The Fellowship of Ailbe is made of up of brothers from a variety of Christian traditions. I am a pastor in the Global Methodist Church. Even though we each have our own distinctives, we rally around the truth of God’s Word and the core doctrinal teachings that have shaped the church from the beginning. Each week I would like to share a question and answer from the GMC Catechism, with a devotional reflection to go with it.
I believe much, if not most of it, will encourage us to all to give a hearty “Amen!” But there will be occasional distinctives of my Wesleyan heritage that may be different from others. I hope those moments will serve as opportunities to help us learn from one another, even as we may disagree with one another. I trust such distinctives will not be issues related to our salvation, but only different ways of understanding those doctrinal matters in which we each have perspectives that arise out of our theological heritages, which represents our faithful rendering of what we believe God’s Word teaches.
I pray the result of sharing this will be to help us discover we perhaps agree on far more than we imagined. I hope this will build you up in your faith.
The Lord bless you,
Dale
Doctrine Matters
Why does doctrine matter? In a culture that often prioritizes experience over knowledge or dismisses theology as dry and irrelevant (even in the church), it’s crucial to rediscover the vital role of Christian doctrine in shaping our faith, fueling our devotion to God, and guiding our discipleship as followers of Jesus Christ. Doctrine, far from being an academic exercise or a set of abstract ideas, is the lifeblood of Christian faith and practice. It informs our understanding of who God is, what he’s done, who we are, and how we’re called to live in relationship with him and the world he created.
The word doctrine simply means “teaching,” and at its heart, it reflects what we believe about God and his world, in the case of Christianity, based on what God has revealed to us. However, what we believe doesn’t just reside in our minds; it transforms our hearts and shapes our lives. Doctrine forms the foundation of devotion – our love for God – and discipleship, our growth in becoming more like Christ and faithfully following him in every sphere of our lives. Without sound doctrine, we lack the clarity, direction, and guard rails needed to faithfully walk with Jesus in every area of our lives. Doctrine answers the “what” and “why” of faith, and devotion and discipleship are the “how.” Together, they help us fulfill the greatest commandment: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31).
As you engage with this devotional exposition of the Global Methodist Church Catechism, my hope is that you will see how doctrine, devotion, and discipleship are inseparably connected and essential to your growth in Christ.
Doctrine: Knowing the God We Worship
At its core, doctrine helps us answer the most important question we can ask: Who is God? Everything in the Christian life flows from a right understanding of God. If we misunderstand God’s nature, character, or purposes, our devotion to him and our discipleship will inevitably be misguided. Doctrine anchors us in truth, guarding us from the dangers of idolatry, confusion, and error.
For example, the doctrine of the Trinity – the belief that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God in three persons – is central to Christian theology. This doctrine isn’t a dry theological formula; it reveals the relational nature of God and invites us into fellowship with him. The Father loves us, the Son redeems us, and the Spirit empowers us. Understanding this shapes how we pray, worship, and live. Doctrine shows us that theology is never abstract; it always has implications for how we relate to God and others.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of sound teaching when he writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is the primary and authoritative source of Christian doctrine, and through it, God reveals who he is, what he has done, and what he requires of us. Doctrine helps us rightly interpret and apply Scripture, leading us deeper into the truths that nourish our souls and guide our lives.
Devotion: Loving God with Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength
Christian doctrine is not only about knowing; it’s also about loving. Right belief fuels right worship. When we understand who God is and what he’s done for us, our natural response is gratitude, awe, and adoration. Doctrine directs our hearts toward God, deepening our devotion and inspiring us to worship him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Consider how the doctrine of God’s holiness impacts our devotion. When we grasp that God is perfectly holy – set apart, pure, and righteous – we’re filled with reverence and humility. His holiness reveals our sinfulness and our need for his grace, leading us to repentance and renewal. Similarly, the doctrine of God’s love, as displayed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, stirs our hearts to respond with love and gratitude.
Devotion is more than emotion; it’s a life oriented toward God. True devotion flows from a mind renewed by truth. The Psalms are a beautiful example of how doctrine and devotion intertwine. The psalmists meditate on God’s attributes – his faithfulness, power, mercy, and justice – and respond with heartfelt praise. Doctrine gives us the words and concepts to articulate our love for God and deepens our experience of his presence in our lives.
Discipleship: Following Jesus in Every Sphere of Life
Doctrine also provides the framework for discipleship. To follow Jesus is to be transformed into his likeness, and this transformation begins with renewing our minds (Romans 12:2). Discipleship involves learning to think, act, and live as Christ taught, and sound doctrine is essential to this process.
Jesus himself emphasized the importance of teaching in the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Making disciples requires both evangelism – introducing people to the saving knowledge of Christ – and education – teaching them the truths of the faith. This is a vital component of Christian formation.
Doctrine shapes our understanding of what it means to be a disciple. For example, the doctrine of sanctification teaches that the Holy Spirit works within us to conform us to the image of Christ. This understanding gives us hope and direction in our spiritual growth. It reminds us that discipleship is not about earning God’s favor through our efforts but about cooperating with his grace as we grow in holiness.
Moreover, doctrine guides our discipleship in practical areas of life. It informs how we approach relationships, work, ethics, and mission. The doctrine of humanity, which teaches that all people are made in the image of God, compels us to treat others with dignity and respect. The doctrine of God’s sovereignty gives us confidence in his plan, even amid uncertainty. Doctrine is the compass that keeps us aligned with God’s will as we navigate the complexities of life.
The Connection Between Doctrine, Devotion, and Discipleship
To separate doctrine from devotion and discipleship is to weaken all three. Without doctrine, devotion becomes shallow and uninformed. Without devotion, doctrine becomes cold and lifeless. Without discipleship, both doctrine and devotion fail to translate into a transformed life. Together, they create a holistic faith that engages the mind, heart, and will.
The Global Methodist Church Catechism is designed to guide us in this integrated approach to faith. Each question and answer provides a foundation of doctrine that leads us to deeper devotion and practical discipleship. By studying the catechism, we not only gain knowledge about God but also grow in our relationship with him and learn how to follow Jesus more faithfully.
What Is a Catechism, and Why Is It Useful?
A catechism is a tool for teaching the Christian faith, typically structured as a series of questions and answers. Its purpose is to instruct believers in the foundational truths of Scripture, helping them to understand what they believe and why they believe it. The word catechism comes from the Greek word katecheo, meaning “to instruct” or “to teach orally.” This method of teaching has its roots in the early Church, where new believers were trained in the essentials of the faith before baptism. Catechisms have been used throughout Christian history as a means of discipling believers and ensuring that the truths of the gospel are faithfully passed down from one generation to the next.
Catechisms are valuable because they distill the vast richness of Scripture and Christian doctrine into concise, memorable statements. They are not meant to replace the Bible but to summarize and clarify its teachings. This makes catechisms an accessible and effective way to learn theology, whether you’re a new believer exploring the basics of the faith or a mature Christian seeking to deepen your understanding. Catechisms also encourage meditation on the great truths of God and his Word, inspiring both devotion and discipleship.
Historically, catechisms have played a crucial role in shaping the faith of individuals, families, and entire Christian communities. From the early Church’s instruction of new converts to the Reformation-era works like Luther’s Small Catechism and the Westminster Catechism, these resources have been central to the Church’s mission of teaching sound doctrine. The Global Methodist Church Catechism continues this tradition, providing a resource to equip believers for a life of faithful worship, witness, and discipleship.
Why This Study Matters
With so many competing ideologies and shifting moral standards floating around our cultural atmosphere, Christians need a firm foundation to ground us in the truth of our faith. Studying doctrine helps us discern what is true, live out our faith with integrity, and share the gospel with confidence. It equips us to stand firm in our beliefs and to lovingly engage with others who have questions or doubts.
This study of the Global Methodist Church Catechism is not an end in itself; it’s a means to an end. Its purpose is to lead you into a deeper relationship with God, strengthen your faith, and equip you for discipleship. As you engage with each question and answer, I encourage you to approach it prayerfully, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth (John 16:13).
Through this study, you’ll discover the richness of the Christian faith and its relevance to every area of your life. You will see how doctrine fuels your love for God and empowers you to live as his disciple. And most importantly, you’ll grow in your understanding and worship of the triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who invites you to know him and make him known.
An Invitation to Begin
As you begin this journey, remember that theology is not just for scholars or pastors – it’s for every believer. You don’t need a seminary degree to study doctrine; you simply need a willing heart and a desire to know God more deeply. The truths we’ll explore together aren’t abstract ideas but life-giving realities that transform how we think, feel, and live.
I invite you to take this journey seriously, not just as an intellectual exercise but as an opportunity to grow in your relationship with Christ. Let these studies lead you to love and worship God, inspire you to love and serve others, and equip you to follow Jesus in every sphere of your life.
Thank you for joining me in this study. My prayer is that it will deepen your faith, strengthen your devotion, and guide your discipleship. May you come to know and love God more fully as we explore the rich teachings of the Christian faith together.
For more devotionals, study guides, and resources to help you grow in your walk with Christ, visit Walking Points. God bless you as you embark on this journey!
