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Opening Prayer
Almighty God, by our baptism into the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you turn us from the old life of sin. Grant that we who are reborn to new life in him may live in righteousness and holiness all our days, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Discovering the Apostle’s Creed
The Apostle’s Creed from Faith Church on Vimeo.
Scripture and the First Article of the Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
In the first article of the Apostle’s Creed, we focus on the first person of the Trinity, God the Father. In this article, we assert that God is the creator of all things, the source of life. The story of God’s creative action is told in Creation Story recorded in the beginning of Genesis. The Genesis account of creation is not meant to be a scientific textbook, but a proclamation of God’s loving action which brings life into being. As you read Genesis 1:1-31 focus on God’s action, think about the sequence in which the creation story happens and notice God’s view on what is coming into being.
So What Does this Mean?
From Luther’s Small Catechism:
The First Article: On Creation
I believe that God has created me together with all that exists. God has given me and still preserves my body and soul: eyes, ears, and all limbs and senses; reason and all mental faculties.
In addition, God daily and abundantly provides shoes and clothing, food and drink, house and farm, spouse and children, fields, livestock, and all property; along with all the necessities and nourishment for this body and life. God protects me against all danger and shields and preserves me from all evil. And all this is done out of pure, fatherly, and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness of mine at all! For all of this I owe it to God to thank and praise, serve and obey him. This is most certainly true.
Questions and Discussion
Answer these questions in the comments below.
- What does it mean to you that God looked at all that God had made and saw that it was good?
- Some people think a belief in God as creator is at odds with scientific theories about creation. In your opinion, is there room for the two approaches to coexist? Why or why not?
Closing Prayer
Direct us, Lord God, in all that we do and give us your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
“Luther’s Small Catechism with Evangelical Lutheran Worship Texts.” Copyright © 2000, 2006 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Prayers are adapted from “ELW -Additional Prayers” Copyright © 2015 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #25165.