Category: This We Believe
Meditations on the Apostles’ Creed
(9) . . . the Father . . .
I have taught my children to pray to “our Father in heaven.” When they hear God called “Father,” do they think about their earthly father and wonder if God is like me? Some children hate the very sound of the word “father” because it reminds them of a man who…
(10) . . . the Father. . .
I believe in the Father. I wouldn’t like to call him “Pop!” He’s somewhat above hot dogs and baseball games. I wouldn’t like to call him “Daddy,” for he’s beyond coaxing, or “Dad,” for he’s not a bit out of touch with what’s new. Nor is he “Grandpa”! I’d better…
(11) . . . almighty
In all ages the people of God have been laughed to scorn and harassed to death. Yet in their distress they were upheld by believing in the Almighty God. Their faith in God’s final victory over all their enemies gave them the hope and the courage to sing even in…
(12) . . . almighty
God is all-might-y. The word “might” has two meanings: It either expresses the possibility that something may happen, or it refers to the power that can bring to pass what is possible. God’s might shares in both meanings. Before the worlds began, God decided what he would do and permit,…
(13) . . . almighty
Why does the Almighty need me if he has always had all power? Why do I have to keep working and praying for his cause if he is already almighty without me? Only because he has chosen to work out a world where the help of people like me is…
(14) . . . almighty, maker . . .
As soon as I tell the world that I believe in one almighty Creator God who loves like a Father, I have to face a blast of hostile voices. “If there is a God like that, why did he make such a dreadful world?” Everybody knows that living in this…
(15) . . . maker of heaven and earth
Suddenly the solemn statement, “I believe in the maker of heaven and earth,” sounds a little tinny and bumptious. In fact it’s almost ridiculous. Here I am, a mere speck of dust lost in the immensity of the stars, and space, and time, piping up with my little opinion about…
(16) . . . maker of heaven and earth
I can’t imagine what it would be like to be God the Creator. Someone should invent a new word to describe God’s unique kind of existence. There just isn’t anything known on this earth that is more than merely somewhat like the Maker of all. I’m nervous about trying to…
(17) . . . maker of heaven and earth
Why did God create the world? From all eternity, the loving communion of Father-Son-Holy Ghost was fully and completely self-sufficient. God was not driven to create the world by some inner need. He was not starving, or poor, or lonely. Nor did he make the world one day just because…
(18) . . . maker of heaven and earth
If God made the world, then it must be basically good. The world didn’t happen by accident. It’s far too ingeniously contrived and organized and understandable for me to believe that. God fully intended to make this world, and he loves it. He committed himself to a purpose which required…