Continuing my notes from my study time.
We believe...
1. The Nicene Creed - in Greek - begins with the verb 'pistuomen' meaning "we believe". The Apostles creed begins with "I believe".
2. The Nicene Creed was the first "official" created created for/by the church - it was written as an expression of faith of the church body as a whole.
3. Individualism tends to define life in terms of individual choices, isolating oneself from the culture or group collective.
4. Christianity is unifying and cohesive - God calls us, even commands us, to live together in peace. Focusing our attentions away from ourselves. It is a 'we' existence, not one of 'I'. The church is a big group.
5. Individuals are NOT free to modify or change the faith to suit themselves.
6. Individualism can be selfish and destructive, pulling people apart from one another.
7/8. Something personal is not made less when it is included in something corporate. We can be in relationship with God alone at the same time we worship with the congregation. Nothing is lost in the personal relationship by being part of the body.
9. "It is not good for man to be alone"(Genesis) God created us as social beings. He wants us to be together.
10. The 'we' demands unity and implies obligation and responsibility to one's neighbor.
11. Jesus came to serve others. He lived as a servant, humble - and died thus - being glorified by the Father in the resurrection.
12. Verses:
Romans 12: v5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. v10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. v13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. v16 Live in harmony with one another.... v18 if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
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