Our church’s theme for 2015 is “To Be Rooted in Bible Doctrines.” We are not moving in a new direction. This has been the church’s theme since 2013. Through the sermons on the pulpit as well as Sunday School classes, we aim to build and strengthen our brethren’s foundation in biblical truths so that they will be familiar with the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith and have a strong faith in the Lord. Apart from studying the Scripture during Sunday school, our Church also conducted courses such as “How to Interpret Scriptures” and “Calvinism.” These courses are in line with the theme. The series of classes in the course “How to Interpret Scripture” taught our brethren how to correctly interpret the Bible through what precedes and follows a Bible passage. At the same time, common mistakes in interpretation were also pointed out. This has enabled every Christian to better understand the Bible on their own. Through the ‘Calvinism’ classes, our brethren learned more about the five points of Calvinism and predestination. This year, we will be holding a series of classes called “Understanding Cults” to allow our brethren to point out the main issues in different heresies . This will make us more vigilant so that we will not be misled.

There are some Christians, even churches, which do not see as important the study of theology or biblical teaching. They thought that the most important thing about being a Christian is to love God and love others. They think that other theological or doctrinal teachings such as predestination, systematic theology, the Westminster Confession of Faith, Calvinism, etc. are all dull, boring and impractical theories. Such an erroneous mentality has caused many Christians to be uncertain about biblical truths. If they are careless, they will be influenced by worldly cultures without even knowing it. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continues to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Col 2:6-8) Even if you have a good understanding of theology but yet you do not live your life according to the Word of God, it is still an error of another extreme. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.   Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do” (Jas 1:22-25).

From this year on, our church publish a ‘Westminster Shorter Catechism’ question in our pastoral letter every week. ‘Westminster Shorter Catechism’ is in a question and answer format based on the ‘Westminster Confession of Faith’ set in the 17th century England. It was intended to help believers learn the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. It covers essential topics such as the attributes of God, His creation, the Ten Commandments, consequences of sin, Christ the redeemer, work of the Holy Spirit, etc. These questions are accompanied by relevant biblical verses as references. For example, the first question asks: “What is the chief end of man?” Have you ever thought of a similar question without an affirmative answer? The Shorter Catechism gives us a sure answer: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and to enjoy Him forever (Psalms 73:25-28).” With an affirmative answer which is in line with biblical truth, we can now change the direction of our life. We should ask ourselves if our actions glorify God. Is He the source of our joy? The Shorter Catechism Quiz allows us to see that a good understanding of doctrines can help Christians face life and also lead a life which is pleasing to the Lord. I hope that everyone can take the questions published in the pastoral letter seriously and reflect on the relevant scriptures. May the Lord help us to stay rooted in the truth and grow spiritually in 2015.