Has anyone ever asked you about what you believe?
Very often what we believe influences how we react, respond, and even exercise our right to vote. The context could be any number of different topics ranging from politics to parenting; from human rights to religion. Some would say that they believe in a higher power, others declare that they do not. The truth is, when it comes to the topic of faith not believing in God is in some sense a belief in and of itself– what you believe is that there is no God. Consider for a moment, if you’re a member of this camp, the possibility that there might be or at least consider getting more information. You really have nothing to lose if you join us and you’ll have a context for future conversations.
Where do we begin?
The earliest followers of Jesus believed that there was a God and that He sent His only son to save us. Others believed that the one to save them hadn’t come yet. The Apostles were undaunted by the opposition and risked their lives to share the news of Jesus with anyone and everyone who would listen. Their early teachings, assembled by the church leaders, became known as the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the
virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He
descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the
forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
There’s a lot to unpack in those statements.
Conceived by the Holy Spirit? That’s a leap of faith right there. (spoiler alert- the jump isn’t as wide as you think) Let’s just be honest. The more you explore God’s Word the more questions you’ll have. (#growth) The good news is that you’ll find even more answers, not just about what you believe but also about how you can live the meaningful life that God intends for you. Sound overwhelming? No worries. Our current series is called “We Believe” and it started the first weekend in August. (You can catch up online!) We’re looking at each statement in the Apostles’ Creed, understanding what it means and how it impacts the way we see the world and ultimately, what we believe.
You may find yourself swirling in a sea of doubt or battling the bruises from past chuch experiences. Both are perfect reasons to join us. In fact, you may be a member of a different faith. You’re more than welcome to come too. Even if you know exactly what you believe, this series will provide great insights for sharing what you believe. Find a time that works for you and join us. It’s time to believe in what you believe.
