To Be a Christian: The Anglican Catechism in a Year

Today is day 322 and we are studying The Seventh Commandment.

322. What is marriage?

Marriage is the exclusive, lifelong, covenantal union of love between one man and one woman, and a reflection of the faithful love that unites God and his people. Marriage is therefore holy and should “be held in honor among all.” (Hebrews 13:4; see also Genesis 2:18–24; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:21–33; see questions 146–48)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 69.For a Marriage or Anniversary found on page 667 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 321 and we are studying The Seventh Commandment.

321. How do you benefit from chastity?

Chastity establishes wise and godly boundaries that enable me to give freely of myself in friendship, avoid difficulty in marriage, and experience the freedom of integrity before God. (Genesis 39:19–23; Proverbs 11:5–6; Matthew 5:8; 1 Corinthians 7:25–40)

We will conclude today by praying the Nun Stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 105-112 found on page 435 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 320 and we are studying The Seventh Commandment.

320. What does it mean for you to be chaste?

Whether I am married or single, it means I will love and honor others as image bearers of God, not as objects of lust and sexual gratification, and I will refrain from all sexual acts outside of marriage. (Genesis 39:6b–12; Proverbs 6:25–28; Matthew 5:29–30; Philippians 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7)

We will conclude today by praying the Collect for the Sixth Sunday of Epiphany found on page 603 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 319 and we are studying The Seventh Commandment.

319. What did Jesus teach about adultery?

Jesus taught that even to look at another person with lust violates this commandment. Adultery begins with a lustful heart, but the Lord calls us to be chaste. (Matthew 5:27–28)

We will conclude today by praying Proper 1 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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Or...

Today is day 318 and we are studying The Seventh Commandment.

318. What is adultery?

Adultery is any sexual intimacy between persons not married to each other, at least one of whom is married to another. (Leviticus 20:10; Romans 7:2–3)

We will conclude today by praying the Mem stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 97-104 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 Cl...

Today is day 317 and we are studying The Seventh Commandment.

317. What is the seventh commandment?

The seventh commandment is “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18; see also Proverbs 6:32; Hebrews 13:4)

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 Comm...

Today is day 316 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

316. How else can you obey this commandment?

As a witness to the Gospel and a follower of Christ, I can also keep this commandment by forgiving those who wrong me, patiently refraining from ungodly anger and hateful words; defending the unborn, vulnerable, and oppressed; rescuing those who harm themselves; and seeking the well-being of all. (Psalm 37:5–11;

Zechariah 7:8–14; Matthew 5:38–48; Ephesians 4:25–5:2; James 1:27)

We will conclude today by praying Proper 14 found on page 618 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 315 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

315. How did Christ cause life to flourish?

Jesus sought the well-being of all who came to him: he healed the sick, fed the hungry, cast out demons, raised the dead, preached good news, forgave his enemies, and offered his life to redeem ours. (Isaiah 53:4–5; Matthew 4:13–17; Luke 4:17–21; 7:20–22; 23:32–34; Acts 10:34–42)

We will conclude today by praying Proper 24 found on page 621 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 314 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

314. How should Christians understand the value of life?

There are circumstances in which justice, the protection of the weak and defenseless, and the preservation of life may require acts of violence. It is the particular task of government to uphold these principles in society. However, our Lord calls us to show mercy and to return evil with good. (Numbers 35:9–34; Matthew 5:43–45; Romans 12:17–21; 13:1–4; Articles of Religion 37)

We will conclude today by praying the Lamedh Stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 89-96 found on page 433 of the Book...

Today is day 313 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

313. Is it always wrong to harm or kill another?

There are circumstances in which justice, the protection of the weak and defenseless, and the preservation of life may require acts of violence. It is the particular task of government to uphold these principles in society. However, our Lord calls us to show mercy and to return evil with good. (Numbers 35:9–34; Matthew 5:43–45; Romans 12:17–21; 13:1–4; Articles of Religion 37)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 27.For the Peace of the Whole World found on page 654 of the Book...

Today is day 312 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

312. Is anger always sinful?

While godly anger is a just response to wickedness and injustice, we are more often led into ungodly anger by fear, pride, and revenge. We should therefore be slow to anger and quick to forgive. (Psalm 103:8–9; Proverbs 15:18; 16:32; 19:11; Micah 7:18; John 2:13–17; Ephesians 4:26–27, 31–32; James 1:19–20)

We will conclude today by praying the Kaph Stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 81-88 found on page 433 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 311 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

311. How did Jesus extend the law against murder?

Jesus taught that this commandment also forbids the vice of ungodly anger. A murderous heart can lead to hatred, threatening words, violent acts, and murder itself, and is counter to God’s life-affirming love. (Leviticus 19:17–18; Matthew 5:21–22, 43–45; 15:18–20; 1 John 3:15)

We will conclude today by praying Proper 20 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 310 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

310. What other actions are considered murder?

Genocide, infanticide, abortion, suicide, and euthanasia are all forms of murder. Sins of murderous intent include physical and emotional abuse, abandonment, willful negligence, and wanton recklessness. (Exodus 1:15–22; 21:28–30; 2 Kings 17:16–18; Psalm 139:13–16; Amos 1:13–15; Acts 9:1–2; Didache 2.2)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 44.In Times of Social Conflict or Distress found on page 659 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 309 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

309. Why does God prohibit murder?

Because every human being is made in God’s image, all human life is sacred, from conception to natural death. Therefore, I may not take the life of others unjustly. (Genesis 9:6; Deuteronomy 19:4–13; Psalm 94:1–7; Isaiah 46:3–4; Romans 12:19–21)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 43.For Social Justice found on page 659 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 308 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

308. What is murder?

Murder is the willful and unjust taking of human life. (Genesis 4:1–10; Deuteronomy 19:4–13; Acts 7:54–8:3)

We will conclude today by praying Yodh stanza of Psalm 119 which is verses 73-80 found on page 432 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 o...

Today is day 307 and we are studying The Sixth Commandment.

307. What is the sixth commandment?

The sixth commandment is “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17)

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 Common Prayer (2019), created by the Angl...

Today is day 306 and we are studying The Fifth Commandment.

306. Does earthly authority have limits?

Yes. All authority comes from God, the King of kings, who expects me to love, honor, and obey him above all earthly authorities whenever they command me to sin. (Exodus 1:15–21; Daniel 3:4–6,16–18; Matthew 23:1–4; Acts 5:27–29; Revelation 18:1–4)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 37.For the President and All in Civil Authority found on page 657 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 305 and we are studying The Fifth Commandment.

305. What blessings result from obeying the fifth commandment?

Submission to God’s appointed earthly authorities helps me to resist pride and grow in humility, and promotes the justice and peace (shalom)of society in which human life flourishes. (Exodus 20:12; 1 Chronicles 29:23; Proverbs 10:17; Romans 13:1–4; Hebrews 13:17)

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

Today is day 304 and we are studying The Fifth Commandment.

304. How else do you love God in light of the fifth commandment?

I also keep the fifth commandment by showing respect for teachers and elders; by obeying, as far as is lawful, those who hold authority in the Church, my employment, and civil government; and by conducting myself in all things with reverent humility before God and my neighbor. (Exodus 22:28; Matthew 22:15–22; Romans 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–2; 5:1–4; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 2:13–15; Articles of Religion, 37)

We will conclude today by praying the Teth Stanza of Psalm 119 (verses 65-72) found on page 432 o...

Today is day 303 and we are studying The Fifth Commandment.

303. How did Jesus keep the fifth commandment?

As a child, Jesus obeyed Joseph and Mary; on the Cross, he provided for his mother by entrusting her to his disciple’s care; in his life, he obeyed the lawful requirements of the civil and religious

authorities; and in all things he sought to do his Father’s will. (Luke 2:39–52; John 10:22–39; 19:25–27

)We will conclude today by praying Proper 1 found on page 615 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 302 and we are studying The Fifth Commandment.

302. How should parents treat their children?

Earthly fathers and mothers should represent to their children the loving care of our heavenly Father by nurturing and protecting them, teaching and modeling to them the Christian faith and life, guiding and assisting them in education, and encouraging them in their lives and vocations. (Genesis 48:8–16; Deuteronomy 6:4–7; Proverbs 19:18; 22:6; Matthew 3:13–17; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; 1 Timothy 5:8)

We will conclude today by praying a prayer For Children found on page 77 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 301 and we are studying The Fifth Commandment.

301. What does it mean to honor your father and mother?

I should love, serve, respect, and care for my parents all their lives, and should obey them in all things that are reasonable and conform to God’s Law. (Genesis 45:7–13; Proverbs 6:20–22; 20:20; 23:22; Ephesians 6:1–3; Colossians 3:20)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 65.For Families found on page 666 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 300 and we are studying The Fifth Commandment.

300. What is the Fifth commandment?

The fifth commandment is “Honor your father and your mother.” (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16)

We will conclude today by praying the Decalogue found on page 10 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 Common Prayer (2019), created by t...

Today is day 299 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

299. How does keeping the Sabbath help you to grow in Christ?

As I keep a weekly day of rest and worship, my faith in God my Creator is strengthened, my hope in God my Provider is renewed, and my love for God my Redeemer is deepened. (Exodus 16:1–30; Psalm 127:1–2; Hebrews 10:19–25)

We will conclude today by praying Prayer 88.For Daily Growth found on page 672 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 298 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

298. What does the Sabbath teach you about time?

Through an ordered life of weekly worship and rest throughout the Christian year, and by a regular pattern of daily prayer, I learn that time belongs to God and is ordered by him. (Genesis 1:14–15; Leviticus 23; Psalms 92:1–4; 119:164; Acts 3:1; Hebrews 10:25)

We will conclude today by praying Part III and Doxology of Canticle 10 found on page 88 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 297 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

297. Why does the Church worship on the first day of the week rather than the seventh?

The earliest Christians came to observe Sunday as “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10)for their primary day of worship in remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week. (Luke 24:1–7; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Didache 14.1; Ignatius of Antioch,

Letter to the Magnesians 9)

We will conclude today by praying a Collect for Strength to Await Christ's Return found on page 22 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If y...

Today is day 296 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

296. What does this commandment teach you about work?

My work is a gift of God that can grant me provision and satisfaction, and serve the common good, but it neither defines my life nor rules over it. I am thereby freed from resentment and sloth to work diligently and with joy for God’s glory. (Genesis 2:15; Exodus 20:9–11; Psalm 128; Proverbs 6:6–11; 12:11–14; 16:3; Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:23–24)

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

If you would...

Today is day 295 and we are studying The Fourth Commandment.

295. How do you keep the Sabbath?

I cease from all unnecessary work; rest physically, mentally, and spiritually; and join with my family and church in worship, fellowship, and works of love. (Psalm 92; Isaiah 58:13–14; Matthew 12:12; Colossians 2:16–23)

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).

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

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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).

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

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.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.<...

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...