For the last couple of weeks we’ve been looking at the Apostles’ Creed. This week we begin to look at the part of the creed that focuses on Jesus’ life, leading up to his death.
CREED: I BELIEVE IN JESUS (Part 1)
Message by Interim Senior Pastor Bill Johnston – February 25, 2018
“I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary…”
Colossians 1:15-20
WHAT THE CREED SAYS ABOUT JESUS
1. “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord…”
WORD: Manifestation
VERSE: Matthew 16:15-17 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.
THOUGHT: Biblical names typically represent what people do.
Matthew 1:21 “[Mary] will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Jesus: Saviour, Deliverer
Christ: Anointed One, Messiah, Ruler, King
God’s Only Son: Speaks of the unique relationship between Jesus and His Father
Our Lord: Master, Ruler, Sovereign, King
APPLICATION: Jesus is the only one suited to lead your life
2. “… who was conceived by the Holy Spirit…”
WORD: Formation
VERSE: Matthew 1:20-23 (Gabriel to Joseph) “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus,for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
Luke 1:35 (Gabriel to Mary) “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.”
THOUGHT: With God all things are possible, even the miraculous
APPLICATION: God’s Spirit continues to birth new things in the lives of His people
3. “… born of the Virgin Mary …”
WORD: Incarnation
VERSE: Matthew 20:28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Philippians 2:5-8 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
THOUGHT: God came to make His home among us
APPLICATION: Jesus wants to make God known to you
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who 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. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits 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 Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
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