Providing Direction for Life
God’s Truth…the Gospel
Like the 4 major compass points, the Gospel encompasses 4 key areas of truth. Michael Horton* (theologian & author) originated this concept and calls it “the 4 D’s”…
DRAMA. The first is the big picture of God’s story. The drama of redemption is what the Bible is all about. Rather than being the “star of my own story,” we learn that we are a part of God’s big story. He is the central character…it’s all about Him! Through God’s Word we find our place in His great drama.
DOCTRINE. As we begin to see and understand the big story of what God is doing in the universe, it yields timeless, eternal truths. These truths are not relative, changing with the whims of men or the shifting winds of time. These truths are fixed, eternal, and life-impacting. We call these timeless truths, doctrine.
DOXOLOGY. God’s timeless truths not only guide the story, the drama, of what God is doing in our world, they also shape and direct our lives. Through doctrine we find meaning, purpose, hope, and joy. We finally discover that for which we so long had sought. The response is a heart that overflows with gratitude expressed through worship and praise. This is our doxology offered up to God.
DISCIPLESHIP. An interesting thing happens when we offer our doxology to God---our hearts so filled with worship and praise turn outward towards our fellow man. Our place in God’s drama motivates us to live the life of a disciple by serving others, meeting needs, sharing the Gospel. We are becoming like Christ. This is discipleship.
And it is here that we can truly provide direction for life!
For more insight on “the 4 D’s” read Horton’s Core Christianity (Zondervan Publishers, 2015) or visit his website at: www.whitehorseinn.org