August 30, 2017 Wednesday

            The pain is back and so is the weariness that can knock me off my feet like a wave.  But I still get some things done to help out.  I wish I could do more but I just have to do as much as I can.  If I do not keep going one day I may not be able to do.

            I find such solace in listening to the Bible and in my time of prayer with My Love.  The time that I spend with God is a time of great peace and comfort when God allows me to rest with Him and renews my strength.  Often this is the only time when the pain and weariness fall from me and enables me to keep going.

Session 7

The Apostles Creed Study

1.      he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

“"Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.” (Acts 2:33 NKJV)

            There is such an important message that comes from the Descension and Ascension of Jesus and that is there is nowhere we can go that God is not there, has gotten the victory and can get us through.

            Even if we were to somehow get into hell itself God would be there to set us free and bring us back!  By His life, death and resurrection Jesus has assumed all power over all things and NOTHING or NO ONE can stand before Him!  As scripture says:

“38  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 NKJV)

            But we can choose heaven or hell for ourselves.  For Jesus opened the gates of hell and many still are there!  Maybe that is why Jesus holds the key to the bottomless pit.  Some would go there to get away from God even now!

Why is the Ascension of Jesus important?  Why did Jesus have the Apostles witness His Ascension?

What does it mean that Jesus is seated?

What does it mean that Jesus is at the “right hand of the Father”?

August 29, 2017 Tuesday

            Rested better and feel some better today.  The pain is more manageable and I am able to get on top of it.  I was able to help out some and wrote some cards. I am trying to answer the many Birthday cards that so many people sent me.  Got cards from Asbury, Church Hill First, McKendree and First Jefferson City. 

            It was such a blessing to be remembered by so many people in so many places.  When I get to feeling I am cut off it seems I get a card, a call or a text to tell me we are remembered.  God is so good in how He provides for even the simplest things in our lives.

August 28, 2017 Monday

            Bonnie asked me how much I was hurting on Sunday and I told her of a number between 0 and 10 it was a 15.  It wasn’t that one place hurt more it was that every place hurt more.  The pain rolled away the weariness and came close to plowing me under.  There is increasing pain in my neck and it seems there is a small knot at the back of my neck near the skull.

            It seems that the bad days are turning into bad weeks.  I am having trouble keeping my mind on topic and keeping up reaching out to others.  I am also struggling to keep up with my prayer time.

            But I know God is so good and often I experience His love and presence.  I trust My Love to see me through.

Session 6

The Apostles Creed Study

1.      he descended to the dead.  On the third day he rose again;

“7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." 9 (Now this, "He ascended"  — what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)” (Ephesians 4:7-10 NKJV)

            What happened during the 3 days Jesus was in the tomb?  Did Jesus sleep and prepare for resurrection like a butterfly?  Most people probably don’t even think about what happened.  As humans we skip the story and go straight to the end.  We peek and miss the full story.

            Because we are linear (time flows steadily in one direction) we often miss the fullness of God’s work which is outside of time and not limited by time!

            The death and resurrection of Jesus like the arms of the cross reaches back as well as forward in time.  Jesus would have descended to hell to offer the cross and resurrection which was available to all.  In Revelation 9:1 and 20:1 we are told about a key to the bottomless pit.  It is part of Christian teaching that Jesus took the keys of hell from Satan so anyone who wanted could be set free and now we see the Angel with the key of the bottomless pit. 

            Jesus came to fulfill the promise to Adam and Eve that Satan’s head or power would be destroyed and the promise of Isaiah that Jesus would “proclaim liberty to the captives” and that the prison doors would be opened!

“"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” (Isaiah 61:1 NKJV)

Why do you think Jesus descended to the dead?

Why did Jesus lie in the grave three days?

Why does it say Jesus rose again?

August 26, 2017 Saturday

            Rested well last night but am still weary.  When I take both the afternoon and evening medications later I seem to rest longer and have fewer disruptions.  But I still am so weary and weak.  It is harder to do my exercise and to walk.

            Getting out earlier in the week with Bonnie helped.  It is so good to have a park so close and be able to get out with little pain.  Even though this place is very small we are talking about if we stay here it will free up more money to be able to help others.  We are used to making do wherever we are so that is not a problem.  But if staying here means we can make God smile that is a great thing.

August 27 Romans 12:1-8 Transformed by mercy

God’s mercy transforms us to serve God, each other and the lost!                         Psalter reading Psalm 138:1-8

A Psalm of David. I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You. 2I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. 3In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul. 4All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD, When they hear the words of Your mouth. 5Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, For great is the glory of the LORD. 6Though the LORD is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar. 7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. 8The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. Psalm 138:1-8 NKJV

1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:1-8 NKJV

In the Church we are fond of talking about salvation but not transformation.  Many seem to believe Jesus died to save us but in reality salvation is the method by which God makes us ready for transformation so that we can have a relationship with God for which He created us.

How does God transform us?  Paul tells us that god begins by the renewing of our mind.  Our part is to cut out ties to the world we live in and live for the World we are heading for through god’s grace and salvation.

By being conformed to God rather than the world and the transformation of our minds by God changes our life.

We understand and seek to live the perfect will of God

Understand our place before God and others

To think soberly

Receive the measure of faith we need

Understand our gifts and our place in God’s Body

Allow God to transform your life and discover the joy of dwelling in the presence of God in this world in preparation for living with God in the next!!!

August 25, 2017 Friday

            Today was draggy and very hard for me.  I was so weak and even found reading fiction a burden.  The pain has become weaker but more spread out.  I seem to hurt everywhere and my skin seems to not only hurt but not fit right.

            Bonnie had to do more for me today but I did as much as I could.  The day will come when I will have to depend on them but the more I do now the longer till that day comes.

            We did two devotions to try to catch up.  Our time of devotions and prayer is a very sweet time and such a comfort and blessing to our souls.  We are so dependent upon God’s grace and provision.  And My Love has overwhelmed us with His love!

Session 5

The Apostles Creed Study

1.      suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;

“22 Then he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go." 23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. 25 And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will.” (Luke 23:22-25 NKJV)

            It often is lost on us the deep irony that the evil Roman Governor Pontius Pilate wanted to release Jesus because he thought Jesus didn’t deserve death, but it was Jesus’ own people who forced Pilate’s hand.  Pilate would try to wash those hands but there is not enough water in the world to wash away our sin.  There is a story that in years to come Pilate would go mad and would wash his hands over and over until they bled.  True or not it speaks to guilt which we all bear for the death of Jesus.

            It would be Pilate who would allow Jesus to be buried which was not usual for those who were crucified. They were usually left on the cross to be an example to others and food for the carrion unless there was a religious celebration and then the bodies would be thrown in Gehenna the local burning garbage pit which is where the name for hell came. 

But Pilate would allow the burial of Jesus and because of that we can know of the resurrection of Jesus because the stone was rolled away.

Pilate connects Jesus to a time in history and to the Gentile world Jesus came to save!  If Pilate received the forgiveness of Jesus he didn’t need to wash his hands because Jesus would have cleansed him!

Who is really guilty of the death of Jesus?

What is the meaning to Barabbas (means son of father) being released rather than Jesus?

What do you think the phrase “but he delivered Jesus to their will.” Means?

What is the importance that Pilate allowed Jesus to be buried?

August 24, 2017 Thursday

            Weak and feel very hot.  It is hard to explain that I can feel like I have a terrible fever and my temperature can be below normal but it happens and often lasts for weeks at a time.  It leaves me so weary and can be painful.

            Bonnie and I had our devotion and prayer time for the first time in awhile.  One of the Hymns is His Eye is on the Sparrow.  “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free.  For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”  Got a text from Rev Underwood and shared this with him.  God is so good and His blessings are moment by moment.

            Bonnie and I were talking and I realized that pain can be so bad that it is easy to lose today and get lost in the past.  I wonder if you get so caught in the pain if that doesn’t make you open to dementia as you draw back into what we often think of as “better times”.

            Bonnie and I went on a date at the park near Love’s Creek.  She got food at the Philippine Connection.  It was a good time and good to be out of the house.

August 23, 2017 Wednesday

            It was hard to get up this morning but when I did I felt better.  Bonnie has gone to New Hopewell School to welcome the kids to school.  This is a new ministry of Asbury.

            Bonnie and Rebecca went to Morristown and got back in time for supper.  Then Bonnie took supper to Mom.  Bonnie had a busy day.

            I was able to do some laundry, the first thing I have been able to do for awhile.  Very weak and moving slow.  But I trust in My Love and my redeemer!

August 22, 2017 Tuesday

            Awoke very weary and weak.  Plumbers came by to fix sink.  Blue van taken to Kerr’s for repair.  Seems like old days as they kept our older cars on the road when we served Asbury.

            Listened to David Suchet read Ezekiel 11-19.  I was able to read a mystery book so I am starting to be able to read at least light reading.  I hope my mind is clearing.  Or maybe I am getting used to where I am.     

            Ate lightly today as my stomach is not well.  Not sure if this is from the disease or from meds.  God is my hope and my salvation. My Love is the joy of my heart and His joy gives me strength.  My Love may how I bear this bring glory to You and make You smile!

Session 4

The Apostles Creed Study

1.      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,

“30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 "And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." 34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" 35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:30-35 NKJV)

            It seems so strange to us.  It seems almost wrong.  God sets up that a man and woman are to come together in marriage so that they can become the Image of God (Imago Deo) and “create” a new life together and a new life in a new person.   And at the most important birth in history God deviates.  Why?

            It really is very simple; Jesus had to be fully human through Mary and fully God through the Holy Spirit.  Jesus had to be human to reign on the throne of King David and be the promised seed God’s people had long been waiting for who would be struck by the serpent (satan) and would step on the head of the serpent. 

            To be the Holy and pure sacrifice Jesus had to be able to be tempted by sin but not sin which is impossible for someone who is only human or only God.  So Jesus was able to conquer sin in His life so He could pay for our sin by offering His life as a holy sacrifice for us!

So often the Bible uses terms we do not understand, what does conceive mean?

Where in the Bible does it say that the Seed of the woman would step on the head of satan?

Why was a “holy sacrifice” needed for us?

Is Jesus becoming 100% man and 100% God something permanent?

Why do you think this is true?

August 21, 2017 Monday

            I slept a little better last night and pain is a little better this morning.  Pain is usually a little better in the morning and seems to gain momentum as the day passes.  I usually try to do things in the morning when I feel better. 

            Today will be a busy day with a clogged drain and garbage disposal and Bonnie taking Mom to the dentist.  We still have the broken alternator on one of the vans.  As a quote from a lady Bonnie likes says, “Life is just so daily.”  Or as God expresses and I paraphrase today’s trouble is enough to deal with today.

August 20 Romans 11:29-32 Revelatory judgment

Judgment is God calling us back to His grace for all.

                                      Psalter reading Psalm 67:1-7

To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments.  A Psalm. A Song. God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah 5Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. 7God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.  Psalm 67:1-7 NKJV

29For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.         Romans 11:29-32 NKJV

Judgment is a word we fear.  Many will slow down when they see a Police car, even if they are not speeding.  God does judge, and He judges righteously.  So often we use terms and don’t know what they mean.  Righteous is often defined using itself.  In the Old English it means rightwise and means walking in the right path.  It also carries the meaning of turning right and also moving in a clockwise manner. 

What part does this play in the gifts and calling of God? 

Judgment is God’s response to our sin.  When we sin we are diverted from God’s will and so our very calling changes and so our gifts much also change.

God used the sin of Israel and His judgment of them to set the stage for the First Coming of Jesus and to expand salvation to the entire world.  By this God completed the calling He had placed upon Israel in spite of them.

So now Jesus lived out God’s calling perfectly for us though we will live that out imperfectly as well.  So as we sin and turn from God’s will and calling God changes and adjusts our calling.  But God will also adjust the calling of others to see His will accomplished.

While this sounds as though God adjusts to our human whims and foibles nothing can be farther from the truth.  God knows all that is and all that will be.  Standing outside of time God has prepared each of us for His mission. 

Knowing what will be, God is able to still allow us the freedom of choice to live in God’s will and calling.  All “adjustments” are already within God’s calling in others.

God is able to work not just in spite of our sins and failings but actually through them so that we can receive mercy and help others discover Him and His mercy for them!

Discover the glory of God in that He not only created everything “very good” but is able to recycle the mess we make of ourselves and creation!

August 19, 2017 Saturday

            Today is so bad.  Typing this later.  Weariness like a pall, like a weighted cloak that makes each step and each thought something to be fought for.  Spent the day is bed and didn’t sleep until weariness overcame the pain.  My Love reminds me that I am loved and that so many are praying.  Even if you are cut off worse than I am God keep us as part of His Body and we join in it through worshipping Our Love and through prayer.

August 18, 2017 Friday

            Today is a little better though I didn’t sleep well.  Bonnie and I did our devotion and the hymn was the first one Bonnie learned to play.  It seems to be getting harder and the bad times are getting longer and the good times are not only getting shorter but not as good.

            This last time I really struggled to pray and that makes everything even worse.  My time with God is a time to refresh and renew and for My Love to re create me.  I can face anything if I can just spend time with My Love.

            When this all started to get bad twice I asked My Love to take it away.  I was so glad to be at First where I believed I could minister at my fullest.  But My Love told me that He would heal me through it and not from it.  About 40 years ago My Love healed me from a terminal blood disease so I really can’t complain.  Every day, no matter how bad, is a gift from My Love and I try to use it to glorify Him and make Him smile!

August 17, 2017 Thursday

            Finally the cloud breaks a little and I just feel bad which is good because we are going to celebrate Jonathan’s Birthday today, a day early.

            Bonnie and I had three devotions to catch up.  I read the Bible today for the first time in awhile.  I have been listening to the NIVUK which is read by David Suchet who has a wonderful reading voice.  This is my second time through the Bible this year.  The only time I did that before was the first year I became a Christian.  But I have plenty of time now.  I am in Jeremiah and I weep with him for the suffering to come.

            The birthday party for Jonathan went well.  Bonnie made scrumptious chicken parmesan and got a red velvet cake which is one of Jonathan’s favorites.  Jonathan is such a blessing and we celebrate the gift he is.  We are blessed with three children who seek the Lord and who seek to bless others.

Session 3

The Apostles Creed Study

1.      I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

“but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31 NKJV)

            There is so much in this short verse about Jesus and who He is.

Jesus is the Christ – He is the foretold and awaited Messiah who would come to recover and redeem all God created.

Jesus is the only Son of God – He is of the same nature and existed before time and was involved in the creation of all that is like the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Since Jesus is a Son we are made aware of the different workings of God and that there is a different relationship in the three persons of the Trinity.  Perhaps Jesus is referred to as a Son since He is the only Person of the Trinity to become human.  (Jesus is totally human and totally God.)

Jesus is our Lord – The first affirmation of faith of those who followed Jesus was simply “Jesus is Lord.”  When trouble comes why do we blame God?  When we disagree with scripture why is it scripture that always loses?  If Jesus truly is Lord than He not only has the truth, but IS THE TRUTH!  So the affirmation truly is:  “Jesus is Lord, and I am not!”

Even the word “our” shows that through Jesus our connections and relations have been changed since as Jesus is our Lord we join with those who affirm this and claim Jesus as their Lord.

What does the word believe mean?  (Look in a Bible dictionary.)

If “Jesus is Lord, and I am not!” how does that affect the way you live?

If someone asked what it means that Jesus is the only Son of God how would you respond?  (Realize that those who are Jewish, Muslim and Jehovah Witnesses do not believe in the Trinity or that Jesus is the only Son of God.   They see this teaching as heresy.)

Please write who Jesus is to you.  How does that fit with the Creed?

August 16, 2017 Wednesday

            The bad continues.  Slept long but not well.  Mind is very confused and I am not able to read the Bible today.  This is very hard.  Am able to eat more but do not feel very hungry.  Pain is still bad but weariness is worst part of all this.  I am never sure what is the Small Fiber Neuropathy and what is the meds.

            Bonnie taking Mom out and then her and Rebecca will go to a movie tonight.  So glad they can get out and get a break from helping me.  I know they feel guilty but it helps me as they talk about all they did and that they have had a break.

            God is so good.  Even as my mind wanders the Holy Spirit enable me to work on some things and not feel so bad or cut off.  In the midst of the weariness and pain the Holy Spirit calms my soul and is my faith to trust that God is not only with me but will redeem this for His glory!  When God healed me almost 40 years ago I told Him I just wanted my life to bring Glory to Him.  So that is my prayer today and everyday.

Session 2

The Apostles Creed Study

1.      I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

“1 ¶ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 ¶ Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.” (Genesis 1:1-3 NKJV)

            This is not only the first part of the Creed it is the first part of the Bible and the foundation of all of our other beliefs.  Every doctrine of Christianity is founded upon all that is recounted in Genesis 1-11. 

            The word for create is bara which means to create, choose, make, complete and make fat.  Put those words together and what do they tell us about God?

            Today we accept evolution as the mode of “creation” but that is very different from what we see in the Bible.  Evolution is progress by mutation and death while creation is an act of life by a living and loving God.  Evolution can explain how things change, but in truth only God can create ex nihlo (from nothing). 

            There is a story that scientists took dirt, chemicals and with electricity they formed life.  When they called out to God to show what they had done he told them next time to start with their own dirt!  In truth they can’t even form life but just manipulate or evolve it!

            Think about the words “In the beginning”.  That assumes there was a before! That God existed out of time and even created time itself!

            But maybe even more amazing is that this all powerful, creating God is also our Father.  Yes, God is Father Almighty, but this awesome God is also a loving God. This section shows us the balance of God.

Righteous and merciful

Holy and gracious

Powerful and loving

Glorious yet involved

Looking at the meaning of bara write what this tells you about God.

Describe what it means that God is Father and Almighty.

What does it mean to you that God can create ex nihlo (from nothing?

August 15, 2017 Tuesday

            Today is still bad.  Not able to eat much yesterday or today.  Continue to throw up a lot.  Trying to write this is very hard as I can’t seem to keep my mind on anything. 

            God keeps guiding me and helping me as I struggle.  His strength supports me and helps me through each moment. 

            Bonnie and Rebecca continue to be a blessing.  They pick up where I can’t and allow me to do what I can.  The van died as Rebecca was going out and towed back here and they said it is the alternator.  Oh well.

Here is the first session of my Apostles Creed Study.  May it bless you.

The Apostles Creed Study

Ronald Ramsey

Session 1

Introduction to The Apostles Creed Study

Text in Latin

Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae,

et in Iesum Christum, Filium Eius unicum, Dominum nostrum,

qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine,

passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus,

descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis,

ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Patris omnipotentis,

inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos.

Credo in Spiritum Sanctum,

sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem,

remissionem peccatorum,

carnis resurrectionem,

vitam aeternam.

Amen.^[20]

Catholic English version

1. I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

4. Under Pontius Pilate, He was crucified, died, and was buried.

5. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.

6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,

9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,

10. the forgiveness of sins,

11. the resurrection of the body,

12. and the life everlasting.  Amen.

Church of England Book of Common Worship (2000)

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe 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 to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will 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 the life everlasting.  Amen.

            The Apostle’s Creed has long been a bulwark against heresies and sometimes just bad theology.  (Theology means the study of or understanding of God.)  In the 2,000 or so years Christianity has faced thousands upon thousands of incorrect beliefs that threatened to destroy the Church and destroy the Gospel it has been called to preach, teach and live.

            The Apostles Creed is first heard of around 390 in a letter attributed to Ambrose.  "Let them give credit to the Creed of the Apostles, which the Roman Church has always kept and preserved undefiled".  While we are not told what the Creed says it refers to a Creed accepted by all of Christianity.

            The vast majority of Christian denominations accept and uphold the Apostle’s Creed both as part of their liturgy and as a guide to their beliefs.  While the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not directly stated they are implied in the form of the Creed divided by Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is believed to have come from Matthew 28:19.  “"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Mt 28:19 NKJV)

While we do not know how the Creed was formed it obviously is drawn from the Gospels, the rest of the New Testament and the Old Testament.  The Apostle’s Creed is sometimes called the Symbol of the Apostle’s because many believe the 12 parts of the Creed are attributed to the 12 Apostle’s.

Study Sessions

How do we break up the Apostle’s Creed for Study?  We could break it up line by line or try a combination of the two.  Or we could break it up by the Trinity as seen in the Creed itself.

We will break the Apostle’s Creed into 12 parts for our study.  But even as we take each part we must remember the unity of the Creed itself.  Please read the Creed as you prepare for the sessions to come.

If you struggle with a part or with the Creed as a whole please take time to pray and ask God to guide you to what He wants you to learn.