For the first time in as long as I can remember, we didn’t have a multi-page printout of sermon/study notes filled with Bible verses and passages waiting for us when we arrived at our church gathering yesterday. Instead, only blank pieces of paper and what turned out to be a long list of songs. It was a nice change of pace as we worshipped God through song, discussed some of the lyrics, and challenged each other in what we believe. The first song, Creed, really set that tone. It’s a great song by Rich Mullins which is basically the Apostle’s Creed in song. However, what struck me most about the lyrics of this song was actually not all the truth poured out in each of the verses, but the chorus which states the following —
And I believe what I believe
It's what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no, it is making me
It is the very truth of God, not the invention of any man
Our CREED is based on the truth in the Bible. It is NOT the invention of any man, but the very truth of God itself! What a summary statement! Unlike the manmade philosophies we come up with to explain the world and mankind itself, God’s truth makes us. It transforms us. Humans like to reverse that order by ‘making’ God in our own image, or by transforming what He says or hasn’t said to our satisfaction. Christian and non-Christian alike, if I asked you right now, ‘What do you believe and how does it make you what you are,’ how would you answer? What CREED do you believe? I have to say I’m with Rich Mullins on this one. Please check out the song and lyrics below.
I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth
And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
Born of the virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate
He was crucified and dead and buried
Chorus
And I believe what I believe
It's what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no, it is making me
It is the very truth of God, not the invention of any man
I believe that He who suffered
Was crucified, buried and dead
He descended into hell
And on the third day rose again
He ascended into Heaven
Where He sits at God's mighty right hand
I believe that He's returning
To judge the quick and the dead of the sons of men
I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth
And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son our Lord
I believe in the Holy Spirit
One Holy Church
The communion of Saints
The forgiveness of sin
I believe in the resurrection
I believe in a life that never ends