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 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.

Faith, Healing, and Provision

In today’s N.T. passage, Jesus travels to Gentile territory, where He encounters a Canaanite woman who pleads for her daughter’s healing. At first, Jesus appears to resist, using an analogy in which the children represent the Jews and the dogs represent the Gentiles. However, the woman humbly acknowledges her position, saying,

“Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (Matthew 15:27).

Moved by her great faith, Jesus heals her daughter, demonstrating that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of background or status.

Later in the passage, Jesus heals many who come to Him, showing His compassion and power to restore people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Then, in a second miraculous feeding, Jesus provides for a large Gentile crowd of 4,000 men, plus women and children. Despite the disciples’ doubts, Jesus multiplies seven loaves and a few fish to satisfy the hungry crowd.

This passage reveals several key truths about Jesus:

1. His grace is for all. The Canaanite woman’s faith reminds us that no one is beyond God’s mercy.
2. He is our healer. Jesus healed many, demonstrating His power to restore us in every way—physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and socially.
3. He is our provider. Just as Jesus provided food for the hungry, He provides for our physical and spiritual needs.

Like the Canaanite woman, we must come to Jesus with faith and humility, trusting in His grace and power. When we bring our needs to Him—whether for healing, provision, or spiritual renewal—He can meet them. His power is not limited to anyone, people, or nation; it is available to all who seek Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace that knows no boundaries. Help us to come to You in faith, knowing that You are our healer and provider. Strengthen our trust in Your ability to meet our needs and deepen our humility as we seek You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

* Primer contributed by Amanda Moon, member of Cornerstone Church of Chowchilla.