Reading With the People of God #13 Nicene CreedSample

Focus of the month: Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

Jesus tells the parable of a king who prepares a wedding feast for his son and sends out invitations. However, the invited guests refuse to come—some even mistreat the messengers. In response, the king extends the invitation to anyone willing to attend, emphasizing that everything is ready. Yet, among those who come, one man is found without a wedding garment and is cast into the outer darkness. The parable concludes with the sobering statement: “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

This parable teaches that while God’s invitation to salvation is extended to all, it requires not only acceptance but also transformation. The wedding garment represents the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Simply showing up is not enough—we must clothe ourselves in faith, obedience, and holiness.

God invites us into His kingdom, but how do we respond? Are we making excuses, rejecting His call, or are we fully embracing His grace and living a life that reflects His righteousness? This parable is a reminder to not only accept God’s invitation but to walk in a way that honors Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us into Your kingdom. Help us not to take Your grace for granted, but to walk in righteousness and obedience. Clothe us in the garment of faith so that we may be found worthy before You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

* Primer contributed by Amanda Moon, Member of Cornerstone Community Church