Apostles' Creed: An Introduction

A creed is a formal statement of core beliefs or guiding principles. Often a creed is composed of ‘I Believe’ statements and these statements could and should lead to actions informed by the creed. Living out the actions resulting from the creed tells outside observers who we are. The Apostles’ Creed is neither written in the bible, nor was it written by Apostles. However, it is an encapsulation of the entire bible, and captures the Triune nature of God. There are three articles in the Apostles’ Creed, each starting with an ‘I believe’ statement.

 

Today’s message is brought to us by Pastor Jason, and the scripture reading comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Chapter 2, verses 5 - 11.  After Jason’s message, Pastor Tania leads the congregation in the Ionian Creed.

 

Ionian Creed:

We believe that God is present in the darkness before the dawn; in the waiting and uncertainty where fear and courage join hands. Conflict and caring link arms, and the sun rises over barbed wire. We believe in a with-us God who sits down in our midst to share our humanity.

We affirm a faith that takes us beyond a safe place: into action, into vulnerability and onto the streets.

We commit ourselves to work for change and put ourselves on the line; to bear responsibility, take risks, live powerfully and face humiliation; to stand with those on the edge; to choose life and be used by the Spirit for God’s new community of hope. Amen