As we prepare for Easter this year I am reminded of our Lord's sacrifice and how, because of His death and resurrection, I might have eternal life.              

     Because of this eternal truth I want each of us to remember that our faith is precious and should never be taken for granted. There are two creeds that I want to share with you in this article, which establish our basic belief system and unify us as believers in Jesus Christ no matter what denominal titles we may or may not wear. The first is called, "The Apostles Creed" (most of you are probably very familiar with this creed) which I memorized for my confirmation when I was a young man in the Lutheran faith. The other is called, "The Nicene Creed" ( many are not very familiar with this creed) which is very common and shared in many Churches of both Eastern amd Western cultures.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth; And 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 into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come 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 life everlasting. Amen.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, And of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, Eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God, Begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven; By the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, And His kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is adored and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

May each of you experience the glory of this year's resurrection morning!

                                                                                         Pastor Mike