Apostles' Creed (LifeGuide Bible Studies)

McGrath's study of the Apostle's Creed is simple, which is what makes it perfect for newer believers or those who have never studied the biblical basis for the Creed. (IVP actually calls each chapter a separate study, so this thin little booklet is actually identified as 6 studies.) He divides the Creed into 6 sections and then looks at the Scripture that supports each section. He also includes an introduction to the Creed that includes 3 reasons why it's important, a brief history, and a road map for personal or group study. Each chapter includes discussion questions and prayer prompts. In the back, there's a guide for group leaders that includes lesson plans and additional discussion prompts.Apostle's Creed is a Life Guide Bible Study from IVP Connect. IVP sent it to me to consider for review. When it arrived, I had my doubts. I thought it might end up being cheeky, but the information (although short) was good. The questions were open-ended and drove me into deeper thinking. This is my first Life Guide Bible Studies study guide, but I really enjoyed it as a personal study. As a pastor, I can also see how this could make a great study for small groups (or even a teaching or preaching series if you do topical studies).I highly recommend this study guide for group or personal study. I'm considering picking up additional studies from Life Guide the next time I lead a small group at Redeeming Life Church. This series from IVP has hundreds of studies in biblical books as well as hundreds more on various topics (although they are each their own chapters, so probably dozens of multi-chapter books).

Even though I do not belong to a creedal denomination, I have often turned to the creeds and confessions for teaching and guidance in understanding and articulating the Christian faith. This gives a good cursory overview of some of the Apostle's Creed, but there seems to be some content missing. This study should have been eight chapters, not six. Thus, it is with some measure of disappointment, then, that I don't have more encouragement to offer in regard to the offering from IVP Connect regarding the Apostles' Creed.There are a few things to commend about this small bible study guide. First, McGrath does a great job at transitioning the truth of the Scripture that is found in the creed to clear application in his readers life. Nobody will do this Bible study and walk away saying that they simply went through an intellectual exercise.My concern about this is McGrath fails to engage two central concerns of the Creed thoroughly enough. First of all, sufficient attention is not given to the Holy Spirit, in my opinion. Secondly, little attention is given to the statement I find most difficult to justify in Scripture--namely the descent of Christ into hell.