Nathan W. Bingham

How does committing these truths to memory help shape our hearts and not just our minds?

Well, it makes me think of Peter in 1 Peter 3.15.

Always be ready to give a defense for the hope that's within you.

There's this assumption that people will see that there is something different.

I'm speaking with Sinclair Ferguson about the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

If you'd like your very own copy of this newly published edition from Ligonier Ministries, we'll send you a copy when you give a donation in support of Renewing Your Mind at renewingyourmind.org.

Well, Dr. Ferguson, I'm going to try and move on from the first question, okay?

I'm going to jump to question and answer number four.

What is God?

God is spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

This is such a beautiful and concise answer.

Why is it so vital for Christians to understand the attributes of God?

If you were to pick one question and answer from the Shorter Catechism, aside from the first question and answer, that has perhaps been profound in your life or something that has been meaningful in your life or ministry, what question and answer would you select?

Boy, that's a difficult one.

There are so many beautiful theological truths in the Shorter Catechism, and you have given our listeners a sneak peek, if they haven't read the Catechism before, of just some of those, at least from a couple of questions.

If one of our listeners is thinking, I'd like to get a copy of the Shorter Catechism, but they've never read it before, they've never catechized or done memorization with their children, what encouragement or counsel would you give them?

Where should they start if they wanted to implement the Shorter Catechism in their life, or perhaps in their family?

Is it fair to say if a Christian parent is not catechizing their child, somebody is?

Yeah, and...

Well, Dr. Ferguson, thank you for your time today.