Reading With the People of God #13 Nicene Creed預覽

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 Christian 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.

A Kingdom of Compromise or the Treasure of Christ?

In 2 Kings 8:16-29, we witness the tragic consequences of compromise in the leadership of Judah. Jehoram, following the ways of the kings of Israel, led Judah into idolatry and wickedness. Though he was a king in David’s lineage, he forsook the covenant faithfulness required of him, aligning himself with Ahab’s corrupt dynasty. His reign brought destruction, divine judgment, and ultimately, his own demise. His son, Ahaziah, continued in the same sinful path, showing how one generation’s compromise can lead to another’s downfall.

In contrast, Matthew 13:44-58 presents the surpassing worth of God’s kingdom. Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great price—so valuable that those who find them willingly give up all they have to possess them. This calls for total devotion, not half-hearted commitment. However, in the closing verses, we see Jesus rejected in His hometown because of unbelief. The people could not see the glory of the King standing before them, just as many today settle for lesser things instead of embracing Christ as their supreme treasure.

These passages force us to ask: Are we compromising our faith like Jehoram and Ahaziah, following the ways of the world? Or are we joyfully surrendering all for the sake of Christ’s kingdom?

As the Puritan Thomas Watson once said,

"A man may have enough of the world to sink him, but he can never have enough to satisfy him."

If we cling to worldly comforts and sinful compromise, we will only find destruction, like Jehoram. But if we see Christ as our greatest treasure, we will willingly lay down everything to follow Him.

The gospel calls us to forsake the fleeting pleasures of sin and embrace the infinite worth of Christ. So let’s be real—are we hanging on to things that are pulling us away from God? Or are we ready to go all in for Jesus?

Let us pray: “Lord, keep us from the dangers of spiritual compromise. Help us to treasure Christ above all, surrendering everything to follow Him. May we not be blind to His glory but receive Him with faith and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

* Primer contributed by Tomas Portillo, sinner saved by grace.