To Be a Christian: The Anglican Catechism in a Year

Today is day 294 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

294. How does the Sabbath serve as a promise for the future of God’s people?

When the Church is perfected in Christ, all believers will dwell in God’s new creation, free from sin and its curse, and eternally united to God in love, adoration, and joy. This will be our unending Sabbath rest. (Psalm 132; Isaiah 66:22–23; Colossians 2:16–19; Hebrews 4:1–13)

We will conclude today by praying the Collect for Holy Saturday found on page 608 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 293 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

293. How did Jesus teach us to keep the Sabbath?

As Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus taught us to keep it not merely as a duty, but as a gift of God to be received with joy and extended to others through acts of love and hospitality. (Mark 2:23–3:6; Luke 13:10–16)

We will conclude today by praying the Invocation and Part I of Canticle 10 found on page 87 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 292 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

292. Why was Israel to rest on the Sabbath?

Israel was called to rest in remembrance that God had freed them from slavery and that God rested from his work of creation, bringing joyful balance and rhythm to life, work, and worship. (Genesis 2:1–2; Exodus 20:11; 23:12; Deuteronomy 5:12–15)

We will conclude today by praying the Heth Stanza of Psalm 119 (verses 57-64) found on page 615 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 291 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

291. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath day holy?

“Sabbath” is from the Hebrew shabbath, which means “rest.” “Holy” means “set apart” for God’s purposes. God commanded Israel to set apart each seventh day, following six days of work, for rest and worship. (Genesis 2:2; Exodus 31:12–17; Psalm 23:1–3; Mark 1:21–22)

We will conclude today by praying a Collect for Sabbath Rest found on page 24 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 290 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

290. What is the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment is “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8–10; see also Deuteronomy 5:12–14)

We will conclude today by praying the Decalogue found on page 100 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Commo...

Today is day 289 and we are studying The Third Commandment.

289. How can you honor and love God’s Name?

I honor and love God’s Name, in which I was baptized, by keeping my vows and promises, by worshiping him in truth and holiness, and by invoking his Name reverently and responsibly. (Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 10:20–22; Psalm 105:1–5; Matthew 15:10–20; James 5:12)

We will conclude today by praying The Initial Address for the Renewal of Baptismal Vows found on page 194 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 288 and we are studying The Third Commandment.

288. How might you use God’s Name carelessly?

Cursing, magic, broken vows, false piety, manipulation of others, and hypocrisy all cheapen God’s Name. These treat God’s Name as empty of the reality for which it stands. (Leviticus 5:4–6; 19:26b,31; Psalm 10:2–7; Malachi 1:6–14; Matthew 5:33–37; James 3:5–12; Articles of Religion, 39)

We will conclude today by praying Proper 2 found on page 615 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 287 and we are studying The Third Commandment.

287. How might you use God’s Name profanely?

By the unholy use of God’s holy Name, especially through perjury, blasphemy, and attributing to God any falsehood, heresy, or evil deed, as if he had authorized or approved them. (Deuteronomy 18:20–22; Proverbs 30:7–9; Jeremiah 34:15–16; Ezekiel 36:16–23; Amos 2:6–7; Jude 5–13)

We will conclude today by praying Proper 7 found on page 617 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 286 and we are studying The Third Commandment.

286. How can you avoid taking God’s Name in vain?

Because I love him, I should use God’s Name with reverence, not carelessly or profanely. (Deuteronomy 28:58–59; Psalms 86:11–12; 99:1–5; Revelation 15:2–4)

We will conclude today with the Zayin Stanza of Psalm 119 found on page 430 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Original music from Matthew Clar...

Today is day 285 and we are studying The Third Commandment.

285. What does it mean to take God’s Name “in vain”?

“Vain” means empty, meaningless, and of no account. To take God’s Name in vain is to treat it as such. (Leviticus 24:10–16; Romans 2:23–24)

We will conclude today with the Waw Stanza of Psalm 119 found on page 430 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Original m...

Today is day 284 and we are studying The Third Commandment.

284. Why is God’s Name sacred?

God’s Name reveals who he is—his nature, his character, his power, and his purposes. All forms of God’s Name are holy. (Exodus 3:1–15; 34:5–7; Psalms 8; 54:1; 79:9; Isaiah 57:15; Luke 1:46–49)

We will conclude today a Prayer for the Ministry to the Sick found on page 226 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 283 and we are studying The Third Commandment.

283. What is the third commandment?

The third commandment is “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11; see also Leviticus 22:32; see questions 172–77)

We will conclude today by praying the Decalogue found on page 100 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily...

Today is day 282 and we are studying The Second Commandment.

282. How will idolatry affect you?

If I worship and serve idols, I will become like them, empty and alienated from God, who alone can make me whole. (Psalm 115:4–8; Jeremiah 2:11–19; Jonah 2:7–9; Romans 1:18–25)

We will conclude today by praying the Prayer 96.For Union with Christ found on page 674 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Origin...

Today is day 281 and we are studying The Second Commandment.

281. How was Jesus tempted to break the first two commandments?

Satan tempted Jesus to bow down and worship him, promising him an earthly kingdom without the pain of the Cross. Instead, Jesus served and worshiped God faithfully and perfectly all his life, and calls us to do the same. (Matthew 4:1–11; 16:24; Luke 22:41–44; Philippians 2:8)

We will conclude today by praying The Collect for the First Sunday in Lent found on page 605 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 280 and we are studying The Second Commandment.

280. What does the second commandment teach you about hope?

It teaches me that my ultimate hope is in God alone, for he alone is God and he made me. I must not look for salvation and fulfillment in myself, another person, my wealth or occupation or status, or any created thing. Only in God will I find perfect love and fulfillment. (Psalm 62; Isaiah 45:20–25; Matthew 6:19–24; 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10)

We will conclude today by praying The Collect for the Fifth Sunday in Lent found on page 606 of the Bo...

Today is day 279 and we are studying The Second Commandment.

279. Are idols always images?

No. Anything can become an idol if I look to it for salvation from my sin or comfort amid my circumstances. If I place my ultimate hope in anything but God, it is an idol. (1 Samuel 15:23; Ezekiel 14:3–5; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5)

We will conclude today by praying the Proper 13 found on page 618 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 278 and we are studying The Second Commandment.

278. Are all images wrong?

No. God forbade the making of idols and the worship of images, yet commanded carvings and pictures for the tabernacle depicting creation. Christians are free to make images—including images of Jesus and the saints—as long as they do not worship them or use them superstitiously. (Exodus 37:1–9; Numbers 21:4–9; 1 Kings 6:23–35; 7:23–26; John 3:9–15)

We will conclude today by praying The Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent found on page 606 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 277 and we are studying The Second Commandment.

277. Why did the nations make such images?

Israel’s neighbors worshiped and served false gods by means of idols, believing they could manipulate these counterfeit gods for their own benefit. (Psalm 115:2–8; Isaiah 44:9–20; Jeremiah 10:2–15; Habakkuk 2:18–19; Revelation 2:18–29)

We will conclude today by praying the He Stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 33-40 found on page 429 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 276 and we are studying The Second Commandment.

276. How did Israel break the first two commandments?

Israel neglected God’s Law, worshiped the gods of the nations around them, and brought images of these gods (idols) into God’s temple, thus corrupting his worship. (Exodus 32; Judges 10:6; 1 Kings 12:28–33; 2 Kings 21:1–9; Psalm 106:19–43; Hosea 13:2; 1 Corinthians 10:1–14)

We will conclude today by praying Proper 19 found on page 620 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 275 and we are studying The Second Commandment.

275. What does the second commandment mean?

God’s people are neither to worship man-made images of God or of other gods nor to make such images for the purpose of worshiping them. (Exodus 20:23; 34:17; Leviticus 26:1; Deuteronomy 4:15–20; 27:15; Psalm 97:6–9; Acts 17:22–29; 2 Corinthians 6:16–18)

We will conclude today by praying the Daleth Stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 25-32 found on page 429 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 274 and we are studying The Second Commandment.

274. What is the second commandment?

The second commandment is “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them.” (Exodus 20:4–6; 34:17; Deuteronomy 5:8–10)

We will conclude today by praying the Decalogue found on page 100 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 273 and we are studying The First Commandment.

273. Can you worship and serve God perfectly?

No. Only our Lord Jesus Christ worshiped and served God perfectly; but I can seek to imitate Christ, knowing that my worship and service are acceptable to God through him. (1 Kings 15:9–14; Psalm 53:1–3; Luke 4:1–13; Ephesians 5:1–2; Hebrews 7:23–28)

We will conclude today by praying First Prayer for Mission found on page 51 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 272 and we are studying The First Commandment.

272. How are you tempted to worship other gods?

I am tempted to trust in myself, my pleasures, my possessions, my relationships, and my success, wrongly believing that they will bring me happiness, security, and meaning. I am also tempted to believe superstitions and false religious claims, and to reject God’s call to worship him alone. (1 Kings 11:1–8; Psalm 73:1–17; Matthew 26:14–16; 27:1–5; Romans 1:18–32)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 93. A Covenant Prayer found on page 674 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 271 and we are studying The First Commandment.

271. Why are you tempted to worship other things instead of God?

I am tempted because my sinful heart seeks my own desires above all else and pursues those things which falsely promise to fulfill them. (Deuteronomy 29:16–19; Psalm 10:2–7; Acts 19:23–27; James 4:1–10)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 94.For a Virtuous Heart found on page 674 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 270 and we are studying The First Commandment.

270. What does it mean to have no other gods?

It means that there should be nothing in my life more important than God and obeying his will. I should worship him only and love, revere, and trust him above all else. (Psalm 95; Jeremiah 10:6–10; Luke 16:10–15; 1 John 2:15–17)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 92.For Satisfaction in Christ found on page 673 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catech...

Today is day 269 and we are studying The First Commandment.

269. What does it mean that the Lord is your God?

It means that I have faith that the God of the Bible is the only true God and that I entrust myself to him wholly. (Exodus 3:1–15; Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Psalm 86:8–13; Mark 12:29–34; Revelation 15:3–4)

We will conclude today by praying the Gimel Stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 17-24 found on page 429 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Prod...

Today is day 268 and we are studying The First Commandment.

268. What is the first commandment?

The first commandment is “I am the Lord your God. . . . You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2–3; Deuteronomy 5:6–7; see also Psalm 97; Luke 4:5–8; 1 Corinthians 8:1–6)

We will conclude today by praying the Decalogue found on page 100 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily...

Today is day 267 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

267. How should you keep the Ten Commandments?

Because they both contain God’s prohibitions against evil and direct me toward his good will, I should both repent when I disobey them and seek by his grace to live according to them. (Psalm 25:11–18; Romans 6; Colossians 3:5–17)

We will conclude today by praying the Collect for the Nativity of St John the Baptist found on page 629 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 266 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

266. How do the Ten Commandments help you to grow in likeness to Christ?

They reveal my sin in the light of God’s righteousness, guide me to Christ, and teach me what is pleasing to God. (Deuteronomy 4:32–40; Psalms 19; 119:127–35, 169–76; Galatians 3:19–26; James 1:21–25; 2:8–13)

We will conclude today by praying the Collect for Faith found on page 50 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 265 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

265. How do the Ten Commandments help you to resist evil?

They teach me that God judges the corrupt affections of this fallen world, the cruel strategies of the devil, and the sinful desires of my own heart; and they teach me to renounce them. (Deuteronomy 8; Psalm 19:7–14; John 16:7–15; Romans 2:1–16)

We will conclude today by praying the Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent found on page 606 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 264 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

264. How should you understand the Ten Commandments?

I should understand them as God’s righteous rules for life in his kingdom: basic standards for loving God and my neighbor. In upholding them, I bear witness with the Church to God’s righteousness and his will for a just society. (Deuteronomy 4:1–8; Psalm 119:137–44, 160; Matthew 5:17–48; Romans 7:7–12; 13:8–10)

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

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Today is day 263 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

263. Why are you not able to do this perfectly?

Sin has corrupted human nature, inclining me to resist God, to ignore his will, and to care more for myself than for my neighbors. However, God has begun and will continue his transforming work in me, and will fully conform me to Christ at the end of the age. (Psalm 14; Jeremiah 17:1–13; Romans 3:9–23; 7:21–25; Philippians 1:3–11)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 91.For Submission to God's Will found on page 673 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If...

Today is day 262 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

262. How can you obey God’s Law?

As I trust in Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law for me and live in the power of the Holy Spirit, God grants me grace to love and obey his Law. (2 Kings 18:1–8; Proverbs 3:1–12; John 15:3–11; Romans 6:15–23; 1 John 5:2–5)

We will conclude today by praying the Collect for Peace found on page 49 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 261 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

261. How did Jesus fulfill God’s Law?

For our sake, Jesus fulfilled God’s Law by teaching it perfectly, submitting to it wholly, and dying as an atoning sacrifice for our disobedience. (Psalm 119:49–72; Isaiah 53:4–12; Matthew 5:17–20; Romans 8:1–4; Hebrews 10:1–18)

We will conclude today by praying the Collect for the Circumcision and Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ found on page 600 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Today is day 260 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

260. How did Jesus summarize God’s Law?

Jesus summarized God’s Law by saying: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37–40; see also Deuteronomy 6:1–9; Leviticus 19:9–18; Psalm 31:23–24; John 15:7–17; 1 John 4:16–5:3)

We will conclude today by praying the Collect for the Fifth Sunday in...

Today is day 259 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

259. When did God give his Law?

After delivering his people Israel from slavery in Egypt, God established a covenant with them by giving them his Law

through Moses. (Exodus 19:1–6; Deuteronomy 5:1–5; Nehemiah 9:13–14; Acts 7:35–38)

We will conclude today by praying the Beth Stanza of Psalm 119 found on page 428 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Today is day 258 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

258. What is God’s Law?

God’s Law (Hebrew, torah: “instruction”)is God’s direct pronouncement of his will, both for our good and for his glory. (Deuteronomy 30; Psalms 19:7–11; 119:89–104; Galatians 3:15–24)

We will conclude today by praying the Collect for the Renewal of Life found on page 22 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Original music...

Today is day 257 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

257. What are the Ten Commandments?

The Ten Commandments are a summary and outline of God’s Law. (Exodus 20:18–21; Deuteronomy 5:28–33; Psalm 78:5–8)

We will conclude today by praying the Aleph Stanza of Psalm 119 found on page 427 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Boo...

Today is day 256 and we are studying The Ten Commandments.

256. Recite the Ten Commandments.

1. I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods but me.

2. You shall not make for yourself any idol.

3. You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not...

In this special bonus podcast, we are reading Part 4: Becoming Like Christ found on page 89 of To Be a Christian.