THE APOSTLES’ CREED

A Map to our Faith

Session 1:

What is a Creed and what does it have to do with

me?

The Apostles’ CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty,  

creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's 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 again 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.

What is a creed?

• Latin “credo” meaning “I believe”– Statement of faith or belief.

• First used as a means of confession.

Why a creed?

• Serves as a reminder of some of the central doctrines or beliefs that define Christianity.– Answers the question, “What makes the church

the church?”• a MAP to our faith...

Romans study

The Apostles’ Creed

The Apostles’ Creed• Written by the apostles?– NO, not likely.– Shows up in “R”ome around the middle of the

second century, AD.• The creed tells a story..in chronological order...– “God is first, then God creates, then God sends

Jesus, who is born, dies, and is raised; and then the Holy Spirit dawns on the Church and its life.”

– Howell

What does The Apostles’ Creed have to do with me?

• But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,– 1 Peter 3:15

• As the deer pants for streams of water,    so my soul pants for you, my God.– Psalm 42:1

What does The Apostles’ Creed have to do with me?

• Connects us to something bigger than ourselves....(The Life We Claim, p1)

• “Helps us discover what we believe, and don’t believe, to figure out who we are and how to live.” -Howell

Review

• What is a creed?• Why a creed?• Facts about The Apostles’ Creed• What does the Creed have to do with me?