Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.

This section covers the subjects of the supernatural. This is often dismissed by some as mere superstition and then appropriated by others to support their charismatic, gnostic beliefs. However, the Bible paints a picture of the realm we can not physically perceive. Acknowledging what is occuring in that realm... even if not totally understood... is key to understand God's ultimate victory through the cross.

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.

This section covers the subjects of doctrine and orthodoxy. Many exert a great amount of stress debating and arguing their doctrines and orthodoxies with other believers, drawing firm lines in the sand on what is "right" and what is "wrong". The fundamental question that we should ask is whether those doctrines and orthodoxies are reflective of Christ or the image of Christ that they would like to define. Christ is unbounded by human understanding and transcends our academic knowledge. This means that adherence to a doctrine or orthodoxy alone can't possibly be what make one a stalwart disciple of Christ. It must be something more. We could say... something greater. What is the greatest commandment? To love God and to love one another. The focus of Christians should be to understand doctrine and orthodoxy for what it is... reflections of how we attempt to experience Christ... and avoid the arrogant tendency of many to equate compliance with doctrine and orthodoxy with alignment to God.

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.

This section covers the subject of Biblical criticism. Criticism, in this context, doesn't mean being derogatory or disrespectful of the Bible; it means considering what it is we revere in the Word of God. Is it the binding and pages? Is it a publisher's translation? Or is there something more profound the written word points to that we should be seeking?

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.

This section discusses our connection to the world. Every Christian must ask themselves sincerely if Jesus Christ is, in fact, their king. If so, is that proven in how they prioritize their time? Their activities? Their material possessions? We are a materialistic and self-focused culture; will that culture take priority over God's purpose in your life?

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.

This section covers the idea of a Godly life. Does a Godly life simply mean not sinning? If that is the case, aren't we all doomed from the start? How, then, do we live a Godly life in a practical sense without simply giving ourselves over to sin? The answer is the pursuit of Christ; a living demonstration of how we turn from the world and pursue God's ways even when we know we are bound to fail.

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.

This section covers the nature of sin and redemption. Is sin a monolithic concept or is there nuance that is scripturally important? Understanding these nuances helps us better appreciate the totality of God's grace.

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.

This section covers what it means to be a Christian, or one who follows Christ. Is it orthodoxy? Is it common doctrine? Or is it something much more simple...

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson. As we wrap up this series, we ask ourselves "what's the point"? We saw how God was in everything brought up, from serious theological questions to silly pop-culture references, but what did we learn? From a worldly perspective, it may seem amazing that God is related to all things, but once you truly realize that God is sovereign over all it becomes the expectation rather than an epiphany.

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson. This week we look at the dichotomy of a loving God who is also severe in His judgment. How do we reconcile a God of love who is also a God of often-uncompromising consequences?