James 1:2-3 (English Standard Version)

 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

What is a passing grade for our understanding of these core doctrines?

Core/Essential Doctrines (often considered fundamental to the faith)

These are frequently highlighted as non-negotiable for orthodox Christianity:

• The Trinity — One God eternally existing in three distinct Persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
• Monotheism / The Unity of God — There is only one true God (not multiple gods).
• The Deity of Christ — Jesus Christ is fully God (as well as fully human).
• The Humanity of Christ — Jesus is fully human, born of a virgin (Virgin Birth).
• The Sinlessness of Christ — Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life.
• Substitutionary Atonement — Christ’s death on the cross was a sacrificial payment for humanity’s sins.
• The Bodily Resurrection of Christ — Jesus physically rose from the dead, defeating death.
• Salvation by Grace through Faith — People are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ (not by works).
• Human Depravity / Original Sin — All people are sinful by nature and separated from God.

The answer is Zero. Doctrine is used as answers to questions from the unbelieving.

John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

No amount of knowledge of church doctrine can replace a heart that loves Jesus.

1 Kings 19:11-13 English Standard Version

11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Let’s start with God’s opening command: “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord” (v. 11).

Elijah might have thought, “You told me to come here—I’m already here. So what do You mean, ‘What are you doing here?’”

Yet the gospel never calls us to hide our face from God! When the Lord asks, “What are you doing here?” (v. 13), it’s often an invitation to open our eyes, examine our hearts, and see where our actions (or inactions) stand in contrast to His expectations.

Sometimes we’re better off admitting, “Lord, I don’t know what I’m doing,” and simply listen.

In this moment, God graciously invites us into something wondrous—the quiet, intimate presence of His still small voice.

Don’t hide your face from Him. Step forward in humility and awe. Listen.