The purpose of a creed is to provide a doctrinal statement of correct belief among Christians amid controversy. The original Nicene Creed was first adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325. A group of theologians and scholars met and 218 words later - a succinct definition of Christianity was put on paper and has been recited ever since - in churches - cathedrals and homes - all around the world.

I find it interesting that for the 1700 years since the Nicene Creed was penned - mankind still struggles to define what they believe about God. According to C.S. Lewis - people usually fall into three categories concerning their belief in God - “People think that Jesus is either a liar - a lunatic - or Lord!” Sometimes I’m asked what I believe - why I believe - why God is such an important part of my life. Sometimes people think I’m crazy. Sometimes they want to hear more. Sometimes they want God part of their life too. Perhaps you grew up - reciting this creed or a creed like it - in the church you attended.

For the past ten weeks the Pastors at my church have taken the Creed - broken it down - explained it - recited it - and sought to instil the truths of it in our hearts and minds. I have not done a study on this creed or any other creed for a very long time and each week - I eagerly anticipated the upcoming section that would be studied.

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

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. Light from Light. True God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven; He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary - was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. The third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His Kingdom will never end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son. And, with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and to life in the world to come. Amen.

I love to take notes when the Pastor is preaching - so the following are some of my favourite quotes form the last ten weeks.

Be grounded in the truth not emotion.

My truth affects my behaviour.

What you believe determines how you live.

Everything is created on purpose and with purpose.

If you stand for nothing - you’ll fall for anything.

Christ is either the Creator or the created! What I believe determines how I live.

Jesus is not made by God but God made known.

I stand between the Resurrection and the Return.

Live today as if it’s my last day.

Baptism isn’t a confession of perfection. It’s a confession of redemption.

My story doesn’t end in the grave.

Augustine - “You have made us for yourself O Lord - our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

C.S. Lewis - “ The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”

Athanasius - “Christ became what we are so that He might make us what He is.”

Resurrection tells us death doesn’t win. Renewal tells us brokenness doesn’t win. Eternity tells us separation doesn’t win. Heaven doesn’t contain God. God contains heaven.

I’m thankful for my heritage - for my grandparents and parents who lived their faith in front of me - who faithfully taught it to me - who encouraged me to embrace it and make it my own. I’m thankful for faithful pastors - who take the responsibility of preaching - seriously - who teach the whole truth.

“And I am certain that God who began the good work within me - will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”