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.
Worship is all about speaking the truth about God and letting those truths shape our praise. When we come together and proclaim, “You are the Christ, the Son of God,” we’re joining in the testimony shared by the apostles and the early church. In these moments, worship becomes a space where our hearts are lifted and centered on the reality of who God is.
Witness is how we respond when the world wonders about Jesus. The Nicene Creed beautifully expresses our answers, bearing witness that Jesus Christ is God’s response to life’s biggest questions. When we look at both worship and witness, we discover a meaningful lens through which the creed continues to speak to our hearts and lives today.
Answering the Question: Who Do You Say Jesus Christ Is?
In the sermon, we explored how the Nicene Creed answers Jesus’ profound question: “Who do you say that I am?” The creed proclaims that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God—a truth that lies at the very foundation of our faith.
When Peter courageously declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of God,” his words became an enduring confession shared by all believers, echoed every time we affirm the creed together. This is more than just a statement of doctrine; it’s an expression of a living relationship, a heartfelt commitment to following Jesus as Lord and recognizing His divine purpose.
This essential question, "Who is Jesus to us?" remains at the heart of our faith journey and our calling to share His love with others. By holding fast to this core confession, we invite God to draw us closer, reveal more of His heart, and guide us with a renewed sense of purpose as disciples of Christ.
Belief in One God: The Father, The Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth
The Nicene Creed opens with these timeless words: “We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.” This powerful statement lays a foundation for our Christian faith, echoing the scripture from Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
Believing in one God is at the very heart of who we are as Christians. It sets our faith apart, affirming that God is not distant or impersonal, but someone we can truly know. When we call God our Father, Almighty, and Creator, we’re reminded of just how personal and relational He is.
Calling God our Father invites us into a family built on love and trust—a relationship made even more real through Jesus. Naming Him Almighty reassures us of His strength and power, a promise that He has everything under control. And by calling God our Creator, we celebrate that everything we see, and even what we cannot see, exists through His loving design and purpose.
The Relational Nature of God: Connecting Through Jesus Christ
One of the sermon’s most meaningful insights is the deeply relational nature of God, as revealed in the Nicene Creed. When we call God “Father,” it’s more than just another name; it’s a beautiful invitation into a close, loving relationship made possible through Jesus Christ.
In the Old Testament, God is sometimes called Father, especially when showing care and guidance to His people. But in the New Testament, Jesus invites us into something even more intimate. Again and again, Jesus refers to God as His Father, highlighting their unique and loving bond. And because of Jesus, we too are welcomed into God’s family; through faith, we’re invited to call God “Father” ourselves.
This truth reminds us that our faith isn’t just about knowing facts or following rules; it’s about being drawn into a living relationship with a loving, personal God. Our understanding of the universe shifts: at its very core, everything is relational, built on the love and communion shared within the Trinity and graciously extended to each of us.
God's Almightiness: Power and Purpose in the Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed also describes God as “the Almighty,” reminding us of His incredible power and loving authority. This truth is so important as we consider how God is active in creation and continually at work in our world.
God’s almightiness is not just about raw power; it is about His ability to bring about His purposes, even in the face of evil and suffering. We reflect on how God’s power has been shown throughout the story of salvation: rescuing Israel from Egypt, raising Jesus from the dead, and working relentlessly to bring reconciliation to the world.
This understanding of God’s power offers us real hope and assurance. No matter what we’re going through or how unsettled life feels, we can trust that God is able and faithful to accomplish His good will. His strength is always used for our benefit and for His loving purposes, giving us a solid foundation to place our trust and confidence as believers.
Encouraging Deeper Understanding: Listen to the Full Sermon
To fully grasp the depth and richness of the Nicene Creed and its implications for our faith, we encourage you to listen to the full video sermon. The insights shared in the sermon provide a thoughtful and compassionate exploration of these foundational beliefs, helping to deepen our understanding and strengthen our witness.
As you listen, you’ll discover how the Nicene Creed guides our worship and witness, and how it invites each of us to answer the important question: “Who do you say that Jesus Christ is?” We hope you’ll take this opportunity to reflect, grow, and freshly affirm your faith in the one God who is Father, Almighty, and Creator of all.