As we come to the final line of our study on the Nicene Creed, close your eyes for a moment and picture a hidden room in fourth-century Rome. A small group of Christians gathers in the half-light as their bishop recites words you and I still say on Sundays: We believe in the resurrection of … Continue reading (Nicene Creed): We Look For the Resurrection of the Dead… Amen.
We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins My favorite seminary professor, the late Dr. Jack Cottrell, did his doctoral dissertation on The History of Baptism. His findings have been summarized and published in two books Baptism and the Remission of Sins (Hester Publications, edited by David Fletcher), and more recently, and also more … Continue reading (Nicene Creed): One Baptism For the Forgiveness of Sins
Within the Nicene Creed there are many wonderful affirmations of the Christian faith. Many lines of prose where people affirm with gusto. Yet, one line remains influential and controversial. That line being “one holy catholic and apostolic Church.” Despite its controversy, in the proper context, one can embrace this line with excitement, too. The phrase … Continue reading (Nicene Creed): One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church
In the south transept of Chartres Cathedral looms a magnificent rose window portraying the exaltation of Christ. Just beneath visitors will find five smaller lancet windows—the central featuring a regal Mary holding the infant Christ. The four on either side are more difficult to make out. Each window shows two men—one resting on the shoulders … Continue reading (Nicene Creed): Who Has Spoken Through The Prophets…
As we continue to deepen our exploration and understanding of the Nicene Creed we come to the statement “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life . . .” The first part of the creed established foundational and unifying clarity on such core beliefs as the divinity of Christ, along with a fuller understanding of his life and atoning work. The … Continue reading (Nicene Creed): We Believe in the Holy Spirit the Lord and Giver of Life…
A few days ago my family and I were traveling and we saw a billboard that said “Jesus Christ…Coming Soon.” While the intent behind the message was likely to elicit fear in order to encourage people to “make a decision for Jesus” the statement is, nonetheless, true. As the Nicene Creed states, “He [Jesus] will … Continue reading (Nicene Creed): He Will Come Again in Glory…and His Kingdom Will Have No End
On this day in 1536, the grim gates of Belgium’s Vilvoorde Castle opened as William Tyndale was led from the dungeons to the courtyard. Weeks earlier he had been marched onto the same grounds, admonished by local clerics, and stripped of his priesthood in ritual humiliation. Now formally expelled from the bosom of the church, … Continue reading William Tyndale: Priest, Bible Translator, and Martyr
“He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” In the Eucharistic liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer (2019) during the prayer of consecration we proclaim the mystery of our faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. This simple, yet profound, statement sits at the … Continue reading (Nicene Creed): He Ascended into Heaven and is Seated At The Right Hand of the Father
Today the church marks the Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels. In the Anglican tradition this celebration is also known as Michaelmas (Michael Mass) and serves as one of the “quarter days” of British society to mark the beginning of the Fall quarter in the academic, financial, and judicial calendar. Many Christians throughout the … Continue reading The Feast Day of Holy Michael and All Angels
“And rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” This portion of the Nicene Creed concisely describes what Christians have historically recognized as the linchpin of our faith – the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection was foretold by the Scriptures, and by the Lord Himself, and is celebrated … Continue reading (Nicene Creed): On the Third Day He Rose Again, In Accordance with the Scriptures
He who hung the earth in place is hanged. He who fixed the heavens in place is fixed in place. He who made all things fast is made fast on a tree. (Melito of Sardis, 2nd Century Bishop of Smyrna) In his magisterial work Dominion, Tom Holland traces the enduring influence of Christianity on the … Continue reading (Nicene Creed): For Our Sake He was Crucified…He Suffered Death and was Buried
Today Christians the world over are celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In the Anglican tradition, it is known as Holy Cross Day. Unlike other holy days, such as Good Friday, that commemorate the passion and suffering of Jesus, this is a day set aside to venerate (honor) and celebrate the … Continue reading The Feast Day of the Holy Cross
