Apostles' Creed Unlocked Pt. 3

March 21, 2011 Monday Message:

“I believe in the Holy Spirit.” from the Apostle’s Creed

This week we wrap up our journey through the Apostles’ Creed, resuming at the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). Jesus promised, in John 14:16, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will never leave you.” That’s one additional helper, the final 1/3 of our Triune God.

In the Greek, it’s “Paraclete,” meaning, "one who consoles, one who intercedes on our behalf, a counselor, a comforter, an encourager and an advocate." The Holy Spirit is called to walk through life with you, and to never leave you. You should consider the Spirit’s passion for helping mankind to be similar to the love of God, the same God who desires that not one of us would perish, and the love Jesus felt for us as He walked the earth and gave his life to redeem us.

Some churches keep the Holy Spirit locked up in the creed, while in other congregations, the Holy Spirit is passionately worshiped. God is in heaven, and Jesus ascended to be with the Father, but the Holy Spirit is with us right now! Many believers rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for healing, provision and supernatural intervention in their lives.

We believe in the “holy catholic Church,” not to be confused with the Roman Catholic Church. Notice the lower case “c” in the Apostles’ Creed. The word “catholic” mean “one,” “whole,” or “universal.” Some congregations believe in “the holy Christian church,” thereby removing the confusion. This sentence just means that all believers are on the same team.

The also confusing “communion of saints” isn’t referring to the Eucharist. Another victim of juxtapositioned linguistics, “communion” means fellowship, association, sharing and oneness, like the word, “community.”

We believe in the forgiveness of sins. This one’s obvious – Jesus died to redeem us out of our sinful nature. If you’re a repentant believer, you too can be forgiven.

Believing in the resurrection of the body was controversial in Jesus’ time, when the Sadducees didn’t even expect an afterlife. But full-body resurrection? That’s quite a stretch. But that’s what Jesus taught, that’s what Paul wrote, and that’s what our Bibles say. Our earthly bodies will be changed into “resurrection bodies” or “new heavenly bodies” as we rise to be with Jesus in the life everlasting, forever. See you there!

May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Norton Lawellin