Jesus spoke to five hundred people and only one hundred and twenty were present in the upper room to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The rest of the people, about three hundred and eighty had decided not to wait for the Holy Spirit as commanded.

6  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

1 Corinthians 15: 6

15  During this time Peter stood up among the 120 believers who were gathered…

Acts 1: 15

The church started with a handful of people, who later influenced the known world of that time.

6  When they couldn’t find them, they took Jason instead, along with some of the brothers in his house church, and dragged them before the city council. Along the way they screamed out, “Those troublemakers who have turned the world upside down have come here to our city.
Acts 17: 6

The gospel of Christ has the potential to influence any society. A small congregation with the gospel of Christ has a great future. The church has been built on the doctrine of Christ. It is that doctrine that has the power to transform lives into the likeness of Christ. Dear pastor and child of God, do not despair because of your small beginning. Remain faithful to the preaching of Christ and the one who brings increase shall make your ministry grow. Do not give up! The word of God is like yeast that has the potential permeate the fragrance of Christ in your sphere of influence.