Standing at the Crossroads

This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

and you will find rest for your souls.” - Jeremiah 6:16

Surprise everyone... today I’ve written a second blog post. I am participating in a group writing project and wanted to be sure to share my post with my readers. The topic of our group project is The Death, Burial and Resurrection – hope you enjoy!

Christians all around the world will soon be celebrating the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior. As a young girl, I grew up memorizing and repeating the words of the Apostles Creed, and Easter time always reminds me of the meaning behind those words that are so precious to me.

The Creed itself dates back to the very early times in the Church, about half a century or so from the last writings of the New Testament. The words of the Apostles Creed offer a summary of the fundamental teachings of the Bible. It is time-tested, rooted in biblical history and its simplicity makes it easy to share with others. The Creed was and still is my personal Declaration of Faith.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

the Maker of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,

and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost;

the holy catholic church;

the communion of saints;

the forgiveness of sins;

the resurrection of the body;

and the life everlasting. Amen.

In the preface of his book “The Creed,” Michael Bauman, asks readers the following questions:

• Can you define your Christianity?

• Do you know what you believe?

• What are the essentials of faith?

• Can you give an answer for the hope that is in you?

In speaking the words of the Apostles Creed, I know that my faith isn’t just an understanding of what I believe, but a trust in the One that I believe in. Jesus’ words found in John 11:25 tell us, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Christ took our place at the cross and because God chose to raise Him from the grave, I can choose to accept the same gifts that were found at the cross.

DEATH... If we repent of our sin and ask Jesus into our life, we experience a death... the death to our sinful ways, not a physical death but a spiritual one.

BURIAL... Just as the disciples had to move forward after Jesus death not knowing how things would turn out, I know that I can find some of the same courage and conviction that transformed the disciples.

RESURRECTION... The resurrection gives the believer assurance of eternal life. Death could not contain Jesus and Romans 6:8 tells us, “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." Through those words, I can experience the same anticipation of eternal life and victory found at the cross.

As Easter approaches I ask myself the question, “What is next for my Christian walk?” The answer is the same as it was when the Early Church was being established. The disciples continued their journey walking by faith. And so my journey continues... my next step may not be easy, there may be times when I am fearful, overwhelmed and at times, even terrified, but I know that Christ has called me to make a difference in the world.  Second Thessalonians 2:14 tells us, “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

So, as I stand at the crossroad, I rejoice in knowing that my hope comes from the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the One who leads me.

He has Risen....Hallelujah !
God’s Peace, Donna