We Believe #1 Study Guide
Introduction – part - 1 “I believe….” The Creed Is A Confession Of BELIEF “The Christian Worldview Has Always Been A ‘Confessional’ Worldview.” As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20 The Value Of The Creed For Us Today: 1. CLARIFY What We Believe As Christians 2. Give Us A COMPLETE View Of The Gospel 3. Connects Us To The Greater COMMUNITY Of Faith
What Does It Mean Biblically When We Say: “I Believe In God”? Biblical Belief Means You’re Affirming That God EXISTS "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." Romans 10:10 “There Is A Huge Difference Between Knowing And Believing In” Biblical Belief Means You’re Affirming Your TRUST In God
“Belief Leads To Action, While Simply Knowing May Or May Not Lead To Action.” Biblical Belief Means That You Are Fully COMMITTED To God “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Biblical Belief Always Lead To OBEDIENCE “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 Biblical Belief Is: “…throwing open the doors of our lives and inviting God to enter, not merely as our guest but as our Lord and Master.” ~Alistair McGrath~
The Apostle’s Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's 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 to the dead. On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Life Group Questions: (Interested In Connecting To a Life Group? Contact Pastor [email protected]) As you begin your group meeting read the Apostle’ Creed together. •
What are some other belief systems or worldviews that you have bought into or encountered in the past ?
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Why do you think it is important that as Christians we can clearly articulate and agree on what we believe ?
•
Why is been connected to the greater community of faith important for us as Christians ?
•
Why do you think we tend to overlook or avoid certain areas of the Gospel ?
•
In what area of the Gospel do think the creed may help give you a more balanced view ?
Read Romans 10:9-10 •
How does the Apostle connect our belief and our actions to our salvation?
•
What is the difference between knowing and believing.
Read John 3:16-18 •
How would you explain the importance of belief according to these verses?
•
What do these verses tell us about the consequences of not believing?
Read James 2:14-19 •
What is the relationship between faith (belief) and good works (obedience)?
During the course of the next few weeks have each group member take a few minutes to describe the moment when they first believed in Jesus. If someone in your group has never had a moment like this take some time to pray for them and have them commit to talking to a trusted Christian friend about what it means to have a personal belief in Jesus Christ. Sources: • I Believe – Exploring the Apostles Creed _ Alistair McGrath - IVP Books • The Apostles Creed _ William Barclay- Westminster John Knox Press • Affirming The Apostle’s Creed _ J.I. Packer - Crossway Books • The Apostle’s Creed – Together We Believe _ Matt Chandler – LifeWay • Send feedback or questions to Pastor [email protected]
What Does It Mean Biblically When We Say: “I Believe In God”? Biblical Belief Means You’re Affirming That God EXISTS "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." Romans 10:10 “There Is A Huge Difference Between Knowing And Believing In” Biblical Belief Means You’re Affirming Your TRUST In God
“Belief Leads To Action, While Simply Knowing May Or May Not Lead To Action.” Biblical Belief Means That You Are Fully COMMITTED To God “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Biblical Belief Always Lead To OBEDIENCE “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 Biblical Belief Is: “…throwing open the doors of our lives and inviting God to enter, not merely as our guest but as our Lord and Master.” ~Alistair McGrath~
The Apostle’s Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's 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 to the dead. On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Life Group Questions: (Interested In Connecting To a Life Group? Contact Pastor [email protected]) As you begin your group meeting read the Apostle’ Creed together. •
What are some other belief systems or worldviews that you have bought into or encountered in the past ?
•
Why do you think it is important that as Christians we can clearly articulate and agree on what we believe ?
•
Why is been connected to the greater community of faith important for us as Christians ?
•
Why do you think we tend to overlook or avoid certain areas of the Gospel ?
•
In what area of the Gospel do think the creed may help give you a more balanced view ?
Read Romans 10:9-10 •
How does the Apostle connect our belief and our actions to our salvation?
•
What is the difference between knowing and believing.
Read John 3:16-18 •
How would you explain the importance of belief according to these verses?
•
What do these verses tell us about the consequences of not believing?
Read James 2:14-19 •
What is the relationship between faith (belief) and good works (obedience)?
During the course of the next few weeks have each group member take a few minutes to describe the moment when they first believed in Jesus. If someone in your group has never had a moment like this take some time to pray for them and have them commit to talking to a trusted Christian friend about what it means to have a personal belief in Jesus Christ. Sources: • I Believe – Exploring the Apostles Creed _ Alistair McGrath - IVP Books • The Apostles Creed _ William Barclay- Westminster John Knox Press • Affirming The Apostle’s Creed _ J.I. Packer - Crossway Books • The Apostle’s Creed – Together We Believe _ Matt Chandler – LifeWay • Send feedback or questions to Pastor [email protected]
