1.29.23 - The Work of Belief (Kenny Camacho)
WEEK 1: THE WORK OF BELIEF
Genesis 1:1-5 & 1 John 4:7-12
“If there is a God, and if that God is good, there is a moral order to the world that He, by His nature, must have put there. I think we sense that moral order. And I think part of Christian practice is deciding to be loyal to it. To chase it where it goes. To open ourselves up, with humility and reverence, to what and Who it reveals.”
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Have you had any prior experiences with the Apostles’ Creed (or any other Creed) in your church story? How was it treated/introduced? How did you feel about that experience?
The primary purpose of the Apostles’ Creed is to help Christians remain unified in the “essentials” of Christian belief. As we begin our study, what seems to be most essential, according to this Creed? If you were making your own creed, what would it include? What is most essential about Christian faith, from your perspective?
The Creed begins with the words “I believe,” and Kenny made the point on Sunday that this is extremely important because our beliefs shape and determine both the way we think about things and the way we behave in the world. Do you think this is true?
There are 4 affirmations in the first statement of the Apostles’ Creed. Let’s talk about them! Why is it important that we begin with the belief that God exists? Why does this really matter? What makes this easy/hard for you?
What is important about believing God is Father? Why does it matter? What makes it easy/hard for you?
What is important about believing that God is almighty? Why does it matter? What makes it easy/hard for you?
What is important about believing that God is the maker of heaven and earth? Why does it matter? What makes it easy/hard for you?
Re-read the quotation from the sermon above. Do you sense a “moral order” in the world? What do you think it means to “be loyal” to it? How is this connected to our lives as Christians?