Probiotic yoghurts like Yakult (other brands are available) are good for us, because they protect us from the harmful bacteria in our gut. Similarly, good doctrine protects us from deception and false ideas about God, and prepares us for every good work that God has planned for us to do. To build a faith that lasts, we want to continue to be learning together and teaching important truths about God, who he is and what he has done for us.

Doctrine

In John 8:31-32, Jesus says:

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

We know that biblical truth is so important, especially as this truth sets us free. Therefore, it is important that we have sound doctrine. Our doctrine is the beliefs that we hold about God. What we believe about God impacts the way that we live in our day to day lives. As we grow up, we form our own doctrine. We think about God, and our understanding of him is shaped by what we are taught and the experiences that we go through. Therefore, it is so important that we are teaching our children, and one another, good doctrine. But where do we start?

I have been really enjoying reading through ‘Daily Doctrine’ by Kevin DeYoung. This book goes through biblical doctrine systematically over the course of a year in an accessible way, and has really helped me to stop and think more deeply about who God is. If you are wanting to dive deeper into thinking about God in addition to your regular Bible readings, I would really recommend this book. Kevin also has a podcast called ‘Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung’ where he spends 15 minutes looking at different themes which I have found really helpful to listen to on my way to work.

Doing systematic theology is also a great thing to do with your children! We don’t need to be scared of teaching these big truths to kids. We don’t want to be giving our kids little ideas they can grow out of, but big ideas they can grow into. If you are interested in doing this, here are a couple of great resources to use. ‘Tiny Theologians’ Podcast would be great to listen to in the car on the way to school. Alternatively, a podcast called ‘Faith in Kids 4 KIDS’ is a great way of spending time thinking through truths from the Bible with your children.

Family Focus

At our 9.15am, 11am, and 4pm services, we usually have a Family Focus slot. The purpose of these Family Focus slots is to give us time as a whole church family, across all age groups, to be learning important truths from God’s word together. This is a great opportunity for us to learn/be reminded of Christian doctrine in a logical order.

This term, we are doing a series called CHRIST: Prophet, Priest, and King. We are aiming to think deeper into what it means for Jesus to be Christ, and what his role as Prophet, Priest and King looks like in our lives. I pray that as we go through these truths, that we will be growing together in our understanding of who Jesus is and in our love for him.

Catechism Cards

To help us to think deeper about this doctrine, we have made Catechism Cards. These flashcards are kept at the back of the church building and have a question on the front. Then when you turn them over, the answer is on the back along with a Bible reference to look up. These are for anyone to take home, to put onto fridge doors, to include in your daily quiet times, or to use as conversation starters at the dinner table. You could spend five minutes by asking the question on the front, reading the answer aloud, and then reading the Bible reference given. What a joy it would be for us as a church family to be talking to one another about these incredible truths, dwelling on the beauty and majesty of Jesus Christ, and helping our children to understand who Jesus is and what difference he makes to our lives.

If you have any questions or would like some ideas, do chat to me on a Sunday or send me an email at nick.mcdonald@stmarysmaidenhead.org

With love in Christ,

Nick

Children’s Minister