Today, I am beginning a new series on thinking through ‘spirituality’ and the church. So, please catch the other 5-10 blogs on the subject that are coming. In part, this blog is meant to be something that can enhance our senses of discernment. There is so much passed under the guise of ‘spiritual’ or even sometimes ‘Christian’ that easy acceptance takes place of things that really should not be so easily accepted.
That is why we need to get immersed in the Bible as well as early Christian Tradition. We have had a busy year, with many guests and some great times. Still, that has brought many questions regarding how God operates in our own times. Some of this has to do with the ‘gifts of the spirit’ and some of this has more to do with favorite language choices and various strands of Christian culture. Still, let’s get back to our sources and see the way ahead. All of these upcoming posts are meant to bring Christians to a new level of thinking. That at the end, we would not just accept the fluff that is seen on Christian television or that is sometimes paraded in the pulpits.
In a sense, I think Christians need to get involved again in the Theology of the Creeds. Whether it is the Rule of Faith from Irenaeus and Tertullian in the 2nd and 3rd Centuries, the Apostles Creed spanning several centuries, or the Nicene Creed which was formulated in the 4th century, Creedal Christianity needs a comeback! No, I am not saying that we all have to confess the Creeds every single Sunday. What I am saying is that they represent the very center of what makes Christianity… well Christianity.
They protect the faithful, from every wind and wave of doctrine from every preacher, teacher, and so called prophet that wants to take the church in their own particular direction. As someone who has literally spent thousands of hours studying the Bible and the ancient church (and have much much more to go), it is sometimes sad to see God’s people fall into the same old errors and struggles that the early Christian communities did.
That is why I am saying enough is enough! I will stand for the creed, which is faithful to the center of Biblical Christianity, over and against any pet-project from anyone else. So, to begin this series…let’s make our confession.
Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen
In Christ
Pastor Isaac
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