The Apostles' Creed

Study Guide

June to September 2011Sermon Series

 

“I BELIEVE” The Apostles’ Creed

“Christian, what do you believe and for what are you willing to live and die?”

Witnesses. Witnesses to those around us. Witnesses to the world. Our recent sermon mini-series on the resurrection and ascension reminded us that being a witness is part of our calling and identity as disciples of Jesus. But to what exactly are we to bear witness? What should we share with others? How would you summarize the Gospel? What are some of the key biblical truths that form a foundation for understanding Christianity? One ancient summary of the Christian faith is the Apostles’ Creed. This summer we will deviate from our regular pattern of preaching through a book of the Bible and study the Apostles’ Creed to help us better understand our faith and be more effective witnesses to what we believe. In addition our Adult Sunday School class, The Reason for God: Conversations on Faith and Life will equip us and hopefully instill in us a greater confidence to enter into Gospel conversations with our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The Apostles’ Creed was not actually written by the apostles; rather it reflects the apostles’ teaching. The creed is a collective work that gradually developed over centuries that became standardized by about 700 A.D. It was created to help Christian learn and remain faithful to the true teachings of the Bible. Controversies in the early church about certain biblical truths forced greater precision about doctrine resulting in the formation of creeds, including the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. We continue to see controversies arise within the church that need to be addressed by clear apostolic biblical truth. This summer we will look at various passages of Scripture that affirm the articles of the Creed and seek to learn and remain faithful to the teachings of the Bible as we live as witnesses to the watching world. In J.I. Packer’s book Affirming the Essentials: The Apostles’ Creed, he includes this helpful summary of the creed. What do we learn from the Creed as we study it? The answer has been summarized beautifully as follows: First, I learn to believe in God the Father, who has made me, and all the world.

Secondly, in God the Son who has redeemed me, and all mankind. Thirdly, in God the Holy Ghost who sanctifies me and all the elect people of God.

This study guide is designed for use individually, as a family, and in your community group to help you get the most out of each Sunday’s sermon. We have included study questions, additional resources and also the theme songs for the series. The theme songs will be repeated throughout the series to focus our thoughts and to use God’s gift of music to embed biblical truth into your hearts and minds. We pray that this tool would enrich our times of individual and corporate worship.

Pastor Dan

June 5, 2011 - Hebrews 11:1-6 I believe in God Study Questions How does what we believe affect the way we live? How can we use the Apostles’ Creed without undermining our commitment to the authority of Scripture alone? How can the Apostles’ Creed help you relate to Christians from different backgrounds or beliefs? What is the meaning of “faith” or “I believe”? (use Hebrews 11 to form a definition) Apart from affirming that God exists, what else is implied by the statement, “I believe in God”? The Heidelberg Catechism is a teaching tool, taking the form of a series of questions and answers, to instruct people in the basics of the Christian faith. It was written in 1563 at the request of Frederick III who ruled the Palatinate, an influential German Province. The catechism based each of its statements on the text of the Bible. It has been translated into many languages and is one of the most widely used catechisms of the Reformation period. Heidelberg Catechism Question 21 Q. What is true faith? A. True faith is not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in his Word is true;1 it is also a deep-rooted assurance,2 created in me by the Holy Spirit3 through the gospel,4 that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ,5 not only others, but I too,6 have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation.7

1 John 17:3, 17; Heb. 11:1-3; James 2:19 2 Rom. 4:18-21; 5:1; 10:10; Heb. 4:14-16 3 Matt. 16:15-17; John 3:5; Acts 16:14 4 Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21 5 Rom. 3:21-26; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-10 6 Gal. 2:20 7 Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:10

Heidelberg Catechism Question 22 Q. What then must a Christian believe? A. Everything God promises us in the gospel.1 That gospel is summarized for us in the articles of our Christian faith— a creed beyond doubt, and confessed throughout the world. 1 Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:30-31

Heidelberg Catechism Question 23 Q. What are these articles? A. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come 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. Heidelberg Catechism Question 24 Q. How are these articles divided? A. Into three parts: God the Father and our creation; God the Son and our deliverance; God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification. Heidelberg Catechism Question 25 Q. Since there is but one God,1 why do you speak of three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? A. Because that is how God has revealed himself in his Word:2 these three distinct persons are one, true, eternal God. 1 Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4, 6 2 Matt. 3:16-17; 28:18-19; Luke 4:18 (Isa. 61:1); John 14:26; 15:26; 2 Cor. 13:14; Gal. 4:6; Tit. 3:5-6

For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 2 June 12, 2011 - Luke 11:5-13 I believe in God the Father Almighty Study Questions In what ways is God the Father of all creation? In what ways is he the Father of only believers? What comes to mind when you think about God as “Father”? How would you help someone with very negative memories of their own father appreciate the fatherhood of God? How might the Father’s kingship and role as family head motivate us to obey him? How can the Father’s unlimited and matchless power comfort us his children? How should a proper understanding of the Trinity, together with Christ’s divinity and humanity, influence the way we pray?

Heidelberg Catechism 26 Q. What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth"? A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them,1 who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence,2 is my God and Father because of Christ his Son.3 I trust him so much that I do not doubt he will provide whatever I need for body and soul,4

and he will turn to my good whatever adversity he sends me in this sad world.5 He is able to do this because he is almighty God;6 he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father.7

1 Gen. 1 & 2; Ex. 20:11; Ps. 33:6; Isa. 44:24; Acts 4:24; 14:15 2 Ps. 104; Matt. 6:30; 10:29; Eph. 1:11 3 John 1:12-13; Rom. 8:15-16; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:5 4 Ps. 55:22; Matt. 6:25-26; Luke 12:22-31 5 Rom. 8:28

6 Gen. 18:14; Rom. 8:31-39 7 Matt. 7:9-11

Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 34 Q. What is adoption? A. Adoption is the act of God’s free grace by which we become His sons with all the rights and privileges of being His. For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 12 June 19, 2011 - Genesis 1 I believe in God…Maker of Heaven and Earth Study Questions What is the significance of God’s words, “Let there be…”? How does the beauty and goodness of creation help us see the goodness and beauty of God? What are the implications of the truth that you have been made “in the image of God”? How does God’s authority address the kinds of fears we face on a daily basis? Heidelberg Catechism Question 26 Q. What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth"? A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them,1 who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence,2 is my God and Father because of Christ his Son.3 I trust him so much that I do not doubt he will provide whatever I need for body and soul,4 and he will turn to my good whatever adversity he sends me in this sad world.5 He is

able to do this because he is almighty God;6 he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father.7 1 Gen. 1 & 2; Ex. 20:11; Ps. 33:6; Isa. 44:24; Acts 4:24; 14:15 2 Ps. 104; Matt. 6:30; 10:29; Eph. 1:11 3 John 1:12-13; Rom. 8:15-16; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:5 4 Ps. 55:22; Matt. 6:25-26; Luke 12:22-31 5 Rom. 8:28 6 Gen. 18:14; Rom. 8:31-39 7 Matt. 7:9-11

Heidelberg Catechism Question 27 Q. What do you understand by the providence of God? A. Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God1 by which he upholds, as with his hand, heaven and earth and all creatures,2 and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty—3 all things, in fact, come to us not by chance4 but from his fatherly hand.5 1 Jer. 23:23-24; Acts 17:24-28 2 Heb. 1:3 3 Jer. 5:24; Acts 14:15-17; John 9:3; Prov. 22:2 4 Prov. 16:33 5 Matt. 10:29

Heidelberg Catechism Question 28 Q. How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us? A. We can be patient when things go against us,1 thankful when things go well,2 and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from his love.3 All creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they can neither move nor be moved.4

1 Job 1:21-22; James 1:3 2 Deut. 8:10; 1 Thess. 5:18 3 Ps. 55:22; Rom. 5:3-5; 8:38-39 4 Job 1:12; 2:6; Prov. 21:1; Acts 17:24-28

For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 4 & 5 June 26, 2011 – Romans 1:1-7 I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son our Lord Study Questions What do we mean when we call Jesus by the title Christ? How does the truth that Jesus is the Son of God help us to understand and explain more clearly what God is like? In what way is the statement, “Jesus is Lord” a superb summary of the Christian Gospel? What does it mean in practice for you to show personal loyalty to Jesus as Lord? Are there areas where you are merely paying lip service to him?

Why is it so important to insist that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human? How does the divinity of Christ help us understand God’s love for us? How can Jesus’ divinity give us greater trust in him? How does Jesus’ humanity allow him to identify with us? Why does facing Christianity mean facing up to Jesus Christ? Heidelberg Catechism Question 29 Q. Why is the Son of God called "Jesus," meaning "savior"? A. Because he saves us from our sins.1 Salvation cannot be found in anyone else; it is futile to look for any salvation elsewhere.2 1 Matt. 1:21; Heb. 7:25 2 Isa. 43:11; John 15:5; Acts 4:11-12; 1 Tim. 2:5

Heidelberg Catechism Question 30 Q. Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only savior Jesus? A. No. Although they boast of being his, by their deeds they deny the only savior and deliverer, Jesus.1 Either Jesus is not a perfect savior, or those who in true faith accept this savior have in him all they need for their salvation.2 1 1 Cor. 1:12-13; Gal. 5:4 2 Col. 1:19-20; 2:10; 1 John 1:7

Heidelberg Catechism Question 31 Q. Why is he called "Christ," meaning "anointed"? A. Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit1 to be our chief prophet and teacher2 who perfectly reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God for our deliverance;3 our only high priest4 who has set us free by the one sacrifice of his body,5 and who continually pleads our cause with the Father;6 and our eternal king7 who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the freedom he has won for us.8

1 Luke 3:21-22; 4:14-19 (Isa. 61:1); Heb. 1:9 (Ps. 45:7) 2 Acts 3:22 (Deut. 18:15) 3 John 1:18; 15:15 4 Heb. 7:17 (Ps. 110:4) 5 Heb. 9:12; 10:11-14 6 Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24 7 Matt. 21:5 (Zech. 9:9) 8 Matt. 28:18-20; John 10:28; Rev. 12:10-11

Heidelberg Catechism Question 32 Q. But why are you called a Christian? A. Because by faith I am a member of Christ1 and so I share in his anointing.2 I am anointed to confess his name, 3 to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks,4

to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this life,5 and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for all eternity.6 1 1 Cor. 12:12-27 2 Acts 2:17 (Joel 2:28); 1 John 2:27 3 Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9-10; Heb. 13:15 4 Rom. 12:1; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9 5 Gal. 5:16-17; Eph. 6:11; 1 Tim. 1:18-19 6 Matt. 25:34; 2 Tim. 2:12

Heidelberg Catechism Question 33 Q. Why is he called God's "only Son" when we also are God's children? A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. 1 We, however, are adopted children of God— adopted by grace through Christ.2 1 John 1:1-3, 14, 18; Heb. 1 2 John 1:12; Rom. 8:14-17; Eph. 1:5-6

Heidelberg Catechism Question 34 Q. Why do you call him "our Lord"? A. Because— not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood—1 he has set us free from sin and from the tyranny of the devil,2 and has bought us, body and soul, to be his very own.3

1 1 Pet. 1:18-19 2 Col. 1:13-14; Heb. 2:14-15 3 1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Tim. 2:5-6

Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 21 Q. Who is the redeemer of God’s chosen ones? A. The only redeemer of God’s chosen is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, Who became man. He was and continues to be God and man in two distinct natures and one person forever. For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 8 July 3, 2011 - Luke 1:26-38 I believe in Jesus Christ conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary Study Questions Why is the belief that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary important? What do the miracles associated with Christ’s earthly entry and exit show us about Him? Do you agree that one’s attitude toward the virgin birth and the resurrection of Jesus should be the same?

What does Jesus’ possession of a real physical body suggest about the way we ought to treat our own bodies? Heidelberg Catechism Question 35 Q. What does it mean that he "was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary"? A. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God,1 took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit,2 from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary,3 a truly human nature so that he might become David's true descendant, 4 like his brothers in every way5 except for sin.6

1 John 1:1; 10:30-36; Acts 13:33 (Ps. 2:7); Col. 1:15-17; 1 John 5:20 2 Luke 1:35 3 Matt. 1:18-23; John 1:14; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 2:14 4 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 132:11; Matt. 1:1; Rom. 1:3 5 Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:17 6 Heb. 4:15; 7:26-27

Heidelberg Catechism Question 36 Q. How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you? A. He is our mediator,1 and with his innocence and perfect holiness he removes from God's sight my sin—mine since I was conceived.2 1 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 9:13-15 2 Rom. 8:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 4:4-5; 1 Pet. 1:18-19

Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 22 Q. How did Christ, the Son of God, become man? A. Christ, the Son of God, became man by assuming a real body and a reasoning soul. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Him; yet He was sinless. For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 8 July 10, 2011 - Mark 15:1-39 I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried and descended into Hell Study Questions Why do you think Pontius Pilate was included in the creed? How do we know that Christ’s experience of death was genuine? What is the importance of this fact? What difference does it make if whether we face death with Christ or without him? How can the humiliation that Christ endured for us encourage us as we endure trials and struggles in this life?

Heidelberg Catechism Question 37 Q. What do you understand by the word "suffered"? A. That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the anger of God against the sin of the whole human race.1 This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice,2 he might set us free, body and soul, from eternal condemnation,3 and gain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.4 1 Isa. 53; 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18 2 Rom. 3:25; Heb. 10:14; 1 John 2:2; 4:10 3 Rom. 8:1-4; Gal. 3:13 4 John 3:16; Rom. 3:24-26

Heidelberg Catechism Question 38 Q. Why did he suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as judge? A. So that he, though innocent, might be condemned by a civil judge,1 and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.2 1 Luke 23:13-24; John 19:4, 12-16 2 Isa. 53:4-5; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13

Heidelberg Catechism Question 39 Q. Is it significant that he was "crucified" instead of dying some other way? A. Yes. This death convinces me that he shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was accursed by God.1 1 Gal. 3:10-13 (Deut. 21:23)

Heidelberg Catechism Question 40 Q. Why did Christ have to go all the way to death? A. Because God's justice and truth demand it:1 only the death of God's Son could pay for our sin.2

1 Gen. 2:17 2 Rom. 8:3-4; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 2:9

Heidelberg Catechism Question 41 Q. Why was he "buried"? A. His burial testifies that he really died.1 1Isa. 53:9; John 19:38-42; Acts 13:29; 1 Cor. 15:3-4

Heidelberg Catechism Question 42 Q. Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die? A. Our death does not pay the debt of our sins.1 Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life.2 1 Ps. 49:7 2 John 5:24; Phil. 1:21-23; 1 Thess. 5:9-10

Heidelberg Catechism Question 43 Q. What further advantage do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross? A. Through Christ's death our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with him,1 so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us,2 but that instead we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to him.3 1 Rom. 6:5-11; Col. 2:11-12 2 Rom. 6:12-14 3 Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:1-2

Heidelberg Catechism Question 44 Q. Why does the creed add, "He descended to hell"? A. To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, especially on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.1 1 Isa. 53; Matt. 26:36-46; 27:45-46; Luke 22:44; Heb. 5:7-10

For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 8 July 17, 2011 - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 I believe on the third day He rose again from the dead Study Questions How would Christianity be different if Christ had not risen? What evidence is there for Jesus’ resurrection? How is our new life in Christ generated by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Heidelberg Catechism Question 45 Q. How does Christ's resurrection benefit us? A. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he won for us by his death.1 Second, by his power we too are already now resurrected to a new life.2 Third, Christ's resurrection is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection.3 1 Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:16-20; 1 Pet. 1:3-5 2 Rom. 6:5-11; Eph. 2:4-6; Col. 3:1-4 3 Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 15:12-23; Phil. 3:20-21

For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 8

July 24, 2011 - Hebrews 9:24-28 I believe He ascended into heaven and is seated at the Right hand of God the Father almighty Study Questions In what sense did Jesus ascend to heaven? Why is it wrong to suggest that, following the ascension, Jesus is now absent from the world? What is Christ doing now? What importance has this heavenly ministry for us? Why is the church better off with the presence of the Holy Spirit than with the physical presence of Jesus? Heidelberg Catechism Question 46 Q. What do you mean by saying, "He ascended to heaven"? A. That Christ, while his disciples watched, was lifted up from the earth to heaven1 and will be there for our good2 until he comes again to judge the living and the dead.3

1 Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11 2 Rom. 8:34; Eph. 4:8-10; Heb. 7:23-25; 9:24 3 Acts 1:11

Heidelberg Catechism Question 47 Q. But isn't Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?1 A. Christ is truly human and truly God. In his human nature Christ is not now on earth;2 but in his divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit he is not absent from us for a moment. 3 1 Matt. 28:20 2 Acts 1:9-11; 3:19-21 3 Matt. 28:18-20; John 14:16-19

Heidelberg Catechism Question 48 Q. If his humanity is not present wherever his divinity is, then aren't the two natures of Christ separated from each other? A. Certainly not. Since divinity is not limited and is present everywhere,1 it is evident that Christ's divinity is surely beyond the bounds of the humanity he has taken on, but at the same time his divinity is in and remains personally united to his humanity.2 1 Jer. 23:23-24; Acts 7:48-49 (Isa. 66:1) 2 John 1:14; 3:13; Col. 2:9

Heidelberg Catechism Question 49 Q. How does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us? A. First, he pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of his Father.1 Second, we have our own flesh in heaven— a guarantee that Christ our head will take us, his members, to himself in heaven.2 Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee.3 By the Spirit's power we make the goal of our lives, not earthly things, but the things above where Christ is, sitting at God's right hand.4

1 Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1 2 John 14:2; 17:24; Eph. 2:4-6 3 John 14:16; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 5:5 4 Col. 3:1-4

Heidelberg Catechism Question 50 Q. Why the next words: "and is seated at the right hand of God"? A. Christ ascended to heaven, there to show that he is head of his church,1 and that the Father rules all things through him.2 1 Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 1:18 2 Matt. 28:18; John 5:22-23

Heidelberg Catechism Question 51 Q. How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us? A. First, through his Holy Spirit he pours out his gifts from heaven upon us his members.1 Second, by his power he defends us and keeps us safe from all enemies.2 1 Acts 2:33; Eph. 4:7-12 2 Ps. 110:1-2; John 10:27-30; Rev. 19:11-16

For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 8 July 31, 2011 - 2 Corinthians 5:6-21 I believe He will come to judge the living and the dead Study Questions When Christ returns, what will he do? Do you find the prospect of future judgment disturbing? How does it help to know that Jesus will be the Judge? What does the Bible not tell us about Christ’s return? Why do you think God withholds this information? How can the creed comfort us as we look forward to the final judgment? Heidelberg Catechism Question 52 Q. How does Christ's return "to judge the living and the dead" comfort you? A. In all my distress and persecution I turn my eyes to the heavens and confidently await as judge the very One who has already stood trial in my place before God and so has removed the whole curse from me.1 All his enemies and mine he will condemn to everlasting punishment: but me and all his chosen ones he will take along with him into the joy and the glory of heaven.2 1 Luke 21:28; Rom. 8:22-25; Phil. 3:20-21; Tit. 2:13-14 2 Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:6-10

For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 8

August 7, 2011- John 3:5-8; 14:25-26; Ephesians 1:3-14 I believe in the Holy Spirit Study Questions How would you summarize who the Holy Spirit is and what He does? How does the work of the Spirit differ from that of the Father and the Son? How should an understanding of the divinity of the Spirit affect our prayer life? In what ways are you tempted to think of the Spirit as an impersonal force or power? What evidence have you seen in your own life that the Spirit has been applying salvation to you? What would you say to a professed Christian who doubted if he had ever experienced the ministry of the Holy Spirit? Take some time to write down your gifts and abilities. How might these be the Spirit’s gifts to you for the building up of the church? In what areas do you most need the Spirit’s continuing sanctification in your life? Heidelberg Catechism Question 53 Q. What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"? A. First, he, as well as the Father and the Son, is eternal God.1 Second, he has been given to me personally,2 so that, by true faith, he makes me share in Christ and all his blessings,3 comforts me,4 and remains with me forever.5 1 Gen. 1:1-2; Matt. 28:19; Acts 5:3-4 2 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; Gal. 4:6 3 Gal. 3:14 4 John 15:26; Acts 9:31 5 John 14:16-17; 1 Pet. 4:14

Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 30 Q. How does the Holy Spirit apply to us the redemption Christ bought? A. The Spirit applies to us the redemption Christ bought by producing faith in us and so uniting us to Christ in our effective calling.

August 14, 2011 - Ephesians 2:11-22 I believe in the holy catholic church Study Questions How is the church critical to maintaining a relationship to God? In what ways have you experienced God’s grace in the church community? How could you more fully belong to and get involved in Redeemer Church? Some of us can be tempted to think of the church as being primarily a building. How ought the church as the congregation of God’s people help us to avoid that problem? In what ways do you see that the church needs to be set apart (holy) from the world? Since the church is “catholic” or “universal” how should we think of other churches that hold to the Apostles’ Creed? Heidelberg Catechism Question 54 Q. What do you believe concerning "the holy catholic church"? A. I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word,1 out of the entire human race,2 from the beginning of the world to its end,3 gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life4 and united in true faith.5 And of this community I am6 and always will be7 a living member. 1 John 10:14-16; Acts 20:28; Rom. 10:14-17; Col. 1:18 2 Gen. 26:3b-4; Rev. 5:9 3 Isa. 59:21; 1 Cor. 11:26 4 Matt. 16:18; John 10:28-30; Rom. 8:28-30; Eph. 1:3-14 5 Acts 2:42-47; Eph. 4:1-6 6 1 John 3:14, 19-21 7 John 10:27-28; 1 Cor. 1:4-9; 1 Pet. 1:3-5

For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 25 August 21, 2011 - Ephesians 4:1-16 I believe in the communion of the saints Study Questions What does it mean to be a “saint”? How have you experienced the fellowship of the church? Who are the individuals who have really helped you in your life of faith? Have you ever been able to thank them? What are 3 ways in which you can use your gifts to benefit your church community?

Heidelberg Catechism Question 55 Q. What do you understand by "the communion of saints"? A. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all his treasures and gifts.1 Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.2 1 Rom. 8:32; 1 Cor. 6:17; 12:4-7, 12-13; 1 John 1:3 2 Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:20-27; 13:1-7; Phil. 2:4-8

For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 26 August 28, 2011 - Colossians 3:1-17 I believe in the forgiveness of sins Study Questions What is forgiveness, and what does it do for the forgiven on a personal level? Why is it that forgiveness comes through faith only? Why is real forgiveness so difficult both to offer and to accept? How does this apply to you in your relationship with God? All three members of the Trinity work together to bring about our salvation. What does this mean for the way that God loved us in our sin and continues to love us after we are saved? How do Christians continually need to have brokenness and faith in their Christian lives? How does the merit of Christ become the ground of our salvation, and how can faith in Him give us confidence in His forgiveness? How should the assurance of the forgiveness of sins impact our lives? Heidelberg Catechism Question 56 Q. What do you believe concerning "the forgiveness of sins"? A. I believe that God, because of Christ's atonement, will never hold against me any of my sins1 nor my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life.2 Rather, in his grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgment.3 1 Ps. 103:3-4, 10, 12; Mic. 7:18-19; 2 Cor. 5:18-21; 1 John 1:7; 2:2 2 Rom. 7:21-25 3 John 3:17-18; Rom. 8:1-2

September 4, 2011 - 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 I believe in the resurrection of the body and in life everlasting Study Questions What evidence does the Bible give to show that death has been conquered? How can the future hope in our resurrection cause us to live holy lives in anticipation of Christ’s return? How much can we say that we know about the state of the resurrected? What aspects of eternal life are you enjoying now? And what are you looking forward to in the future? How can our present sufferings increase our hope for everlasting life? Heidelberg Catechism Question 57 Q. How does "the resurrection of the body" comfort you? A. Not only my soul will be taken immediately after this life to Christ its head,1 but even my very flesh, raised by the power of Christ, will be reunited with my soul and made like Christ's glorious* body. 2 1 Luke 23:43; Phil. 1:21-23 2 1 Cor. 15:20, 42-46, 54; Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2 *The first edition had here the German word for "holy." This was later corrected to the German word for "glorious." Heidelberg Catechism Question 58 Q. How does the article concerning "life everlasting" comfort you? A. Even as I already now experience in my heart the beginning of eternal joy,1 so after this life I will have perfect blessedness such as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human heart has ever imagined: a blessedness in which to praise God eternally.2 1 Rom. 14:17 2 John 17:3; 1 Cor. 2:9

Heidelberg Catechism Question 59 Q. What good does it do you, however, to believe all this? A. In Christ I am right with God and heir to life everlasting.1

1 John 3:36; Rom. 1:17 (Hab. 2:4); Rom. 5:1-2

Heidelberg Catechism Question 60 Q. How are you right with God? A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ.1 Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments and of never having kept any of them,2 and even though I am still inclined toward all evil,3 nevertheless, without my deserving it at all,4 out of sheer grace,5 God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ,6 as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me.7 All I need to do is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.8

1 Rom. 3:21-28; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil 3:8-11 2 Rom. 3:9-10 3 Rom. 7:23 4 Tit. 3:4-5 5 Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8 6 Rom. 4:3-5 (Gen. 15:6); 2 Cor. 5:17-19; 1 John 2:1-2 7 Rom. 4:24-25; 2 Cor. 5:21 8 John 3:18; Acts 16:30-31

Heidelberg Catechism Question 61 Q. Why do you say that by faith alone you are right with God? A. It is not because of any value my faith has that God is pleased with me. Only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness make me right with God.1 And I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone.2 1 1 Cor. 1:30-31 2 Rom. 10:10; 1 John 5:10-12

Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 37 Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ when they die? A. When believers die, their souls are made perfectly holy and immediately pass into glory. Their bodies, which are still united to Christ, rest in the grave until the resurrection. Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 38 Q. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection? A. At the resurrection, believers, raised in glory, will be publicly recognized and declared not guilty on the day of judgment and will be made completely happy in the full employment of God forever. For further study: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 22, 23 Many of the study questions have been taken from a variety of resources, including the following: I Believe: Exploring the Apostles’ Creed by Alister McGrath Growing in Christ by J.I. Packer The Apostles’ Creed Study Guide by Third Millennium

A SIMPLE WAY TO PRAY by Martin LutherPart 3- On the Apostles Creed

A Simple Exercise for Contemplating the Creed

If you have more time, or the inclination, you may treat the Creed in the same manner and make it into a garland of four strands. The Creed, however, consists of three main parts or articles, corresponding to the three Persons of the Divine Majesty, as it has been so divided in the Catechism and elsewhere.

The First Article of Creation “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.”

Here, first of all, a great light shines into your heart if you permit it to and teaches you in a few words what all the languages of the world and a multitude of books cannot describe or fathom in words, namely, who you are, whence you came, whence came heaven and earth. You are God’s creation, his handiwork, his workmanship. That is, of yourself and in yourself you are nothing, can do nothing, know nothing, are capable of nothing. What were you a thousand years ago? What were heaven and earth six thousand years ago? Nothing, just as that which will never be created is nothing. But what you are, know, can do, and can achieve is God’s creation, as you confess [in the Creed] by word of mouth. Therefore you have nothing to boast of before God except that you are nothing and he is your Creator who can annihilate you at any moment. Reason knows nothing of such a light. Many great people have sought to know what heaven and earth, man and creatures are and have found no answer. But here it is declared and faith affirms that God has created everything out of nothing. Here is the soul’s garden of pleasure, along whose paths we enjoy the works of God—but it would take too long to describe all that.

Furthermore, we should give thanks to God that in his kindness he has created us out of nothing and provides for our daily needs out of nothing—has made us to be such excellent beings with body and soul, intelligence, five senses, and has ordained us to be masters of earth, of fish, bird, and beast, etc. Here consider Genesis, chapters one to three.

Third, we should confess and lament our lack of faith and gratitude in failing to take this to heart, or to believe, ponder, and acknowledge it, and having been more stupid than unthinking beasts.

Fourth, we pray for a true and confident faith that sincerely esteems and trusts God to be our Creator, as this article declares.

The Second Article of Redemption “And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,” etc.

Again a great light shines forth and teaches us how Christ, God’s Son, has redeemed us from death which, after the creation, had become our lot through Adam’s fall and in which we would

have perished eternally. Now think: just as in the first article you were to consider yourself one of God’s creatures and not doubt it, now you must think of yourself as one of the redeemed and never doubt that. Emphasize one word above all others, for instance, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Likewise, suffered for us, died for us, arose for us. All this is ours and pertains to us; that us includes yourself, as the word of God declares.

Second, you must be sincerely grateful for such grace and rejoice in your salvation. Third, you must sorrowfully lament and confess your wicked unbelief and mistrust of such a gift. Oh, what thoughts will come to mind—the idolatry you have practiced repeatedly, how much you have made of praying to the saints and of innumerable good works of yours which have opposed such salvation.

Fourth, pray now that God will preserve you from this time forward to the end in true and pure faith in Christ our Lord.

The Third Article of Sanctification “I believe in the Holy Spirit,” etc.

This is the third great light which teaches us where such a Creator and Redeemer may be found and plainly encountered in this world, and what this will all come to in the end. Much could be said about this, but here is a summary: Where the holy Christian church exists, there we can find God the Creator, God the Redeemer, God the Holy Spirit, that is, him who daily sanctifies us through the forgiveness of sins, etc. The church exists where the word of God concerning such faith is rightly preached and confessed.

Again you have occasion here to ponder long about everything that the Holy Spirit accomplishes in the church every day, etc. Therefore be thankful that you have been called and have come into such a church. Confess and lament your lack of faith and gratitude, that you have neglected all this, and pray for a true and steadfast faith that will remain and endure until you come to that place where all endures forever, that is, beyond the resurrection from the dead, in life eternal. Amen.

Luther, M. (1999, c1968). Vol. 43: Luther’s works, vol. 43 : Devotional Writings II (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.). Luther’s Works (Vol. 43, Page 193- 210). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.Luther, M. (1999, c1968). Vol. 43: Luther’s works, vol. 43 : Devotional Writings II (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.). Luther’s Works (Vol. 43, Page 210- 211). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

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O Day Of Rest And GladnessWords by Christopher WordsworthMusic by Christopher Miner

4. Today on weary nations, The heav'nly manna falls:To holy convocations, The silver trumpet calls,Where gospel light is glowing With pure and radiant beamsAnd living water flowing, With soul refreshing streams.

5. New graces ever gaining, From this our day of rest,We reach the rest remaining, To spirits of the blest.To Holy Ghost be praises, To Father, and to Son;The church her voice upraises, To thee, blest Three in One.

Rock of Ages Trinity Hymnal #499

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and power. Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the Fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die. While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyelids close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.

Come, Thou Almighty King Trinity #101

Come, Thou Almighty King, Help us Thy name to sing, help us to praise. Father, all glorious, o’er all victorious, Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days. Come, Thou Incarnate Word, Gird on Thy mighty sword, our prayer attend. Come, and Thy people bless, and give Thy Word success, Spirit of holiness, on us descend. Come, Holy Comforter, Thy sacred witness bear, in this glad hour. Thou who almighty art, now rule in every heart, And ne’er from us depart, Spirit of power. To the great One in Three, Eternal praises be, hence evermore. His sovereign majesty may we in glory see, And to eternity love and adore.

The Church’s One Foundation Trinity #347

The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord; She is his new creation by water and the Word: From heav’n he came and sought her to be his holy bride; With his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died. Elect from ev’ry nation, yet one o’er all the earth, Her charter of salvation one Lord, one faith, one birth; One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, And to one hope she presses, with ev’ry grace endued. Though with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed, By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, Yet saints their watch are keeping, their cry goes up, “How long?” And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song. The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend, To guide, sustain, and cherish, is with her to the end; Though there be those that hate her, and false sons in her pale, Against or foe or traitor she ever shall prevail. ‘Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war, She waits the consummation, of peace forevermore; Till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest, And the great church victorious shall be the church at rest. Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One, And mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won: O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, Like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with Thee.