The Nicene Creed

Last Sunday, we had the privilege to hear from guest preacher Willie McLaurin, who showed us that we are called to carry the gospel to our neighborhoods and the nations from Acts 1:8. Additionally, we heard testimonies of gospel ministry from several Crosspoint members, and Pastor Jeremy shared more vision about our missions’ partnerships and church planting strategy.

Read: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

This Sunday, Pastor Jason Finley will continue our series: 1 Thessalonians: Model of Discipleship, with a message from 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. We will consider the truth that God establishes us in holiness as we love one another by God’s grace. Also, this Sunday, we will recite the Nicene Creed together. In preparation for this Sunday’s gathering, consider the following introduction to the Nicene Creed from Pastor Jason.

Reflect: The Nicene Creed

Creeds
If someone asked you, “Who is Jesus Christ?” what would you say? Maybe you answer, “Jesus is the Son of God who became flesh and died for sins, once and for all, and God raised him from the dead on the third day.” If this is your response, you join Christians who, throughout the centuries, have summarized their faith to proclaim the Gospel and to ensure that teaching in the church is thoroughly biblical.

The most important of these summaries are often called “creeds.”  The creeds function not as “ancient solutions to ancient problems,” but rather protect the truth of the gospel in every age from both ancient and modern heresies. While creeds are sometimes associated with other denominations and church traditions, we too are a creedal people. With agreed-upon documents such as the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978) or the Danver’s Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (1988)–even our church Statement of Faith–our faith and obedience are strengthened as we are clear on what we believe.

History of the Nicene Creed
Knowing the historical context of the Nicene Creed can help us appreciate the truths it declares.

In the early fourth century, a preacher named Arius began to teach false doctrine denying the Trinity. Arius’ teaching included: 1) God the Father alone is God; 2) God the Son is a created being; and 3) there was a time when Christ  the Son did not exist. About 250 elders from all over gathered in 325 A.D. in the town of Nicaea (in modern-day Turkey) to address Arius’ false teaching. They wrote a brief statement to clarify the biblical teaching that Christians believe Jesus Christ is fully God, and that those who deny this lack biblical faith.  Another council of elders met in 381 A.D. in Constantinople to reaffirm and add further clarity to the continued challenges against biblical Christianity.

At Crosspoint Church, we believe that Scripture reveals truth, and that at the center of that truth stands the doctrine of the Trinity.

Therefore, we rejoice in joining with saints through the centuries who have confessed the same biblical truth.

The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible.

And we believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made, being of the same substance as the Father;
through him all things were made.
Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven,
was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.
We believe in one holy, universal, and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Sing: Song List for Sunday

1. “God Is For Us,” by CityAlight
2. “Christ Is All,” by Matt Boswell
3. “On That Day,” by CityAlight
4. “Speak, O Lord,” by Keith & Kristyn Getty
5. “I Stand Amazed,” Arr. Aaron Keyes

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