Using the Apostles’ Creed as the “primary text” this book explores what we believe as Christians and how those beliefs are relevant today. The author’s goal is to help pastors educate and transform members of their congregations. He examines the Creed phrase by phrase in brief sections suitable for congregational study or for emailing to the congregation. For each phrase in the Creed, a "deeper reflection" provides material for preaching a 13-sermon series or for further congregatonal study. A detailed appendix includes recommendations of hymns and songs related to each phrase in the Creed; the suggestions are keyed to several hymnals and songbooks. Using the Apostles Creed as the "primary text," this book explores what we believe as Christians and how those beliefs are relevant today. The author s goal is to help pastors educate and transform members of their congregations. He examines the Creed phrase by phrase in brief sections suitable for congregational study or for e-mailing to the congregation. For each phrase in the Creed, a "deeper reflection" provides material for preaching a thirteen-sermon series or for further congregatonal study. A detailed appendix includes recommendations of hymns and songs related to each phrase in the Creed; the suggestions are keyed to several hymnals and songbooks. James C. Howell is the senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC, and the author of more than 20 books, including Weak Enough to Lead , Conversations with St. Francis , The Life We Claim , and The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray . His podcast, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” blogs, and retreats are popular, as are his work on leadership and community activism. The Life We Claim The Apostles' Creed for Preaching, Teaching, and Worship By James C. Howell Abingdon Press Copyright © 2005 Abingdon Press All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-687-49353-1 Contents PREFACE, Chapter One: INTRODUCTION TO THE APOSTLES' CREED, Chapter Two: GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, Chapter Three: MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, Chapter Four: JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD, Chapter Five: CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY, Chapter Six: SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE, Chapter Seven: HE DESCENDED INTO HELL, Chapter Eight: THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD, Chapter Nine: FROM THENCE HE SHALL COME TO JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD, Chapter Ten: THE HOLY SPIRIT, Chapter Eleven: THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH, Chapter Twelve: THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS, Chapter Thirteen: THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, Chapter Fourteen: THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY AND THE LIFE EVERLASTING, APPENDIX: WORSHIP AND MUSIC RESOURCES, CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOSTLES' CREED LESSON 1 GROWING INTO OUR CONVICTIONS Be ready to give an account for the hope that is in you, and do it with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15, AP) In ancient times, hundreds of Christians, under interrogation, refused to bow down to the empire's gods, stood their ground and declared, "I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth," and were executed for saying so. They had not long before left their old life behind and risked everything by choosing Christianity. In those days, new converts were instructed in the faith for months, during which time they fasted, abstained from entertainment and sex, and were prayed over diligently by the church elders. An all-night prayer vigil culminated at dawn on Easter when the converts waded out into a pool of water and were asked: "Do you believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth? Do you believe in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord?" After being baptized, they were anointed with oil, dressed in a white robe, and given a drink of milk and honey, powerful symbols of their new life in Christ. Every time we say the Apostles' Creed, we step into a long, steady river, the great two-thousand year story of believers, missionaries, and martyrs. When I say "I believe in God," I become part of something bigger than myself. My faith is something in me, my reaching out, my believing; but faith is also outside myself. Faith has content. I attach myself to something old. Modern culture fawns after novelties, the latest fads. Christians look at the world with old eyes; as John Henry Newman put it, "Great acts take time." Ultimate truth cannot have been cooked up just last night, and ultimate truth does not materialize in my mind in a flash. "Deep convictions are not hazarded, but grown into slowly, obscurely and often painfully acquired" (Nicholas Lash). The Apostles' Creed helps us grow into our convictions. To believe without the Creed would be like baking without a measuring cup or building furniture without a ruler. We read the Bible, we sing hymns, we ask questions and reflect together on theology, and it is easy to miss the forest for the trees. What is at the heart of what we believe? We will use the Apostles' Creed to discover what we believe,