Bible Quote by Jim Cymbala
““MAINTAINING DOCTRINAL PURITY IS good, but it is not the whole picture for a New Testament church. The apostles wanted to do much more than simply “hold the fort,” as the old gospel song says. They asked God to empower them to move out and impact an entire culture. In too many places where the Bible is being thumped and doctrine is being argued until three in the morning, the Spirit of that doctrine is missing. William Law, an English devotional writer of the early 1700s, wrote, “Read whatever chapter of Scripture you will, and be ever so delighted with it—yet it will leave you as poor, as empty and unchanged as it found you unless it has turned you wholly and solely to the Spirit of God, and brought you into full union with and dependence upon him.”1””
About This Quote
Source Book: Unspecified sermon or article, 21st century
Doctrine alone is insufficient; true transformation requires the Spirit’s work and full dependence on God.
In simple terms: Faith must be lived, not just taught.
Key Takeaway
Seek Spirit‑filled life, not just doctrinal correctness.
Themes
faith
spirituality
church
culture
doctrine
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- preaching
- personal devotion
- community outreach
- cultural engagement
Key Concepts
union with God
spiritual dependence
holistic discipleship
Questions to Reflect On
- How can churches balance doctrinal fidelity with Spirit‑led action?
- What practices nurture true dependence on God?
A Different Perspective
Doctrine without Spirit can become empty ritual.
