Category: Catechisms

To be a Christian book

February 12, 2025

I just received a hard copy of a book I have been reading. I had been reading the PDF version and found it to be a great resource, so I decided to add it to my physical library.

To be a Christian is a catechism style book that has over 360 questions and answers. It touches on all areas of our faith as Christians. I wish I had something like this as a new Christian, it would have been really helpful.

Here is an example question and answer about Jesus…

  1. Who is Jesus Christ?
    Jesus is the eternal Son of God, the Savior of the world. Fully divine, he took on our human nature, died on the Cross for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now rules as Lord and King over all creation. (Numbers 21:4–9; Psalm 110; John 3:13–15; Philippians 2:5–11; Colossians 1:15–20)

I really love that it has a short answer that you could memorise and it has all the Bible references that you can look up.

Here is a description from the publisher…

Catechesis is an ancient practice of Christian disciple making that uses a simple question-and-answer format to instruct new believers and church members in the core beliefs of Christianity. To Be a Christian, by J. I. Packer and a team of other Anglican leaders, was written to renew this oft-forgotten tradition for today’s Christians. With over 360 questions and answers, plus Scripture references to support each teaching, this catechism covers the full range of Christian doctrine and life, drawing from the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and other important doctrinal summaries. Clear, concise, and conversational, this resource was written for all believers who seek to be grounded more deeply in the truth of God’s Word.

I downloaded a free PDF copy from here, and then purchased a hard back copy from Koorong.com here.

What is temptation?

January 26, 2025

I am reading a book called, “To be a Christian” that is in a form of question and answer Catechism for growing in our faith.

I am up to the section on temptation on page 77. I really like the way it addresses key questions, has a short answer with lots of Bible references. Below is a sample…

  1. What is temptation?
    Temptation is any enticement to turn from faith in God and to violate his commandments. (Proverbs 1:8–19; James 1:14–15)
  2. What are the sources of temptation?
    I am tempted by the false promises of the world, the selfish desires of my flesh, and the lies of the devil, all of which war against God and my spiritual well-being. (Genesis 3:1–8; Proverbs 30:7–9; Mark 7:15; James 1:13; 1 John 2:15–17)
  3. What help do you seek from God in the face of temptation?
    I ask God to increase my faith to trust him, enliven my conscience to fear him, soften my heart to love him, and strengthen my will to obey him, that I may resist evil and stand in the face of temptation. (Proverbs 2; Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:31–32; 1 Corinthians 10:12–14; James 4:5–10)
  4. Does God lead you into temptation?
    No. God never tempts anyone, nor is he the cause of any sin; but he does allow me to be tested so that I may grow in faith and obedience. (Genesis 22:1–18; Job 1:6–12; Psalm 11:4–5; Proverbs 17:3; Matthew 4:1; James 1:12–15)
  5. What are ways to guard against temptation?
    As I abide in Christ, I can guard against temptation by praying for protection and strength, confessing my sins, recalling God’s Word, avoiding tempting situations, and seeking the support of fellow Christians. (Genesis 39:7–12; Psalm 119:9–11; Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 14:38; Romans 13:11–14; Ephesians 6:13–18; 1 Peter 4:1–2, 7)

I really love the question and answer format. I can see it would be a useful devotional and discipleship tool to help us learn and grow in our faith.

It is available online to purchase in paperback or hardback. I got a PDF copy from here.

(Image: Carolyn Dyk/Wycliffe Bible Translators)

Westminter Confession of Faith

March 6, 2024

A very useful document that you can use to understand the Christian faith is the Westminster Confession of Faith.

This document lists all key areas of faith including Creation, God, Man, the Bible, Sin, Saving Faith, the Church, the Sacraments, and Life After Death. In all it touches on 35 areas in 55 pages.

The thing I like about this document is the explanations and then it lists all the Bible verses as references. So you can look up the verses to see where the belief comes from. Unlike the Catholic Catechisms, the sole references are from the Bible.

If you are interested the EPC has one on their website here.