Doctrine Reminders - Part 1

7 Things You Better Have Nailed Down was a good apologetic for why doctrine is essential. Sound Biblical doctrine does matter. It is our foundation in battling the ideologies of the world (Titus 1:9), in discerning false and deceptive teachers (Matthew 24:24; 1 John 4:1-6) and in surviving this world like “a tree planted by the stream” (Psalm 1:1-6). Doctrine shows us God as he really is and is essential for us in our growth. Sound doctrine is an anchor (Ephesians 4:11-16).

When the winds come and the storms howl (Psalm 46:1-3) if we have devoted ourselves to study (2 Timothy 2:15) then the doctrine, and thus God, will be deep in our heart and will come easily to mind as we face those trials. Often, however, I need “stones”, “reminders” or “signposts” to help me remember (Joshua 4:1-24, Numbers 15:37-41) “Signposts” that remind me of the doctrine. Things like creeds, catechisms, hymns, heroes, and most importantly – Scripture itself.

Darlene Deibler Rose tells of a “reminder” that helped during her Japanese imprisonment during World War II.

“When he was gone beyond hearing, I sank back onto my heels. My face and hands were wet with cold perspiration; never had I known such terror. Suddenly I found I was singing a song that I had learned as a little girl in Sunday School in Boone, Iowa.

Fear not, little flock,
Whatever your lot,
He enters all rooms,
The doors being shut.

He never forsakes,
He never is gone,
So count on His presence
From darkness ‘till dawn.

Only believe, only believe,
All things are possible,
Only believe."

Over the next three posts of this series we will look at three categories of “reminders” that are helpful to me when the storm comes.