The Apostle's Creed

I would like to share with you the APOSTLES CREED. It is such a wonderful and meaningful creed, which dates back as early as the 6th century. A half century after the last writings of the New Testament. It has been recorded in history that on the day of Pentecost directed by the HOLY SPIRIT the Apostles together composed this wonderful creed! It is the oldest of All creeds! It is said that each of the Apostles contributed to its composition. I personally think that it is a brilliantly written spirit filled "work of art." It contains (12) twelve articles which affirms the Lord Jesus Christ and the TRUTH of GOD's WORD!

Keep in mind that we have free access to the complete Holy Scriptures in the form of "The Bible" this was not the case in the earlier centuries. The Bible consists of the Old and the New Testaments. The Old Testament was written primarily originally in Hebrew and some in Aramaic. It was then translated to Greek! There are over 5,600 Greek Manuscripts to validate the New Testament!

Did you know that the Bible contains 1,189 chapters and 31.102 verses. It was written by over forty authors. The original manuscripts were not divided into chapters and verses. It was Cardinal Hugo de Sancto Caro who began this process in 1244 to about 1248. He at the same time was creating a concordance of the Latin Vulgate to help people have the ability to look up the scriptures. The modern version was revised by Stephen Langton an Archbishop of Canterbury in England. This was also used by the Wycliffe English version that was eventually circulated in 1382. The current system we use was first published in the Geneva Bible in 1560 prior to the King James Version which was published in 1611.

For many it has become a ritual that is simply repeated during worship . But if you listen attentively you will hear and see that it is so much more. It vividly gives one a great descriptive synopsis of Jesus' origin and purpose in our lives.

The Apostle's Creed is an affirmation of one's FAITH! Before repeating one first is usually asked "What do you believe?" upon stating:

"I Believe in God the Father Almighty! The Maker of Heaven and Earth. And in Jesus Christ the only Son of our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified died and was buried. The third day He arose from the dead! And He ascended into Heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I Believe in the Holy Spirit! His Holy *Catholic Church! The Communion of saints and the Forgiveness of sins. The Resurrection of the body and LIFE everlasting. Amen!"

*Catholic meaning God's universal worldwide Church!

I TRULY BELIEVE!!!