All Things Reverend Anthony R. Locke
May 2nd, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church of Tucker
Apostle’s Creed Series 03 English Standard Version He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.1
Colossians 1:15-20 15 16
17 18 19 20
Confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord is our first step in doing the work of God. As Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom the Father has sent.” People who do not believe in Jesus, by definition, cannot be said to be doing the Lord’s work. We believe that God exists. We believe He rewards those who serve the King. These are the beginnings of a Biblical faith. Early in our walk of faith we learn that He is an Almighty God and all things conform to His sovereign plan. He is working all things out for His glory and our good. For two thousand years believers have been professing their faith in these truths and more using the Apostle’s Creed. The creed is a compilation of the various Baptismal formulas which were used by the Apostles. One Apostle would say, "I baptize you in the name of the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, the only begotten Son, and Holy Spirit." Another Apostle might say, "I baptize you in the name of Jesus who was crucified, dead, buried, and descended into hell." Another Apostle might say, "I baptize you in the name of Jesus who was resurrected, ascended and seated on the right hand of God the Father almighty." The post-apostolic churches compiled these baptismal sentences into a creedal statement that we now call the Apostle’s Creed. While no Apostle wrote the creed in this form, it is a compilation of their words and should be confessed by all churched during corporate worship until Jesus returns. After all, it is the Apostle's Creed calling us to believe. We believe God made the heavens and the earth as described in Genesis. This is necessary for a biblical world view. God desires our faith to include this truth. The world pressures us to not confess that God created all things. In the last century a 24 hour view of the 6 days of creation has fallen out of favor within the secular culture. Many of us are scared of the world’s scorn if we profess this truth. Our children are under enormous pressure to disavow this truth. Our educational system will humiliate anyone who holds this view. The Devils strategy is to dislodged this doctrine from our heart. 1 The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.