I Believe...Help my Unbelief

BELONG
Begin tonight with a time of prayer. Invite anyone who is comfortable join in and say a prayer.

GROW
Tonight will be a little different. Instead of a straightforward “bible study” we’ll be do a “creed study.” To begin, share if you have any familiarity with the creed, or if this to totally new. Either way, we are starting with the basics tonight. If someone in your group is knowledgeable about the creed, feel free to give a little background lesson.

The Apostle’s Creed, from the Book of Common Prayer
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 into hell.
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.

(* “catholic” does not refer to the denomination, Catholic, but to the “universal” or “Christian” church.)

While the creed is not in the bible, is has been used by Christians since roughly the late second century. The version used here is what was settled upon about the year 750. This basic form of the Creed is embraced by Orthodox, Catholic and most Protestant churches.

• Do you find think the antiquity of the creed makes it all the more acceptable, or irrelevant?
• What are some of the possible benefits, and possible problems, of using the Creed?
• In your own words share how the creed might help to DEFINE your belief…
• DEFEND your belief…
• DIRECT your belief…

There is too much in the Creed to do a bible study of each and every proposition. But, if there is time, you can discuss any points which you find particularly helpful, or particularly troublesome in the Creed.

The challenge in the worship service was to embrace Martin Luther’s advice and repeat the Creed 8 times every day. Will you take the challenge?

REACH
Next Sunday we will look at the first step of belief in the life of the disciples of Jesus- the step to simply follow.