Baptism: A Lifelong Experiment in Faith Baptism is described as a “wonderful experiment”—not in a scientific way, but as a special opportunity for our community to come together, witness, and support one another’s journey of faith. It invites us to ask, what truly shapes a life of faith? Is it our own experiences and challenges, or is there something even greater at work?

The Historical Why: Arius, Alexander, and the Council of Nicaea To understand the “why” behind the Nicene Creed, we begin with the story of Arius, a priest in Alexandria around 318 AD. Arius was a gifted teacher—tall, thin, severe in appearance, and popular among both clergy and laypeople. His teachings, designed to make worship and witness simpler, claimed that Jesus was not eternal, not of the same substance as God the Father, and was forever subordinate to Him.

The Dual Aspects of Worship and Witness in Christianity In a recent sermon, we were invited to explore the profound insights embedded within the Nicene Creed. This timeless statement of faith serves as both a summary of scripture's teachings and an expression of the church's commitment to answering a fundamental question: "Who do you say that Jesus Christ is?" This question, posed by Jesus to His disciples, is central to our understanding of worship and witness within the Christian faith.

The Foundation of Beliefs: Reason, Experience, and Community Beliefs are the bedrock upon which we build our understanding of the world and navigate everyday life. The way our beliefs develop is shaped by many factors—including our own reasoning, what we experience with our senses, and the influence of those around us. Reason invites us to think carefully and reflect on the information we receive. It helps us weigh facts and consider evidence, leading us to conclusions that make sense on a deeper level. In addition, our everyday experiences, what we see, hear, and feel, leave strong impressions that can shape what we believe for years. For instance, a childhood encounter with an electric fence doesn’t just teach a quick lesson; it leaves a memorable impression about the importance of caution around certain things.

The Historical Roots of the Nicene Creed The Nicene Creed stands as a foundation of our Christian faith, bringing believers together around a shared understanding of what we hold most dear. Its story begins in the early 4th century, when the Roman Emperor Constantine gathered church leaders for the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This remarkable council was called to help Christians unite by resolving theological disagreements and strengthening the bonds of the church.