Acts 24:1-23

Be still: Lord, still my restless heart, gather my senses and speak to me in this reading of your holy Word. Reveal Jesus to me and renew my mind. Amen

Read: Acts 24:1-23

I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way…. I believe everything that is in accordance with he Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. (v14-15)

Encounter: If you were asked to write a statement of faith what would you say? Would you focus on the truth of who Jesus is or possibly what he did personally for you? The Nicene Creed is an ancient foundation of Christian belief. Penned by the early Church Fathers in 325AD, it gets to the heart of who Jesus is: 

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. 

In the passage, Paul gives his own statement of faith to Felix, the Roman governor. He respects Jewish heritage but reflects the hope of Christ. (Followers of Jesus were widely known as followers of the way before the word Christian was coined.) Paul focuses on how the believers’ resurrection will be one that participates with Christ: 2 Corinthians says, 'In Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then when he comes, those who belong to him.' (2 Cor.15:22-23) 

We have a glorious hope that should always undergird our own statement of faith. If we are 'hidden with Christ' when he returns, we will return as well. Our mortal bodies will be swallowed up into life! Praise the Lord! The Nicene creed ends with: 

We look for the resurrection of the dead, 
and the life of the world to come. 

Apply: Consider taking a couple of minutes and have a go at writing a personal statement of faith. It doesn’t have to be long. Include who you believe Jesus to be and the hope of eternal Iife you have in him. Maybe use one of the ancient creeds for reference. 

Devote: Lord, I seek your truth. Give me words to articulate who you are in a world that is constantly divided and unsure. Give me opportunities to share with others the good news of Jesus and the eternal hope we have in him.