WEEK 9, DAY 4: Amen – So Be It
Years ago, a small group of people known as South Ridge Church began a ministry in a small town in West Virginia. Through a stroke of God’s grace, we were able to meet in a facility that allowed us to grow the ministry. The carpet and pews were an odd shade of burnt orange, yet we couldn’t have asked for a better location to meet. Over time, the people of South Ridge Church came together with the hope of building a facility that would allow the ministry to grow.
During this campaign, which we named Making Ripples, the people of SRC took the opportunity to write out prayers for the future of the ministry. Before doing so, Pastor Seth taught a brief message on the word Amen. Like many Christians, we would use this word at the end of our prayers, but what exactly does Amen mean? Pulling material from other biblical scholars, Seth noted that Amen may best be translated, “So be it.” Other translations include, “It is so.”
Having the Apostles’ Creed end with the word Amen, therefore, has a profound meaning. It’s a way for the person reciting it to end on a note of hope. It’s as if they’re saying, “I believe all these things, it is so, and it will always be so.”
READING & JOURNALING:
Take the opportunity to read through the Apostles’ Creed on your own, but out loud today. A copy of the creed is available below.
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
What has been your biggest takeaway from this message series on the Apostles’ Creed?
Are there any specific ways this series has impacted the way you see how your beliefs lead to your values and your behaviors?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, even though the Apostles’ Creed is over 1,600 years old, the truths contained within it are timeless. My desire is that these truths will be seeded deep within me, so that these beliefs transform me into the person You have made me to be. 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: Daniel 1 & 2
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.
south ridge blog 