“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 NIV
God who exists!
We do not need to wander far into the book of Hebrews to find small verses we are familiar with. Full of truth and common sense. Sometimes, they are the ones that when they come to mind – we cannot remember which book they are in! Or as a friend of mine used to say, where they live.
Common sense when I think about it. How can we have faith in You, God unless we believe You exist. But here we find not an if, or a therefore – but an and pointing to the verse before which talks about Enoch. “For before he (Enoch) was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5b taken from Gen 5:21–24). Enoch believed and walked to please You.
So today is a good day to pause. To consider what I do believe, so I can talk to You about anything I struggle with. Creed is a good measuring stick as it is written from scripture:
We believe in one God, the Father the Almighty, the 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 all and our salvation He came down from Heaven;
We believe in one God, the Father the Almighty, the 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 all and our salvation He came down from Heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit He became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 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 worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic (meaning the complete, universal church not a specific denomination.) 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.
And . . . You reward those who earnestly seek You. Give us faith to believe.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God,
For our family, friends, neighbours, church fellowship. Each one’s personal need.
For those in Government both here and other nations. For good decisions and a will to bring about lasting peace.
For the Royal family as they rearrange work. For Charles and Kate’s opportunity to rest and recover at home.
For hot spots where there is war, danger of war, hostility and disagreement. Solutions and peace.
For society to look after and care for the weak, the sick and those with special needs.
For those affected by the wind, rain and for our farmers as lambing approaches.
For us to be rested and at rest today, to speak to friends and have joy and reason to smile.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 31st January 2024
Our Father everlasting
The all-creating One
God Almighty
Through your Holy Spirit
Conceiving Christ the Son
Jesus our Saviour
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in One
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
Our Judge and our Defender
Suffered and crucified
Forgiveness is in You
Descended into darkness
You rose in glorious light
Forever seated high
Chorus: I believe in God our Father . . .
I believe in You
I believe You rose again
I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord
(I believe)
And I believe in You
I believe You rose again
I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord
Chorus twice: I believe in God our Father . . .
I believe in life eternal
I believe in the virgin birth
I believe in the saints’ communion
And in Your Holy Church
I believe in the resurrection
When Jesus comes again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
Chorus twice ; I believe in God our Father . . .
Lyrics: Ben Fielding and Matt Crocker