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APOSTLES' Creed (IV)
Page 1
Notes by:  Fred Schwenk


The basic creed of Reformed churches, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles' Creed.  It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament.


I believe in GOD, the FATHER ALMIGHTY, the CREATOR of heaven and earth, and in JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, our LORD:  Who was conceived of 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 arose again from the dead.  HE ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of GOD the FATHER ALMIGHTY, whence HE shall come 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 life everlasting.  Amen.

*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.


We continue our journey into the Basic Principles of the Christian Faith. These beliefs are fundamental to our salvation. Although the Church of JESUS CHRIST on earth today is quite fragmented, there are several teachings (doctrines) that are common to all true believers.  We will look at these doctrines one by one in the hopes of strengthening our "like precious faith!"


The holy *catholic' church.




Supporting Scripture:   Matthew 16:18


"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

 

Short disclaimer:  The word "catholic" here means universal.  The Apostle's Creed was penned several hundred years before the Roman Catholic church came into being.  Now, no "catholic bashing" here.  Personally I despise all denominations.  They are divisions in HIS Church and therefore fall into direct conflict with JESUS plan that HIS Church would be One!  But, know this . . .   There are saved and unsaved people sitting in all denominations!  We must be very careful how we walk and talk in this regard.

That being said, on we go.  JESUS means for HIS church to be two things - One and Many!  From all over the world (in JESUS' Perspective) men and women come to saving knowledge of HIM.  When they do, they are in the Church.  The True Church is made up of everyone in history that names the Name of JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR!

HIS requirements for HIS Church are that simple.  Believe and Accept HIM!  This is not just to say the words, but to believe in the heart.  What is the difference?  Heaven or hell!  Big difference.

What are the membership benefits?  HE provides everything we need via the HOLY SPIRIT for our lives to be lived in such a way that we will arrive in heaven one day!  Will HE lose any?  Not a chance.  HE is the Lost Sheep Catcher!

Isn't that wonderful?  Actually, though we take so much for granted, it is the most wonderful thing there is in this life!  No matter how you may feel, if you name JESUS as SAVIOR, HE takes it as HIS duty to pull you through!  HE has the will to do so, the power to do so, the authority to do so, and the resources to do so!

So . . . .  as our SAVIOR said . . .  "Fear Not!"  (HE said that a lot).  True "Church Membership" is universal.  The child in Malaysia, the woman in Canada, the Man in the UK . . .   They are your fellow Church members!  They are struggling like you (because we live in an adversarial world) and they are blessed like you (because they serve the Risen SAVIOR!)

So let's all park our differences and let the fullness of CHRIST'S Universal Church surround our lives continually!


NEXT:

 

 


The communion of saints.



 


 

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