To Be a Christian: The Anglican Catechism in a Year

Today is day 130 and we are studying The Sacrament of Baptism.

130. What signs of the Holy Spirit’s work should you hope and pray to see as a result of your Baptism?

I should hope and pray that the Holy Spirit, who indwells me, will help me to be an active member of my Christian community, participate in worship, continually repent and return to God, proclaim the faith, love and serve God and my neighbor, and seek justice and peace. (Matthew 22:35–40; Hebrews 10:19–28; 12:14; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 1:9; 2:1)

We will conclude today with The Final Prayer in Holy B...

Today is day 129 and we are studying The Sacrament of Baptism.

129. Why is it appropriate to baptize infants?

Because it is a sign of God’s promise that they are embraced in the covenant community of Christ’s Church. Those who in faith and repentance present infants to be baptized vow to raise them in the knowledge and fear of the Lord, with the expectation that they will one day profess full Christian faith as their own. (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Proverbs 22:6; Mark 2:3–5; Acts 2:39; 16:25–34)

We will conclude today with A Family Prayer for Children found on page 76 of...

Today is day 128 and we are studying The Sacrament of Baptism.

128. What is required of you when you come to be baptized?

Two things are required: repentance, in which I turn away from sin; and faith, in which I turn to Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord and trust the promises that God makes to me in this sacrament. (Psalm 51:3–6, 13–17; Mark 1:14–15; Acts 2:37–38)

We will conclude today with The Confession of Sins in Compline found on page 57 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 127 and we are studying The Sacrament of Baptism.

127. What is the inward and spiritual grace given in Baptism?

The inward and spiritual grace is death to sin and new birth to righteousness, through union with Christ in his death and resurrection. I am born a sinner by nature, separated from God. But in Baptism, through faith in Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, I am made a member of Christ’s Body and adopted as God’s child and heir. (Psalm 51:1–2, 7–10; Ezekiel 36:25–26; John 3:3–5; Romans 6:1–11; Colossians 2:9–14)

We will conclude today with Parag...

Today is day 126 and we are studying The Sacrament of Baptism.

126. What is the outward and visible sign in Baptism?

The outward and visible sign is water, in which candidates are baptized “in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Book of Common Prayer 2019; see also Genesis 9:8–17; Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Peter 3:18–22)

We will conclude today with Paragraph One of the Baptismal Prayer found on page 168 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 125 and we are studying The Sacraments.

125. How do these differ from the sacraments of the Gospel?

They were not ordained by Christ as necessary to salvation, but arose from the practices of the apostles and the Early Church, or were blessed by God in Scripture. God clearly uses them as means of grace. (Articles of Religion, 25)

We will conclude today with Third Prayer for Mission in Evening Prayer found on page 76 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 124 and we are studying The Sacraments.

124. Are there other sacraments?

Other rites and institutions commonly called sacraments include confirmation (2 Timothy 1:6–7; Hebrews 6:1–2), ordination (Numbers 8:9–14; 27:18–23; 1 Timothy 4:14), marriage (Genesis 2:18–24; Matthew 19:4–6; John 2:1–11), absolution (John 20:21–23; Acts 2:37–41), and the anointing of the sick (James 5:14). These are sometimes called “sacraments of the Church.”

We will conclude today with First Prayer for Mission in Morning Prayer found on page 24 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 123 and we are studying The Sacraments.

123. What sacraments were ordained by Christ?

The two sacraments ordained by Christ that are “generally necessary to salvation” (1662 Catechism)are Baptism and Holy Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or the Holy Eucharist).

These are sometimes called “sacraments of the Gospel.” (Articles of Religion, 25; see also Matthew 28:19–20; Luke 22:14–20; John 6:52–58; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 2 Corinthians 1:21–22)

We will conclude today with Prayer following the Litany of Ordinations for a Bishop found on page 500 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 122 and we are studying The Sacraments.

122. How should you receive the sacraments?

I should receive the sacraments by faith in Christ, with repentance and thanksgiving. Faith in Christ is necessary to receive the grace of the sacraments, and obedience to Christ is necessary for the benefits of the sacraments to bear fruit in my life. (Mark 16:16; John 6:52–58; Acts 2:38–47; 1 Corinthians 11:27–32; 1662 Catechism; Articles of Religion, 28)

We will conclude today with The Collect for Saint Thomas found on page 623 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 121 and we are studying The Sacraments.

121. What is a sacrament?

A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. God gives us the sign as a means by which we receive that grace and as a tangible assurance that we do in fact receive it. (Genesis 17:1–21; John 6:53–58; Romans 2:25–29; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1662 Catechism)

We will conclude today with The Collect for The Second Sunday of Epiphany found on page 602 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 120 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the eighteenth line: “And the Life Everlasting”.

120. How should you live in light of this promise of unending life?

I should live in joyful expectation of the fullness of my transformation, soul and body, into the likeness of Christ. In the midst of suffering or in the face of hostility and persecution, I am sustained by the hope of a new heaven and earth, freed from Satan, evil, suffering, and death. (Psalm 21:1–7; John 14:1–7; Romans 13:11–14; 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:11; Philippians 3:7–21; 1 Peter 1:3–9; 5:6–11)

We will conc...

Today is day 119 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the eighteenth line: “And the Life Everlasting”.

119. What do you know about the unending resurrected life of believers?

I know that it will be an eternal life of joyful fellowship with our triune God, together with all his saints and angels, singing his

praises and serving him in the renewed creation. ( John 17:20–24; Revelation 7:9–17; 21:1–4; 21:22–22:5)

We will conclude today with The Flood Collect from the Great Vigil of Easter found on page 587 of the Book of Common Pr...

Today is day 118 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the seventeenth line: “The Resurrection of the Body”.

118. How should you live as you await the resurrection of your body?

Because I put my hope in God’s resurrection of my body, I should honor and care for it. I should refrain from any violence, disrespect, or sin that would harm, demean, or violate either my body or the bodies of others. (Psalm 35:9–10; Matthew 25:35–45; Romans 6:5–14; 1 Corinthians 6:9–20; 1 John 3:1–3)

We will conclude today with A Collect for Strength to Awai...

Today is day 117 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the seventeenth line: “The Resurrection of the Body”.

117. What do you know about the resurrected bodies of believers?

They will be fully renewed and glorified in the image of Christ, perfected after the manner of his own resurrected and ascended body.

(Job 19:25–27; John 11:23–27; 1 Corinthians 15:35–58; Philippians 3:20–21)

We will conclude today with the Prayer following the Prayers of the People in the Burial of the Dead found on page 255 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 116 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the seventeenth line: “The Resurrection of the Body”.

116. What is the resurrection of the body?

When the risen Lord Jesus returns to judge the earth, he will raise all the dead to bodily life. The wicked will then receive eternal condemnation, and the righteous eternal life in the glory of God. (Psalm 16; Ezekiel 37:1–14; Daniel 12:1–3; Matthew 25:31–34, 41, 46; John 5:25–29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; Revelation 20:11–15)

We will conclude today with A Collect for Resurrection Hope found on page 49 of the Book of Common Prayer (2...

Today is day 115 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the seventeenth line: “The Resurrection of the Body”.

115. Why will you die?

Because sin and death now corrupt this world, my body will degenerate and die. But, by the will of God, my soul will be with the Lord, and I will rise bodily from death when Jesus Christ returns to judge the living and the dead. (Genesis 2:15–17; 3:22–24; Psalm 82:7; Ecclesiastes 2:16; John 6:35–40; Romans 5:12–14; 1 Corinthians 15:13–28)

We will conclude today with A Collect for Resurrection Hope found on page 49 of the...

Today is day 114 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the seventeenth line: “The Resurrection of the Body”.

114. What does Holy Scripture tell you about your body?

Holy Scripture tells me that my body, though tainted by sin, was created good, bearing the image of God and endowed with great dignity. Therefore, from the moment of conception to natural death, every human body and every human life should be cared for, protected, and loved. (Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 139:7–18; Matthew 11:2–5; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; James 3:8–10)

We will conclude today with The Collect for Th...

Today is day 113 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the sixteenth line: “The Forgiveness of Sins”.

113. Does God give grace only to Christians?

No. God’s common grace can be seen in his provision for all

people. “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). However, he shows his saving grace by granting salvation to those who place their faith in Christ. (Psalms 65:5–13; 145:8–9; Acts 14:15–17; Romans 5:1–11)

We will conclude today wit...

Today is day 112 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the sixteenth line: “The Forgiveness of Sins”.

112. Is God’s grace only for your religious or spiritual life?

No. God wants to redeem every aspect of my life, and his grace in Christ is at work in all of it. (Psalm 40; Isaiah 1:13–20; Matthew 6:25–33; Titus 2:11–14)

We will conclude today with Prayer 76. For Guidance found on page 495 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 111 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the sixteenth line: “The Forgiveness of Sins”.

111. Can you earn God’s grace?

No. God gives his grace freely and enables me to receive it. Everything I do for God should be in response to his love and grace made known in Christ, for “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” and “we love because he first loved us.” (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:19; see also Exodus 34:5–10; Psalm 23; John 10:7–18; Ephesians 2:1–10; 2 Timothy 1:8–10)

We will conclude today with The Collect for The Fo...

Today is day 110 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the sixteenth line: “The Forgiveness of Sins”.

110. For what purpose does God give you grace?

God gives me grace in Christ for the forgiveness of my sins, redemption from sin’s power, healing of sin’s effects, and growth in holiness, to my final transformation into the likeness of Christ. (Psalms 25:6–12; 119:29–32; Jonah 3; Matthew 9:1–8; Romans 6:1–11; 2 Corinthians 3:16–18; Titus 3:4–7)

We will conclude today with Proper 27 found on page 622 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 109 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the sixteenth line: “The Forgiveness of Sins”.

109. What is grace?

Grace is God’s undeserved gift of his love, mercy, and help, which he freely offers to us who, because of our sin, deserve only condemnation. (Genesis 50:15–21; Psalm 106; Joel 2:12–13; Luke 7:36–50; Romans 5:15–21; Ephesians 2:4–9; Hebrews 4:14–16)

We will conclude today with A Collect for Grace in Morning Prayer found on page 23 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 108 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the sixteenth line: “The Forgiveness of Sins”.

108. How should you respond to God’s forgiveness?

Trusting in God’s continual forgiveness, I should live in continual thanks, praise, and obedience to him; and as I have been loved and forgiven by God, so I should love and forgive those who sin against me. (Psalm 51:7–17; Isaiah 44:21–23; Matthew 6:12; 18:21–35; Ephesians 4:32)

We will conclude today by praying The Venite found on page 14 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 107 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the sixteenth line: “The Forgiveness of Sins”.

107. How does God forgive your sins?

By virtue of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, in which I put my trust, God sets aside my sins, accepts me, and adopts me as his child and heir in Jesus Christ. Loving me as his child, he forgives my sins whenever I turn to him in repentance and faith. (Leviticus 26:40–45; Psalm 78:35–39; Matthew 26:27–28; Luke 15:11–32; 2 Corinthians 5:16–21; Galatians 4:1–7)

We will conclude today with A Collect for Endurance in M...

Today is day 106 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the sixteenth line: “The Forgiveness of Sins”.

106. How does God respond to human sin?

All sin is opposed to the righteousness of God and is therefore

subject to God’s holy condemnation; yet God in his mercy offers me forgiveness and salvation from sin through his Son, Jesus Christ, the only Savior. (Psalm 130; Isaiah 1:2–4; Micah 7:18–19; John 3:17–21; Romans 1:18–2:4; 3:24–26; 5:6–10)

We will conclude today with Proper 21 found on page 620 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 105 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the sixteenth line: “The Forgiveness of Sins”.

105. What are sins?

Sins are intentions, acts, or failures to act that arise out of my corrupted human nature and fall short of conformity to God’s revealed will. (Psalm 53; Isaiah 59:1–15; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; James 4:17; 1 John 3:4–10)

We will conclude today with A Collect for Grace in Morning Prayer found on page 23 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 104 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fifteenth line: “The Communion of Saints”.

104. How are the Church on earth and the Church in heaven joined in worship?

Through union with Christ, as celebrated in the sacrament of Holy Communion, the Church on earth participates with the Church in heaven in the eternal worship of God. (Exodus 24:9–11; Psalm 148; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; Hebrews 12:18–29; Revelation 19:1–9)

We will conclude today with Prayer 106. For Spiritual Communion found on page 677 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 103 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fifteenth line: “The Communion of Saints”.

103. How do you participate in the communion of the saints?

I live as a member of the communion of saints through faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit by gathering to worship God with my fellow Christians, by praying for and encouraging one another, and by coming to one another’s aid in times of trouble, sickness, or grief. (Psalm 133; Acts 2:42–47; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11–18; Hebrews 10:24–25; James 5:13–20)

We will conc...

Today is day 102 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fifteenth line: “The Communion of Saints”.

102. What is the “communion of the saints”?

The communion of the saints is the fellowship of all those, in heaven and on earth, who are united in Christ as one Body, through one Spirit, in Holy Baptism. (Psalm 149; Ephesians 2:13–22; Hebrews 12:1–3)

We will conclude today with Prayer 113. The Communion of Saints found on page 679 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 101 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fifteenth line: “The Communion of Saints”.

101. What does the word “communion” mean?

“Communion” means being “one with” someone in union and unity. For Christians, it refers to the unity of the three Persons within the one Being of God, to our union with God through our union with Christ, and to our unity with one another in Christ. (Psalm 85; Ezekiel 37:24–28; John 17:20–26; 2 Corinthians 13:11–14; 1 John 1:1–3)

We will conclude today with Prayer 112. The Communion of Saints found on page 678 of the Book...

Today is day 100 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fifteenth line: “The Communion of Saints”.

100. Who are the saints?

The saints are all those in heaven and on earth who place their faith in Jesus Christ, who are set apart, holy to God in Christ, and transformed by his grace. (Leviticus 19:1–2; Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 16:1–3; 1 Peter 2:4–10; Revelation 7:9–17)

We will conclude today with the Collect for All Saints' Day found on page 633 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 99 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fourteenth line: “The Holy Catholic Church”.

99. Why is the Church called “apostolic”?

An apostle is one who is sent. The Church is called “apostolic” because it holds the faith of the first apostles sent by Christ. In continuity with them, the Church is likewise sent by Christ to proclaim the Gospel and to make disciples throughout the whole world. (Matthew 10:1–4, 40–42; 28:18–20; Acts 2:42; 13:1–4; Ephesians 2:19–21)

We will conclude today with the Concluding Prayer of the Renewal of Baptismal Vows liturgy...

Today is day 98 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fourteenth line: “The Holy Catholic Church”.

98. Why is the Church called “catholic”?

The Church is called “catholic” (“according to the whole”)because it keeps the whole faith it has received from the Lord, in continuity with the whole Church, in all times and places. (Micah 4:1–4; Acts 2:1–11; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8; 2 Timothy 1:13–14; Jude 3; Revelation 5:9–10)

We will conclude today with Prayer 1. For the Universal Church found on page 646 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 97 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fourteenth line: “The Holy Catholic Church”.

97. Why is the Church called “holy”?

The Church is holy because the Holy Spirit dwells in it and sanctifies its members, setting them apart to God in Christ and calling them to moral and spiritual holiness of life. (Exodus 19:3–6; Leviticus 19:1–2; 20:22–26; Psalm 15; John 17:17–19; Acts 26:16–18; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Colossians 3:12–15)

We will conclude today with Prayer 11. For the Local Congregation found on page 649 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 96 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fourteenth line: “The Holy Catholic Church”.

96. In what sense is the Church “one”?

The Church is one because all its members form the one Body of Christ, having “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:5–6). The Church is called to embody this unity in all relationships between believers. (Psalm 133; John 17:11, 20–23; Ephesians 2:11–22; 4:2–6)

We will conclude today with Prayer 4. For the Unity of All Christian People found on page 646 of the Book of Common P...

Today is day 95 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fourteenth line: “The Holy Catholic Church”.

95. What are the “marks” or characteristics of the Church?

The Nicene Creed expands upon the Apostles’ Creed to list four characteristics of the Church: it is “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.” (see Articles of Religion, 8, see also Articles of Religion, 19 and 20, and the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral)

We will conclude today with Prayer 2. For the Universal Church found on page 646 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 94 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fourteenth line: “The Holy Catholic Church”.

94. Why is the Church called the Body of Christ?

The Church is called the Body of Christ because all who belong to the Church are united to Christ as their Head and source of life, and are united to one another in Christ for mutual love and service to him. (Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; 5:25–30)

We will conclude today by praying the Offertory Sentence in the Eucharist Liturgy found on page 131 of...

Today is day 93 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fourteenth line: “The Holy Catholic Church”.

93. How does Holy Scripture teach you to view the Church?

Holy Scripture teaches me to view the Church as God’s family, as the Body and bride of Christ, and as the temple where God in Christ dwells by his Spirit. (Isaiah 54:5–8; Hosea 2:16–20; Matthew 12:46–50; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Revelation 5:9–10; 19:6–10)

We will conclude today with Prayer 1. For the Universal Church found on page 646 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 92 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the fourteenth line: “The Holy Catholic Church”.

92. What is the Church?

The Church is the whole community of faithful Christians in heaven and on earth, called and formed by God into one people. The Church on earth gathers to worship God in Word and Sacrament, to serve God and neighbor, and to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth. (Exodus 19:4–6; Psalm 22:22–23; Matthew 28:19–20; Ephesians 2:11–22; 1 Peter 2:4–10; Articles of Religion, 19)

We will conclude today with a Historic Praye...

Today is day 91 and we are on the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed. Today we are on the thirteenth line: “I believe in the Holy Spirit”.

91. Why does the Holy Spirit give such gifts?

The Holy Spirit equips and empowers believers with gifts for service in the worship of Jesus Christ, for the building up of his Church, and for witness and mission to the world. (Exodus 31:1–11; Luke 9:1–6; 1 Corinthians 12:12–26; Ephesians 4:12–16)

We will conclude today by praying the Second Collect for Pentecost found on page 614 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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