RoboPreacher

& i know, i know there is joy endowed A sermon on the Creed from the Gospel of John , It is, finally, a strange thing to have a Creed . Bylaws and a constitution, sure. Parochial reports and council minutes, why not? But a Creed ? It’s a bit unusual . A set of propositions to which we all regularly affirm in worship.   Now, the origin of the Apostles’ Creed is a bit oblique , so ancient is it. However, it undoubtedly began its life as a part of the baptismal liturgy. The way we still use Apostles’ Creed in baptisms, and even confirmation, today . From its inception , then, the Creed has functioned as a boundary marker.   Admittedly, boundaries have something of a bad reputation these days. Much of it earned, no doubt. We do well, however, to give our Creed a chance . Especially since, as historic Christians, we are stuck with it. More than that, though, I want to suggest that we stand to lose more than we gain by letting this ancient confession of faith collect dust. ...

on giving in slowly A sermon from John 3 on the 2nd article of the Creed This, the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed, is the longest . There’s plenty in here. More than enough for a single sermon. However, what I want to focus on is what’s not in this article of the Creed! Because what isn’t here is as surprising as it is promising … Any hunches? Notice anything that’s missing?   …There’s nothing in the Creed whatsoever about the content of Jesus’ sublime teaching s! AND neither is there any reference at all to his miraculous deeds! There’s nothing about the Sermon on the Mount, raising Lazarus, or any other of Jesus’ sermons or actions! All we have is a stripped -down account of the bare facts of Jesus’ existence! He was Conceived by the Holy Spirit. Born of the virgin Mary. Suffered under Pontius Pilate. Was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. Then , the Creed goes on to speak of Jesus’ continued exalted existence...