[455 words] Sometimes we hear individuals say, “Why should we be so concerned about doctrine? We should just preach Jesus and ignore doctrine. Preaching doctrine creates division, but preaching Jesus will bring unity.” Those who say these things often are motivated to bring about harmony among those who follow Jesus, but we must begin by asking, “What does the Bible teach about the importance of doctrine?” Think about all you would have to give up if you never preached doctrine. If I gave up all doctrine, I could never preach about Jesus’ resurrection. When Paul was teaching in the marketplace in Athens he proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus. He was taken to the Acropolis where he was questioned by the Greek philosophers. They said, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak” (Acts 17:18-19)? If I gave up all doctrine, I could never preach about the…