WEEK 7, DAY 1: I Believe in the Holy Catholic Church
The Apostles’ Creed was written a long time. A really, really long time ago. At the time, there weren’t a bunch of different denominations like there are today. People didn’t walk around saying, “I’m a Methodist,” or “I’m a Baptist,” or “I’m Catholic.” Instead, they simply identified themselves saying, “I’m a Christian,” or “I follow Christ.”
As such, the next line in the Apostles’ Creed needs to be understood in its proper context. The phrase, “I Believe in the Holy Catholic Church,” is nothing at all like somebody today saying, “I’m Catholic.” Instead, the term Catholic here means, “Universal,” or “Christian.” In other words, it means that all people who have professed faith in Christ – regardless of what church they attend – are part of The Church.
To say you believe in the Holy Catholic Church, therefore, is simply a way to say, “I’m a Christian. I’ve placed my faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. As such, I’m now part of His church, the one Holy Church.” God sees everyone who has professed faith in Christ as Holy, which means we are all part of His holy catholic church.
READING & JOURNALING:
What kinds of things do you notice about how the first church lived and interacted with one another?
The author of Acts (Luke) doesn’t write that this is how all Christians in all cultures should live. Nevertheless, there is a sense of family in how the people in the early church lived with one another. Does this passage impact how you understand the idea of family?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, it’s clear that those in the early church were united in purpose, but our culture today often advocates an every-man-for-himself way of living. Help me to remember that I am now a member of your family, and that the family of Jesus helps and supports one another. 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: Isaiah 6 & 9
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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These have been a great source of understanding. Thanks