south ridge blog

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:

     JOHN 1:12

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:

1. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord;
3. who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary;
4. suffered under Pontius Pilate; [He] was crucified, dead, and buried;
5. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
7. From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. 
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit;
9. the holy catholic church^*; the communion of saints;
10. the forgiveness of sins;
11. the resurrection of the body;
12. 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.

 

 

A Note from Pastor Justin:

Your beliefs are at the very core of who you are. They determine the decisions you make, how you will act or respond to different people or situations, and ultimately shape you into the person you’re becoming. Your beliefs shape your entire worldview. In short, what you believe matters. A lot. 

The Apostles’ Creed, which was likely written and in use by 390 AD, provided a set of core Christian beliefs individuals could easily memorize and recite. Though much has changed over the past 1,600 years, many church denominations today – Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, and more – recite the Apostles’ Creed regularly. 

Today, the Apostles’ Creed is broken down into 12 separate statements, or Articles. Over the next 9 weeks, SRC will be delving into each of these Articles, focusing on some of the core teachings of Christianity. 

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. 

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.

 

 

DAY 5:

Join us at SRC on January 5 as we kick-off the New Year with a new series focusing on The Apostles’ Creed. A new Devotional & Scripture Reading Guide will be available at that time. Until then, the F260 readings for December 30 – January 3 are provided below.

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 in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). 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.s

Read: 1 Samuel 28 & 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.

 

 

DAY 4:

Join us at SRC on January 5 as we kick-off the New Year with a new series focusing on The Apostles’ Creed. A new Devotional & Scripture Reading Guide will be available at that time. Until then, the F260 readings for December 30 – January 3 are provided below.

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 in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). 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: Psalm 22, 1 Samuel 24:1 – 25:1

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.

 

 

DAY 3:

Join us at SRC on January 5 as we kick-off the New Year with a new series focusing on The Apostles’ Creed. A new Devotional & Scripture Reading Guide will be available at that time. Until then, the F260 readings for December 30 – January 3 are provided below.

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 in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). 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 Samuel 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.

 

 

DAY 2:

Join us at SRC on January 5 as we kick-off the New Year with a new series focusing on The Apostles’ Creed. A new Devotional & Scripture Reading Guide will be available at that time. Until then, the F260 readings for December 30 – January 3 are provided below.

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 in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). 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 Samuel 19 & 20

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.

 

 

DAY 1:

Join us at SRC on January 5 as we kick-off the New Year with a new series focusing on The Apostles’ Creed. A new Devotional & Scripture Reading Guide will be available at that time. Until then, the F260 readings for December 30 – January 3 are provided below.

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 in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). 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 Samuel 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.

 

 

DAY 5: Review

What did the Scripture readings this week reveal to you about the nature and character of God? What have you learned about yourself throughout the week? 

 

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 in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: 1 Samuel 15 & 16

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.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 4: A Savior Brings Love

If you were to summarize the entire life of Jesus in just one word, it wouldn’t be prophet, or priest, or king, or even savior. The absolute best word to describe Jesus is Love. 

When a young man asked Jesus which of the Old Testament commandments was most important, Jesus responded by saying that the entire Word of God can be summarized with just two commands – love God and love others. He Himself lived this out by loving God so much and loving you so much that He gave up His life so that you may experience life, and live it to the full. This and this alone ought to make us pause to consider how we can best love God and others ourselves.  

The greatest challenge of our lives isn’t to have a job that can support ourselves and our family. It isn’t to be successful. It isn’t to own the nicest car, house, or other ‘stuff’. It’s not about our looks, or what others may or may not think about us. The greatest challenge of our lives is simply determining to love God and others to the best of our ability. 

As 2019 draws to a close, may we enter 2020 with a sincere desire to love God and be loved by God, to love others and be loved by others, and to be the people He has made us to be.

READING & JOURNALING:

1 JOHN 2:3-11

Which verse in this passage sticks out to you the most? 

What is one way you will live out this passage this week?  

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I recognize that your command to love You and love others is such a strong command that I will spend my entire life figuring out how to live it out well. Nevertheless, I want to live it out well, because I know that in living out my faith in love, is the best way to live. Help me to live in love. 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 in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: 1 Samuel 13 & 14

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.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5

DAY 3: A Savior Brings Life

If you were to talk with 1,000, even 10,000 complete strangers, you would almost certainly discover that each and every one of them have experienced hurt, pain, loss, grief, and other forms of heartache. This is because nobody escapes hurt and pain in this life. Nobody. And even though we may question why we all experience pain and loss, we must acknowledge that the Scriptures don’t teach that life will be without challenges. 

But despite the challenges of life, the Scriptures do teach that we can experience a life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Similarly, the Scriptures teach that we are no longer condemned to death, and that we can experience a new life in Christ. 

While some of the pain and hurts we experience in life cannot be avoided, there are still decisions we can make in order to feel fully alive. Not my team just won an important game kind of feeling, but a feeling of real joy, peace, and contentment that comes from nothing else but God. 

READING & JOURNALING:

ROMANS 8:1, 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

What is something you regularly do to feel fully alive? 

Have you considered the possibility that you sometimes forfeit the right to experience love, joy, (or other things that make you feel fully alive) because you spend too much time numbing the pain in your life? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I recognize that I sometimes do mindless activities in order to numb or disengage from the pain in my life. But I’m beginning to see this doesn’t lead joy, because when I escape the pain, I end up escaping from real joy as well. Today, reveal to me some of the ways I’m escaping life, and help me to replace these poor habits with behaviors that are more life giving. 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 in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: 1 Samuel 9 & 10

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.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5