How did the Apostles’ Creed come about?

We don’t know exactly how the Apostles’ Creed came to be. The first mentions of the creed are around 390 A.D. and evolved from earlier statements of faith. It’s not named for any specific group of apostles but for all the believers who confessed the words that would later be brought together into one common Christian creed. In Lutheran churches, the Apostles’ Creed is typically used in non-communion services with the longer Nicene Creed being used for communion services.

Have crosses always been a symbol of Christianity?

Edward Riojas has a great series on Christian art in The Lutheran Witness. One article in the series addresses early Christian symbols. You know what wasn’t on the list? The cross. A crucifix or any version of the cross wasn’t widely used by the church for at least 100 years after the ascension. It’s hard to imagine a Christian church without a cross, but also try to imagine what it would be like to see a crucifixion, or to know of someone who had been crucified, and then to hold a cross as a symbol of victory or even comfort. Crucifixions were public, brutal, and shameful. This makes it all the more jaw-dropping that God would allow His Son to die in such a way for us.

One version of the crucifix that came to prominence in the 4th century was the Christus Rex, Christ as King. In this version of the crucifix, Jesus is robed and wears a crown. This is the reality we embrace. We have a God who suffered, died, and now reigns victorious. He suffered and died a gruesome death for you so that your sins could be placed on the cross, the instrument of death. May we not be naïve about what Jesus suffered for us, but may we also find comfort and hope in the incredible, sacrificial love our God displayed for us.

Why are the special programs only offered in a digital format?

Right now, our agreement with the TV stations allows us to broadcast one Worship Anew program each week, but we know that these extra dates are important to provide a worship program for our audience who may not be able to attend church. One way that we can easily add additional programs throughout the week is by using our digital platforms. The other great thing about our digital programs is that you can watch Worship Anew anytime that works for you! You can watch our program (including past programs) on our website (WorshipAnew.org), our iPhone and Android apps, and streaming on our YouTube Channel, Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, and Amazon Firestick.

A note from the Editor ...
In our letters to the editor section, we would like to answer any and all questions that you have about scripture, aging well, and our ministry. Please send your questions to editor@worshipanew.org. Please know that we will try to answer as many questions as we can. Thank you and enjoy!