Category: The Apostles’ Creed

Introduction to Part II of this Message Series

A Note from Pastor Justin:

Throughout this message series, we’ve taken the opportunity to emphasize that our beliefs lead to our values and ultimately to our behaviors. As we continue this series, I’d like to encourage you to continue to self-examine your beliefs, taking time to reflect on what you actually believe, and the impact those beliefs have on how you live. 

Example:

Belief – What do I actually believe? 

Value – How does this belief impact my values? 

Behaviors – How does this belief impact my behaviors? 

As we begin this series, let me encourage you to take a few important steps: 

1. Write out the Apostles’ Creed on your own (this exercise is part of Day 1 of this Reading Guide). As you write it out, ask yourself, Is this really what I believe? Also take the opportunity to write down any questions you may have about the Apostles’ Creed or the Christian faith.
2. Commit to joining us every week of this series.
3. Commit to reading through this Reading Guide, reflecting and journaling through the questions provided within each daily reading.
4. Use a good Study Bible and/or other resources as you read through this Reading Guide. Refer to https://southridgeblog.com/study-bible-info for more information on many excellent Study Bibles available today. Some suggestions include:

• • NLT (or NIV) Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition
  • NIV Zondervan Study Bible
  • ESV Study Bible

5. Write down questions you have about what you’re reading, and take opportunities to seek out answers to those questions. 

 

WEEK 5, DAY 5: Review

What was your biggest takeaway from this week’s teaching — “From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead?”

 

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 Kings 5:1-6:23

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.

 

 

WEEK 5, DAY 4: And Judge the Living & the Dead

Earlier this week we looked into the importance of seeing God as a God of grace, and the biblical truth that God is for us, not against us. Fully understanding these aspects of God’s nature is extremely important before studying out other passages that speak into the coming judgment of all people. 

In Matthew 25, Jesus provides three teaching examples with some common themes. First, He teaches what it means to be reading for His return. Second, He teaches how we are to live until He does. 

The Life Application Study Bible notes some additional themes that are a present in Matthew 25. These include:

• Matthew 25:1-13 teaches that we are responsible for our own individual spiritual condition. 
• Matt 25:14-30 shows the necessity of using well what God has entrusted to us. 
• Matt 25:31-46 stresses the importance of serving others in need. 

No parable by itself completely describes our preparation. Instead, each paints one part of the whole picture.

READING & JOURNALING:

     MATTHEW 25:1-13, MATTHEW 25:14-30, MATTHEW 25:31-46

Do you notice any additional themes present in any of the parables in Matthew 25? 

Re-read the first bullet note from the Life Application Study Bible from today’s devotional. What thoughts come to mind as you meditate on that? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess there are times when I feel that others bear the primary responsibility for my spiritual condition, and today has been an excellent reminder that I must take the initiative to grow in my walk with You. May my life be a reflection that I take this responsibility seriously. 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 Kings 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.

 

 

WEEK 5, DAY 3: Jesus Will Return…

After Jesus’ resurrection, He was sure to teach His followers that He will one day return. As you can imagine, many of His disciples expected it to happen any day. They lived their lives by preaching the Gospel and doing their very best to fulfill Jesus’ commands to love God, love others, and to make disciples. Some were imprisoned, beaten, exiled, or even executed. Yet they all continued to believe that Jesus was going to return any day. 

Centuries later, the Apostles’ Creed affirmed that a key teaching of the Christian faith is that Jesus will one day return. If Christians really do believe that Jesus is God, that He did die for our sins, that He did rise from the grave, and that He did ascend into heaven, it makes complete sense that we would continue to believe that He is going to return. 

While we may not know when it will happen or what it may look like, it’s important to continue to hold onto hope that Jesus will return, and His return will be far greater than anything we can imagine. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     HEBREWS 9:27-28, REVELATION 1:4-8

What does Hebrews 9:27-28 say is the purpose of Jesus’ life and ministry? Similarly, what does it say is the purpose of His second coming?  

Would you live any differently if you knew for sure that Jesus would return sometime over the next week, month, or year?  If so, why do you think that is? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today’s reading has helped me realize that I probably would live differently if I knew for certain Jesus would return sometime soon. But deep down I know that I should be living the life You have called me to live, and the timing of Jesus’ return ought not impact how I live. May I live each day as it may be my last. 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: 1 Kings 21 & 22

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.

 

 

WEEK 5, DAY 2: God Wants You to Live 

Ezekiel 33:11 reads, As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.

This is one of many passages throughout the Scriptures that speaks into God’s desire for His people. In the Old Testament, Ezekiel was a prophet who did his best to communicate God’s words to His people. For much of the book, the people of God did not want to face their sins and accept that they held any responsibility for their circumstances. When they did come to accept responsibility, they experienced tremendous guilt and shame for previously rebelling against God. So on the one hand, they didn’t want to accept what they had done, and on the other hand, they finally accepted it but then couldn’t see how God could forgive them for it. 

Ezekiel patiently reminded them that God takes no pleasure in the death of wicked people, but instead wants people to truly live the life God has for them. 

This lesson is equally important today. You may think God is unable to forgive you for something you’ve done. But He already has, and what He most desires is for you to truly live.

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 TIMOTHY 4:1-5, EZEKIEL 33:11

In what ways does your view of God impact the way you see yourself, and see others?

Do you currently struggle to believe that God will (or already has) forgiven you for any sins you’ve committed against God or others? If so, why do you think that is?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, while I do desire to grow in my knowledge of who You are, I also desire to live the life You have called me to live. I recognize this means living life to the full, and not being overwhelmed by my past. While my past sins cannot be denied, they are not a reflection of how You see me, and I’m eternally grateful for that! I praise you today. 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: 1 Kings 18-19

 

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.

 

 

WEEK 5, DAY 1: How Do You View God? 

What thoughts come to mind when you think about God? Do your thoughts generally turn to seeing God as gracious and merciful? Or do your thoughts generally turn to seeing God as just and full of wrath? 

For the most part, your view of God will have a tremendous impact on your life, your daily decisions, and your ability to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission well. Your view of God also impacts the way you see yourself, and the way you see others. 

In a book titled, “How People Grow,” by Henry Cloud and John Townsend, the authors note that the biggest barrier to people growing in their relationship with God is their view of God. If somebody sees God primarily as a God of grace, they will grow and come to understand God’s justice and wrath. But if somebody sees God primarily as a God of wrath, they struggle to fully understand His grace. The authors write, “People must discover that God is for them and not against them…In fact, one of Jesus’ main emphases was to show people how their concept of God was way out of whack.”

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 PETER 3:9, 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-6

How regularly do you pause to consider whether your concept of God is “out of whack?” 

What is [at least] one thought or question you have about the nature or character of God? 

What will you do this week to challenge any misconceptions you may have about the character and nature of God? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know that when I hear something about You it may not truly reflect who You are. Nevertheless, I’m sure I have some misconceptions about You, and these misconceptions likely impact every single part of my life. This week, I simply pray that You will help me to see You and know You as You really are. 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: 1 Kings 16:29-17:24

 

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.

 

 

WEEK 4, DAY 5: Review

What was your biggest takeaway from this week’s teaching — “He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty?”

 

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: 1 Kings 11 & 12

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.

 

 

WEEK 4, DAY 4: He is Seated at the Right Hand of the Father

There are two primary responsibilities Jesus gave His followers. First, the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) says to love God, and love others. Second, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8-9) says to be Jesus’ witnesses and to make disciples of all nations. Everything about being a Christian is summarized in these two commandments. Love God. Love others. Make disciples of all nations. 

These commands are foundational for everybody who has professed faith in Jesus Christ. And for nearly 2,000 years, Christians around the world have been asking questions such as: What must we do to fulfill these responsibilities well? 

Fortunately, God has provided us with the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct us as we set out to love God, love others, and make disciples. Because of the Holy Spirit, we have everything we need to fulfill these responsibilities well. And as we continue to rely on wisdom from God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, each and every one of us will be more and more like Christ. We will grow in our love for God, our love for others, and will naturally want to help others grow as well. 

 

READING & JOURNALING:

     HEBREWS 7:23-28, ROMANS 8:9-17

Think back to when you first professed faith in Christ (whether it’s 3, 5, 10, or 20+ years). In what ways have you grown in your love for God, love for others, and in making disciples of all nations? (Consider asking a trusted friend or family member for examples of how they have seen you grow through the years.) 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know that because of my time in Your Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other Christians, I have grown through the years. Yet there are still times when I doubt myself, and wonder why You’ve entrusted me to fulfill these commands. Today I simply pray that You will help me to see myself as You do. Significant. Worthy. Accepted. Secure. 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: Proverbs 31

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.

 

 

WEEK 4, DAY 3: He Ascended Into Heaven…

Acts 1:8-9 reads, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

There is a tremendous amount of Christian literature on the topic of Jesus, His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. For these topics to be part of the Apostles’ Creed makes sense, as Christ is literally the bedrock of the Christian faith. 

However, what happens after Jesus’ resurrection? There aren’t nearly as many books or messages that focus on Jesus’ ascension into heaven. But this event still found a way into the Apostles’ Creed. 

His ascension is important because: 

• Jesus provides responsibilities to His followers.
• It confirms Jesus’ authority to give these responsibilities to His followers. 
• It provides hope for all Christians, as we can regularly be thinking about what’s to come. 

READING & JOURNALING:

MARK 16:19-20, LUKE 24:51-53, ACTS 1:8-9, MATTHEW 22:36-40 & 28:19-20

 

Break it down as simply as possible: What would you say are the main responsibilities Jesus gave his disciples? 

On a scale of 1-10, at what level would you say you live and make decisions in order to fulfill these responsibilities? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times when I read the Scriptures and recognize that You gave Your disciples some important responsibilities, yet I don’t always see them as my responsibilities to fulfill. Today, I’m grateful for the reminder that You entrust me at the same level You entrusted them. Help me to fulfill these commands well. 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: Proverbs 16, 17, & 18

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.

 

 

WEEK 4, DAY 2: Engage with God’s Word – Part II

Think about this: What kind of questions do professional journalists who review movies, books, or music albums try to answer in their review? How does it compare to other movies, books, or albums? What emotions did it bring to mind? What were some of the common themes throughout the movie, book, or album? 

Those who have been in the industry for several years have likely narrowed their focus to one or two questions. Others likely watch a movie, read a book, or listen to an album at least three times as they wrestle with their thoughts.

This principle of watching, reading, or listening to something three times is helpful for Bible study as well.  Specifically, reading through a book of the Bible at least three times while wrestling with your thoughts will provide greater retention, understanding, and meaning from the text.

If Christianity fully hinges on Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, the Gospels are a great starting point when it comes to reading the Bible. And reading through each of the Gospels at least three times will help anybody to better grasp the significance of Jesus Christ. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     PSALM 33:4, COLOSSIANS 3:16-17

Have you ever taken the opportunity to read through a book in the Bible at least three times to get a better understanding of the meaning of the text? If so, what was this experience like for you? (If not, consider doing so with a short book like Philippians, Colossians, or James, or commit to the the reading challenge outlined below.) 

READING CHALLENGE:

Take some time to write out a plan to read through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John three times each over the next month, 3 months, or 6 months and to take notes on Jesus’ life, ministry, and teachings. 

PRAYER:

Today, write out your own prayer to God. 

 

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: Proverbs 3 & 4

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.