23rd January 2025

The Apostles' Creed (Part 2)

Amen ('So Be It')

For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:14

Today's Bible Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21. 

Yesterday, we looked at the “Apostles' Creed” and it ends with the word “Amen.” When we finish our prayers whether privately of collectively, we end them with “Amen.”

There’s nothing magical about the creed as a statement of the Christian faith. It is not an incantation or a mantra to be said again and again for protection or for gaining some benefit. Based on the Bible’s teaching shared with us by Christ’s apostles, the creed’s clear yet eloquent statements help us remember the truths that Christians have learned and said together for nearly 2,000 years. So in that respect, it is worthwhile to say the creed again and again.

Further, the Apostles’ Creed does not directly teach us how to live out our faith every day. But as a short summary it provides an unshakable foundation for building vibrant churches and shaping godly lives that centre on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These truths help to shape and guide our thoughts and actions so that we faithfully proclaim who God is and who we are as His people serving Him in the world. 

As Paul closes his prayer of praise in Ephesians with “Amen,” the little Hebrew word meaning “So be it”— so the Apostles’ Creed ends on the same note. At the conclusion of this confession about God we appropriately say together, “Amen (‘So be it’).” 

Prayer

Dear Lord God, I before You today with a profoundly grateful heart for Your relentless, never-ceasing work in my heart. Thank You for the promises of Your Word, that they are “Yes and Amen.”

22nd January 2025

The Apostles' Creed (Part 1)

They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,

and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:42

Today's Bible Reading: Acts 2:42-47.

The Apostles’ Creed is not found in the Bible. The Apostles’ Creed was not written by the apostles. Rather, it was written at least 150 years after the apostles had all died. It is called the Apostles’ Creed because it is a record of what the apostles taught. The Apostles' Creed is as follows:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

the Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,

whence He shall come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting. Amen.

The Apostles' Creed is a good summary of Christian doctrine.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Apostle and for all missionaries, and evangelists, Sunday School teachers, minister and preachers down through the years, who have faithfully told others the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

21st January 2025

Passing Through The Waters

When you pass through the waters, 

I will be with you . . .

Isaiah 43:2

Today's Bible Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7.

The prophet Isaiah's words, about passing through waters, had a very special meaning for the people of Israel. When they fled from Egypt, they came to the impassable Red Sea, and it seemed they would be trapped by the pursuing Pharaoh and his army. But God miraculously opened a way so that they could cross on dry land (Exodus 14). Later, they also crossed the Jordan River on dry ground to enter the promised land (Joshua 3-4). So the idea of passing through waters became an expression, meaning that God would watch over them through all kinds of adversity. 

As the nation of Israel “pass through the waters,” they were not alone, they passed through the waters in the full knowledge that Jehovah God, was with them.

If you are passing through troubled waters today, know that the Lord is with you. Call on Him and make your request before His throne of grace, and know that the Lord is with you, and that your name is known by Him (v 1).

All of us can trust God in the storms and challenges of life. He is right there with us.

Prayer

Great Jehovah , grant Your mercy in the lives of everyone facing challenges. As You promise, be with us all as we “pass through the ­waters” of life. In Christ name. Amen.