SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.
What you call someone reveals how well you know them. When we say, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” it’s important to understand the weight and truth of this statement. When we fully believe the truth about who Jesus is, everything about our lives will reflect the unique ways He calls us to live.
Following Jesus' ministry, the early church recognized it useful for them to have a creed of their own. Over the centuries, many different Christian creeds emerged, the Apostles' Creed being one of the earliest written between AD 150 and 180. Even today, the Apostles’ Creed is recognized as a valuable way for followers of Jesus to identify and commit to the basics of what they believe.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day, He rose again. He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.
Key scripture from Sunday.
Additional scriptures:
Q. Do you know what your name means?
Q. What is one way the Apostles’ Creed is shaping your thoughts about your faith.
Q. Read Philippians 2:7-11 again. What are some words you might use to describe Jesus to someone?
Q. Who is Jesus to you? How does your answer influence the way you live?
Q. Is there an area of your life where your actions don’t reflect the truth of who Jesus is? Let's share and then talk about ways we can help one another toward healthy change.
PRAYER
Gracious Father, we believe Jesus is the name above every name. Please guide us so that every aspect of our lives reflects Jesus as Lord. Forgive us for the times we’ve followed our own way and lead us toward a better way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Our heart for you in taking a "Next Step" is to help you grow in becoming more and more like Jesus.