Make-Up:
We ask you to read the material below. The material will include "deep thought", our key words (definition), scripture (link - please read) and some general thoughts. We ask you to read all material and then comment in the comments section. Share one key thought or concept that came to you and how it will make a difference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Article Three
Today was lesson four of the four part series on the Apostle Creed's. This lesson was focusing in on the 3rd Article of the Creed.
Bible Text:
John 14:15–17; Acts 2:1–13
Lesson Focus:
The Holy Spirit nurtures us and advocates for us.
Big Question:
The Holy Spirit works in my life every day?
Key Words:
HOLY SPIRIT, COUNSELOR, PENTECOST, CHURCH
Key Word Definitions
HOLY SPIRIT: the third person of the Trinity, sometimes called the Paraclete.
COUNSELOR: an advisor or teacher.
PENTECOST: the day that comes fifty days after Easter, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the birthday of the church.
CHURCH: The community of believers, or the "community of saints."
Gong Deep
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as his continuing presence with believers. Jesus conferred the Holy Spirit in a resurrection appearance to the disciples and more generally on the day of Pentecost.
According to Acts 2, believers receive the Holy Spirit in baptism. The Spirit gathers and empowers the church with the gospel. The Spirit enlightens believers, reminding them of what Jesus said and continues to teach, testifying on Jesus' behalf, and sanctifying believers by guiding them in the truth, which is Jesus.
This is the same Spirit who conceived Jesus, whom Jesus received in baptism, and by whose power Jesus acts. Jesus understood his vocation as an outpouring of the Spirit in fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.
The Bible refers to God's Spirit with words for breath or wind: in Hebrew rûah, in Greek pneuma, and in Latin spiritus. In creation "a wind from God swept over the face of the waters," and by the breath of God's speaking, God created all that is. God's breath enlivens human beings, and God's Spirit empowers prophets. Prophets anticipated the outpouring of God's Spirit to transform creation, including all people.
The Creed presents the persons of the Trinity separately. The three persons are distinguishable but inseparable. The Spirit is always the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit . . .
• is both identified with Jesus and distinct from Jesus.
• is present with Jesus, comes before Jesus, and comes after Jesus.
• both reminds believers of Jesus' teaching and extends Jesus' teaching.
• both empowers Jesus (Romans 1:4) and is granted and sent by Jesus.
• is both revealed by Jesus and reveals Jesus.
• is both in the church and beyond the church in all creation.
While the Spirit creates, sustains, and dwells among the church, the Spirit is not bound by the church but is present and at work in all that God has made. The church is both a part of creation and a witness to God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—working in all creation.
The Holy Spirit is called paraclete, Greek for "helper," "comforter," or "advocate." The term is court language and refers to the advocate or counsel for the defense as opposed to the complainant or accuser.
In the Large Catechism, Luther wrote more on the third article than on either of the others—twice as much as on the first article, and almost three times as much as on the second. It is ironic that Lutherans have sometimes been chided for their relative inattention to the Holy Spirit. Some Christian groups have historically placed more emphasis on the Holy Spirit. Compared to Lutheran emphasis on justification, primarily the work of Jesus Christ, Methodism puts more emphasis on sanctification, primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, drawing believers "toward the gift of Christian perfection" and nurturing their growth in grace and knowledge realized in practical discipleship .
Showing posts with label apostles creed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apostles creed. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Make-Up: November 14th – Article Two
Make-Up:
We ask you to read the material below. The material will include "deep thought", our key words (definition), scripture (link - please read) and some general thoughts. We ask you to read all material and then comment in the comments section. Share one key thought or concept that came to you and how it will make a difference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Article Two
We are three weeks into our series. If you want to check out the youth reflective version of the Apostle Creed, go to Article One Post.
Bible Text:
Matthew 1:18–25
Lesson Focus:
Jesus came to teach us how to live and free us from sin and death.
Big Question:
Wait, God became human?
Key Words:
CRUCIFIED, RESURRECTION, ASCENDED, LORD, REDEMPTION
Definitions of Key Words
CRUCIFIED: executed on a cross.
RESURRECTION: returned to life, raised to life.
ASCENDED: gone up, as in Jesus has gone up to heaven.
LORD: ruler of all.
REDEMPTION: rescue from sin and death
Going Deep
The Apostles' Creed was formed primarily to articulate the reality of Jesus Christ in relation to God. Addressing the concerns from which the Creed arose, the second article focuses on Jesus' relationship in the triune God and on Jesus' incarnation. Jesus' life in flesh attests that Jesus is fully human. Jesus was born a human being of a human being (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20). Jesus suffered, was executed by crucifixion, and was buried (Matthew 27:26–50, 57–61; Mark 15:16–47; Luke 23:26–56). Family, friends, and followers knew Jesus as a human being. Yet Jesus' contemporaries—friends and enemies—did not fully understand who he was (Matthew 13:54–58; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:27–6:5).
The resurrection shed more light on the reality of Jesus. Jesus is fully divine. The Gospel authors wrote of Jesus' human life from the perspective of the resurrection. Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 27:53, 28; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5, 13–49). Jesus ascended into heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:2, 9–11, 22). Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty (Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55; Hebrews 1:3), maker of heaven and earth.
The second article is the longest of the Creed's articles. There are two inseparable themes: Jesus' divinity and Jesus' humanity. Jesus' being fully human and fully divine is crucial to the work of redemption. God is willing to go to any length, even human suffering and death, to redeem creation, including humanity. God does this out of love for creation, including us.
Jesus is Lord. Jesus freed all creation from sin, death, and the power of evil. One way of talking about this is to say that Jesus redeemed or purchased humanity's freedom. In this sense, Jesus "owns" us and is Lord. Jesus is also Lord because Jesus sits at the right hand of God and is one with God the Father Almighty, maker of all things.
The Creed doesn't tell all there is to know about Jesus. It focuses on the concerns that prompted its writing. The life of Jesus between incarnation and death is conspicuously absent. Jesus' life revealed the content of God's reign. The Creed makes no reference to Jesus' preaching and enactment of God's reign.
The most widely accepted creed is the Nicene Creed. It was formulated in A.D. 325 at the Council of Nicea, a gathering of Christian leaders under Constantine's auspices. Until then, Christian creeds were local.
Creeds articulate orthodox teaching but do not necessarily resolve controversy. It was long the popular view that God created the Logos.
In our sinfulness, we misuse God's good creation. Our bodies are part of God's good creation—in sinfulness we misuse them, too. We fail to observe the Third Commandment, to rest. We eat things that do not nourish us—"junk food." We serve bodily addictions, for example, to sugar, caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, sex, or drugs, including over-the-counter medicines, prescription medications, and illegal substances. We inflict violence on others and ourselves; for example, by physical abuse, war, or a division of work that physically overworks and maims some while it underworks and atrophies others. We stand by silently as others misuse and abuse their bodies or as others go hungry.
Human sinfulness in the use of our bodies does not mean that our bodies are bad. God's creation is good (Genesis 1) but fallen (Genesis 3:1–24). Human beings are sinful. Jesus Christ, who made God known to us in human flesh, is the Redeemer of all creation, including us (Romans 8:19–24). Jesus Christ has freed us, including you and me, from sin, and freed us, including you and me, to partnership with God in grace-filled care of our bodies and the bodies of others.
Small Group Connection
Music Option: Don't Take the Girl
Twice in this song, a young man is willing to lay down his life for someone he loves. Both times, he pleads to keep his girlfriend/wife safe, saying, "Don't take the girl." Remind youth that the second article of the Apostles' Creed focuses on Jesus, the one who gave his life for us. Pay attention to themes of sacrifice and love as you listen to this song.
Debrief the song with these questions:
• Why is the man in this song willing to risk everything for his girlfriend/wife?
• Is there anything or anyone in this world you would be willing to die for? What and why?
• How does the love of the man in this song mirror the love of Christ?
• Why would Jesus come down from heaven and risk everything to save us?
We ask you to read the material below. The material will include "deep thought", our key words (definition), scripture (link - please read) and some general thoughts. We ask you to read all material and then comment in the comments section. Share one key thought or concept that came to you and how it will make a difference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Article Two
We are three weeks into our series. If you want to check out the youth reflective version of the Apostle Creed, go to Article One Post.
Bible Text:
Matthew 1:18–25
Lesson Focus:
Jesus came to teach us how to live and free us from sin and death.
Big Question:
Wait, God became human?
Key Words:
CRUCIFIED, RESURRECTION, ASCENDED, LORD, REDEMPTION
Definitions of Key Words
CRUCIFIED: executed on a cross.
RESURRECTION: returned to life, raised to life.
ASCENDED: gone up, as in Jesus has gone up to heaven.
LORD: ruler of all.
REDEMPTION: rescue from sin and death
Going Deep
The Apostles' Creed was formed primarily to articulate the reality of Jesus Christ in relation to God. Addressing the concerns from which the Creed arose, the second article focuses on Jesus' relationship in the triune God and on Jesus' incarnation. Jesus' life in flesh attests that Jesus is fully human. Jesus was born a human being of a human being (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20). Jesus suffered, was executed by crucifixion, and was buried (Matthew 27:26–50, 57–61; Mark 15:16–47; Luke 23:26–56). Family, friends, and followers knew Jesus as a human being. Yet Jesus' contemporaries—friends and enemies—did not fully understand who he was (Matthew 13:54–58; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:27–6:5).
The resurrection shed more light on the reality of Jesus. Jesus is fully divine. The Gospel authors wrote of Jesus' human life from the perspective of the resurrection. Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 27:53, 28; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5, 13–49). Jesus ascended into heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:2, 9–11, 22). Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty (Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55; Hebrews 1:3), maker of heaven and earth.
The second article is the longest of the Creed's articles. There are two inseparable themes: Jesus' divinity and Jesus' humanity. Jesus' being fully human and fully divine is crucial to the work of redemption. God is willing to go to any length, even human suffering and death, to redeem creation, including humanity. God does this out of love for creation, including us.
Jesus is Lord. Jesus freed all creation from sin, death, and the power of evil. One way of talking about this is to say that Jesus redeemed or purchased humanity's freedom. In this sense, Jesus "owns" us and is Lord. Jesus is also Lord because Jesus sits at the right hand of God and is one with God the Father Almighty, maker of all things.
The Creed doesn't tell all there is to know about Jesus. It focuses on the concerns that prompted its writing. The life of Jesus between incarnation and death is conspicuously absent. Jesus' life revealed the content of God's reign. The Creed makes no reference to Jesus' preaching and enactment of God's reign.
The most widely accepted creed is the Nicene Creed. It was formulated in A.D. 325 at the Council of Nicea, a gathering of Christian leaders under Constantine's auspices. Until then, Christian creeds were local.
Creeds articulate orthodox teaching but do not necessarily resolve controversy. It was long the popular view that God created the Logos.
In our sinfulness, we misuse God's good creation. Our bodies are part of God's good creation—in sinfulness we misuse them, too. We fail to observe the Third Commandment, to rest. We eat things that do not nourish us—"junk food." We serve bodily addictions, for example, to sugar, caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, sex, or drugs, including over-the-counter medicines, prescription medications, and illegal substances. We inflict violence on others and ourselves; for example, by physical abuse, war, or a division of work that physically overworks and maims some while it underworks and atrophies others. We stand by silently as others misuse and abuse their bodies or as others go hungry.
Human sinfulness in the use of our bodies does not mean that our bodies are bad. God's creation is good (Genesis 1) but fallen (Genesis 3:1–24). Human beings are sinful. Jesus Christ, who made God known to us in human flesh, is the Redeemer of all creation, including us (Romans 8:19–24). Jesus Christ has freed us, including you and me, from sin, and freed us, including you and me, to partnership with God in grace-filled care of our bodies and the bodies of others.
Small Group Connection
Music Option: Don't Take the Girl
Twice in this song, a young man is willing to lay down his life for someone he loves. Both times, he pleads to keep his girlfriend/wife safe, saying, "Don't take the girl." Remind youth that the second article of the Apostles' Creed focuses on Jesus, the one who gave his life for us. Pay attention to themes of sacrifice and love as you listen to this song.
Debrief the song with these questions:
• Why is the man in this song willing to risk everything for his girlfriend/wife?
• Is there anything or anyone in this world you would be willing to die for? What and why?
• How does the love of the man in this song mirror the love of Christ?
• Why would Jesus come down from heaven and risk everything to save us?
Make-Up: November 7th – Article One
Make-Up:
We ask you to read the material below. The material will include "deep thought", our key words (definition), scripture (link - please read) and some general thoughts. We ask you to read all material and then comment in the comments section. Share one key thought or concept that came to you and how it will make a difference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Article One
Today, we took a look at the first article of the creed (remember there are three)
Here is the video that we used to "emphasize" the creed:
Bible Text:
Genesis 1:1—2:25
Lesson Focus:
God's creative work in the world is ongoing.
Big Question:
How do we know God is still creating stuff today?
Key Words:
CREATE, CREATION, SUSTAIN, EX NIHILO, STEWARDSHIP
Definitions of Key Words
CREATE: to make from nothing.
CREATION: all that exists; all that God has made.
SUSTAIN: to keep, preserve, and maintain.
EX NIHILO: Latin for "out of nothing."
STEWARDSHIP: responsibility for care and proper use.
Going Deep
Genesis records two accounts (1:1–2:4a and 2:4b–25) of God creating the heavens and the earth and their creatures. The first account focuses on God's speaking—God's word forming an orderly creation from chaos. God separates, for example, light from darkness, to create. The second, older account focuses more specifically on human beings and their relationship to the rest of creation. Human beings are formed from the dust of creation and are intended to care for creation. God is creator of all that is. The visible creation helps human beings understand the invisible, including God's "eternal power and divine nature" (Romans 1:20).
God's creation is fallen (Genesis 3). The entire sweep of history is moving to a final reconciliation of God and creation (Romans 8:19–25) in a new creation. This new creation is the aim of God's relationship with us and our relationship with God. God's creative power was not only in the beginning but continues (2 Corinthians 5:17). Finally, God's creative power will make all things new, a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Revelation 21:1–4).
This is who God is and what God does. God created all that exists, and not just "in the beginning" but always. God's creativity continues to sustain all that exists. This includes each one of us and all creatures. God's creation also includes homes, schools, workplaces, libraries, stadiums, train stations, and all other places. It includes relationships—our personal relationships with friends, family, neighbors, and people we don't like so much, and "bigger" relationships among nations and peoples. God's creation includes organizations and institutions, such as governments, health-care systems, charities, and social services. Out of fatherly love, God created and sustains all that exists. Our relationship with God as God's creatures is one of thanksgiving and dependence, resembling a relationship between parent and child. We have and do nothing on our own apart from God. God has also created and given us the ability to share with God in the work of creation. Manual dexterity, insight, physical strength, powers of concentration, stamina, language, persistence, and intelligence are among the gifts of God's creation that enable us to join in God's creative work.
The Genesis accounts of creation arose in the ancient Near East, where vast deserts and seas provided a concrete sense of chaos and threat from the natural world. Gods were understood to be embodied in natural forces such as storms and the sea. Ancient Near Eastern creation myths told of a god or gods achieving a violent triumph over gods of chaos. These creation stories were not about primal creation from nothing, but about the victorious gods bringing order and, therefore, security and safety. The Genesis stories can be understood in this context, but with two striking differences from the myths of the surrounding world. First, the Genesis account as it is read and interpreted introduces monotheism. There is one God alone. Second, creation comes not from violence or force of any kind but from God's speaking (1:1–2:4a) and from God's artisanship and breath (2:4b–25). Ironically, the Apostles' Creed arose in part to reaffirm monotheism. In the face of Marcion's contrary claim, the Apostles' Creed tied together the Creator God of the Old Testament with the God known in Jesus Christ.
Small Group Connection
God's Good Creation
Invite the class (you) to go outside for a nature walk. Look around the church grounds, neighborhood, and street for as many signs of God's good creation as you can find. Provide each student with a piece of paper and a pencil. Ask them to record as many different things as they can.
Another option is to divide into small groups and give each group a digital camera. Allow students in each group to take turns taking pictures of things they see as signs of God's good creation. The pictures could be shared as part of a PowerPoint presentation or put together in a collage.
Debrief your walk with these questions:
• What signs did you see of God's good creation?
• How well are we taking care of creation today?
• How can we help better care for creation?
We ask you to read the material below. The material will include "deep thought", our key words (definition), scripture (link - please read) and some general thoughts. We ask you to read all material and then comment in the comments section. Share one key thought or concept that came to you and how it will make a difference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Article One
Today, we took a look at the first article of the creed (remember there are three)
Here is the video that we used to "emphasize" the creed:
Bible Text:
Genesis 1:1—2:25
Lesson Focus:
God's creative work in the world is ongoing.
Big Question:
How do we know God is still creating stuff today?
Key Words:
CREATE, CREATION, SUSTAIN, EX NIHILO, STEWARDSHIP
Definitions of Key Words
CREATE: to make from nothing.
CREATION: all that exists; all that God has made.
SUSTAIN: to keep, preserve, and maintain.
EX NIHILO: Latin for "out of nothing."
STEWARDSHIP: responsibility for care and proper use.
Going Deep
Genesis records two accounts (1:1–2:4a and 2:4b–25) of God creating the heavens and the earth and their creatures. The first account focuses on God's speaking—God's word forming an orderly creation from chaos. God separates, for example, light from darkness, to create. The second, older account focuses more specifically on human beings and their relationship to the rest of creation. Human beings are formed from the dust of creation and are intended to care for creation. God is creator of all that is. The visible creation helps human beings understand the invisible, including God's "eternal power and divine nature" (Romans 1:20).
God's creation is fallen (Genesis 3). The entire sweep of history is moving to a final reconciliation of God and creation (Romans 8:19–25) in a new creation. This new creation is the aim of God's relationship with us and our relationship with God. God's creative power was not only in the beginning but continues (2 Corinthians 5:17). Finally, God's creative power will make all things new, a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Revelation 21:1–4).
This is who God is and what God does. God created all that exists, and not just "in the beginning" but always. God's creativity continues to sustain all that exists. This includes each one of us and all creatures. God's creation also includes homes, schools, workplaces, libraries, stadiums, train stations, and all other places. It includes relationships—our personal relationships with friends, family, neighbors, and people we don't like so much, and "bigger" relationships among nations and peoples. God's creation includes organizations and institutions, such as governments, health-care systems, charities, and social services. Out of fatherly love, God created and sustains all that exists. Our relationship with God as God's creatures is one of thanksgiving and dependence, resembling a relationship between parent and child. We have and do nothing on our own apart from God. God has also created and given us the ability to share with God in the work of creation. Manual dexterity, insight, physical strength, powers of concentration, stamina, language, persistence, and intelligence are among the gifts of God's creation that enable us to join in God's creative work.
The Genesis accounts of creation arose in the ancient Near East, where vast deserts and seas provided a concrete sense of chaos and threat from the natural world. Gods were understood to be embodied in natural forces such as storms and the sea. Ancient Near Eastern creation myths told of a god or gods achieving a violent triumph over gods of chaos. These creation stories were not about primal creation from nothing, but about the victorious gods bringing order and, therefore, security and safety. The Genesis stories can be understood in this context, but with two striking differences from the myths of the surrounding world. First, the Genesis account as it is read and interpreted introduces monotheism. There is one God alone. Second, creation comes not from violence or force of any kind but from God's speaking (1:1–2:4a) and from God's artisanship and breath (2:4b–25). Ironically, the Apostles' Creed arose in part to reaffirm monotheism. In the face of Marcion's contrary claim, the Apostles' Creed tied together the Creator God of the Old Testament with the God known in Jesus Christ.
Small Group Connection
God's Good Creation
Invite the class (you) to go outside for a nature walk. Look around the church grounds, neighborhood, and street for as many signs of God's good creation as you can find. Provide each student with a piece of paper and a pencil. Ask them to record as many different things as they can.
Another option is to divide into small groups and give each group a digital camera. Allow students in each group to take turns taking pictures of things they see as signs of God's good creation. The pictures could be shared as part of a PowerPoint presentation or put together in a collage.
Debrief your walk with these questions:
• What signs did you see of God's good creation?
• How well are we taking care of creation today?
• How can we help better care for creation?
Make-Up: October 31st – Introduction of the Creed
Make-Up:
We ask you to read the material below. The material will include "deep thought", our key words (definition), scripture (link - please read) and some general thoughts. We ask you to read all material and then comment in the comments section. Share one key thought or concept that came to you and how it will make a difference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Apostle Creed (Introduction)
Today started a 4-week series on the Apostle Creed. This lesson was an introduction/overview of the Creed. The next three will be each article (three articles - one a week).
The above picture is a stained glass window dedicated to the Three Articles of the Creed
Bible Text:
Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:28–34
Lesson Focus:
The Apostles' Creed states our shared beliefs as a community of faith.
Big Question:
What do I believe?
Key Words:
CREED, BELIEF, CHURCH, MONOTHEISM, TRINITY
Definition of Key Words
CREED: a statement of belief.
BELIEF: an affirmed or accepted truth.
CHURCH: the community of faith, known in the Apostles' Creed as the "communion of saints."
MONOTHEISM: the belief in one God.
TRINITY: God as three persons in one being.
Going Deep
Our creeds are grounded in biblical statements of belief. Deuteronomy 6:21–25 and 26:5–9 are ancient Israelite creeds. The New Testament echoes the ancient Israelite confession, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone" (Deuteronomy 6:4). Asked which commandment is greatest, Jesus began, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Mark 12:29).
Confessing God as the author of all things (Romans 11:36), Paul argued the unity of Jews and Gentiles based on the ancient confession of God's unity (Romans 3:29). New Testament formulations reflect distinctly Christian beliefs. Paul wrote, "For us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist" (1 Corinthians 8:6). Philippians 2:6–11 emphasizes Jesus' human humiliation in suffering obedience and exaltation as Lord. Colossians 1:16–20 confesses Jesus as the revelation of God, the source with God of creation, existing before creation with God, and God's reconciling peace through the cross. In its tripartite structure, the Apostles' Creed reflects our understanding of God as triune (Matthew 28:19).
A creed is a group's confession or statement of shared belief about who God is and how God acts. In a creed a tradition or community of believers says, "This is what we teach." At different times different aspects of a creed may be more important to us than other parts. Our doubts, certainties, or questions about the meaning of particular phrases may vary.
The church's most basic creedal statement is "Jesus is Lord." Who is Jesus? What is Jesus' relationship to God? Creeds are formulated amid theological controversies about such questions and amid the Christian community's desire to define itself. The Apostles' Creed was a response to Marcionism and Gnosticism. Marcion, a second-century Christian, taught the heresy that the God of the Old Testament was different from the God revealed in Jesus Christ. The Apostles' Creed emphasizes the doctrine of God as the Trinity and of God as Creator, affirming that the Creator God of the Old Testament and the God of Jesus Christ are one. The Creed addressed Gnosticism by asserting Jesus' humanity (the incarnation) and God's sovereignty over heaven and earth, material and spiritual reality.
Roman in origin, the Apostles' Creed is the creed most commonly used in Western Christianity—Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It took the form that we recognize by the eighth century. Legend said that the apostles each contributed a phrase. Though that is indeed legend, the Creed reflects theological formulations from the apostolic period and was in use at the end of the first century. The creedal questions asked in the Lutheran baptismal rite resemble the Interrogatory Creed of Hippolytus (c. 215 C.E.), the earliest form we have of the Apostles' Creed. During the persecutions of the second and third centuries, some Christians denied their faith. The words "I believe in the forgiveness of sins" responded to the question of whether these Christians could be readmitted to the church's fellowship. "Holy" and "catholic" (third article) developed in the fifth century, resolving a debate in northern Africa about whether the church was inclusive or excluded all but a few. In Greek and Latin texts as well, for example, as in current German and French texts and all English texts until 1543, the Apostles' Creed refers to "the resurrection of the flesh."
Small Group Connection
Creative Writing Option: Creed Poems
Invite students to develop an acrostic for the word creed. Tell them that an acrostic is a poem or statement that explains more about a word by using each letter from that word. Get them started by providing them with paper and having them write the word creed vertically on the piece of paper. When all are done, ask for volunteers to share what they have done. If they are interested in other types of poetry writing, you could challenge them to write poems using other poetic forms, such as haiku or limericks.
Debrief the activity with these questions:
• Does writing about the Creed help you think about it in a different way?
• Over thousands of years, poets and songwriters have written about their beliefs. Do you think there are still writers today who do this?
• If you had to choose one word that sums up your beliefs, what would it be?
We ask you to read the material below. The material will include "deep thought", our key words (definition), scripture (link - please read) and some general thoughts. We ask you to read all material and then comment in the comments section. Share one key thought or concept that came to you and how it will make a difference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Apostle Creed (Introduction)
Today started a 4-week series on the Apostle Creed. This lesson was an introduction/overview of the Creed. The next three will be each article (three articles - one a week).
The above picture is a stained glass window dedicated to the Three Articles of the Creed
Bible Text:
Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:28–34
Lesson Focus:
The Apostles' Creed states our shared beliefs as a community of faith.
Big Question:
What do I believe?
Key Words:
CREED, BELIEF, CHURCH, MONOTHEISM, TRINITY
Definition of Key Words
CREED: a statement of belief.
BELIEF: an affirmed or accepted truth.
CHURCH: the community of faith, known in the Apostles' Creed as the "communion of saints."
MONOTHEISM: the belief in one God.
TRINITY: God as three persons in one being.
Going Deep
Our creeds are grounded in biblical statements of belief. Deuteronomy 6:21–25 and 26:5–9 are ancient Israelite creeds. The New Testament echoes the ancient Israelite confession, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone" (Deuteronomy 6:4). Asked which commandment is greatest, Jesus began, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Mark 12:29).
Confessing God as the author of all things (Romans 11:36), Paul argued the unity of Jews and Gentiles based on the ancient confession of God's unity (Romans 3:29). New Testament formulations reflect distinctly Christian beliefs. Paul wrote, "For us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist" (1 Corinthians 8:6). Philippians 2:6–11 emphasizes Jesus' human humiliation in suffering obedience and exaltation as Lord. Colossians 1:16–20 confesses Jesus as the revelation of God, the source with God of creation, existing before creation with God, and God's reconciling peace through the cross. In its tripartite structure, the Apostles' Creed reflects our understanding of God as triune (Matthew 28:19).
A creed is a group's confession or statement of shared belief about who God is and how God acts. In a creed a tradition or community of believers says, "This is what we teach." At different times different aspects of a creed may be more important to us than other parts. Our doubts, certainties, or questions about the meaning of particular phrases may vary.
The church's most basic creedal statement is "Jesus is Lord." Who is Jesus? What is Jesus' relationship to God? Creeds are formulated amid theological controversies about such questions and amid the Christian community's desire to define itself. The Apostles' Creed was a response to Marcionism and Gnosticism. Marcion, a second-century Christian, taught the heresy that the God of the Old Testament was different from the God revealed in Jesus Christ. The Apostles' Creed emphasizes the doctrine of God as the Trinity and of God as Creator, affirming that the Creator God of the Old Testament and the God of Jesus Christ are one. The Creed addressed Gnosticism by asserting Jesus' humanity (the incarnation) and God's sovereignty over heaven and earth, material and spiritual reality.
Roman in origin, the Apostles' Creed is the creed most commonly used in Western Christianity—Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It took the form that we recognize by the eighth century. Legend said that the apostles each contributed a phrase. Though that is indeed legend, the Creed reflects theological formulations from the apostolic period and was in use at the end of the first century. The creedal questions asked in the Lutheran baptismal rite resemble the Interrogatory Creed of Hippolytus (c. 215 C.E.), the earliest form we have of the Apostles' Creed. During the persecutions of the second and third centuries, some Christians denied their faith. The words "I believe in the forgiveness of sins" responded to the question of whether these Christians could be readmitted to the church's fellowship. "Holy" and "catholic" (third article) developed in the fifth century, resolving a debate in northern Africa about whether the church was inclusive or excluded all but a few. In Greek and Latin texts as well, for example, as in current German and French texts and all English texts until 1543, the Apostles' Creed refers to "the resurrection of the flesh."
Small Group Connection
Creative Writing Option: Creed Poems
Invite students to develop an acrostic for the word creed. Tell them that an acrostic is a poem or statement that explains more about a word by using each letter from that word. Get them started by providing them with paper and having them write the word creed vertically on the piece of paper. When all are done, ask for volunteers to share what they have done. If they are interested in other types of poetry writing, you could challenge them to write poems using other poetic forms, such as haiku or limericks.
Debrief the activity with these questions:
• Does writing about the Creed help you think about it in a different way?
• Over thousands of years, poets and songwriters have written about their beliefs. Do you think there are still writers today who do this?
• If you had to choose one word that sums up your beliefs, what would it be?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Creed: Article Two
Bible Text:
Matthew 1:18–25
Lesson Focus:
Jesus came to teach us how to live and free us from sin and death.
Big Question:
Wait, God became human?
Key Words:
CRUCIFIED, RESURRECTION, ASCENDED, LORD, REDEMPTION
Definition of Key Words
CRUCIFIED: executed on a cross.
RESURRECTION: returned to life, raised to life.
ASCENDED: gone up, as in Jesus has gone up to heaven.
LORD: ruler of all.
REDEMPTION: rescue from sin and death
Going Deep
The Apostles' Creed was formed primarily to articulate the reality of Jesus Christ in relation to God. Addressing the concerns from which the Creed arose, the second article focuses on Jesus' relationship in the triune God and on Jesus' incarnation. Jesus' life in flesh attests that Jesus is fully human. Jesus was born a human being of a human being (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20). Jesus suffered, was executed by crucifixion, and was buried (Matthew 27:26–50, 57–61; Mark 15:16–47; Luke 23:26–56). Family, friends, and followers knew Jesus as a human being. Yet Jesus' contemporaries—friends and enemies—did not fully understand who he was (Matthew 13:54–58; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:27–6:5).
The resurrection shed more light on the reality of Jesus. Jesus is fully divine. The Gospel authors wrote of Jesus' human life from the perspective of the resurrection. Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 27:53, 28; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5, 13–49). Jesus ascended into heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:2, 9–11, 22). Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty (Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55; Hebrews 1:3), maker of heaven and earth.
The second article is the longest of the Creed's articles. There are two inseparable themes: Jesus' divinity and Jesus' humanity. Jesus' being fully human and fully divine is crucial to the work of redemption. God is willing to go to any length, even human suffering and death, to redeem creation, including humanity. God does this out of love for creation, including us.
Matthew 1:18–25
Lesson Focus:
Jesus came to teach us how to live and free us from sin and death.
Big Question:
Wait, God became human?
Key Words:
CRUCIFIED, RESURRECTION, ASCENDED, LORD, REDEMPTION
Definition of Key Words
CRUCIFIED: executed on a cross.
RESURRECTION: returned to life, raised to life.
ASCENDED: gone up, as in Jesus has gone up to heaven.
LORD: ruler of all.
REDEMPTION: rescue from sin and death
Going Deep
The Apostles' Creed was formed primarily to articulate the reality of Jesus Christ in relation to God. Addressing the concerns from which the Creed arose, the second article focuses on Jesus' relationship in the triune God and on Jesus' incarnation. Jesus' life in flesh attests that Jesus is fully human. Jesus was born a human being of a human being (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20). Jesus suffered, was executed by crucifixion, and was buried (Matthew 27:26–50, 57–61; Mark 15:16–47; Luke 23:26–56). Family, friends, and followers knew Jesus as a human being. Yet Jesus' contemporaries—friends and enemies—did not fully understand who he was (Matthew 13:54–58; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:27–6:5).
The resurrection shed more light on the reality of Jesus. Jesus is fully divine. The Gospel authors wrote of Jesus' human life from the perspective of the resurrection. Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 27:53, 28; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5, 13–49). Jesus ascended into heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:2, 9–11, 22). Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty (Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55; Hebrews 1:3), maker of heaven and earth.
The second article is the longest of the Creed's articles. There are two inseparable themes: Jesus' divinity and Jesus' humanity. Jesus' being fully human and fully divine is crucial to the work of redemption. God is willing to go to any length, even human suffering and death, to redeem creation, including humanity. God does this out of love for creation, including us.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Creed: Article One
Bible Text:
Genesis 1:1—2:25
Lesson Focus:
God's creative work in the world is ongoing.
Big Question:
How do we know God is still creating stuff today?
Key Words:
CREATE, CREATION, SUSTAIN, EX NIHILO, STEWARDSHIP
Key Word Definitions
CREATE: to make from nothing.
CREATION: all that exists; all that God has made.
SUSTAIN: to keep, preserve, and maintain.
EX NIHILO: Latin for "out of nothing."
STEWARDSHIP: responsibility for care and proper use.
Going Deep
Genesis records two accounts (1:1–2:4a and 2:4b–25) of God creating the heavens and the earth and their creatures. The first account focuses on God's speaking—God's word forming an orderly creation from chaos. God separates, for example, light from darkness, to create. The second, older account focuses more specifically on human beings and their relationship to the rest of creation. Human beings are formed from the dust of creation and are intended to care for creation. God is creator of all that is. The visible creation helps human beings understand the invisible, including God's "eternal power and divine nature" (Romans 1:20).
God's creation is fallen (Genesis 3). The entire sweep of history is moving to a final reconciliation of God and creation (Romans 8:19–25) in a new creation. This new creation is the aim of God's relationship with us and our relationship with God. God's creative power was not only in the beginning but continues (2 Corinthians 5:17). Finally, God's creative power will make all things new, a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Revelation 21:1–4).
Our Prayer
Leader: Creator God,
Group: You created me and all I have.
Leader: Creator God,
Group: You provide me daily with all I need for life.
Leader: Creator God,
Group: You made us all stewards of your creation.
Leader: Creator God,
Group: Help make us better stewards
Leader: So that where there is hunger, homelessness, and despair,
Group: There may be food and shelter and hope.
All: Amen.
Genesis 1:1—2:25
Lesson Focus:
God's creative work in the world is ongoing.
Big Question:
How do we know God is still creating stuff today?
Key Words:
CREATE, CREATION, SUSTAIN, EX NIHILO, STEWARDSHIP
Key Word Definitions
CREATE: to make from nothing.
CREATION: all that exists; all that God has made.
SUSTAIN: to keep, preserve, and maintain.
EX NIHILO: Latin for "out of nothing."
STEWARDSHIP: responsibility for care and proper use.
Going Deep
Genesis records two accounts (1:1–2:4a and 2:4b–25) of God creating the heavens and the earth and their creatures. The first account focuses on God's speaking—God's word forming an orderly creation from chaos. God separates, for example, light from darkness, to create. The second, older account focuses more specifically on human beings and their relationship to the rest of creation. Human beings are formed from the dust of creation and are intended to care for creation. God is creator of all that is. The visible creation helps human beings understand the invisible, including God's "eternal power and divine nature" (Romans 1:20).
God's creation is fallen (Genesis 3). The entire sweep of history is moving to a final reconciliation of God and creation (Romans 8:19–25) in a new creation. This new creation is the aim of God's relationship with us and our relationship with God. God's creative power was not only in the beginning but continues (2 Corinthians 5:17). Finally, God's creative power will make all things new, a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Revelation 21:1–4).
Our Prayer
Leader: Creator God,
Group: You created me and all I have.
Leader: Creator God,
Group: You provide me daily with all I need for life.
Leader: Creator God,
Group: You made us all stewards of your creation.
Leader: Creator God,
Group: Help make us better stewards
Leader: So that where there is hunger, homelessness, and despair,
Group: There may be food and shelter and hope.
All: Amen.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
No Make-Up Class
Initially, we had a make-up class for series one scheduled for this Sunday (November 7th). We will not have the make-up class. We will, however, still have confirmation on Sunday at our normal time which is at 10:45.
We will continue our "creed" series and will take a look at Article One. Hope to see you there.
We will continue our "creed" series and will take a look at Article One. Hope to see you there.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Creed: Week One
Bible Text:
Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:28–34
Lesson Focus:
The Apostles' Creed states our shared beliefs as a community of faith.
Big Question:
What do I believe?
Key Words:
CREED, BELIEF, CHURCH, MONOTHEISM, TRINITY
Definitions of the Key Words
CREED: a statement of belief.
BELIEF: an affirmed or accepted truth.
CHURCH: the community of faith, known in the Apostles' Creed as the "communion of saints."
MONOTHEISM: the belief in one God.
TRINITY: God as three persons in one being.
Focus on Monotheism ....
Ask students to turn to Mark 12:28–34, and ask another volunteer to read the verses aloud. Asked which commandment is greatest, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:4. Explain to students that the people of Israel were the only people in the time of Moses, and later, the time of Jesus, who believed in the concept of monotheism: that there is one God, not many. Other people, who believed in many gods, thought that either the God of Israel was not one of the gods, or that the God Israel worshipped was another god like theirs. The belief in only one God was radical and caused Israel a lot of problems. But without that belief, they would no longer have been Israel. If you have time at this point, you may want to have the students consider if this idea of there being only one God continues to be a radical one today.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:28–34
Lesson Focus:
The Apostles' Creed states our shared beliefs as a community of faith.
Big Question:
What do I believe?
Key Words:
CREED, BELIEF, CHURCH, MONOTHEISM, TRINITY
Definitions of the Key Words
CREED: a statement of belief.
BELIEF: an affirmed or accepted truth.
CHURCH: the community of faith, known in the Apostles' Creed as the "communion of saints."
MONOTHEISM: the belief in one God.
TRINITY: God as three persons in one being.
Focus on Monotheism ....
Ask students to turn to Mark 12:28–34, and ask another volunteer to read the verses aloud. Asked which commandment is greatest, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:4. Explain to students that the people of Israel were the only people in the time of Moses, and later, the time of Jesus, who believed in the concept of monotheism: that there is one God, not many. Other people, who believed in many gods, thought that either the God of Israel was not one of the gods, or that the God Israel worshipped was another god like theirs. The belief in only one God was radical and caused Israel a lot of problems. But without that belief, they would no longer have been Israel. If you have time at this point, you may want to have the students consider if this idea of there being only one God continues to be a radical one today.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Apostles' Creed
This morning, we will begin a 4-week study on the Apostles' Creed. We will take a look at it from an introduction viewpoint today and then over the next three weeks, we will take a look at each one of the articles. Here is the "apostles' creed" in a little different format:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)