Reading With the People of God #13 Nicene Creed預覽

The Nicene Creed:

This month, we focus on the Nicene Creed—its origins, significance, and enduring impact on the Christian faith. The creed was first established at the Council of Nicaea, which began on May 20, 325 AD, as a response to the growing controversy of Arianism. This teaching denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. To address this, church leaders from across the Christian world gathered together for a council sponsored by Emperor Constantine to affirm that Jesus is “of the same substance” (homoousios) as the Father. They developed a creed that articulated the core doctrines of the faith and unified the church.

2025 marks 1,700 years since the Christian church was united under this creed, a powerful reminder of how these foundational truths have endured across generations. This month, we pray that you will commit to memorizing and internalizing these essential Gospel truths, joining with believers throughout history in confessing the faith that unites us all.

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.

Living in Readiness and Trust

In 2 Kings 20:1-11, Hezekiah faces a stark reality—his life is nearing its end. Yet, in his desperation, he turns to God, and the Lord grants him more time. This passage reminds us that our days are in God’s hands, not ours, and that faithfulness means trusting Him in all seasons.

In Matthew 25:1-30, Jesus teaches through parables about the necessity of watchfulness, faithfulness, and readiness for His return. The wise virgins prepare for the bridegroom’s coming, and the faithful servants invest what their master has given them. The message is clear: we are called to live expectantly, using the time and gifts God has entrusted to us for His kingdom.

The Nicene Creed affirms that Christ “will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.” These readings urge us to live in light of that truth. Are we prepared? Are we faithful stewards of what He has given us? The call is to be watchful, trust in His timing, and live each day in readiness for the eternal kingdom that is to come.