In an unassuming display case of the Israel museum, an ancient pottery shard lays concave side up, showing a written a statement of faith penned in large Greek capitals. Pottery in the Holy Land was a popular writing material. This shard however was written by a follower of Yeshua. Its statement of fundamental truths begins with the words, “I believe in God.”
Likely given to a new believer or one preparing for the ministry, it served as both an anchor and a compass to his belief. In his day, heresies proliferated and heretical groups distorted the Scripture. Perhaps in his lifetime, or that of his children, the Persians invaded the Holy Land, putting thousands of Messiah followers to death by the sword. Later, the Muslims swept through preaching a new religion. The words on that shard, however, stood in direct opposition to Muhammed’s belief that God has no son.
Recently, my youngest daughter, a senior in high school was asked to write a paper about her faith and beliefs. As our family gathered with each of us contributing thoughts, my mind went back to the words on that ancient shard, so succinct and yet foundational. The older I get, the more I appreciate those fundamental truths.
Some years ago, a council in Israel was held by the Jewish believing congregations to reaffirm their core beliefs about God, Yeshua, and the Holy Spirit. This arose because a congregation began teaching that Yeshua was the Messiah, but not the divine Son, the second Person of the Godhead. Thankfully, this loose council of congregations re-affirmed their core beliefs about, Yeshua, the Son of Man, the Son of God.
And that brings me back to the person who held that shard, copied from other copies, ancient affirmations of faith. I am sure that he needed to trace those letters and words in times of opposition to strengthen his beliefs.
What about you? What do you believe? Every time we open our computer, we are bombarded with challenges to the Word of God, to our faith in the God of Israel, and His Son. Like never before, we are exposed to so called “higher criticism”. From many of these experts we can hear the voice of that ancient serpent echoing, “Did God really say?” Perhaps some of your favorite Christian singers or even preachers have publicly denied the very one who saved them to follow the new fad of “deconstructing their faith”.
I want to encourage you to go back to the sources, the Word of God. Examine the ancient creeds formulated by earlier believers. You might even write a copy of those fundamental truths in a journal or on a place to display in your home. As you do, you will not only strengthen your own faith, but those who come after. You may also find that you have much in common with the person who penned these words on that old shard some 1,500 years ago.
The Nicene-Constantinople Creed: 381
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For our sake and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; he rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures, and ascended to heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He is coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and Son is worshiped and together glorified; who spoke through the Prophets. In one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.[1]
[1] https://www.imj.org.il/en/collections/191545
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