Doctrine 2023 Session 1 | The Importance of Doctrine & Theology Big Ideas: · The Importance of Doctrine and Theology · Unity in diversity on secondary issues that we disagree with · Outside the Spectrum The importance of Doctrine and theology 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear . . . Defense (Apologia)- “to give a speech in defense, vindication, defense, speak a defense.” Doctrine and Theology What is Doctrine? Didaskalia (did-as-kal-ee’): Teaching, instruction, learning or authority. When we talk about the doctrine of our church, we are referring to the governing authority and supremacy of the Word of God that presides over the church body. This is why doctrine is so important! 1 Timothy 4:6-7 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 1 Timothy 4:13-16 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. We at Catalyst Church believe that doctrine is more than just teaching, instruction, and suggestions. It is the governing authority and supremacy of the Word of God that presides over the Church. Therefore, we submit our local church to the teachings of Christ who authored and affirmed the Scriptures to which we adhere. What is Theology? Theology- the study of the nature of God and religious beliefs. Unity in diversity on secondary issues that we disagree with. Primary Issues vs. Secondary Issues | Closed-Handed Issues vs. Open-Handed Issues “The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally – not a 20 percent traitor.” Ronald Regan Ephesians 4:12-15 for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ . . . · Are you able to appreciate that there may be other biblical interpretations of things that you hold dear? · Are you willing and able to do life alongside others who believe differently from you on secondary issues and can affirm their belief with Scripture? · Are you willing to have tough conversations and seek understanding among those with whom you do not see eye-to-eye on some of these topics? Outside the Spectrum IMAGE ON SCREEN FROM DANIEL Spectrum-a broad range of varied but related ideas or objects, the individual features of which tend to overlap so as to form a continuous series or sequence. Biblical truth- Inerrant divinely accurate eternal truth that was, is, and always will be. Interpretive differences-Within orthodoxy, there are many varying interpretations and understandings of the same biblical topics. If you and I were both on the same mountain but on different sides, we would have very different perspectives of the same mountain. Error-a deviation from accuracy or correctness; a mistake as in an action or speech. Belief in something not true. The holding of mistaken opinions. Heresy-dissension, opinion or disagreement with orthodox or accepted doctrine of a church or religious system. Take Away: 1. Do I have a solid foundation of Biblical Doctrine that I am walking out in an intimate abiding fellowship with Christ? 2. My responsibility in living out truth with the Body of Christ. · Open my heart and mind to what God’s Word says about any topic. · Determine to walk in love towards the family of God rather than letting our differences divide us. (Especially those I disagree with) · Allow each body member grace and time in pursuit of truth with Christ.