When you hear the word catechism
you might get a mental picture of 1st Century Christian leaders
debating what they would believe as a church. Or maybe you think of
Catholicism. Perhaps you get a little nervous, like a 4th grade
student at a spelling bee, as if you will have to stand in front of the church
and properly recite the church by-laws. It’s also likely you have never even
heard the word catechism.
But catechism is not scary, and should not be reserved for
the ultra religious. By definition, catechism is simply, “a summary of the
principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for
the instruction of Christians.”
Catechism is a series of questions and concise answers; they
are easily memorized, and can teach believers young and old the basics of our
faith. It is an easy way to learn doctrine.
The Bible instructs us to learn God’s Word:
Be diligent to present
yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.
II Timothy 2:15
The Bible also
speaks of the importance of doctrine:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness,
II Timothy 3:16
Over the course
of 2014 we will work on catechism as a church family. Each week in our
newsletter we will post a question and answer; we encourage families and
friends to work on memorizing them together. As the year progresses we hope
that you will review previous weeks to reinforce the doctrine. This process
will build a sturdy foundation on which you can stand, and it will establish
(or strengthen) a biblical worldview.
In addition to
the questions and answers, there will be a brief commentary each week right
here to help explain the concept in greater detail.
We are looking
forward to this endeavor, and we pray that 2014 will be a year that Christians
will be strengthened in what they believe. Please join us in this catechism.
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