WEEK 1, DAY 1: I Believe…
The Apostle’s Creed opens with the words, I believe. Why were these words used to begin the Apostles’ Creed?
First, these words are important because what follows after is at the core of who we are as followers of Jesus. Our beliefs make us who we are.
Additionally, these opening words brought unity to Christians in the early church. When the Apostles’ Creed was first written, many Christians were not well educated, and copies of the Scriptures weren’t nearly as common as they are today. As such, the Apostles’ Creed was a way for Christians to memorize some core beliefs of the faith on their own, and was also a way for them to, in unity, declare with one voice what they believe. It didn’t matter if they were Jewish, Roman, or Greek, rich or poor, educated or illiterate. It was an opportunity for the early Church to be united, living out Jesus’ prayer in John 17 in which He prayed, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one.”
READING & JOURNALING:
Today, take the opportunity to write out the Apostles’ Creed on your own (you will likely want to hand write it out using your own journal). The text of the Creed is provided below, but writing it out is important for today’s questions.
12 Articles of the Apostles’ Creed:
- I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
- I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord;
- who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary;
- suffered under Pontius Pilate; [He] was crucified, dead, and buried;
- He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
- He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
- From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
- I believe in the Holy Spirit;
- the holy catholic church*; the communion of saints;
- the forgiveness of sins;
- the resurrection of the body;
- and the life everlasting. Amen.
*“Catholic” means universal; that is, there is one church across all times, places, and peoples
Are there any specific words or phrases within the Apostles’ Creed that stick out to you?
As you write it out, consider the question: Is this really what I believe?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, while I think I know what I believe, I recognize I may have some doubts or fears about how to respond to questions about what I believe. Help me grow in confidence that I may be ready to share my beliefs when any opportunity arrises to do so. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: 2 Samuel 1:1-2:7
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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