“And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ Doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

What a strong foundation upon which to live out our faith: the Doctrines of the Apostles, fellowship in the community of believers, breaking bread from house to house (Acts 2:46), and prayer.

Saints of God, we are all of the “household of God and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:19b-20).

During the time of the Church Fathers the Doctrinal Creed was established and has become our confession of faith. This Creed is commonly known as The Apostles Creed, or Apostolic Creed. This is what we believe and hold to as the Apostles’ Doctrine:

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His Only Son, our LORD.

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and buried.

He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.”

Continuing in the Apostles’ Doctrine keeps us secure in our faith. It keeps us from deception; from departing from the faith; from the voices of “seducing spirits and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1); and from all manner of lies, false prophets, false teachers, heretics and those who by “cunning craftiness lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14b).

Beloved, pray for one another. Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (cf. Ephesians 4:3). Pray in accordance with the promise, that we will one day all come “to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. Amen

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