The Apostles’ Creed
The "Apostles’ Creed" the statement of faith which all persons are called to declare when becoming members of Rural Chapel UMC. It is not a denominational (like United Methodist or Roman Catholic) creed but a statement which declares the essential truths which have been commonly held by Christians since around 100 AD. Its origins are Biblical, however it is not found in this exact form in any one scripture passage.
It has historically been treated as a series of responses to questions as shown below. This format, question-answer, will be part of the service on the Sunday you join the church.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
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,
is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church, *("catholic" here means "universal")
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.