What if the world as we know it truly is nearing its end? What would you focus on from here on out?
While the 2024 presidential campaigns are now in the rearview mirror, I’m pondering these things without knowing the results.
However, it has been interesting to hear voices from both parties describing how life would essentially be over for good if the other candidate were to win.
It seemed a bit dramatic no matter who was saying it, but the concept captured my attention.
Add the wars and relentless natural disasters happening continuously across the globe, and it’s hard not to wonder what might be on the horizon.
Is it the actual end of the world that grips our fears, or is it more about potential hardships, inconveniences and frustrations as we live out the rest of our lives?
No matter where we fall on various issues, do we harbor areas of hopelessness because it seems like there’s truly nothing that can be done?
Does it seem that some situations have gone too far and that we have no power or influence to do anything about them?
What about our faith life?
How are we living out our faith and serving the Lord despite discouragement and disappointment in the world around us?
How do we reconcile our efforts for Christ with that of our personal, professional and church life needs and desires?
How are we living out what we believe in?
And despite the conflict, confusion and chaos so easily found around us, is it possible to find a way forward in a united front as Christians (even with our many, many differences) amid a horribly divided world?
Oklahoma Baptist pastor Alex Himaya (BattleCreek Church) believes it is possible through a renewed focus on the Apostles’ Creed.
According to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the Apostles’ Creed is the oldest of the creeds of the Christian church and dates back to at least 140 A.D.
Doctrines of faith
“It is not Scripture, but it is a simple list of the great doctrines of the faith,” reports BGEA staff members in the June 1, 2004, article on the “Answers” section of billygraham.org.
What role do you think the Apostles’ Creed or any other confession of faith could play in our current Christian culture?
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, died and buried.
He descended into hell;
The third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
And He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy (universal) Church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the
body, And the life everlasting.
Amen.
NOTE — Some versions use a few different words but the meaning is the same.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Jennifer Davis Rash, president and editor-in-chief of TAB Media Group. This editorial will appear in the Nov. 7 edition of The Baptist Paper. Click here to subscribe.
