Message Notes

Series Info: The Apostles’ Creed is an ancient statement of that has formed and informed faith in Jesus for thousands of years. In this series, we’re exploring the Creed, what it teaches and how we can live out our belief in the truth of these teachings in our world today.

The Creed: We believe in... the forgiveness of sins.

Problem: We often overlook how important sin is to the Christian faith due to familiarity. But forgiveness cannot be overlooked because it requires action. This is where the creed becomes practical.

What is Sin?

• Khata (Hebrew) – to fail or miss the goal.
• Example: Proverbs 19:2 We are warned against making decisions too hastily, so we don’t khata our way – or miss our destination.

How did we come to understand khata or sin as we know it today?

• In Genesis 1 we learn that humans are made in God’s image. People are sacred beings who represent their creator and are worthy of respect. Sin is a failure to recognize this. A failure against an image bearer is a failure against God.

The Problems with Sin

• Sin is rooted in our insecurities and selfish desires and causes us to act to our own benefit – even if it’s at the expense of others.
• Sin causes a chain reaction of relational break down.
• Sin is consuming. The more we sin the harder our hearts become, and it begins to distort our thinking.

Forgiveness is the only cure for sin.

Sin Separates us from God. 

• To go against something is to detach yourself from it.
• As we sin, we go against God’s authority and submit to our own and those decisions separate us from God.

God’s justice requires that our brokenness be repaired – the price is perfect sinless blood.

• We could never live a life worthy of God, so Jesus came and paid the price to atone for our sins by taking our place on the cross and spilling his own perfect and sinless blood:
• For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (CSB)

Apply

• Repent and Confess
• “Our forgiveness also hinges upon our repentance, and our confession… Repentance is not the same as regret or as the desire to escape punishment. That would only be fear. We are to repent of our sins, not merely fear their consequences.” - Michael Bauman, The Creed
•  Repentance – to have an afterthought or to reassess one’s actions.
• Confession – to speak along with or agree with someone.
• “To confess one’s sins is to say about them what God says about them. It is to agree with God that those sins are indeed evil. It is admitting that you have done something wrong and taken responsibility for it.” – Michael Bauman, The Creed
• If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (CSB)
• Forgive Others
• We must stop holding onto our hurts and the resentment that keeps us from being at peace with others.
• Jesus has shown us radical mercy. He expects us to do the same for others.

Closing: Forgiveness is a gift from God, one that allows us freedom, that allows us peace with His people, and that allows us the gift of eternal life. Will you accept the forgiveness Jesus has given you? Will you repent and confess? Will you forgive others? Will you not just go on and check a box by only professing this belief, but model a belief in the forgiveness of sins?

Suggested Resources

• The Creed, Michael Bauman (book)
• “What Is the Apostles’ Creed?” by Michael Bird (video)
• The Apostles’ Creed for Today, Justo Gonzalez (book)
• “How to Live Like Jesus is Lord” by The Bible Project (podcast)
• The Apostles’ Creed, Alister McGrath (book)
• “The Jesus Creed with Scot McKnight” by The Bible Project (podcast)
• Being Disciples, Rowan Williams (book)

For Reflection

• Where have you encountered this part of the Creed before?
• What does this part of the Creed mean for your daily life?
• How does today’s message resonate with you?
• What questions does this message raise for you?
• What actions does this message encourage you to take?
• How can you dig deeper into today’s message?

Take Your Next Steps

Remember: Jesus loves you right where you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there.

• Want to talk to someone about giving your allegiance to Jesus? Let us know.
• Looking for a deeper connection to others? Learn more about our groups.
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