THE APOSTLE'S CREED (updated language)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord. He
was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended
into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will
come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the
body, and the life everlasting. AMEN
The Apostle's Creed - in three sections:
I believe in God the Father Almighty.....
I believe in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son....
I believe in the Holy Spirit....
Last week - I believe in the Holy Spirit.
This week the rest of section 3.
Question? Why believe all this? in section 3?
Answer: Because you believe Section 2!! If you believe Section 2, then you must believe section 3. We don't get to pick and choose what we believe.
2 Pet. 1:16-18, 12-15
Point: This is what Jesus taught..., the disciples received...., and the disciples passed on... to us.
So today: "I believe in 1) the holy catholic church and 2) the communion of saints
I. Church - definition: a called out assembly - example: the group that came out of Egypt - church in the wilderness
A. secular - town meeting
B. the Septuagint - it referred to God's people So,
C. Christian - the gathering of Christian believers
Two applications: 1) local 2) universal - which is the focus of the Creed - all believers from all times.
II. Catholic - universal/worldwide. Therefore, the word has a small "c". Does not refer to the denomination. Eph. 4:4-6 - only one true God, one true Lord John 10:16 - only one flock, only one shepherd.
Two parts: 1) visible - present 2) - invisible - before and after the present time
III. Holy - separated, set apart. Example: temple utensils - set apart for a particular purpose.
A. Positional holiness - what you are after accepting Christ
B. Practical holiness - how you should act after accepting Christ
So the church - Matt. 16:18 - (My) church
So..." the universal assembly of God's people ... who He has called out and set apart... in Christ"
IV. Saints - the holy ones. Greek word for saints is closely related to the Greek word for "community of saints"
Saints are the holy ones because they are called out and set apart!!
Holiness is not determined by character conduct but by their calling!!
1 Cor. 1:2
So, Phil. 4:21
The challenge is: because you are a saint, should act like a saint.
V. Communion - fellowship, sharing in common. What we share in common with other believers:
Past - (all sinners & separated from God)
Redemption - (sacrifice of Christ)
Therefore, LORD!!
Doctrine/beliefs (Creed)
Mission - ("make disciples of all nations")
Crisis - (living up to our profession, living the faith.)
Destiny - eternal with God in heaven
So, the Creed, instead of "I believe in the holy catholic Church and the communion of saints" could read, I believe in the Body (of Christ) and the Brotherhood (of Christians)
OBSERVATIONS:
#1. You cannot (legitimately) separate the faith from the church.
Christ established the church, died for the church. The church is His Body, His Bride Acts 9:3-5
Where the faith grows, the church grows, where faith declines, the church declines. So, to those who'd say, "Jesus, yes, Church, No", find NO support in Scripture, tradition, or orthodoxy!!
#2. The local church is the visible expression of the universal church.
Revelation was a message to the church. But, was written to the church individually.
Observation: the local church is seriously flawed. Why??? Sin filled membership, leadership. BUT, that does not negate its validity nor value.
#3. As Christianity does not grow (thrive) apart from the church, so Christians do not grow (thrive) in their Christian life apart from the church.
Application ought to be obvious. IF I believe in the Body and the Brotherhood (the Faith), (ie: beyond intellectual assent, but practically),
THEN - What response is due? today?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Apostle's Creed (5)
(Continuation of study of the Apostle's Creed.)
THE APOSTLE'S CREED (updated language)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN
The Holy Spirit
Section #1 - "I believe in God the Father Almighty Creator of heaven and earth"
Section #2 - "I believe in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son... our Lord"
Today: Section #3 - "I believe in the Holy Spirit"
The word "Credo" (I believe) only occurs three times in the creed - "I believe in the Father/Son, Holy Spirit"
I) who/what is this Holy Spirit?
and,
II) What is His role in relation to us?
I. Who or what is this Holy Spirit?
Answer: He is the Spirit of God/3rd. person of the Godhead 'Ortho' means God is 3 persons/one being/all God/all equal
Yet with distinct roles, offices, personal attributes
Matt. 28:19 - "in the name(s) of" - some groups dunk three times - one each for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - referred to as "dunkards" or: 2 Cor. 13:14
A. The Holy Spirit is God
and
B. the Holy Spirit is 'God with us" today (contrast Jesus then and now. Then He was with them in the flesh, now He's not)
So, if you experience God today, it most likely will be the Holy Spirit, vs. the risen Christ.
II. What is His Role in Relation to us?
Focus on three things: to counsel us, to comfort us, and to convict (convince) us.
John 14:15-20, 25-27, 16:5-16
The text Jesus teaching about the Holy Spirit *before His departure into heaven. *last words! brief/relevant/important! Said He would send a counselor like Himself.
I. The Holy Spirit is the active Presence of God to Counsel us.
John 14:16 - Paraklete. Broad application - He's here to advise/instruct
Jesus' words - "teach, remind, guide, tell, make known"
Recognizing the counsel of the Holy Spirit requires A) exposure to the Word, and B) submission to the Spirit. God has revealed Himself and His will extensively in His Word.
1 Cor. 2:9-12 Nobody can know the mind of God, but we have the Holy Spirit to reveal what's in His Word to us.
II. The Holy Spirit is the Active Presence of God to Comfort us.
John 14:16, 18 - In the King James Version, the word is translated "comforter".
A. The word paraklete can also be translated "helper, encourager, standby"
B. "comforter" fits the context - same word in the Greek
So, how does He comfort?
A. with His presence John 14:16-17
B. with His counsel! Comfort w/o feeling His Presence. IF you know His word(s), care, faithfulness, you can find great comfort the promises found in God's Word. Phil. 4:10-13
III. The Holy Spirit is the Active Presence of God to Convict us.
ie: convince, persuade, bring us around, .... to many things!!!
Example: John 16:8 - (personal) guilt, (availability of righteousness), (coming) judgment
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Counsel, Comfort, Conviction will be directly related to your knowledge of the Word. Rom. 10:17
- what the Holy Spirit works through primarily.
2. Counsel, Comfort, Conviction are functional in proportion to your submission to (openness to) the Holy Spirit. You can know and not submit!! Unless you submit, you will not be counseled, comforted, convicted.
There is a BIG difference between factual belief and practical belief.
THE APOSTLE'S CREED (updated language)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN
The Holy Spirit
Section #1 - "I believe in God the Father Almighty Creator of heaven and earth"
Section #2 - "I believe in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son... our Lord"
Today: Section #3 - "I believe in the Holy Spirit"
The word "Credo" (I believe) only occurs three times in the creed - "I believe in the Father/Son, Holy Spirit"
I) who/what is this Holy Spirit?
and,
II) What is His role in relation to us?
I. Who or what is this Holy Spirit?
Answer: He is the Spirit of God/3rd. person of the Godhead 'Ortho' means God is 3 persons/one being/all God/all equal
Yet with distinct roles, offices, personal attributes
Matt. 28:19 - "in the name(s) of" - some groups dunk three times - one each for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - referred to as "dunkards" or: 2 Cor. 13:14
A. The Holy Spirit is God
and
B. the Holy Spirit is 'God with us" today (contrast Jesus then and now. Then He was with them in the flesh, now He's not)
So, if you experience God today, it most likely will be the Holy Spirit, vs. the risen Christ.
II. What is His Role in Relation to us?
Focus on three things: to counsel us, to comfort us, and to convict (convince) us.
John 14:15-20, 25-27, 16:5-16
The text Jesus teaching about the Holy Spirit *before His departure into heaven. *last words! brief/relevant/important! Said He would send a counselor like Himself.
I. The Holy Spirit is the active Presence of God to Counsel us.
John 14:16 - Paraklete. Broad application - He's here to advise/instruct
Jesus' words - "teach, remind, guide, tell, make known"
Recognizing the counsel of the Holy Spirit requires A) exposure to the Word, and B) submission to the Spirit. God has revealed Himself and His will extensively in His Word.
1 Cor. 2:9-12 Nobody can know the mind of God, but we have the Holy Spirit to reveal what's in His Word to us.
II. The Holy Spirit is the Active Presence of God to Comfort us.
John 14:16, 18 - In the King James Version, the word is translated "comforter".
A. The word paraklete can also be translated "helper, encourager, standby"
B. "comforter" fits the context - same word in the Greek
So, how does He comfort?
A. with His presence John 14:16-17
B. with His counsel! Comfort w/o feeling His Presence. IF you know His word(s), care, faithfulness, you can find great comfort the promises found in God's Word. Phil. 4:10-13
III. The Holy Spirit is the Active Presence of God to Convict us.
ie: convince, persuade, bring us around, .... to many things!!!
Example: John 16:8 - (personal) guilt, (availability of righteousness), (coming) judgment
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Counsel, Comfort, Conviction will be directly related to your knowledge of the Word. Rom. 10:17
- what the Holy Spirit works through primarily.
2. Counsel, Comfort, Conviction are functional in proportion to your submission to (openness to) the Holy Spirit. You can know and not submit!! Unless you submit, you will not be counseled, comforted, convicted.
There is a BIG difference between factual belief and practical belief.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Are You In The Faith?
Review:
The Apostle's Creed is an ancient statement of faith used as a profession and used as a measure.
Note: This isn't all that we believe, but it is a summary of the Essentials.
Touchstone Vs. 2 Cor. 13:5 (a) - "......... test yourselves....."
Focus = "whether IN the FAITH..." ?
(today we leave the content of the Creed and examine "in the Faith".)
4 levels/stages/applications of "in the Faith"
I. Entering the Faith (initial - saved/converted/accept Christ/Receive Christ/born again)
Rom. 10:9-11
A) = personal/choice/Action
B) more than verbal affirmation - this is necessary but not what saves.
So..... 2 Cor. 13:5 (a) - "test.... whether entered........"
II. Standing in (within) the Faith
Boundaries of ortho-doxy - (correct opinion/true doctrine) - what Jesus taught the apostles and the apostles taught the church.
Point: having accepted Christ, are you standing within the teachings of Christ??
Important??? Gal. 1:6-9, 11-12
1 Tim. 6:20 2 Tim. 2:2 Titus 1:9 Titus 2:1
So.... 2 Cor. 13:5 (a) - test and see where you're standing! (we often emphasize standing firm/1st. we should examine where we stand!)
III. Walking in the Faith (practice) Eph. 4:1 (hinge verse)
Point = can enter and stand without practicing!!
Contrast: Positional faith with Practical faith
The need? A) commitment
B) knowledge beyond the Creed
Example: Barna Breakdown
of Americans ........... 85% claim Christianity
(8% Atheist/agnostic --- 7% other faiths)
of self-proclaimed Christians.........
largest segment = "notional Christians" - ie: claim Christianity but without a born again experience/very little knowledge of basic beliefs/no visible commitment to the faith.
next largest segment = Born Again but not evangelical. Believe they have eternal life through Jesus Christ and a born again experience... yet don't necessarily believe in Basic, core doctrines of Scripture.
Smallest segment (of Christians) = Evangelical - Born Again experience and accept Bible as accurate and authoritative = 9% of American people
Question? What portion of that 9% is really attempting to order daily life according to Scripture???
Need??? 1) Commitment (to Christian lifestyle)
2) Knowledge beyond the Creed ("whole counsel of Christianity") - which leads to ...
IV. Representing the Faith - 2 Cor. 5:20
The Apostle's Creed is an ancient statement of faith used as a profession and used as a measure.
Note: This isn't all that we believe, but it is a summary of the Essentials.
Touchstone Vs. 2 Cor. 13:5 (a) - "......... test yourselves....."
Focus = "whether IN the FAITH..." ?
(today we leave the content of the Creed and examine "in the Faith".)
4 levels/stages/applications of "in the Faith"
I. Entering the Faith (initial - saved/converted/accept Christ/Receive Christ/born again)
Rom. 10:9-11
A) = personal/choice/Action
B) more than verbal affirmation - this is necessary but not what saves.
So..... 2 Cor. 13:5 (a) - "test.... whether entered........"
II. Standing in (within) the Faith
Boundaries of ortho-doxy - (correct opinion/true doctrine) - what Jesus taught the apostles and the apostles taught the church.
Point: having accepted Christ, are you standing within the teachings of Christ??
Important??? Gal. 1:6-9, 11-12
1 Tim. 6:20 2 Tim. 2:2 Titus 1:9 Titus 2:1
So.... 2 Cor. 13:5 (a) - test and see where you're standing! (we often emphasize standing firm/1st. we should examine where we stand!)
III. Walking in the Faith (practice) Eph. 4:1 (hinge verse)
Point = can enter and stand without practicing!!
Contrast: Positional faith with Practical faith
The need? A) commitment
B) knowledge beyond the Creed
Example: Barna Breakdown
of Americans ........... 85% claim Christianity
(8% Atheist/agnostic --- 7% other faiths)
of self-proclaimed Christians.........
largest segment = "notional Christians" - ie: claim Christianity but without a born again experience/very little knowledge of basic beliefs/no visible commitment to the faith.
next largest segment = Born Again but not evangelical. Believe they have eternal life through Jesus Christ and a born again experience... yet don't necessarily believe in Basic, core doctrines of Scripture.
Smallest segment (of Christians) = Evangelical - Born Again experience and accept Bible as accurate and authoritative = 9% of American people
Question? What portion of that 9% is really attempting to order daily life according to Scripture???
Need??? 1) Commitment (to Christian lifestyle)
2) Knowledge beyond the Creed ("whole counsel of Christianity") - which leads to ...
IV. Representing the Faith - 2 Cor. 5:20
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Apostle's Creed (3)
THE APOSTLE'S CREED (updated language)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN
The Apostle's Creed is an ancient statement of the Christian Faith. Therefore, it is a personal statement.
Also, it is a time honored standard by which to measure the Faith.
A. to measure the faith of others - "is it Biblical???"
and
B. to measure 'self. 2 Cor. 13:5 (a)
Obviously, Christian faith means belief in God (line one of Creed)
Also, means belief in Jesus - John 14:1
BUT.....what Jesus??? description is not always the same!!
Then, there were gnostics. Now, Mormons, Jehovah Witness, Muslims
So........the Creed is "I believe in Jesus........" - followed by a description of what Jesus we believe in.
We believe in Jesus........
1. The Christ (title) - Messiah, the promised one, the anointed one - non-Christian Jews are still looking for Him.
2. The Only Begotten Son - there are many sons/children of the Lord, but only one like this. He is unique. Different from anything we can attain.
How special???? John 1:1 John 1:14
3. Our Lord - Master, boss, leader, King.... (note plural vs. I believe) Corporate - us.
4. Conceived of the Holy Spirit - the point is not that it was miraculous, but that it was divine!!!
This is about Deity. He has taken the nature of the Father in heaven.
AND,
5. Born of the Virgin Mary - therefore human!!!
Question? How is he both??? Answer: 1 Tim 3:16 (a) - "great mystery"
6. Suffered under Pontius Pilate - for real. A real person in real time in a real way. This is not a myth or story.
7. Crucified, died, buried - He was really dead. So we can see the He OVERCAME death. Victorious.
8. Descended to hell (grave) - ie: experienced death as we do!! Went to the abode of the dead.
1 Pet. 3:18-19
9. He rose again. In body, as predicted, glorified (resurrected) state....
10. Ascended to heaven - literally, visibly. Acts 1:9-10
11. Is seated at the right hand - which means all authority. NOTE: is seated because is Lord!!
12. will come again. The show's not over!!! The Ascension was not the last act! Acts 1:11
13. To judge - A. We'll answer. B. This is the One we'll answer to. Acts 10:42
So, this is the Jesus of the Creed/Apostles/Scriptures/History...
Therefore the Jesus of ORTHODOXY
This is not all we believe about Jesus (there is much, much more) - John 21:25
But, this is a brief summary of the essentials about Jesus.
So, if I believe this..... then I'm IN the faith???
Answer, not necessarily!!!
The Christian faith is more than what you believe about Jesus. It's also that you believe IN Jesus!!
Illustration: A.) Matt. 7:21-23 B.) demons and the creed - not just that we believe the content of the Creed, but, that we trust, cling to, rely upon.
Rom. 10:9-11 - Paul
Again, this is not all we believe about Jesus. But it is the essentials. John 20:30-31
So.......... back to the start - 2 Cor. 13:5
Question: Are you IN the faith?? initially? - have you accepted Jesus as Savior?
practically? attempting to live it
If Not........ would you receive Christ? Confess Christ? Return to Christ? Commit to Christ?
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN
The Apostle's Creed is an ancient statement of the Christian Faith. Therefore, it is a personal statement.
Also, it is a time honored standard by which to measure the Faith.
A. to measure the faith of others - "is it Biblical???"
and
B. to measure 'self. 2 Cor. 13:5 (a)
Obviously, Christian faith means belief in God (line one of Creed)
Also, means belief in Jesus - John 14:1
BUT.....what Jesus??? description is not always the same!!
Then, there were gnostics. Now, Mormons, Jehovah Witness, Muslims
So........the Creed is "I believe in Jesus........" - followed by a description of what Jesus we believe in.
We believe in Jesus........
1. The Christ (title) - Messiah, the promised one, the anointed one - non-Christian Jews are still looking for Him.
2. The Only Begotten Son - there are many sons/children of the Lord, but only one like this. He is unique. Different from anything we can attain.
How special???? John 1:1 John 1:14
3. Our Lord - Master, boss, leader, King.... (note plural vs. I believe) Corporate - us.
4. Conceived of the Holy Spirit - the point is not that it was miraculous, but that it was divine!!!
This is about Deity. He has taken the nature of the Father in heaven.
AND,
5. Born of the Virgin Mary - therefore human!!!
Question? How is he both??? Answer: 1 Tim 3:16 (a) - "great mystery"
6. Suffered under Pontius Pilate - for real. A real person in real time in a real way. This is not a myth or story.
7. Crucified, died, buried - He was really dead. So we can see the He OVERCAME death. Victorious.
8. Descended to hell (grave) - ie: experienced death as we do!! Went to the abode of the dead.
1 Pet. 3:18-19
9. He rose again. In body, as predicted, glorified (resurrected) state....
10. Ascended to heaven - literally, visibly. Acts 1:9-10
11. Is seated at the right hand - which means all authority. NOTE: is seated because is Lord!!
12. will come again. The show's not over!!! The Ascension was not the last act! Acts 1:11
13. To judge - A. We'll answer. B. This is the One we'll answer to. Acts 10:42
So, this is the Jesus of the Creed/Apostles/Scriptures/History...
Therefore the Jesus of ORTHODOXY
This is not all we believe about Jesus (there is much, much more) - John 21:25
But, this is a brief summary of the essentials about Jesus.
So, if I believe this..... then I'm IN the faith???
Answer, not necessarily!!!
The Christian faith is more than what you believe about Jesus. It's also that you believe IN Jesus!!
Illustration: A.) Matt. 7:21-23 B.) demons and the creed - not just that we believe the content of the Creed, but, that we trust, cling to, rely upon.
Rom. 10:9-11 - Paul
Again, this is not all we believe about Jesus. But it is the essentials. John 20:30-31
So.......... back to the start - 2 Cor. 13:5
Question: Are you IN the faith?? initially? - have you accepted Jesus as Savior?
practically? attempting to live it
If Not........ would you receive Christ? Confess Christ? Return to Christ? Commit to Christ?
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