When was the last time you read over your church’s creed or statement of faith? What does it say about Jesus? Have you checked lately?
Our creeds are often reflective of Christendom. (See the Nicene & Apostles Creed)
“Christendom” is the church militant and triumphant—Christ wielding a sword of political and military power.
It began with the 4th century Roman emperor, Constantine. He claimed to be a Christian in order to pander to Christians for support of his rule. It was strictly a political move. Looking around today, some things never change.
Once the church and state merged, Christendom was born. And the first-century Jewish Messiah is gutted for a palatable Roman Christ which becomes a cheerleader for the state.
This is reflected in creeds involving Jesus where his teachings are absent. Doctrine is promoted over and against behavior and adherence to Christ’s commands. At this point, we’re not followers of Jesus, just his fans.
In the following video blog, I mention how a survey of evangelical websites has turned up a sanitized Jesus that is all too common in our churches today.
Why do so many churches leave out their commitment to following the teachings of Jesus? It’s time to challenge the creeds of Christendom and testify to the Jesus of the Gospels. What do you think?
D.D. Flowers, 2013.
You may also be interested in the following posts:
The Centrality and Supremacy of Jesus Christ 
May 9th, 2013 at 9:00 am
When I was going to Bible School and in that pursuit, I encountered the old century founding creeds. They are beautiful, and I fell in love with them. I was so excited about them that I once copied many of them and sent them to many of my Christian friends. I have felt for a long time also that many of today’s modern church creeds and statements are mushy. Most of the churches spend quite a long time with much effort and a committee and a church vote and all on their church statement of purpose, and still put forth purpose statements that are so lacking. Hold them up to the old time creeds, and really what a difference.
May 9th, 2013 at 11:30 am
I agree that we need to be teaching more about the life of Jesus instead of just always focusing on the birth, death, and resurrection. We have become so focused on “getting people saved” that we have neglected to disciple and help people learn more about the Savior. We should learn to live like Jesus, love like Jesus, and serve like Jesus. This may mean we will have criticism and be misunderstood by even our Christian friends. However, Jesus was criticized and misunderstood. If Christ is our Lord and Master, we will be willing to follow Him no matter what the cost.
“Students are not above their teacher, nor servants above their master. It is enough for students to be like their teacher, and servants like their master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! So do not be afraid of them” (Matt. 10:24-25, TNIV). John 15:20 says it this way: “Remember what I told you: ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also” (TNIV).
May 9th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
I will be praying for you and your wife David that you will receive guidance from the Lord on where you are to work and live. Great video post! Yes, I agree that in our doctrinal statements we leave out the “stuff in the middle” between Jesus’ birth and his death/resurrection event. Even the historical creeds leave out the teachings of Jesus and instead just mention his birth, death, resurrection and second coming. The substance of the teachings in many evangelical churches tends to center around the Pauline epistles and not around the gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus proclaimed. I think that Paul explains what really happened in the cross and resurrection of Jesus, but we need to go back to Jesus to find out what the Kingdom Life purchased for us at the cross really looks like (Matthew 5-7).
May 9th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
Thank you, Bill! I covet your prayers.
May 10th, 2013 at 4:59 am
David, much of church is distraction. Income, placebo and community are some church elements that actually sever Jesus from those assemblies. Churches are storehouses and indeed places of worship. The comfort and support of these places, exclusiveness and too much religion however divert the testimony of Christian sects. Christians are discomforted with the inherent message of their creator. They are stalled in solace and comfort. Commonly Christians commit less than the whole effort necessary to share the gospel of salvation lest they offend. There is finality to opportunity. A quiet example and loving spirit must eventually hazard the fire to preach the treasure of God. The fire does not describe the preaching that is in Jesus and mirrors His commandments it is the assault of the wicked who are ashamed of their reflection. The challenge is to live in and to choose, to grow in the Spirit without being of the world.
May 10th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
I thought this was a great post. Ian & I are praying for you guys!
May 10th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Thanks, Jessica! It’s good to hear from you. We appreciate your prayers.
April 18th, 2016 at 12:39 am
We have no creed. Our creed is the entire New Testament!