Foundations of Faith: The Apostles' Creed Explored
Summary
Today’s gathering centered on the foundational truths of our faith as expressed in the Apostles’ Creed, particularly the section affirming that Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead.” We began by remembering that these words are not just ancient statements, but living declarations that unite Christians across time and place. The Creed serves as a framework, a foundation, for what is essential to believe—truths that have been handed down and preserved even before the New Testament was fully formed.
The mention of Pontius Pilate in the Creed grounds the story of Jesus in real history. Pilate’s inclusion is not accidental; it is a deliberate reminder that the events of Jesus’ suffering and death happened in a specific time and place, witnessed by many, and attested to by sources both inside and outside the church. This historical anchoring is vital, especially in a world that sometimes wants to reduce Jesus to myth or legend.
We reflected on the horror and shame of crucifixion, a method of execution designed to humiliate and torture. Yet, through the cross, what was once a symbol of death and disgrace has become, for us, a symbol of hope and redemption. The atonement—Jesus’ death making us “at one” with God—remains at the heart of our faith. The Creed’s affirmation that Jesus truly died, not just appeared to die, is crucial. The debated line “he descended to the dead” (or “to hell”) was explored, clarifying that it affirms Jesus’ full participation in human death, not a journey into torment.
The resurrection, “the third day he rose from the dead,” stands as the central miracle of our faith. While history and eyewitness testimony provide strong support, ultimately, belief in the resurrection is an act of faith. The transformation of the disciples—from fearful and scattered to bold proclaimers willing to die for their testimony—points to the reality of the risen Christ. This resurrection is not just a past event; it is the source of our hope and the power that raises us from the death of sin to new life.
As we affirm these truths, we are invited not just to recite them, but to let them shape our lives, our worship, and our witness to the world.
Key Takeaways
- The Apostles’ Creed is a unifying foundation for Christian belief, distilling the essentials that have been affirmed by believers across centuries and denominations. It does not attempt to say everything, but it preserves what is most vital, providing a framework that keeps us anchored amid changing interpretations and doctrines. This unity is a gift and a responsibility, calling us to hold fast to what has been handed down in faith. [45:31]
- The inclusion of Pontius Pilate in the Creed is a powerful reminder that our faith is rooted in real history, not myth. By naming a specific, notorious figure, the Creed insists that Jesus’ suffering and death are not abstract ideas but events that occurred in a particular time and place, witnessed by many. This historical grounding strengthens our confidence in the reality of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. [49:27]
- The cross, once a symbol of shame and brutality, has become for us a sign of hope and transformation. The depth of Jesus’ suffering should never be minimized; it reveals both the horror of sin and the extent of God’s love. The atonement is not a transaction but a transformation, making us “at one” with God and inviting us to live in the freedom and grace that Christ’s sacrifice provides. [37:31]
- The debated phrase “he descended to the dead” highlights the importance of affirming Jesus’ full humanity and real death. Early Christians used this language to counter claims that Jesus only appeared to suffer or die. By affirming that Jesus truly died as all humans do, we proclaim that he fully entered into our condition, making his resurrection all the more powerful and meaningful. [01:03:33]
- The resurrection is the heart of Christian hope, and it calls for both faith and reason. The transformation of the disciples and the willingness of so many to die for their testimony point to the reality of the risen Christ. This same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, raising us from the death of sin to new life, and giving us hope that transcends even the grave. [01:07:14]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Potluck Invitation and Fellowship
[02:10] - Call to Worship: Proclaiming the Gospel
[05:30] - Singing Our Faith Together
[14:58] - Affirming Faith with the Apostles’ Creed
[17:00] - Morning Prayer and Offering
[22:45] - The Spirit of Giving: Paul’s Words to the Philippians
[37:31] - Giving as Transformation, Not Transaction
[45:31] - Foundations: The Apostles’ Creed and Christian Unity
[49:27] - Pontius Pilate: History and the Creed
[54:00] - The Horror and Meaning of the Cross
[58:30] - “He Descended to the Dead”: What Does It Mean?
[01:03:33] - Why the Line Is Often Omitted
[01:05:02] - The Atonement: At-One-Ment with God
[01:07:14] - The Resurrection: Faith, Evidence, and Hope
[01:12:34] - Living the Creed: Faith in Action and Closing Prayer
[01:15:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Apostles’ Creed – Jesus’ Suffering, Death, and Resurrection
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### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
2. Philippians 2:5-11
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
3. Romans 3:23-25
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 15, what are the key events that Paul says are “of first importance” in the gospel message?
2. In Philippians 2, what attitude did Jesus have as he approached the cross, and how did God respond to his obedience?
3. The sermon mentioned that the Apostles’ Creed includes Pontius Pilate by name. Why is this significant for our understanding of Jesus’ story? [[49:27]]
4. What does the phrase “he descended to the dead” (or “to hell”) mean in the context of the Creed, according to the sermon? [[01:03:33]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The inclusion of Pontius Pilate in the Creed grounds Jesus’ suffering and death in real history. Why might it be important for Christians to emphasize the historical reality of Jesus’ life and death, rather than seeing it as just a spiritual story? [[49:27]]
2. The cross was a symbol of shame and brutality, but now it’s a symbol of hope and transformation for Christians. How does understanding the horror of crucifixion deepen our appreciation for what Jesus did? [[54:00]]
3. The sermon explained that “he descended to the dead” affirms Jesus’ full participation in human death. Why was it important for early Christians to insist that Jesus truly died, not just appeared to die? [[01:03:33]]
4. The resurrection is described as the “central miracle” of our faith. What evidence does Paul give for the resurrection, and why does belief in the resurrection still require faith? [[01:07:14]]
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### Application Questions
1. The Apostles’ Creed is described as a unifying foundation for Christian belief. How does reciting or reflecting on the Creed help you feel connected to other Christians, both past and present? Is there a part of the Creed that especially strengthens your faith? [[45:31]]
2. The sermon emphasized that our faith is rooted in real history, not myth. How does knowing that Jesus’ suffering and death happened in a specific time and place affect your confidence in the Christian story? Are there times when you have doubted the reality of these events? [[49:27]]
3. The cross was once a symbol of shame, but now it’s a sign of hope. Are there areas in your life where you feel shame or defeat? How might the message of the cross bring hope or transformation to those places? [[54:00]]
4. The atonement is described as making us “at one” with God, not just a transaction but a transformation. In what ways have you experienced God’s transforming grace in your life? Is there a specific area where you long for more of that transformation? [[01:05:02]]
5. The phrase “he descended to the dead” reminds us that Jesus fully entered into our human experience, including death. How does this truth affect the way you think about your own suffering, mortality, or the suffering of others? [[01:03:33]]
6. The resurrection is the source of our hope and the power that raises us from the death of sin to new life. Is there a “dead” area in your life—something that feels hopeless or stuck—where you need resurrection power? What would it look like to invite Jesus into that area this week? [[01:07:14]]
7. The sermon closed by inviting us not just to recite these truths, but to let them shape our lives and our witness. What is one practical way you can let the reality of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection shape your actions or conversations this week? [[01:12:34]]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Foundation of Our Faith: Christ Died, Was Buried, and Rose Again
The heart of the Christian faith is rooted in the historical reality that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This is not just a story or a myth, but a message that has been handed down as of first importance, forming the very foundation upon which we stand and by which we are being saved. The early church preserved this truth through creeds and testimonies, ensuring that every generation would know the core of the gospel. As we affirm these truths, we are reminded that our hope and salvation are anchored in the living Christ, who conquered death and offers us new life. [14:58]
1 Corinthians 15:1-7 (ESV)
"Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles."
Reflection: What does it mean for you personally to “stand” on the truth that Christ died, was buried, and rose again? How might this foundation shape your actions and attitudes today?
Day 2: Giving as Transformation, Not Transaction
True Christian giving is not about fulfilling an obligation or making a transaction with God or the church; rather, it is a transformative act that shapes us into generous disciples. When we give, we are not simply meeting a need or checking a box, but participating in a process that bears spiritual fruit in our lives. Our generosity reflects the love and grace we have received from Christ, and as we give, we grow in our understanding of sacrifice, stewardship, and the joy of blessing others. God does not need our gifts, but we need to give, for it is through giving that we become more like Jesus. [37:31]
Philippians 4:17 (ESV)
"Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your mindset from giving out of obligation to giving as a way to grow in Christlikeness and generosity today?
Day 3: The Cross: From Shame to Power
The cross, once a symbol of shame, torture, and public humiliation, has become for Christians the very emblem of hope and the power of God. Jesus endured the worst form of suffering and death, not for his own wrongdoing, but for our sins, transforming the meaning of the cross forever. What was once foolishness to the world is now the power of God to those who are being saved. As we reflect on the cross, we are called to remember both the immense physical cost Jesus paid and the beautiful gift of atonement it represents, making us at one with God. [49:27]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Reflection: When you see a cross today, how can you let its true meaning—sacrifice, love, and power—shape your response to God and others?
Day 4: Christ’s Humility and Obedience: The Path to Exaltation
Jesus, though fully God, chose to humble himself, taking on the nature of a servant and becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross. His humility and willingness to suffer for others is the model for our own relationships and attitudes. Because of his obedience, God exalted him and gave him the name above every name. We are called to adopt the same mindset, letting go of pride and self-interest, and embracing a life of humble service and sacrificial love, trusting that God honors such faithfulness. [01:05:02]
Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can humble yourself and serve someone else today, following the example of Christ’s obedience?
Day 5: The Resurrection: Hope and New Life for Us
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical claim, but the critical turning point that gives us hope for new life and victory over sin. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us, lifting us from the death of sin to a life of righteousness. This hope is not based on wishful thinking, but on the testimony of eyewitnesses and the transformation seen in the lives of the early disciples—men and women who risked everything because they knew the risen Lord. As we affirm the resurrection, we are invited to live with confidence, joy, and a deep sense of purpose, knowing that Christ’s victory is our victory. [01:12:34]
Romans 6:4 (ESV)
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to experience the hope and newness that comes from Christ’s resurrection, and how can you open yourself to that today?
Quotes
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