I Believe in the Holy Spirit
“When the Advocate (Holy Spirit) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.”
-John 15:26-27
This week we will dive into the most well-known and quoted Confession, The Apostles Creed. It is believed to be the earliest of the confessions, through teachings of the Apostles. In its most accepted form, the Apostles Creed was recorded in France sometime in the 5th Century.
The Apostles’ Creed is so named not because it was written by the first century Apostles, but because the church understood it to faithfully represent the faith they proclaimed. Some part of the creed was likely already in use by the end of the second century, perhaps used to admit worshippers to the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. By the end of the fifth century it was nearly in the form we know today. You probably have noticed that it is structured around the Trinity, beginning with a brief affirmation of the “Father Almighty”. The largest part of the creed is a clear statement of our trust in Jesus Christ as Son of God; it remembers his birth, life, death and resurrection as instrumental in our salvation. In the final section the work of God’s Spirit is recognized, including a promise that the believer will share in the resurrection. At the time of its composition, the central intent was to be as clear as could be about Jesus and his relationship to the Father (John 17: 6 – 12). We read it today, and see an affirmation of themes that have been important for Presbyterians. We believe in the sovereignty of God, in God’s amazing grace as we experience it through Jesus Christ, and the ongoing ministry of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives and our church.
Our experience of the Holy Spirit is felt through the work of God in the world. When God calls us to serve in a way we feel completely unprepared or equipped for, that is when the work of the Holy Spirit supplies our needs and surprises us. When have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your life and in the lives of people around you? When have you experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in our church? Tell someone today.
Lord, as we gather together, we remember that we are not alone in our faith: God is our Companion. Though the Way is not easy, and we may suffer in righteousness, God is our Comfort. When anger fills our hearts, and grief crushes our spirits, God is our Counselor. Forgive us for our failure to love, trust and obey your Spirit. Through it all, we are together: For we are all children of God, our Companion, our Comfort, and our Counselor. Amen.
