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!"
Supporting
Scripture: Corinthians
11:24
"And when
HE had given thanks, HE
brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is MY
body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of ME."
1
Corinthians 11:25"After
the same manner also HE took the cup, when HE
had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye
drink it, in remembrance of ME."
JESUS
wanted the disciples to remember HIM.
And HE wants you and I to
do so as well. More specifically HE
wants us to remember HIS
sacrifice on the Cross for us. Do you? How often. This
is not so much about the sacrament we perform in the church meetings. It is about
remembering JESUS.
When it came to drinking the cup, HE
said, "As oft as ye drink it . . ." I believe this applies to the bread
too. What we call communion can be thought of as
this. When we join with others who believe like us, and break bread, (eat) we should
remember HIS sacrifice. And this should be done often. This
line in the Apostle's Creed covers breaking bread and fellowship. We have times when
we eat together and times when we join together for the purpose of "taking the LORD'S
Supper." At these times we should be remembering JESUS
and all HE has done. One
step further, please. Every time we eat we should remember HIM.
JESUS wants to give us a
memory key. And food and drink are perfect ones. We eat 3 (or more, counting
snacks) times a day. What more perfect time to take a moment to remember the Cross
and what it has done for us. There must be some reason
for this directive. I believe it is this. The Key to our daily walk is
remembering JESUS and HIS
Sacrifice! If you want to be focused, if you want to be successful in serving HIM,
remember the Cross (preferably with others) as often as 3 times a day. Benefit
list: Forgiveness
Healing
Joy Production
Guilt
Removal
Love for HIM
Love
for Others
Encouragement
More . . . So, let's do
two things . . . . Purpose to meet more with HIS
people and Remember HIM
at least 3 times daily! Can do? Sure you can. The benefits are Awesome!
NEXT:
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