“ You shall teach [these truths] diligently to your children,
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:7
One of the goals of our elders is to find ways to help disciple each member and family at Rockport in the essential truths of the Christian faith. One tool that can help us do that is the use of a good catechism. This year, as we did in 2018, we’ll be using “The New City Catechism” for this purpose! Hopefully, many of you still have your copy, but if not or if you were not with us in 2018 to receive one, please take one from the foyer (one per family please!). Since there are 52 questions with answers (and Scriptures) in the catechism, we will focus one each week throughout the new year in our worship service! At the same time, we’ll be encouraging you and your family to use the catechism at home to help drive these truths into your hearts! Try to memorize both the question and it’s answer, as well as the Scripture verse that goes with it. I think you’ll find it’s worth it!
When you get your copy of the catechism, take time to read the introduction on pages 7-13. You’ll notice the catechism is designed in a way that is useful for both children and adults. Each week’s answer has a highlighted portion that shortens what a young child is expected to learn, while the fuller statement is meant for adults and older children. Take time now, before the beginning of the new year, to familiarize yourself with the layout of this little book so you’ll be ready to make full use of it as 2020 begins. Let this be a year of learning!
In addition to the book, there is also a free app available in both Android and IOS. You will find it in your phone’s app store. It not only has the question and answer for each week, but also a devotion and a song (in children’s mode) to help children memorize. Finally, there is also a devotional version available on our book table. Additional copies of the Catechism can be had $5 each. If we run out, we can buy more! Looking forward to seeing what God will do!
Teaching Truth, Training Hearts . . . for the Glory of God!
Pastor Scott and the elders