Forgotten Words That Will Change Your Life

God the Father Almighty

Overview

The series opens with the first line of the Apostles Creed—“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”
Pastor Craig shows why this ancient, 100-word confession still matters: what you believe about God shapes every part of your life—identity, morality, relationships, future, and eternity. This week he unpacks how the Creed names God as both Father (personal, loving) and Almighty (limitless in power), a combination that calls for total trust and wholehearted allegiance.

Context

• The Apostles Creed (2nd century) was forged when Christianity was illegal and believers risked death for declaring it.
• It answered false teaching (Gnosticism) that separated the spiritual from the material and denied God as Creator.
• The Latin word “credo” means “I believe so fully I give my heart, trust, and life to this truth—whatever the cost.”

Main Points

Why the Creed Matters

• A firm foundation in a world “drowning in moral confusion and cultural compromise.”
• Not an opinion piece or denominational statement, but a concise summary of core, non-negotiable Christian doctrine.
• Learning it is only the start; believing it personally is the goal.

“I Believe” — Personal Declaration

• Begins with “I,” not “we.” Salvation is personal; no one can believe for you.
• Moves truth from the head to the heart (about 18 inches, Craig quips).

“What you believe about God shapes everything about you.”

God as Father — Personal and Loving

• Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father,” a radical shift from distant, impersonal pagan deities.
• Four contrasts with imperfect earthly dads:
  • Always present, never absent.
  • Compassionate, not harsh.
  • Draws near, never distant.
  • Delights in His children, not impossible to please.

God as Almighty — Unrivaled Power

• Latin: “omnipotens” — absolute power and supreme authority.
• If God were only Father He might lack power; if only Almighty He might lack love. Scripture reveals Him as both.
• No problem too big, no person too broken for an Almighty Father.
• Encouragement to pray addressing Him as “Almighty Father,” reminding the soul of both truths.

Creator of Heaven and Earth — Refuting Gnosticism

• Early Gnostics taught a lower god created the (evil) material world; the Creed insists the one true God created everything and called it “good.”
• Pastor Craig referenced John’s prologue to show that through the Word “all things were made.”
• Because God created matter, the physical world and our bodies matter to Him.

Responding to a God Worth Dying For

• Early believers recited the Creed under threat; modern believers often treat faith casually.
• A long, impassioned litany of “I believe…” led the church to worship, underscoring that genuine belief demands total life surrender.
• The only reasonable response: give Him everything.

Key Truths

• God is simultaneously a loving Father and an all-powerful King.
• The Creed is not ritual; it is a declaration of allegiance.
• Beliefs anchored in Scripture outlast cultural trends and personal feelings.
• Knowing about God is different from believing in Him with heart, soul, mind, and strength.
• A right view of God determines how you live, love, forgive, and hope.

Response

• Examine what you truly believe about God—move it from head knowledge to heart conviction.
• Address God in prayer as both Father and Almighty, bringing every need to Him.
• Memorize the first line of the Creed and meditate on its meaning this week.
• Reject any view that separates spiritual life from everyday, physical life—God cares about both.
• Offer your whole life in worship, obedience, and mission.

Closing

Pastor Craig pressed listeners to decide: “What do you believe?” If Jesus is the Father’s almighty Son who died and rose, the only rational course is total surrender. Many responded, confessing sin and declaring Jesus as Lord.

“He is a loving Father who knows your name and an almighty King who rules the galaxies—so give Him your whole life.”

Prayer

Pastor Craig led two prayers:

1. For believers needing the Father’s presence or the Almighty’s power—asking God to comfort, provide, and work miracles.
2. A salvation prayer of repentance and surrender: acknowledging Jesus’ death and resurrection, asking for forgiveness, receiving the Holy Spirit, and committing to live for Christ.

Resources

• YouVersion Bible App – free digital Bible and reading plans.
• “You Said Yes” – 21-day email devotional for new believers (life.church/yes).
• Life.Church Apostles Creed study (life.church/creed).