Biblical Doctrine for the Nations, Part 2

Biblical Doctrine in Telugu

Translating Truth

People need doctrine. 

If the greatest need of every soul is to hear the good news of Jesus Christ and be saved, then the lifeblood of the Christian walk is to truly know God—so that we may truly love Him. 

We cannot love what we do not know. Thus, our doctrine drives our doxology. 

For this reason, Biblical Doctrine has become one of the most valuable tools for TMAI Training Centers around the world. A resource for pastors, teachers, leaders, and laymen alike, it is more than an academic textbook—it is a means of stirring deeper affection for Christ through a clearer understanding of His truth.  

For all study and teaching is for the sake of loving Christ with an incorruptible love (Ephesians 6:24).  

In India, Biblical Doctrine is transforming pastors, people, and churches—one chapter at a time. 

“We cannot love what we do not know. Thus, our doctrine drives our doxology.”

A Pastor’s Burden

Daniel Avula, an alumnus of The Master’s Seminary and ministry partner with TMAI, calls southern India home.  

In this region of the massive country, Christianity has deep historical roots but today faces serious cultural and spiritual challenges. Avula tells us, “While many identify as Christians—some by family tradition and others as first-generation believers—the true gospel is often diluted, and biblical understanding remains superficial.”  

Because the culture is primarily oral, “personal engagement with Scripture is limited,” he explains, “and many depend entirely on their pastors for spiritual nourishment.” 

To best equip these pastors to show their congregations the beauty of Christ, they must first intimately know sound doctrine.  

Avula has a firsthand testimony of how valuable sound doctrine is for a vibrant, mature love for Christ. In his personal studying, he recalls how Biblical Doctrine shaped his understanding of God, ministry, and thus, has created a foundation of unshakable confidence in the Lord. 

Now, this resource is being translated for the Telugu-speaking people in southern India.

The Work in Telegu

In partnership with local pastors and faithful translators, the effort of translating Biblical Doctrine into Telugu is underway.  

Over eighty-one million people speak the language of Telugu in India alone. Worldwide, this number is closer to one hundred million. For many, this will be the first time they can study rich, sound doctrine in their own language—a necessity for steadfastness, stability, and strength.  

“We believe that when believers are rooted in truth, their minds, hearts, and relationships will be transformed for God’s glory, enabling them to worship Him in spirit and in truth and to proclaim the gospel with clarity, coherence, and conviction.”

“I feel the weight of the lostness,” Avula shares about his people, “the power of cultural strongholds, and the apathy that often dulls hearts even within the church.” 

Avula is sure that resources like Biblical Doctrine are necessary for believers to grow in love and obedience to God. He says, “We believe that when believers are rooted in truth, their minds, hearts, and relationships will be transformed for God’s glory, enabling them to worship Him in spirit and in truth and to proclaim the gospel with clarity, coherence, and conviction.” 

For Avula and those who labor beside him, this translation represents more than a chapter-by-chapter project—it represents a deepening love for Christ in the hearts of millions of Telugu-speaking people.

The Truth Transforms

Believers cannot apply truths that they do not know.  

Sound doctrine, understood, results in daily lives transformed. Only when truth takes root does it bear fruit. And so, it is the responsibility of pastors, teachers, and church leaders to teach the truth clearly and faithfully—for the sake of Christians truly knowing and deeply loving their Savior. 

As he’s trained pastors in India, Avula has seen this unfold before his eyes.  

When His people—particularly those who are called to be teachers to and models for fellow believers—are equipped with sound doctrine, their affection for Christ flourishes.  

“Resources like Biblical Doctrine have not only improved our understanding but also shifted our ministry priorities—moving us from pragmatism to faithfulness, from shallow excitement to deep reverence, and from man-centered messages to emphasizing God's glory as the heart of all truth and life.” 

And God’s glory, as clearly explained in the pages of Biblical Doctrine, has deeply impacted the people.  

“Every translated page, printed copy, and distributed chapter is a tool in the hands of faithful men and women eager to know God and make Him known.”

“The response has been remarkable—those who truly love God and desire to grow in His Word have eagerly embraced this resource,” Avula shares. “The enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming Theology Proper chapter shows that there is a growing thirst for doctrinal depth and truth among Telugu-speaking believers.” 

And so, Avula and his team continue to labor for the sake of feeding the flock what alone may give life and satisfy (Psalm 107:8–9).  

A Prayer for India

This is not merely the work of translation. It is eternal work for the glory of God.  

And as Avula considers the work ahead and the people it serves, his heart turns to prayer.  

“When I pray for my mission field, I ask God to open blind eyes and soften hearts to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray for revival within the church—that believers move beyond nominal faith to deep, Scripture-rooted discipleship.” 

My prayer is that pastors would handle the Word of God with accuracy and reverence, that congregations would hunger for truth, and that the gospel would spread through lives transformed by sound doctrine. 

I believe the Biblical Doctrine project will play a crucial role in shaping that vision.” 

His heart then turns to you, our ministry partners who directly impact the work being done in nations like India to Italy and around the globe.  

“Please know that your partnership is directly helping to equip pastors, strengthen churches, and protect the next generation of Telugu-speaking believers. Every translated page, printed copy, and distributed chapter is a tool in the hands of faithful men and women eager to know God and make Him known.” 

Avula knows that the truth is what fills the heart with worship—in a nation as vast as India, that truth has the power to transform generations. “We continue to pray that this work will lead to a widespread renewal of biblical conviction throughout Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and beyond—for the glory of Christ and the strengthening of His church.” 

As God’s Word goes forth in the Telugu language, and in native languages throughout the world, may countless voices rise in worship—the song of truth transforming the nations.  

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