I Believe

June 13: I Believe

“I believe” may seem to carry a connotation of personal truth in a very relative world. Yet, when we say, “I believe” as Christians, there is a far stronger, far deeper connotation. We profess our confidence in the truths of the Bible. We take our stand on these words from our lips, because of the conviction of our very hearts and souls. What is The Apostles Creed? Who wrote it? When did it show up? Well, look at the history behind the creed and why it’s still relevant for us today. The creed provides symmetry and clarity, a sense of community, and informs our counsel and witness because it is a reflection of God’s Word.

June 20: Father Almighty

We believe there is only one God, who has been and will always be. He exists in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and He created everything. This truth gives us incredible comfort and promises on which we can rely. It also calls us to worship and honor him alone as the God of all creation. God is both infinitely powerful and intensely personal.

June 27: Christ the Son

We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, and He is both fully God and fully human. This confession of the person of Jesus Christ is so important because it wages war on hell itself. It is the assault against Satan, his temptations, the accusations he hurls at us, and the very prison to which he would enslave us. All because Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. So we combat the notions of materialism – I don’t need stuff, I need Jesus. We combat the notions of individualism because Jesus has bought me with his blood.

July 4: Conceived by the Holy Spirit

We believe Jesus was born of a virgin, Mary, and His birth came about through the workings of the Holy Spirit. We have the opportunity to look at a familiar narrative, but apart from all the trappings of modern, worldly Christmas. While those celebrations and embellishments of the season are enjoyable and serve a good purpose, as we look at the miracle of Christ’s birth apart from them we are better able to witness the wonder and awe of Jesus’ incarnation.

July 11: Suffered, Died, and Buried

We believe Jesus died as the sacrificial substitute to pay the penalty for sin. He truly suffered and died on the cross for us and was buried in a tomb. The historical, spiritual, and biblical truths of the cross assault our intellect and reason. Through our confession of faith, we reject the intellectualism that has become the god of our age.

July 18: Descended and Rose Again

We believe Christ experienced death with us and for us. He descended into the grave but He defeated death and was resurrected. The creed reminds us that the war is over. Victory is complete. Let’s remember to live in such victory, and carry ourselves with the triumph of Christ – his triumph over sin, death, hell, and Satan.

July 25: Ascended Into Heaven

We believe Jesus went to heaven after His resurrection. He rules and reigns over all things with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Are we there yet? As Christians, we certainly have a longing for heaven. We long for the complete removal of sin from our life and the lives of those around us – its consequences and its nature. Perhaps because we long and trust, we also grow impatient with God’s timetable. The creed gives us the symmetry we need to both long for heaven, and accept God’s work and wisdom in our present circumstances.

August 1: Judge the Living and the Dead

We believe Jesus will return and judge the sin of each person. Believers should prepare for and eagerly await this second coming. While our confession is of truth, it is belief in the truth God has revealed. We don’t insist on all the details, but rely on the wisdom of God in his plan.

August 8: The Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is living and working in the heart of every believer. No one can know Jesus Christ except by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit makes known an optimism that transcends our experience as he brings Christ’s peace and Christ’s presence.

August 15: Communion of Saints

We believe the universal Church contains all Christian believers, spanning the time of the early church to today. The creed reminds us that the life of a Christian is one that desires community with other believers.

August 22: Forgiveness of Sins

We believe only through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ and repentance from sin can one be reconciled to God and experience true life and joy. The beauty of God’s grace allows us to openly admit our failings and weaknesses, relying on a God who is full of compassion and grace.

August 29: The Resurrection and Life

We believe there will be a future physical resurrection of the dead for those who turn from sin and to Jesus. Those who believe will be raised to eternal reward. We hope for many things, yet there must be some ultimate hope that provides the drive to propel us forward each and every day. For those who confess the words of the creed, that hope is the resurrection and the life everlasting.

September 5: Amen

We believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises. Through Him, we utter our Amen to God.
The creed summarizes the many promises God has made to us. It’s appropriate we conclude with our “Amen.” In the end, we are still and know that our Lord is God. In the end, we have confidence in his promises because of Christ.