The Wired Word for 06292025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 06/29/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://www.thewiredword.com/touch-icon-iphone-retina.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 06/29/2025 - Category: #articles - Summary: The Nicene Creed was ratified in June of 325, making it the oldest Christian statement of faith outside of the affirmations found in Scripture. - URL: mailto:reader-forwarded-email/fef00568267241eb5fa1b95a1a9c8be4 Dear Class Members, The Nicene Creed was ratified in June of 325, making it the oldest Christian statement of faith outside of the affirmations found in Scripture. News coverage of the 1,700th anniversary of this creed prompts us to focus this installment of *The Wired Word* on the importance of statements of faith, the unity of the church, the nature of Jesus Christ, and God the Trinity. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **The Nicene Creed Turns 1,700 Years Old*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of June 29, 2025** **In the News** In the year 325, there was a fight in the church -- a major disagreement, one that threatened to split the Christian community in half. The fight was caused by a dispute about the nature of Jesus Christ, one that threatened the unity of both the church and the Roman Empire under the emperor Constantine. Some followers of Christ considered Jesus to be a creation of God, made by the Creator before the beginning of time. Others said no -- Jesus *is* God, and Jesus the Son is coeternal with God the Father. Because of this disagreement, the cities of the Roman Empire were disturbed by riots. Heated battles were breaking out between opposing sides. Bishops from the "Jesus is God" side were exiled from their posts and replaced by bishops from the "Jesus is *not* God" side. All of this made Constantine very nervous. He did not want there to be a split in Christianity, so he called for a council to resolve this theological division. Church leaders gathered in Nicaea, a lakeside location now called Iznik, in Turkey. The Rev. John Ngige Njoroge, an Orthodox priest, says that "Nicaea was the first ecumenical council that demonstrated how Christians could unite to find solutions to challenges, including theological disagreements." *Religion News Service* reports that "318 bishops deliberated on controversies on the nature of Christ, both human and divine, and agreed on a statement of faith still known today as the Nicene Creed" ([click here for text](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95ZdBijIFlDZ3lWjkrj-2BDZmJevHUpL5azE-2FXFi-2FNrDOPBgmuDm4SuOsQ2n8ievHAgs4-3DOnVt_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLLGl8heuCRzHA7GF4cPRtSkZvgQ-2BUkkE4ZiKMVq8G4mz7BkMKH1xrsGSjs0R3-2BuIqhw6fdg4U2A-2BZoaT9j2EJKy6CXuJjF0SVGHmcy-2FL-2BxxhqJf2mb7JDmrid9KqBLcdWKmg2W2gxHHmMeQRNNuuB7n2Jcq9IluK2NG3Tf8WJVE371PSG6c2RBbAKqcEXplwbXVFRuqQ-2Bc3jJRN-2B0ayXpCw-3D)). The creed is the oldest of our universal Christian statements of faith (actually older than the Apostles' Creed). It came out of the council of Nicaea and defines God as one entity appearing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus is not a creation of God, says the Nicene Creed. No, he is "begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father." And the Holy Spirit is equally God -- the creed says that the Spirit is "the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified." Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One God, three persons. What we call today "The Trinity" (Trinity Sunday was celebrated in many churches on June 15). The bishops at Nicaea also established a date for Easter, although the date for Christmas, December 25, was not set until the year 336. At the end of the council, the leaders of the "Jesus is *not* God" group were sent into exile. After the council, Christian orthodoxy "was no longer a matter of tradition or scriptural interpretation alone," according to *This Day of History*; "it was now a matter of creed, of lines recited and boundaries drawn." The Nicene Creed (with a few extensions added in 381) continues to shape the Christian faith, 1,700 years after it was written. A pastor and professor named Ronni Kurtz planted a Baptist church in Kansas City, and the congregation offered a series on the Trinity. As part of the series, they began reciting the Nicene Creed as a church. "One of the things I could see happening," he tells *Christianity Today*, "was the church learned to talk about the Trinity and articulate its theology. They could use phrases like 'begotten, not created' and grab hold of a deeper theology. Regular Christians -- moms and dads, brothers and sisters -- talked about the Trinity." The creed "is so darn beautiful!" says philosophy professor Phillip Cary. It tells us that the Father "has never been without a Son he loves. He has always given all of his divine essence to the Son. That's gorgeous, and it's also really important for Christian faith." Suzanne Nicholson, a professor at Asbury University, admits that the Trinity is hard to understand. But the creed gives us hope, because it shows us the beauty of God and draws us into a deeper relationship with God. The beauty of God "is revealed in the Trinity," she says. "Why would I want to know less of that? I want to know more of God [and] glorify God more fully." The Trinity is all about a loving relationship: The Father loves the Son, the Son loves the Father, the Father loves the Spirit, the Spirit loves the Son. The essence of God is a loving community, three divine persons in eternal relationship with one another. They love each other, they love us, and they invite us to love them and love one another. John of Damascus, a Greek theologian of the seventh century, came up with an understanding of the Trinity based on *perichoresis*, a Greek word meaning "dancing around," as in the choreography of a ballet. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not like three kings on three thrones, but instead are like three dancers holding hands, dancing together in perfect love, freedom and harmony. They are deeply one, but at the same time they are three. They are in relation to each other, in shared purpose and mutual love, for all eternity. That is the kind of relationship that the Nicene Creed has invited people to enter, with God and with each other, for the past 1,700 years. More on this story can be found at these links: [June 19, 325: Christians Announce Their Most Famous Creed.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBjz-2BLrBg19FDR9Dn8ED7njJtToKWiJAZzotpFktX6SWUvXVgjWl8ghtBAsm4Q0WqTX-2BSBoSkns3LdWllDnnJ7Nfhg1tbH88p7wIsEo-2B3AIGksi3nkMQC17Si67FhOuM1w-3D-3Df7He_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLDvQD4iEp7hul-2BRO2593Zj5KDFmIIEsRMcKI1kP0gsXV-2BGLcEWGwXOzZyTKsj3SeHEp7DEiMCf8kjJx0j7ElI55zPrXRNhzVB9V2g9JkR0y2NDDZOAnB1s9ctUuYWbpzStEQxpBtdTuFTmbMf-2BlCqguuTP-2BON3WLFk2N6NABJVsaKq2MOsPVl91f6yZqTZhmoR78BSrDz88NGksjBiPXn84-3D) [*This Day of History*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBjz-2BLrBg19FDR9Dn8ED7njJtToKWiJAZzotpFktX6SWUvXVgjWl8ghtBAsm4Q0WqTX-2BSBoSkns3LdWllDnnJ7Nfhg1tbH88p7wIsEo-2B3AIGksi3nkMQC17Si67FhOuM1w-3D-3DxfPO_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLJNyfhU9yRMZQKivgTzP15XaMzSuk56-2FXg3DZisG8lBVFFIB55yAlJkovhyWA6AH2Krk3mzny3FVKyyxNtvZ9ATAA71nA4l6H1XFmxFs-2B1wvqGYrOpEFoU9ttS6mfeJ67ZjP-2F-2FEtiDae22Q6hnmdh97yrDNi8vXvSlkw2OrGIrDVGa2ftDZxBLCbKgMuZI1CT4uKFXooJBTVYmXSWvAGobY-3D)[African Theologians Look to Nicene Creed's Anniversary Year to Reshape Spiritual Future.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCHqQGefcQySWH-2Bid1tRnzZKxinzwKcE-2BM0R0YQZrhPiVPjyz9DB5u8wcKm0SIl4oidfeGTKoT6M5doyktAwaDuBQNOSck0Jrc4easSKRa32XRQJ1nE7wMjYf3EKyYFbCK2TafbSOl9hbnOQ8zdSQjeNnObkP5YPSXIjpwr903on7j9v_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLPxfC-2FBKrC11K9gWoclxIHUALoSMld44rRWfYo-2FAaAU8wJ8K9LG7nsK3igI8kYrefgH-2Be4jcmtzmfOLl1wqEeS9bPyTU-2BmWMWMFe-2BidQuZB-2FWVH-2FAxmItQCcsbE4V8b3Suv5zfbLs-2BLuC7GXAik8e04lc01xpXfLBPs6Mxa7j97iMnp33jvnGwyoaV9QDtzLGGGelE-2BpxcgAAG-2FDlGa4YHs-3D) [*Religion News Service*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCHqQGefcQySWH-2Bid1tRnzZKxinzwKcE-2BM0R0YQZrhPiVPjyz9DB5u8wcKm0SIl4oidfeGTKoT6M5doyktAwaDuBQNOSck0Jrc4easSKRa32XRQJ1nE7wMjYf3EKyYFbCK2TafbSOl9hbnOQ8zdSQjeNnObkP5YPSXIjpwr903ony6Pp_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLEPW-2FCHWMJ7tPpbzDm2dt3T-2BPJl5Ywfp1gK-2BeLDCY69xDdYQSXEIporayA9aOCV6pSp3fAfVL08PpeS0PRcOD805Il9yDZi64tASLxysYiNNjxYgvbwJcFhLShg8p6NWNm2qXkdMVj-2BvBtO-2BtIG7Tl1MTh84eI-2FX56L6v5eTcE7BOgmg2lrZgDQh4ytVfgpmxLZYJQ80Mxn-2FQ-2B6fKroH-2FB4-3D)[How the Nicene Creed Became Cool Again.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNP95KrJfmUHVPV73SgCwK6Lj6C71VuMb4XJT-2BZHRyFnyuP-2Fj9ovzZvPzOmmDo2eIj1dOShfeIUeJp5zyTlEfUMxUEjUe-2FW5baEZZvWTmduv2-2B-2Bk-2FYQsh7PQ9nuymL9u-2FFGjwz1F9UlCbtmtF5FbblY-3DMwNR_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLOyJdsdG1LzSUa5cb5FlZMtiLglgvFMg4gwtdGVlsFdNVwTumqCPT93FUQEsdAV6JzXqiHZrJAyEeU9QKQFwiXN-2F37qiQ5ojd8dI7DMTDCPWfC6tFj4x5DS6tnfnjq2w-2F8jlW2qtXHOdVUKwXeBh1DHJksIrOwtolcQ16EodjwfqtMjyC1VSPK0JO7zh2SzGwfzseD7qzaaz-2Bz3Lba7QYfs-3D) [*Christianity Today*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNP95KrJfmUHVPV73SgCwK6Lj6C71VuMb4XJT-2BZHRyFnyuP-2Fj9ovzZvPzOmmDo2eIj1dOShfeIUeJp5zyTlEfUMxUEjUe-2FW5baEZZvWTmduv2-2B-2Bk-2FYQsh7PQ9nuymL9u-2FFGjwz1F9UlCbtmtF5FbblY-3DZX2c_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLC2CP5ZuPJkEny5pjcgyxLIoK9zoZ6GIf-2F54UVWShC64PsP7og7ATawTHL5bomhfwoWJC0fK5DS4fTjSUa2-2FJ-2Fo7vNa-2FQ4SsNUgdkFbj2Zt0fbj-2FWnfxaZwQFSvKpnBe-2FMQirY3d2Oeg0Zej30odEC9Bxs-2B7bsWM25kPahFfnvmOy6GcRiyfl1oMV5lBdoyru-2FYqzOFnepo1RLXHxTKXUJQ-3D) **Applying the News Story** A creed is a formal statement of Christian beliefs, from the Latin word *credo*, meaning "I believe" (the first word of the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds). It is a statement of belief, rather than a statement of religious laws, regulations or requirements. Discuss the importance of statements of faith to you, as a follower of Christ. Explore what the Nicene Creed, in particular, says to you about the unity of the church, the nature of Jesus Christ, and God the Trinity. **The Big Questions** 1. How do you use the Nicene Creed, if at all, in your personal life and congregational life? Is there another statement of Christian belief that is more important to you? If so, why? 2. The Nicene Creed arose out of controversy and was an attempt to unify the Christian church. How do creeds unite, and how do they divide? What particular affirmation about God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit do you consider to be essential to Christian faith? 3. What meaning do you find in the statement that Jesus is "of one Being with the Father" -- the line of the creed that affirms that Jesus is God? What do you think of the position that Jesus is a creation of God, affirmed by those who believe that Jesus is *not* God? Is there room for both positions in the church today? Why or why not? 4. The creed affirms that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one God in three persons, what we call "The Trinity." What is the importance of the Trinity to you? How does it shape your understanding of God? Where do you see it impacting your experience of Christian community? 5. If you and your church were asked to write a creed today, what would you include? Given that no statement of faith can cover every religious topic, what would you exclude? How would you use it in the life of your church? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Deuteronomy 6:4***Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone* (For context, read [Deuteronomy 6:1-9](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8vT-2B4JcJ5j8RqGNYnps4kkfOCXKUw8SHKD-2B0Efifb98AbOtGO-2BLZ0RYZm0gdDkWDtHOD_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLBXL-2FaNKLGr88rzskpqHW2iHvvAhpV-2BebfLEW2-2FBOiazPqQcffhBvZpz5666toRyth000xU3FV-2FEeebANtrBlAJCr5-2FN7nzjGAgohR7f0cuZOvQIWGficpT-2BOCKv7usbUhL-2FuHpRqw6aLeuM753NQHRi9H9FL0-2BRRuPvxaLg36KobSTsfTfKcr9QrPe6XDUYB2lo39dTbGTHVQcSB8p5VeQ-3D).) At the beginning of the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses speaks of the commandments that the people are to observe in the Promised Land: "Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you" (v. 3). Clearly, God desires to work for good in the lives of God's people. Decrees and commandments are given for our benefit, to structure our lives in life-giving ways. Then Moses says, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone." This verse is a central Jewish affirmation of faith called "the *Shema*," because it begins with the verb "hear," in Hebrew *shema.'* Hearing is critical to the life of faith, even more important than seeing. When "the LORD" is written in all caps, it is a code for the personal name for Israel's God: YHWH. The *Shema* affirms the oneness of God and emphasizes the importance of loving God with one's whole being. As Moses says, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (v. 5). The commandment to love the Lord is a bold approach, one that goes on to become central to both Judaism and Christianity. Deuteronomy invites us to make God the highest power in our lives, and to love God with all of our heart, soul and might. It also challenges us to remember God’s commandments, to teach them to our children, and to discuss them inside and outside our homes. If we live by them, we will discover that God has ordered our lives in a beneficial way, so that it may go well with us. > **Questions:** Why is it important to affirm that God is our highest power? What are the idols in our culture and world that compete for our affection? How have you found that your faith in God has helped to order your life in a beneficial way? **Matthew 28:19***Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ...* (For context, read [Matthew 28:16-20](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDVYPYenhdYbANc3ebuxI3YSsV-2FtVxgx99D3Yv0e3jLp4WD2E_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLLSlpgg1SjSCI9eS3EcybCtO0WbmojUDjT-2B8xX30GULB0MhZildqBhtOzzItC95PVBG2lEhiZHeyyho5kTV9sxgK4kS0IBTWpQIDRwhioRqgyYskmf8-2BPBQqrPDVhtAjn3mVH-2ByBS7cIFbI27jNVL-2BUQD7vtfMROfEIECzaAZvD9fKfY2RC6TmUrqepFkOi-2FkrVzPlR-2FtxMIqu2-2BOM5a5mo-3D).) The gospel of Matthew is concerned with placing Jesus in the story of God's saving work, which began in Genesis. The gospel begins with a genealogy of Jesus "the son of David, the son of Abraham" (1:1), and ends with a story of the resurrected Jesus commissioning his disciples on a mountain and telling them to teach people to obey everything that he has commanded them (28:20). Matthew seems to be presenting Jesus as a second Moses, giving new laws and teachings to Israel and to the world. Chapter 28 ends with a passage known as the Great Commission, in which Jesus challenges his followers to "make disciples of all nations," launching a universal, nonethnic and inclusive movement. Jesus commissions them to go not only to the house of Israel but to all ethnic groups. Followers are told not to circumcise but to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The Great Commission contains a trinitarian formulation for God that rarely appears in the Bible but went on to become a central affirmation of the followers of Christ. > **Questions:** How do you understand the one God of Israel being related to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Where do you see continuity between God's saving work in the Old Testament and in the New Testament? Where are there differences between the testaments, if any? **Romans 15:13** *May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.* (For context, read [Romans 15:4-13](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5Zsvkz194UnGOhKIqRsppnuoBeO3t1TbkKsiIPZrJ-2BUPQ6uB5SL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLL0MS-2Ba5bfrBGLYwxtuskWUpWUH4MmTyIQx2N5Ro4ibrLhk4XpVK1qVulgU8755w-2B4qSCTv8CLclw1hcLctcMTn8V5SjopXjVdqkMvKfzFvHes-2FZhE2bkB-2BW73Qp5ll0483O5Oxu-2FZmoN-2F9isDMfFqlvEtc-2BEcb1a2TnXrKlvHG54R4nf7gfC1YpHAEMPomJaSRewbiQz7dC-2Bsocdl0NH8g-3D).) In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul says, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope" (v. 4). In this verse, Paul is talking about Holy Scripture, but the creeds of the church have many of the same qualities. They are written for our instruction, they encourage us and they give us hope. Paul goes on to talk about "Christ Jesus" (v. 5) and "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 6) and he concludes with the encouraging words, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Paul says a lot about the nature of God when he talks about Christ Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit. But Paul never uses the term "Trinity." Although there are hints of a triune God in the Bible, Christians did not start talking about the Trinity until the middle of the second century. An understanding of the Trinity was developed when Christians needed to explain the relationship between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. "May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another," says Paul to the Romans, "in accordance with Christ Jesus" (v. 5). Paul knows that God is not interested in condemning, but in encouraging us to live in harmony with one another, just as God the Father lives in harmony with the Son and the Holy Spirit. Paul encourages us to glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, "with one voice" (v. 6). > **Questions:** How do the historic creeds of the church, or other Christian affirmations of faith, give you instruction, encouragement and hope? How does the harmony between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit serve as a model for harmony in the Christian community? **1 Corinthians 12:3***Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.* (For context, read [1 Corinthians 12:1-7](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxONv81ZaZLoN5gPTBcm4soi9JCT0zpj1teqPXrULL1TVOv9L_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLN7p3TF3fQu0-2BRIsaKVv8E70GkIFVR44AOUkfQp2ZBfgbYWYb74TnnkH9p4tw-2B4lApsr1YdGVWUiM8FopeVZ4RtCN0sGCOXARh608T54pNRFko9rncGmKL4tj-2FrnP9-2B20emKSmPzbi1GSNHEzucnjiWqKP53oc7azVme-2Fthhze6S3mTY5-2BsIQC2FaCBsTznpO9sSpTY7EXdR8-2FquDkEsvkI-3D).) The phrase "Jesus is Lord" is considered by many to be the most basic and ancient Christian creed. It declares both his divinity and his authority over human life. In chapter 12 of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul discusses spiritual gifts and assures them that no one can make the affirmation "Jesus is Lord" unless they are inspired by the Holy Spirit. This divine power stands in contrast to the complete powerlessness of the pagan gods that the Corinthians used to worship, described by Paul as "idols that could not speak" (v. 2). In addition, the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to the followers of Christ are "varieties of gifts" (v. 4), but these gifts are in service to the "same Lord" (v. 5), and they are activated by the "same God" (v. 6). Varieties of gifts are not meant to create competition in the community, but they are each a "manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (v. 7). > **Questions:** When have you felt the Holy Spirit inspiring you to affirm that "Jesus is Lord," or make a similar statement? Why is it important for there to be varieties of gifts in the Christian community? How does God the Trinity show us how different persons can be inspired to work for the common good? **For Further Discussion** 1. TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez had a theology professor who said, "one thing the creeds get wrong is that they jump from the birth of Jesus to the death. No Sermon on the Mount, no healing, no ethics, no apocalypse." What material from the ministry of Jesus would you like to see included in a Christian creed? Healing the sick? Teaching the people? Feeding the hungry? Driving out demons? What does the ministry of Jesus teach you that historic creeds do not? 2. "I tend to get a bit selective about what words in the creeds I'll say," reports TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus. "For instance, I won't use the Nicene words that say the Holy Spirit 'proceeds from' the Father and the Son because I think that makes the Spirit subservient to or even less than the other two members of the Trinity. But that's why I'm part of a church community. I can be silent here and there and let the community carry me with them to the conclusion." What words, if any, do you omit from your recitation of the creeds of the church, and why? How does your church community "carry you" when you cannot affirm or understand or explain certain aspects of the Christian faith? Why is this important for us as individuals? 3. TWW Consultant James Gruetzner believes that Mary and Pontius Pilate are mentioned by name in the Nicene Creed because "they play important parts in the teaching represented in the Creed. Mary -- a woman -- as Jesus' mother, attests to his humanity. Including the historical figure of Pilate anchors his death and resurrection in history: a real person and not something made up." Why do you think Mary and Pontius Pilate are mentioned by name? Why not disciples such as Peter? Who else do you think would be worthy of inclusion, and why? 4. When TWW Team Member Mary Sells recites a creed in worship, she wonders how mindful most people are as they say the words. "Do we ponder every line," she asks, "or just recite the whole thing and move on?" What do you think? Where do you find value in making an affirmation together, whether every line is pondered or not? **Responding to the News** Give thanks for the Christians in ages past who came together to affirm their faith, beginning with the Nicene Creed. Look for opportunities to work for unity in the church, by focusing on the convictions that unite instead of divide. Make an effort to live by your beliefs, and to trust that the Holy Spirit will inspire you to do the work of God in your home, church and community. **Prayer** O Lord our God, we thank you that you are one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May the love and shared purpose of your heavenly community be felt in our earthly communities of faith, making us into ever more effective disciples of your Son Jesus. Amen. ******Copyright 2025 Communication Resources****** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=eCnfh7IKr1px_hI1GTTsqq4WftXbyuKPRtf3XPjQKKVoMDAwdTAwMEvK63EUpseGmx7sbbJdblnoxasQ-tkZyM2RDHTbA5hRxiAmz3JEtKA6M-LwGHijs5QGI8ZhvGtEYnuqwE-FXKfU6nIxBaYgwR3KsPr_yHEGjaCV5QUVyikcAtcDHCC-MspqHHIVW1c5wQhI5l1kJeciUCRVuHl7_Z7ZHDW3-jbNfnQJWf1MCopjcq8gK7r7-jgy6fOc50c6wv5ETsTnlWdbjI2yPaVH1_enP3OoK62N4ll8KmpKCapN81KI1NP-liJsmLLpJoqDO9M-k6CPlm-L12oyUy0kuL-2VSPuV-a7odOCXHmpC9twhSbCiNOA23uqMR-6YJHETh-iYbslQaWLIKfHUNnT_xblMOS-6zJpz6HVBm0rpwKfgSgSqjbiAUlYOxKRgHQVlvNiaGm0aYecF6gJiJEBiRMHTZC47Zm6ciewMTZq1yTWZKpiv0fAUiMhaJATgBBvbqs9BiHmhYESHTYHpHjuuBUuOFClsQaMcos1F1b6jqeuLIodpJ3oyq-t6Zam5ExtT0_DQxgR_NuUtZ1kmH08ZbBuFu8O5p7jONbtV7xIcM6_64NDLZT-fYM2T0txNbtfYwA0E5aHBJ8=) <div>Dear Class Members, The Nicene Creed was ratified in June of 325, making it the oldest Christian statement of faith outside of the affirmations found in Scripture. News coverage of the 1,700th anniversary of this creed prompts us to focus this installment of The Wired Word on the importance of statements of faith, the unity of the church, the nature of Jesus Christ, and God the Trinity. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> The Nicene Creed Turns 1,700 Years Old The Wired Word for the Week of June 29, 2025 In the News In the year 325, there was a fight in the church -- a major disagreement, one that threatened to split the Christian community in half. The fight was caused by a dispute about the nature of Jesus Christ, one that threatened the unity of both the church and the Roman Empire under the emperor Constantine. Some followers of Christ considered Jesus to be a creation of God, made by the Creator before the beginning of time. Others said no -- Jesus is God, and Jesus the Son is coeternal with God the Father. Because of this disagreement, the cities of the Roman Empire were disturbed by riots. Heated battles were breaking out between opposing sides. Bishops from the "Jesus is God" side were exiled from their posts and replaced by bishops from the "Jesus is not God" side. All of this made Constantine very nervous. He did not want there to be a split in Christianity, so he called for a council to resolve this theological division. Church leaders gathered in Nicaea, a lakeside location now called Iznik, in Turkey. The Rev. John Ngige Njoroge, an Orthodox priest, says that "Nicaea was the first ecumenical council that demonstrated how Christians could unite to find solutions to challenges, including theological disagreements." Religion News Service reports that "318 bishops deliberated on controversies on the nature of Christ, both human and divine, and agreed on a statement of faith still known today as the Nicene Creed" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95ZdBijIFlDZ3lWjkrj-2BDZmJevHUpL5azE-2FXFi-2FNrDOPBgmuDm4SuOsQ2n8ievHAgs4-3DOnVt\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLLGl8heuCRzHA7GF4cPRtSkZvgQ-2BUkkE4ZiKMVq8G4mz7BkMKH1xrsGSjs0R3-2BuIqhw6fdg4U2A-2BZoaT9j2EJKy6CXuJjF0SVGHmcy-2FL-2BxxhqJf2mb7JDmrid9KqBLcdWKmg2W2gxHHmMeQRNNuuB7n2Jcq9IluK2NG3Tf8WJVE371PSG6c2RBbAKqcEXplwbXVFRuqQ-2Bc3jJRN-2B0ayXpCw-3D">click here for text</a>). The creed is the oldest of our universal Christian statements of faith (actually older than the Apostles' Creed). It came out of the council of Nicaea and defines God as one entity appearing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus is not a creation of God, says the Nicene Creed. No, he is "begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father." And the Holy Spirit is equally God -- the creed says that the Spirit is "the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified." Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One God, three persons. What we call today "The Trinity" (Trinity Sunday was celebrated in many churches on June 15). The bishops at Nicaea also established a date for Easter, although the date for Christmas, December 25, was not set until the year 336. At the end of the council, the leaders of the "Jesus is not God" group were sent into exile. After the council, Christian orthodoxy "was no longer a matter of tradition or scriptural interpretation alone," according to This Day of History; "it was now a matter of creed, of lines recited and boundaries drawn." The Nicene Creed (with a few extensions added in 381) continues to shape the Christian faith, 1,700 years after it was written. A pastor and professor named Ronni Kurtz planted a Baptist church in Kansas City, and the congregation offered a series on the Trinity. As part of the series, they began reciting the Nicene Creed as a church. "One of the things I could see happening," he tells Christianity Today, "was the church learned to talk about the Trinity and articulate its theology. They could use phrases like 'begotten, not created' and grab hold of a deeper theology. Regular Christians -- moms and dads, brothers and sisters -- talked about the Trinity." The creed "is so darn beautiful!" says philosophy professor Phillip Cary. It tells us that the Father "has never been without a Son he loves. He has always given all of his divine essence to the Son. That's gorgeous, and it's also really important for Christian faith." Suzanne Nicholson, a professor at Asbury University, admits that the Trinity is hard to understand. But the creed gives us hope, because it shows us the beauty of God and draws us into a deeper relationship with God. The beauty of God "is revealed in the Trinity," she says. "Why would I want to know less of that? I want to know more of God [and] glorify God more fully." The Trinity is all about a loving relationship: The Father loves the Son, the Son loves the Father, the Father loves the Spirit, the Spirit loves the Son. The essence of God is a loving community, three divine persons in eternal relationship with one another. They love each other, they love us, and they invite us to love them and love one another. John of Damascus, a Greek theologian of the seventh century, came up with an understanding of the Trinity based on perichoresis, a Greek word meaning "dancing around," as in the choreography of a ballet. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not like three kings on three thrones, but instead are like three dancers holding hands, dancing together in perfect love, freedom and harmony. They are deeply one, but at the same time they are three. They are in relation to each other, in shared purpose and mutual love, for all eternity. That is the kind of relationship that the Nicene Creed has invited people to enter, with God and with each other, for the past 1,700 years. More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBjz-2BLrBg19FDR9Dn8ED7njJtToKWiJAZzotpFktX6SWUvXVgjWl8ghtBAsm4Q0WqTX-2BSBoSkns3LdWllDnnJ7Nfhg1tbH88p7wIsEo-2B3AIGksi3nkMQC17Si67FhOuM1w-3D-3Df7He\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLDvQD4iEp7hul-2BRO2593Zj5KDFmIIEsRMcKI1kP0gsXV-2BGLcEWGwXOzZyTKsj3SeHEp7DEiMCf8kjJx0j7ElI55zPrXRNhzVB9V2g9JkR0y2NDDZOAnB1s9ctUuYWbpzStEQxpBtdTuFTmbMf-2BlCqguuTP-2BON3WLFk2N6NABJVsaKq2MOsPVl91f6yZqTZhmoR78BSrDz88NGksjBiPXn84-3D">June 19, 325: Christians Announce Their Most Famous Creed. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBjz-2BLrBg19FDR9Dn8ED7njJtToKWiJAZzotpFktX6SWUvXVgjWl8ghtBAsm4Q0WqTX-2BSBoSkns3LdWllDnnJ7Nfhg1tbH88p7wIsEo-2B3AIGksi3nkMQC17Si67FhOuM1w-3D-3DxfPO\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLJNyfhU9yRMZQKivgTzP15XaMzSuk56-2FXg3DZisG8lBVFFIB55yAlJkovhyWA6AH2Krk3mzny3FVKyyxNtvZ9ATAA71nA4l6H1XFmxFs-2B1wvqGYrOpEFoU9ttS6mfeJ67ZjP-2F-2FEtiDae22Q6hnmdh97yrDNi8vXvSlkw2OrGIrDVGa2ftDZxBLCbKgMuZI1CT4uKFXooJBTVYmXSWvAGobY-3D">This Day of History</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCHqQGefcQySWH-2Bid1tRnzZKxinzwKcE-2BM0R0YQZrhPiVPjyz9DB5u8wcKm0SIl4oidfeGTKoT6M5doyktAwaDuBQNOSck0Jrc4easSKRa32XRQJ1nE7wMjYf3EKyYFbCK2TafbSOl9hbnOQ8zdSQjeNnObkP5YPSXIjpwr903on7j9v\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLPxfC-2FBKrC11K9gWoclxIHUALoSMld44rRWfYo-2FAaAU8wJ8K9LG7nsK3igI8kYrefgH-2Be4jcmtzmfOLl1wqEeS9bPyTU-2BmWMWMFe-2BidQuZB-2FWVH-2FAxmItQCcsbE4V8b3Suv5zfbLs-2BLuC7GXAik8e04lc01xpXfLBPs6Mxa7j97iMnp33jvnGwyoaV9QDtzLGGGelE-2BpxcgAAG-2FDlGa4YHs-3D">African Theologians Look to Nicene Creed's Anniversary Year to Reshape Spiritual Future. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCHqQGefcQySWH-2Bid1tRnzZKxinzwKcE-2BM0R0YQZrhPiVPjyz9DB5u8wcKm0SIl4oidfeGTKoT6M5doyktAwaDuBQNOSck0Jrc4easSKRa32XRQJ1nE7wMjYf3EKyYFbCK2TafbSOl9hbnOQ8zdSQjeNnObkP5YPSXIjpwr903ony6Pp\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLEPW-2FCHWMJ7tPpbzDm2dt3T-2BPJl5Ywfp1gK-2BeLDCY69xDdYQSXEIporayA9aOCV6pSp3fAfVL08PpeS0PRcOD805Il9yDZi64tASLxysYiNNjxYgvbwJcFhLShg8p6NWNm2qXkdMVj-2BvBtO-2BtIG7Tl1MTh84eI-2FX56L6v5eTcE7BOgmg2lrZgDQh4ytVfgpmxLZYJQ80Mxn-2FQ-2B6fKroH-2FB4-3D">Religion News Service</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNP95KrJfmUHVPV73SgCwK6Lj6C71VuMb4XJT-2BZHRyFnyuP-2Fj9ovzZvPzOmmDo2eIj1dOShfeIUeJp5zyTlEfUMxUEjUe-2FW5baEZZvWTmduv2-2B-2Bk-2FYQsh7PQ9nuymL9u-2FFGjwz1F9UlCbtmtF5FbblY-3DMwNR\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLOyJdsdG1LzSUa5cb5FlZMtiLglgvFMg4gwtdGVlsFdNVwTumqCPT93FUQEsdAV6JzXqiHZrJAyEeU9QKQFwiXN-2F37qiQ5ojd8dI7DMTDCPWfC6tFj4x5DS6tnfnjq2w-2F8jlW2qtXHOdVUKwXeBh1DHJksIrOwtolcQ16EodjwfqtMjyC1VSPK0JO7zh2SzGwfzseD7qzaaz-2Bz3Lba7QYfs-3D">How the Nicene Creed Became Cool Again. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNP95KrJfmUHVPV73SgCwK6Lj6C71VuMb4XJT-2BZHRyFnyuP-2Fj9ovzZvPzOmmDo2eIj1dOShfeIUeJp5zyTlEfUMxUEjUe-2FW5baEZZvWTmduv2-2B-2Bk-2FYQsh7PQ9nuymL9u-2FFGjwz1F9UlCbtmtF5FbblY-3DZX2c\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLC2CP5ZuPJkEny5pjcgyxLIoK9zoZ6GIf-2F54UVWShC64PsP7og7ATawTHL5bomhfwoWJC0fK5DS4fTjSUa2-2FJ-2Fo7vNa-2FQ4SsNUgdkFbj2Zt0fbj-2FWnfxaZwQFSvKpnBe-2FMQirY3d2Oeg0Zej30odEC9Bxs-2B7bsWM25kPahFfnvmOy6GcRiyfl1oMV5lBdoyru-2FYqzOFnepo1RLXHxTKXUJQ-3D">Christianity Today</a> Applying the News Story A creed is a formal statement of Christian beliefs, from the Latin word credo, meaning "I believe" (the first word of the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds). It is a statement of belief, rather than a statement of religious laws, regulations or requirements. Discuss the importance of statements of faith to you, as a follower of Christ. Explore what the Nicene Creed, in particular, says to you about the unity of the church, the nature of Jesus Christ, and God the Trinity. The Big Questions 1. How do you use the Nicene Creed, if at all, in your personal life and congregational life? Is there another statement of Christian belief that is more important to you? If so, why? 2. The Nicene Creed arose out of controversy and was an attempt to unify the Christian church. How do creeds unite, and how do they divide? What particular affirmation about God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit do you consider to be essential to Christian faith? 3. What meaning do you find in the statement that Jesus is "of one Being with the Father" -- the line of the creed that affirms that Jesus is God? What do you think of the position that Jesus is a creation of God, affirmed by those who believe that Jesus is not God? Is there room for both positions in the church today? Why or why not? 4. The creed affirms that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one God in three persons, what we call "The Trinity." What is the importance of the Trinity to you? How does it shape your understanding of God? Where do you see it impacting your experience of Christian community? 5. If you and your church were asked to write a creed today, what would you include? Given that no statement of faith can cover every religious topic, what would you exclude? How would you use it in the life of your church? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8vT-2B4JcJ5j8RqGNYnps4kkfOCXKUw8SHKD-2B0Efifb98AbOtGO-2BLZ0RYZm0gdDkWDtHOD\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLBXL-2FaNKLGr88rzskpqHW2iHvvAhpV-2BebfLEW2-2FBOiazPqQcffhBvZpz5666toRyth000xU3FV-2FEeebANtrBlAJCr5-2FN7nzjGAgohR7f0cuZOvQIWGficpT-2BOCKv7usbUhL-2FuHpRqw6aLeuM753NQHRi9H9FL0-2BRRuPvxaLg36KobSTsfTfKcr9QrPe6XDUYB2lo39dTbGTHVQcSB8p5VeQ-3D">Deuteronomy 6:1-9</a>.) At the beginning of the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses speaks of the commandments that the people are to observe in the Promised Land: "Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you" (v. 3). Clearly, God desires to work for good in the lives of God's people. Decrees and commandments are given for our benefit, to structure our lives in life-giving ways. Then Moses says, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone." This verse is a central Jewish affirmation of faith called "the Shema," because it begins with the verb "hear," in Hebrew shema.' Hearing is critical to the life of faith, even more important than seeing. When "the LORD" is written in all caps, it is a code for the personal name for Israel's God: YHWH. The Shema affirms the oneness of God and emphasizes the importance of loving God with one's whole being. As Moses says, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (v. 5). The commandment to love the Lord is a bold approach, one that goes on to become central to both Judaism and Christianity. Deuteronomy invites us to make God the highest power in our lives, and to love God with all of our heart, soul and might. It also challenges us to remember God’s commandments, to teach them to our children, and to discuss them inside and outside our homes. If we live by them, we will discover that God has ordered our lives in a beneficial way, so that it may go well with us. <blockquote> Questions: Why is it important to affirm that God is our highest power? What are the idols in our culture and world that compete for our affection? How have you found that your faith in God has helped to order your life in a beneficial way? </blockquote> Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ... (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDVYPYenhdYbANc3ebuxI3YSsV-2FtVxgx99D3Yv0e3jLp4WD2E\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLLSlpgg1SjSCI9eS3EcybCtO0WbmojUDjT-2B8xX30GULB0MhZildqBhtOzzItC95PVBG2lEhiZHeyyho5kTV9sxgK4kS0IBTWpQIDRwhioRqgyYskmf8-2BPBQqrPDVhtAjn3mVH-2ByBS7cIFbI27jNVL-2BUQD7vtfMROfEIECzaAZvD9fKfY2RC6TmUrqepFkOi-2FkrVzPlR-2FtxMIqu2-2BOM5a5mo-3D">Matthew 28:16-20</a>.) The gospel of Matthew is concerned with placing Jesus in the story of God's saving work, which began in Genesis. The gospel begins with a genealogy of Jesus "the son of David, the son of Abraham" (1:1), and ends with a story of the resurrected Jesus commissioning his disciples on a mountain and telling them to teach people to obey everything that he has commanded them (28:20). Matthew seems to be presenting Jesus as a second Moses, giving new laws and teachings to Israel and to the world. Chapter 28 ends with a passage known as the Great Commission, in which Jesus challenges his followers to "make disciples of all nations," launching a universal, nonethnic and inclusive movement. Jesus commissions them to go not only to the house of Israel but to all ethnic groups. Followers are told not to circumcise but to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The Great Commission contains a trinitarian formulation for God that rarely appears in the Bible but went on to become a central affirmation of the followers of Christ. <blockquote> Questions: How do you understand the one God of Israel being related to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Where do you see continuity between God's saving work in the Old Testament and in the New Testament? Where are there differences between the testaments, if any? </blockquote> Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5Zsvkz194UnGOhKIqRsppnuoBeO3t1TbkKsiIPZrJ-2BUPQ6uB5SL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLL0MS-2Ba5bfrBGLYwxtuskWUpWUH4MmTyIQx2N5Ro4ibrLhk4XpVK1qVulgU8755w-2B4qSCTv8CLclw1hcLctcMTn8V5SjopXjVdqkMvKfzFvHes-2FZhE2bkB-2BW73Qp5ll0483O5Oxu-2FZmoN-2F9isDMfFqlvEtc-2BEcb1a2TnXrKlvHG54R4nf7gfC1YpHAEMPomJaSRewbiQz7dC-2Bsocdl0NH8g-3D">Romans 15:4-13</a>.) In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul says, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope" (v. 4). In this verse, Paul is talking about Holy Scripture, but the creeds of the church have many of the same qualities. They are written for our instruction, they encourage us and they give us hope. Paul goes on to talk about "Christ Jesus" (v. 5) and "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 6) and he concludes with the encouraging words, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Paul says a lot about the nature of God when he talks about Christ Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit. But Paul never uses the term "Trinity." Although there are hints of a triune God in the Bible, Christians did not start talking about the Trinity until the middle of the second century. An understanding of the Trinity was developed when Christians needed to explain the relationship between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. "May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another," says Paul to the Romans, "in accordance with Christ Jesus" (v. 5). Paul knows that God is not interested in condemning, but in encouraging us to live in harmony with one another, just as God the Father lives in harmony with the Son and the Holy Spirit. Paul encourages us to glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, "with one voice" (v. 6). <blockquote> Questions: How do the historic creeds of the church, or other Christian affirmations of faith, give you instruction, encouragement and hope? How does the harmony between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit serve as a model for harmony in the Christian community? </blockquote> 1 Corinthians 12:3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxONv81ZaZLoN5gPTBcm4soi9JCT0zpj1teqPXrULL1TVOv9L\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfOD9O6MUhD6PoKWhrh9p8Ys6uWb5bQM35xNBw00ljG0hQw3573RnMzdGzS3FmMBLN7p3TF3fQu0-2BRIsaKVv8E70GkIFVR44AOUkfQp2ZBfgbYWYb74TnnkH9p4tw-2B4lApsr1YdGVWUiM8FopeVZ4RtCN0sGCOXARh608T54pNRFko9rncGmKL4tj-2FrnP9-2B20emKSmPzbi1GSNHEzucnjiWqKP53oc7azVme-2Fthhze6S3mTY5-2BsIQC2FaCBsTznpO9sSpTY7EXdR8-2FquDkEsvkI-3D">1 Corinthians 12:1-7</a>.) The phrase "Jesus is Lord" is considered by many to be the most basic and ancient Christian creed. It declares both his divinity and his authority over human life. In chapter 12 of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul discusses spiritual gifts and assures them that no one can make the affirmation "Jesus is Lord" unless they are inspired by the Holy Spirit. This divine power stands in contrast to the complete powerlessness of the pagan gods that the Corinthians used to worship, described by Paul as "idols that could not speak" (v. 2). In addition, the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to the followers of Christ are "varieties of gifts" (v. 4), but these gifts are in service to the "same Lord" (v. 5), and they are activated by the "same God" (v. 6). Varieties of gifts are not meant to create competition in the community, but they are each a "manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (v. 7). <blockquote> Questions: When have you felt the Holy Spirit inspiring you to affirm that "Jesus is Lord," or make a similar statement? Why is it important for there to be varieties of gifts in the Christian community? How does God the Trinity show us how different persons can be inspired to work for the common good? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez had a theology professor who said, "one thing the creeds get wrong is that they jump from the birth of Jesus to the death. No Sermon on the Mount, no healing, no ethics, no apocalypse." What material from the ministry of Jesus would you like to see included in a Christian creed? Healing the sick? Teaching the people? Feeding the hungry? Driving out demons? What does the ministry of Jesus teach you that historic creeds do not? 2. "I tend to get a bit selective about what words in the creeds I'll say," reports TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus. "For instance, I won't use the Nicene words that say the Holy Spirit 'proceeds from' the Father and the Son because I think that makes the Spirit subservient to or even less than the other two members of the Trinity. But that's why I'm part of a church community. I can be silent here and there and let the community carry me with them to the conclusion." What words, if any, do you omit from your recitation of the creeds of the church, and why? How does your church community "carry you" when you cannot affirm or understand or explain certain aspects of the Christian faith? Why is this important for us as individuals? 3. TWW Consultant James Gruetzner believes that Mary and Pontius Pilate are mentioned by name in the Nicene Creed because "they play important parts in the teaching represented in the Creed. Mary -- a woman -- as Jesus' mother, attests to his humanity. Including the historical figure of Pilate anchors his death and resurrection in history: a real person and not something made up." Why do you think Mary and Pontius Pilate are mentioned by name? Why not disciples such as Peter? Who else do you think would be worthy of inclusion, and why? 4. When TWW Team Member Mary Sells recites a creed in worship, she wonders how mindful most people are as they say the words. "Do we ponder every line," she asks, "or just recite the whole thing and move on?" What do you think? Where do you find value in making an affirmation together, whether every line is pondered or not? Responding to the News Give thanks for the Christians in ages past who came together to affirm their faith, beginning with the Nicene Creed. Look for opportunities to work for unity in the church, by focusing on the convictions that unite instead of divide. Make an effort to live by your beliefs, and to trust that the Holy Spirit will inspire you to do the work of God in your home, church and community. Prayer O Lord our God, we thank you that you are one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May the love and shared purpose of your heavenly community be felt in our earthly communities of faith, making us into ever more effective disciples of your Son Jesus. Amen. Copyright 2025 Communication Resources <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user\_id=14323725&data=eCnfh7IKr1px\_hI1GTTsqq4WftXbyuKPRtf3XPjQKKVoMDAwdTAwMEvK63EUpseGmx7sbbJdblnoxasQ-tkZyM2RDHTbA5hRxiAmz3JEtKA6M-LwGHijs5QGI8ZhvGtEYnuqwE-FXKfU6nIxBaYgwR3KsPr\_yHEGjaCV5QUVyikcAtcDHCC-MspqHHIVW1c5wQhI5l1kJeciUCRVuHl7\_Z7ZHDW3-jbNfnQJWf1MCopjcq8gK7r7-jgy6fOc50c6wv5ETsTnlWdbjI2yPaVH1\_enP3OoK62N4ll8KmpKCapN81KI1NP-liJsmLLpJoqDO9M-k6CPlm-L12oyUy0kuL-2VSPuV-a7odOCXHmpC9twhSbCiNOA23uqMR-6YJHETh-iYbslQaWLIKfHUNnT\_xblMOS-6zJpz6HVBm0rpwKfgSgSqjbiAUlYOxKRgHQVlvNiaGm0aYecF6gJiJEBiRMHTZC47Zm6ciewMTZq1yTWZKpiv0fAUiMhaJATgBBvbqs9BiHmhYESHTYHpHjuuBUuOFClsQaMcos1F1b6jqeuLIodpJ3oyq-t6Zam5ExtT0\_DQxgR\_NuUtZ1kmH08ZbBuFu8O5p7jONbtV7xIcM6\_64NDLZT-fYM2T0txNbtfYwA0E5aHBJ8=">Unsubscribe From This List</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.ri3TO7QGEXgsxcVdo6-2BoAGTuuWiDEfH5lVjP7AVQ-2Bcl7JaDKdeJ1ydQkXpTFAEqRD2SOncm40jgMuVls37ZLseTP-2Bc5kaLjFJf1Q3kw4FZdt1YoCkYWvLa1l-2BT-2F-2F8yIUiLbFHrmn64p2Xwmffzl3edR6Ty8TRKnThBIufHec6MYr94WZQxWVvMWvfNqNZdVSm2JpSP2sJuJ7h3Z8Ne0G7gqNWNx3xHEBo6pntzKOWgnjIinDQGpIiw92qNFXMa0eTQ8-2B-2B-2BwgG5gtIlcbHil2fAp3bSZExrVfdnC0kePIjN95-2Foei7HczlQhe3P6pkkDXKu8BCcKuBARO7thgXCSNTN86kAoaS0qsGS3zt3igiG-2FQSIzLal5bHWcvyIadRhSPgPRqHyaH-2BkVVXDXMDgQgUaVxJRfvlM-2Bkh1gZN0fuqgJTthlk1pgCh76zKAUEE2-2Bf-2BfmOemUWuh7PxTn-2BzQcItLCwm50sQT8WcOnPONtiqEw-3D" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" width="1"/> </div>, The Wired Word for 06/29/2025, The Wired Word, 01jypc3dxnb501hkfxp8fxg326.