After the resurrection, Jesus’ body was no longer in the tomb. But three things were left there: grave cloths, the sins of the world, and death! Pastor Ryan talks about the significance of these things left behind.
In winter 2026, Pastor Ryan explored the claims of the Apostles’ Creed. His focus was the basic statements of faith that all Christians should be able to agree on.
The creeds articulate basic tenets of faith, but they do not explain them. This leaves space for Christians to ponder and consider more deeply the mysteries of God. None of us (person, church, or denomination) fully comprehends these mysteries, but if we hold to the statements of faith in the creed, we can open space for dialogue with other Christians who also believe them. These conversations can then lead to the healing of divisions and of the church itself.
Here is the creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe 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 was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
The third and final section of the Apostles’ Creed talks about the Holy Spirit. In this sermon, Pastor Ryan focuses on forgiveness, resurrection and eternal life. He makes the point that the creed tells us what we believe but doesn’t explain the details. But if we hold to these truths, we open up space and grace for dialogue with other Christians, and this can help us find that elusive unity that Jesus prayed for.
The third section of the Apostles’ Creed talks about the Holy Spirit. In this sermon, Pastor Ryan focuses on the Holy Spirit working in and through the church.
The first phrase in the Apostle’s Creed is “I Believe in God, the Father Almighty”. What does this tell us about God, and what implications does it have for us?