Understanding Basic Christian Doctrine

Sep 23, 2024

Next Level Presentation on Basic Christian Doctrine

Introduction

  • Presenter: Michael DeFazio, professor at Ozark Christian College.
  • Purpose of Next Level: Extend teaching beyond the classroom, providing resources for Christian service.
  • Series Focus: Basic Christian doctrine, featuring various professors.

What is Christian Doctrine?

  • Definition: Coherent summary of biblical teaching on specific topics, different from regular Bible study.
  • Purpose:
    • Honor God by understanding and living out His revelation.
    • Edify the church through clear articulation of biblical teachings.

How to Approach Doctrine

  • Method: Reasoned reflection on revelation (what God has revealed).
    • Revelation Sources: Natural order, Israel's history, Jesus, Scripture.
    • Reflection: Logical thinking and synthesis of biblical texts.

Relationship Between Bible and Theology

  • Concept: Doctrine goes beyond biblical text wordings to the truths they reveal.
  • Analogy: Biblical texts as windows showing glimpses of God’s nature and actions.

Doctrine of God

  • Importance: Central to Christian doctrine; understanding God shapes everything else.
  • A.W. Tozer Quote: "What comes to mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you."
  • Scriptural Importance: Knowing God intimately and accurately is central to eternal life (John 17, Psalm 27, Psalm 42, Jeremiah 9, Philippians 3).

Exploring the Doctrine of God

  • Main Themes:
    • Trinity:
      • Definition: God is three in one; One essence in three persons.
      • Misconceptions: Not one being in modes or three separate beings.
      • Historical Articulations: Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed, relations of origin.
      • Biblical Basis:
        • Oneness of God: Deuteronomy 6.
        • Divinity of Father, Son, Spirit: John 1, Acts 5.
      • Purpose: Reflects the story of salvation; God over, for, and in us.
    • Divine Attributes:
      • Definition: Descriptive terms for God's nature (gracious, just, eternal, etc.).
      • Process: Understanding attributes through God’s actions and historical narrative.
      • Types: Shared with humans (goodness) vs. unique to God (eternality, aseity).

Practical Implications

  • Doctrine as Practice: Understanding doctrine influences practical living.
  • Metaphor: Doctrines are like trampoline springs; they support the function (faith and life).
  • Goal: Produce fruitful living, character of Jesus.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement: Study hard, think deeply, worship well.
  • Prayer: For fruitful study and faithful living, inspired by scriptures.

This summary provides an overview of the content and themes discussed in the introduction to the Next Level series on basic Christian doctrine, focusing primarily on the doctrine of God.