The Apostles' Creed!
Every third Sunday of the month, our congregation reads The Apostles’ Creed aloud as a declaration of our shared faith during service. This meaningful practice is more than just a liturgical moment—it reminds us of the foundational truths Christians have embraced for centuries. But have you ever wondered where the Creed came from, who composed it, and why it still matters today?
Who Wrote the Creed?
Despite its name, The Apostles’ Creed was not written directly by any of the twelve apostles. Rather, it is a concise and carefully worded summary of their teaching, developed by the early Church to preserve and proclaim the gospel message entrusted to them by Christ (cf. Acts 2:42). The earliest form of the Creed—known as the Old Roman Symbol ‘R’—emerged in the 2nd century as a baptismal confession used to instruct new believers. By the 5th century, it had gradually developed into the version we recite today.
Why Did the Early Church Needed a Creed?
The early church faced many doctrinal distortions:
- Gnosticism, which claimed secret knowledge and denied the physical incarnation of Jesus
- Marcionism, which rejected the Old Testament and the God of Israel
- Docetism, which taught that Jesus only appeared to be human
In response, early Christians formed creeds—statements of belief—to clearly articulate and defend the Gospel message. The Apostles’ Creed is the simplest and most universally accepted of these statements, used for instruction, worship, and defense against heresy.
In his book The Apostles’ Creed for Today, theologian Justo L. González reminds us that creeds are not dry doctrinal checklists, but living confessions—crafted to teach, shape, and unify the Church. He writes, “When I recite the Apostles’ Creed, I am declaring myself part of that countless multitude throughout the centuries who have found their identity in the same Gospel and the same community of believers of which I am now a part” (González, p. 9). That community includes martyrs, saints, missionaries, theologians—and countless repentant and forgiven sinners like me. Creeds like the Apostles’ Creed arose not to restrict faith, but to clarify it in times of theological confusion and heresy.
If you’re interested in this accessible 100-page read, you can find the book [here].
This Sunday, as we explore 2 Peter 2:10b–19, we will hear Peter’s urgent warning about false teachers—those who distort the gospel, exploit the vulnerable, and blaspheme what they do not understand. In times like these, the Apostles’ Creed becomes not only relevant but essential. It grounds us in the core truths of the Christian faith, offering clarity and stability in a world full of shifting ideas and spiritual counterfeits.
If you’re curious to learn more about the background and significance of the Creed, I highly recommend Dr. González’s book—a resource I encountered during my Apologetics class at Fuller Seminary. It walks thoughtfully through each line of the Creed and its biblical foundations. You can also explore this engaging video from Third Millennium Ministries, which CPCM (CrossPoint Community Ministry) plans to use as part of Sunday School material after summer:
As we declare the Apostles’ Creed together this Sunday, let’s do so with renewed awareness and gratitude, recognizing that these ancient words connect us to a living tradition, an unchanging gospel, and a Savior who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
This Week (July 18 ~ July 25, 2025)
- This Friday night, July 18, the Living Stones Fellowship will resume Bible Study meeting from 7:30-9:30 pm on “Bible Studies for Life, Spring 2025” session 5 “God’s Hand in Facing Opposition” (p 117-123). Tak(online) and Jack (in person) will be the discussion facilitators. Tak will also provide worship songs. Please read 2 Kings 6:8-23 as preparation for this session.
Join in person in Room A-218 or online via the following link at 7:30 pm:
https://zoom.us/j/685376249?pwd=cWtyUk1pckJiRHJxZVZCSGdJZWw2UT09
Meeting ID: 685 376 249
Password: 840840
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
2. The CrossPoint Community Sunday School meets this Sunday, July 20, in the Fellowship Hall (A-202). We will continue exploring the book “Church Unique” by Will Mancini. Marina will lead the sharing and discussion of Chapters 11&12. We will use the following link for those who wish to join online this Sunday:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/491248585?pwd=RnpLcnpjQ01nTGZLSmhaZ3l4L3dKQT09
Meeting ID: 491 248 585
Password: 403767
Join by phone: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
3. Sunday Worship Service, July 20, starts at 11:25 am. I will be sharing message from 2 Peter 2:10b-19 “When Teachers Twist.” We will be worshiping in the Fellowship Sanctuary.
Text: 2 Peter 2:10b-19
Title: When Teachers Twist.
Tube: https://www.cbcgl.org/live-stream/
- Prosper of Aquitaine said, “Ut legem credendi lex statuat supplicandi” (Let the rule of prayer determine the rule of faith.) Each Wednesday at 7:45 pm, you are invited to join our weekly prayer meeting. We will not grow in Christ without growing in our dependence on God through conversations with Him. In July, we will be praying with a focus on our nation and community. The link is found below in the section on prayer.
https://zoom.us/j/758587937?pwd=aS9sZUdxcm1janNNM2I2aXJ6Smx2QT09
Meeting ID: 758 587 937
Password: 030086
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
Other Announcement:
- 2026 – 2027 Deacon Nomination.
The following seven Deacons/Deaconesses will finish their terms of office at the end of 2025.
- Alan Lam (Deacon Chair)
- David Wong (General Services)
- Louise Pong (Cantonese Ministry)
- Rick He (Youth Ministry)
- Shiping Geng (Mandarin Ministry)
- Shufen Chen (Global Mission)
- WenDer Wang (Treasurer)
The Council unanimously agreed to establish the Deacon Nomination Committee to be responsible for the nomination of Deacon/Deaconess candidates for 2026 – 2027. If you would like to recommend a possible candidate, please contact any of the following nomination committee members.
- Pastor Sean Lee
- Elder Ming Chiang
- Deaconess Shufen Chen
- Deacon Shiping Geng
- Brother Jecko Li
- Brother Bob Chen
Please pray for God’s guidance in finding the appropriate candidates to be the Deacon/Deaconess for 2026 – 2027.
2. Starting 6/22/2025, CBCGL will temporarily stop providing lunch. Lunch service will resume on 9/7/2025 after the Labor Day.
3. Youth root cellar short-term mission needs your donations on the following items, please drop them off at the GIFT room (A102)
- Bike helmets,
- Sports balls,
- Chalk
- Bubbles
- Face paint
- Pencils (sharpened, preferred!) or pens
- Spiral or composition notebooks
- 1 or 1.5 inch binders
- Socks
- Swimming shorts
- Roller skates
- Headphones or laptops
- BJ’s, Walmart and Amazon gift cards (also for Park Night dinner for 75 people)
- Snacks for 85 kids (cookies, granola bars, snack mix, fruit, etc.) They can be packaged or homemade.