1. THE APOSTLES’ CREED A Map to our Faith

2. ReviewSession 1-The Apostles’ Creed What is a creed? Why a creed? Facts about The Apostles’ Creed What does the Creed have to do with me?

3. Session 2: I believe in... Turn to 2 Thessalonians

4. The Apostles’ 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 catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN.

5. Why start with just “I believe in”? Everybody believes in something. No one is neutral. We, as Christians, believe in some very specific things. When we say “I believe” before the Creed we are affirming we are Christians. Consider a map again. When you leave the Creed, you’ve crossed the border to another set of beliefs or religion.

7. I believeinWhat does it mean to believe in something? What if I said... I believe in UFOs I believe Pierce is in the playroom I believe in democracy I believe you should pay attention I believe Emerald Pointe is fun Saying “I believe in God” is more than “I feel” or “I think” or “I want” “I BELIEVE” = “GOD IS”

8. I believe inIs believing in God simply believing in a list of facts about God? No “I believe in God” (not I believe that God) Greek=I am believing into God Meaning: I am living in a covenant relationship with God-- living with God and for God. Because of God I am different. I trust God with my life.

9. 2 Thessalonians 2:13Amplified Version 13But we, brethren beloved by the Lord, ought and are obligated [as those who are in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, because God chose you from the beginning as His firstfruits(first converts) for salvation through the sanctifying work of the [Holy] Spirit and [your] belief in (adherence to, trust in, and reliance on) the Truth

10. “Perhaps the problem today is not that people cannot mentally believe in God. Perhaps, instead, they would prefer to live without God. The problem isn’t a lack of belief, but an unwillingness for our lives to be changed. But then, our resistance to change is the most self-destructive stupidity of which we are capable, for the God who pleads for our belief, for our hearts, is the God who promises us the moon, but then gives us the stars, the God who is the Father Almighty.” -Howell

11. Review Why is the “I” important in “I believe in God”? What are we saying when we say “I believe in God”? God IS Why is the “in” important in “I believe in God”? Fill in the blank: The problem isn’t a lack of belief, but an unwillingness for our lives to be __________. changed