Discovering the Heart of Christianity: A Beginner’s Guide to Christian Doctrines
Hey there! 👋 Ever wondered what Christians believe and why? You’re in the right place! Let’s embark on a journey to explore some key Christian doctrines. Don’t worry if you’re new to this – we’ll keep it simple and fun!
The Trinity: Three-in-One Love
Imagine the best group hug ever—that’s kind of like the Trinity! Christians believe in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. It’s like a perfect team where each member is fully God, working together in harmony.
Did You Know? 🤔 The word “Trinity” doesn’t appear in the Bible, but the concept is woven throughout its pages!
Salvation: God’s Rescue Plan
Ever felt like you needed a superhero to save the day? In Christianity, Jesus is that superhero! Salvation is God’s way of rescuing us from the consequences of our mistakes (which we’ll talk about later as “sin”). It’s like being offered a get-out-of-jail-free card, except it’s way more important – it’s about eternal life!
The Incarnation: God Becomes Human
Picture this: the creator of the universe decides to become a baby. Wild, right? That’s the Incarnation! Christians believe God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. It’s like the ultimate “put yourself in someone else’s shoes” move, showing just how much God loves us.
Reflect: How would you feel if someone powerful became like you to understand your life better?
Eschatology: The Grand Finale
Eschatology is a fancy word for “the study of last things.” It’s like looking at the trailer for the final movie in an epic series. Christians believe that one day, Jesus will return, evil will be defeated, and God will make everything right. It’s the ultimate happy ending!
Atonement: Making Things Right
Have you ever broken something valuable and wished you could fix it? Atonement is God’s way of fixing our broken relationship with Him. Christians believe that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for our mistakes, making it possible for us to be friends with God again.
Assurance of Faith: Confidence in God’s Love
Imagine having a best friend who promises to always be there for you, no matter what. That’s a bit like the assurance of faith! It’s the confidence Christians have that God loves them and will keep His promises. It’s not about being perfect but about trusting in God’s perfect love.
Did You Know? 🤔 The Bible says that nothing can separate us from God’s love – not even the toughest challenges we might face!
Bibliology: Getting to Know God’s Story
Bibliology is the study of the Bible. Christians believe the Bible is like a love letter from God, telling us about His character, His plans, and how we can have a relationship with Him. It’s not just an old book – it’s a living guide for life!
Sin: The Heart of the Problem
Sin is a tricky topic, but think of it this way: Have you ever aimed for a target and missed? That’s what sin is like—missing the mark of God’s perfect standard. It’s not just about breaking rules but about anything that separates us from God and hurts ourselves or others.
Reflect: Can you think of a time when you knew something was wrong but did it anyway? How did it make you feel?
Wow! We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? These doctrines are like pieces of a beautiful puzzle, showing us different aspects of God’s love and plan for us. Remember, this is just the beginning – there’s always more to learn and explore in the rich world of Christian faith!
Feeling curious and want to dive deeper? That’s awesome! Why not check out a local church, join a beginner’s Bible study, or chat with a Christian friend? Your journey of discovery is just beginning!
Remember, questions are good! Keep exploring; you might be surprised by what you discover about God, yourself, and the world around you. Happy learning! 😊
About the Author
Meet Bruce Mitchell – a devoted servant of God’s Word and compassionate guide to his flock. As a Pastor, Bible teacher, and writer, Bruce shares heavenly wisdom for daily life.
Educated at Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary, Bruce leads Agapao Allelon Ministries and writes at Allelon.us. His mission is to weave God’s love into society’s fabric through the principle of Loving One Another.
Inspired by 1 Peter 4:8, Bruce believes love can transform enemies into friends. He teaches that knowing God requires love (1 John 4:7-8) and urges us to love as Jesus did (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Bruce embodies unwavering faith and deep empathy. He offers wisdom from personal experiences and inspires and comforts others. Join him in exploring God’s word and applying it to your life. Let’s share love, as Jesus commanded!
Pastor | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Writer | Podcaster | Advocate for God’s Mercy, Grace & Love | Biola University & Dallas Theological Seminary alumnus | 1 Peter 4:8
