I. INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (2)

1 Peter 3:15 CSB

but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

Titus 1:9 CSB

holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.

Ephesians 4:13–15 CSB

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.

Galatians 1:6–9 CSB

I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!

Philippians 4:1 CSB

So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

Matthew 22:37–38 CSB

He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.

2 John 9–10 CSB

Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home, and do not greet him;

I.LESSON OUTLINE

Illustration of the Doctor

The Purposes to Defenders Class

 To train Christians to understand, articulate, and defend basic Christian truths.

To reach out with the Gospel to those who have not yet come to know Christ, always being ready to give a defense to anyone who should ask for a reason for our hope.

To be an incendiary fellowship of mutual encouragement and care.

What is Christian Doctrine?

Jaroslav Pelikan

What the Church believes and teaches.

Why Study Christian Doctrine?

Every Christian is a Theologian

Right Living Presupposes Right Thinking about God

The Study of Doctrine is an Expression of Loving God

Christ Cannot Be Separated From Truths About Christ

You don’t get Jesus with out what he said.

Why Study Christian Apologetics?

Shaping Culture

Strengthening Believers

Evangelizing Unbelievers

Summary and Conclusion