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29
Oct '25
November 2025 MILLS’ MUSINGS – FOR ALL THE SAINTS
29
Oct '25
On Sunday, November 2, Northminster will add an extra element to our usual order of worship – a necrology. Names of church members who have died in the past 12 months will be read aloud and followed by a single chime. It’s a simple but meaningful ritual, a practice that reminds us of two important truths about our faith. But first, a bit of history.
In the Roman Catholic Church, All Saints Day is annually celebrated on November 1st, while All Souls Day is November 2nd. In many Protestant denominations, the first Sunday in November unites these celebrations on what we call All Saints Sunday.
While there are understandable differences between Catholic and Protestant traditions, a central theme in each is celebrating the transition of believers from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant, that is, recognizing and rejoicing with all those Christians who have finished their work on earth and now abide with God in heaven.
The first truth this celebration brings to our attention is that all Christians are saints. Both the Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT) words translated “saint” come from a root that means “holy.” To be holy is to be set apart by God in order to serve God. Paul describes saints as “those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours” (1 Cor. 1:2).
Here Paul shows us that sainthood, which is also called sanctification, (being made holy), is both a position and a process. As God’s chosen people, we have been made holy through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. We are being made holy through our cooperation with the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us. And one day we will be made holy as we reunite with the saints who reached heaven before us.
As in our worship on All Saints Sunday we remember the saints of this congregation who now worship God in heaven, we are also reminded of a second truth – that our Christian faith is built on a firm historical foundation.
I affirm the observation made by church historian Bruce Shelley, who writes: “Many Christians today suffer from historical amnesia. The time between the apostles and their own day is one giant blank. That is hardly what God had in mind.”[1]
I suspect not many of us could cite chapter and verse of the history of Northminster Evangelical Presbyterian Church. I’m quite sure vast numbers of Presbyterians have little knowledge about the ecclesiastical developments that followed Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. Even more know less about the first 1,500 years of Christian history and theology. Such knowledge gaps impede our growth as individual Christians and as a congregation. For if we don’t know how we got to where we are, where we go next is anybody’s guess.
This All Saints Sunday, let’s rejoice with the souls we have known who now rest from their labors. And in the year between this celebration and the next, let’s spend some time looking back so that we might more clearly see the way ahead.
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29
Oct '25
November 2025 Pastor’s Corner — DoorDashing Our Faith
29
Oct '25
“Hear this word, you cows of Bashan,
who are on the mountain of Samaria,
who oppress the poor, who crush the needy,
who say to your husbands, ‘Bring, that we may drink!’” — Amos 4:1
This morning I read an article in The Atlantic, “The Innovation That’s Killing Restaurant Culture.” From the article: “In 2024, nearly three out of every four restaurant orders were not eaten in a restaurant, according to data provided to me by the National Restaurant Association, a trade group. The share of customers using delivery specifically, as opposed to picking up takeout or going to a drive-through, more than doubled from 2019 to 2024. In a recently released poll by the association, 41 percent of respondents said that delivery was ‘an essential part of their lifestyle.’”
It’s difficult to understate the impact this is having on the restaurant industry. Restaurants are adapting their menus to be more cost effective and provide food that travels better. Kitchens are getting bigger, seating areas smaller. Some new restaurants aren’t designed for in-person dining at all. Ellie Cushing writes, “In effect, delivery has reversed the flow of eaters to food, and remade a shared experience into a much more individual one. If communities used to clench like a fist around their restaurants, now they look more like an open palm, fingers stretched out as far as possible, or at least to the edge of the delivery radius.”
It’s too easy to blame this shift on the pandemic, although the pandemic certainly accelerated it, as it did many other things. Like so much else, these shifts started long before a virus shut us all up inside our homes. The seismic shift happened back in the early 2000s with the dual supernovas of the development of the internet and smartphones. Twenty or so years later, every facet of our lives has radically changed. Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings and afterward our buildings shape us.” We now have the ability to sit at home and have the world brought to us on a whim, but at what cost? How is that convenience shaping us?
The “cows of Bashan” were the ancient equivalent of Wagyu beef today. They were meticulously doted over and cared for so as to provide the absolute highest quality meat possible. When Amos calls the Israelites the cows of Bashan, he is saying they are lazy, fat, and indolent. As Michael McKelvey writes, Amos is painting a picture of a people who “defiantly and selfishly take advantage of others, using them for their own ends. Their concern is not for what is morally right or socially acceptable. Instead, they live unto themselves; their god is their belly.” Feeding their desires and appetites by any means necessary, they cared not at all about the consequences of their self indulgence. One might argue whether we are more or less self-indulgent than the ancient Israelites, but one thing is true: we have not counted the cost we are paying for our cultural smartphone addiction. It’s been 2,800 years since Amos wrote his prophecy, but it has come true in far more visceral ways than he ever imagined.
What makes dining at a restaurant special isn’t simply that someone else is cooking for you. It’s the entire experience. It’s the sensory experience of the aromas and the ambiance, but more than that it’s the relational experience — from the welcome extended by the host, to the courtesy of the waitress, to the attention given to your meal by the chef, to the shared fellowship of those with whom you dine. None of that can be put in a box and delivered to your door. What is lost without those experiences goes far beyond the scope of these words. This barely scratches the surface; we haven’t talked about the impact on families, jobs, the economy, and much more.
However, Amos wasn’t talking about having food delivered to your door, and neither are we. Have we taken the time to consider what we are losing by doordashing our worship, our discipleship, or our fellowship? We worship by turning on the radio or Spotify. We get our discipleship from TikTok. We find fellowship through social media. All from the comfort of our couches. But true faith is inescapably relational and experiential. True worship happens when we are gathered together with the saints (Hebrews 10:25). Discipleship occurs when “iron sharpens iron” (Prov. 27:17). Fellowship, which at its root means “connection,” requires being physically present with one another (Acts 2:42). Modern technology is reshaping everything, but it can’t change the fundamental paths of our faith.
There’s nothing necessarily wrong with doordashing your dinner when you need to, or using Spotify or TikTok. But be aware of what you are choosing when you do so, and what you are not choosing as well. Be intentional in being wise and discerning when it comes to your worship, discipleship and fellowship. Make the effort to pursue Jesus in the company of other brothers and sisters. In person. Much like dining out, our faith was never meant to be an individual experience, but a communal one.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. — Philippians 4:8-9
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
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28
Oct '25
Fall 2025 College Care Packages
28
Oct '25
The semester is coming to a close and our college students could use some encouragement. For the first two Sundays in November (11/2 and 11/9), we will be collecting items to fill care packages for our nine NEPC college students. Please drop off non-perishable items on the table in the narthex and we will pack them up and ship them. Ideas:
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- microwave popcorn
- Little Debbies or other wrapped snack cakes
- candy
- individual bags of chips
- Ramen noodles
- granola bars
- school supplies – pens, pencils, spiral notebooks, etc.
If you’d rather not bring items, we’d also welcome cash donations to cover the cost of shipping (roughly $10 per box for the four out of area students). We’ll also have cards available for you to sign. Let’s remember to lift up our students in prayer and continue to encourage them as they advance their education.
Kayleigh Bennett – U. of Lynchburg
Hunter Brightwell – Virginia Tech
Dani Caplinger – Old Dominion U.
Cole Chapman – Randolph College
Meg Garrison – James Madison U.
Peter Garrison – U. of AL in Huntsville
Brinna Midgley – CVCC
Jackson Moore – East Tennessee State
Mackenzie Seay – CVCC
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22
Oct '25
News & Announcements for Sunday, October 26, 2025
22
Oct '25
3 CIRCLES EVANGELISM TRAINING – CONTINUES TODAY
You are encouraged to sign up for the 3 Circles: Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations training class. 3 Circles is a simple way to have gospel conversations. This class meets weekly for 6 weeks at 9:30 am. Even if you missed it today, plan to join us next week!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
COVERED DISH LUNCH – NEXT SUNDAY, After Worship
Please join us for a covered dish luncheon immediately after church on November 2. If you are able, please bring a couple of dishes to share such as a meat, vegetable, salad or dessert. It has been way too long since we had lunch together, so we hope everyone will be able to come and join in the fellowship!!
YOUNG LIFE PARENT MEETING – THURS. NOV 6, 6:30pm
Whether you are the parent of a student who currently attends Young Life, or one who would like to know more about what Young Life is, this is for you. Join us for an informational meeting where you’ll have an opportunity to meet the Young Life staff and leaders, learn more about the mission and vision of Young Life, and hear updates on how God is using this ministry in Amherst County. We look forward to seeing you there.
WOMENS BIBLE STUDY – TUESDAY, NOV. 11 @ 4PM
Join us for the November meeting on Tuesday, November 11 at 4pm. We will be starting our study of The Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkins. Copies of the study guide can be picked up in the church office.
MISSION FOCUS FOR OCTOBER – CHRISTMAS BASKETS
The October Mission Focus is the Christmas Baskets. Please bring items to help bring a little joy to needy families in our area. Details can be found in the October newsletter.
DOWNLOAD THE CHURCH CENTER APP
Search for “Church Center” in your favorite app store on your phone to download our app! In the app are the church calendar, small group and volunteer opportunities, the online church directory, and more.
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16
Oct '25
News & Announcements for Sunday, October 19, 2025
16
Oct '25
3 CIRCLES EVANGELISM TRAINING – CONTINUES TODAY
You are encouraged to sign up for the 3 Circles: Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations training class. 3 Circles is a simple way to have gospel conversations. This class meets weekly for 6 weeks at 9:30 am. Even if you missed it today, plan to join us next week!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
MEN’S BREAKFAST – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 8:00AM
All Northminster men are invited to breakfast at Pastor Dave’s house on Wednesday, October 22 at 8 AM! There will be food, fellowship, and a topical discussion. Pastor Dave will be cooking, so you can count on plenty of bacon and coffee. Feel free to invite friends who are not affiliated with our church.
MISSION FOCUS FOR OCTOBER – CHRISTMAS BASKETS
The October Mission Focus is the Christmas Baskets. Please bring items to help bring a little joy to needy families in our area. Details can be found in the October newsletter.
YOUNG LIFE PARENT MEETING – THURS. NOV 6, 6:30pm
Whether you are the parent of a student who currently attends Young Life, or one who would like to know more about what Young Life is, this is for you. Join us for an informational meeting where you’ll have an opportunity to meet the Young Life staff and leaders, learn more about the mission and vision of Young Life, and hear updates on how God is using this ministry in Amherst County. We look forward to seeing you there.
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10
Oct '25
News & Announcements for Sunday, October 12, 2025
10
Oct '25
3 CIRCLES EVANGELISM TRAINING – CONTINUES TODAY
You are encouraged to sign up for the 3 Circles: Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations training class. 3 Circles is a simple way to have gospel conversations. This began last Sunday but will meet weekly for 6 weeks at 9:30 am. Even if you missed it today, plan to join us next week!
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 9:00AM
Our church will be serving and reaching out to our community at the Monelison Bruins games on Saturday, October 18. Bruins Park is located behind Monelison Middle School and next to the Madison Heights Youth Baseball fields at 265 Trojan Dr. in Madison Heights. There will be four football games throughout the day with shifts for volunteers from 9 AM – 3:30 PM. Please sign up on the bulletin board or let Karey Garrison know if you’re able to help out.
MEN’S BREAKFAST – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 8:00AM
All Northminster men are invited to breakfast at Pastor Dave’s house on Wednesday, October 22 at 8 AM! There will be food, fellowship, and a topical discussion. Pastor Dave will be cooking, so you can count on plenty of bacon and coffee. Feel free to invite friends who are not affiliated with our church.
MISSION FOCUS FOR OCTOBER – CHRISTMAS BASKETS
The October Mission Focus is the Christmas Baskets. Please bring items to help bring a little joy to needy families in our area. Details can be found in the October newsletter.
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01
Oct '25
News & Announcements for Sunday, October 5, 2025
01
Oct '25
3 CIRCLES EVANGELISM TRAINING – CONTINUES TODAY
You are encouraged to sign up for the 3 Circles: Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations training class. 3 Circles is a simple way to have gospel conversations. This began last Sunday but will meet weekly for 6 weeks at 9:30 am. Even if you missed it today, plan to join us next week!
COLLEGE & CAREER BIBLE STUDY –SUNDAYS, 6PM
Join us for a weekly(ish) bible study for College & Career Young Adults this summer. We meet at the Garrisons for dinner (probably something fancy, like pizza) and then spend some time digging into God’s Word. This is a place and time you can bring your questions and whatnot as well. All young adults, ages 18-29(ish) are welcome.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 7PM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet next Monday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. We will be starting a new study that we’re excited to tell you about Monday evening! If you haven’t come in a while or been wanting to join, this is a great time to do so. We look forward to seeing you next Monday!
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 10AM
The Women’s Bible Study will meet Thursday, October 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the church. We will be reading, You Have a Calling, by our friend, Karen Swallow Prior. Karen will be at our meeting on October 9 to read parts of her book and share her motivation for writing this book. She will also answer your questions. (And if you don’t get a chance to read it, come anyway!)
MEN’S BREAKFAST – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 8AM
All Northminster men are invited to breakfast at Pastor Dave’s house on Wednesday, October 22 at 8 AM! There will be food, fellowship, and a topical discussion. Pastor Dave will be cooking, so you can count on plenty of bacon and coffee. Feel free to invite friends who are not affiliated with our church.
MISSION FOCUS FOR OCTOBER – CHRISTMAS BASKETS
The October Mission Focus is the Christmas Baskets. Please bring items to help bring a little joy to needy families in our area. Details can be found in the October newsletter.
Read more...
01
Oct '25
September 2025 Pastor’s Corner — Picking Sides
01
Oct '25
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” — Joshua 5:13-14
It has been a trying month, at the end of a trying summer. Two politically-motivated assassinations, multiple attacks on churches, several shootings at schools and workplaces, and an awful lot of finger pointing has us all in a state of constant anxiety and tension. It seems as if every word spoken, every statement made on social media, every speech (or sermon) given is parsed to try and determine who is with us and who is against us. We know (well, presume actually) that God is on our side and want to know whether the people we read or talk to are our friends or our enemies. Perhaps God doesn’t pick sides the same way we do.
The verses above come in the middle of a very tense moment for Joshua and the people of Israel. Moses has died and Joshua was appointed to take his place. Chapter 1 of the book of Joshua recounts God’s commissioning of Joshua (God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous” no less than three times in the first nine verses) and how he took command of the people. Chapter 2 is the famous story of Rahab and the spies in Jericho. In chapters 3 and 4, Israel crosses into the Promised Land through the River Jordan, in a scene reminiscent of the crossing of the Red Sea during the Exodus. At the beginning of chapter 5, as they prepare to begin the conquest of the Promised Land, the people of God are re-consecrated to the Lord. Just after the verses above, in chapter 6 we have the fall of Jericho. Squeezed in at the end of chapter 5 we have this very short scene with Joshua and and angel, the Commander of the Army of the Lord.
Joshua, pacing in the desert with anxiety and worry about what lies ahead (the impenetrable and impassable walls of Jericho), comes across a stranger with a sword. It’s a perfectly reasonable question to ask: “Are you friend or foe? Are you for us or our adversaries?” What stands out most about this is how the angel answers Joshua’s question. Of course the answer is, “I am for you.” Everything up to this point has shown just how thoroughly God is “for them.” They are the people of Israel, God’s chosen ones. God, himself, commissioned Joshua and directed his steps to this point. God, himself, stopped the waters of Jericho so the people could cross. God, himself, directed their re-consecration to Him. But the answer wasn’t, “I am for you.” The answer is as blunt as it is curt: “No.”
God is only ever on one side: His own. This is made most clear in Isaiah 48:9-11: “For my name’s sake I defer my anger; for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.” (Is. 48:9-11) What God does, or does not, is based solely on what furthers His plans and increases His own glory. We get so wrapped up in presuming that God is on our side that we rarely stop to ask whether we are on His.
Almost a thousand years later, the disciples wanted to know the same thing Joshua did. After three years of following Jesus, facing the depths of despair as He was crucified and died, and then the heights of exaltation when He rose from the grave, they still thought He was on their side. Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, they asked, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8) Once again, Jesus doesn’t give the expected answer. Jesus basically says, “You’re asking the wrong question. But I’m going to empower and enable you to be on my side, to be my hands and feet, to carry the good news of the coming of God’s Kingdom to all corners of your neighborhoods and the globe.”
It took a long time for Israel to take possession of the Promised Land. At the end of the book of Joshua, he gathers all the people together. He reminds them of all that God has done for them from the time they left Egypt up to that moment because they were on God’s side. Joshua then issues a challenge, one that echoes through to our day. Fear the Lord, Joshua says, and put away the petty “gods” and divisions that this world tells you matter. Choose for yourself whose side you will be on: God’s, or not God’s. With Joshua I declare, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. What say you?
Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. — Joshua 24:14-15
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
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27
Aug '25
September 2025 Pastor’s Corner — 3 Circles
27
Aug '25
And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” — Luke 10:2-3
Last fall we had a couple of town hall meetings to discuss the state and future of our church. To recap: like many churches, we have seen a significant decline in worship attendance and engagement in the life of our church. While for the most part our income has remained steady, it is also declining. Up until last fall, we had seen very few visitors to our church, and those who did visit usually did not return. It seemed as if, while we love our church and what we offer, it wasn’t resonating or connecting with others in our community. Our circumstances seemed discouraging, to say the least. One year later, we’ve often been asked about where things stand and if we are as concerned as we were.
When you look at the practical numbers — worship attendance and income — not much has changed. Our average worship attendance is about the same as it was last fall, and our income is just slightly lower. But those numbers only tell one part of the story, and not the most important part. Since last fall we have had a steady increase in visitors to our church, which led to our largest Inquirer’s Class in the past 8 years. One new regular attender commented, “I didn’t know churches like yours existed any more.” Where we often wonder if our church is declining into irrelevance, another visitor sees a community that has deep faith and deep relationships, the very things she has been needing and looking for.
Where did these new visitors come from? In almost every case, the answer is the same: Someone invited me. In fact, when you boil every church growth and evangelism strategy down to its core, it’s always about some form of personal invitation. It’s how the Gospel spread in the very beginning, and it’s how the Church has grown ever since. Telling others about Jesus is something that all believers are called and invited to do. As Jesus and the Holy Spirit change and transform us, we are invited to share that transformation with others.
The most important part of our life of faith is for us to be looking to see how we are growing as disciples of Jesus Christ, paying attention to how the Holy Spirit is making us into new creations, formed in the image of our Savior: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Think about it this way: when something good happens in our lives or when we have good news to share, we naturally and instinctively want to share that with the people around us. When we see how Jesus has changed us, we want to share that change with others. This change is a process that happens throughout our lives on this side of Glory. Look for how the Holy Spirit has changed you and how you are growing as a disciple. If you aren’t sure how that change is happening in your life, consider asking what the Holy Spirit might be inviting you to change or do differently so you can experience the change He wants to bring about in you.
Sometimes, though, even when we know how we are being changed, we hesitate or aren’t sure how to share that with others. We know Jesus has told us to tell others about the good news of God’s grace, but don’t want to be pushy or offensive. In fact, this is one of the most common questions we’re asked: I know I’m supposed to tell others about Jesus, but I don’t know what to say. To that end, we are going to spend time in September talking about a model for sharing your faith called “The Three Circles.” This is a slightly different model than others you might already know. The emphasis with The Three Circles is helping you learn how to turn everyday conversations into Gospel conversations. We’ll introduce the Three Circles in a three week sermon series, which will be followed by a six week Sunday School class.
If we want to see Northminster grow, it simply comes down to telling others about Jesus and inviting them to church to learn more about Him. The elders and I encourage everyone to join us for worship and plan to participate in the Sunday School class. We’re excited about how the Lord will use the Three Circles to help us share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our friends, our family, and the community around us. Find more information about the Three Circles Sunday School class on page seven of the newsletter, or by clicking here..
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” — Romans 10:14-15
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
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28
Jul '25
MILLS’ MUSINGS – YOU’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER CAKE
28
Jul '25
This year the Nicene Creed celebrates its 1,700th birthday. Accommodating that many candles would require a birthday cake far larger than any I’ve ever seen. And if you’re wondering about this article’s title, you may want to rewatch Jaws, which turns 50 this year. (Anybody else feeling old?)
The Nicene Creed seems less well known to Presbyterians and other Reformed Christians than either the Apostles’ Creed or the Westminster Confession of Faith. For reasons I won’t explore here, I don’t find that surprising. But I do believe that as the Church enters its third millennium, all Christians would be well served by learning more about the background and importance of this creed as it reaches the ripe old age of 1,700.
In the year 325, the Church was still adjusting to its new status in the Roman Empire. Barely a decade earlier, the new Roman Emperor, Constantine, had converted to Christianity and issued his Edict of Toleration, which legalized the faith in the empire. The Edict would prove a mixed blessing. Official persecution of Christians ended and Church membership grew rapidly. Unfortunately, with growth came controversy.
As early as 318, a pastor named Arius began teaching that Jesus was not fully God; that Jesus was not eternal, but instead was the first creature made by God. This new doctrine contradicted Scripture and three centuries of Church teaching. To resolve the conflict in the Church, and not coincidentally to help keep peace in his empire, Constantine called for a council of church leaders to meet in city of Nicaea in 325.
There, Arius was given the opportunity to explain his beliefs to the bishops. He and his supporters were sure his views would prevail. However, his novel teaching, summarized by the slogan “There was when the Son was not,” was opposed by one of the most able and influential theologians of the Early Church, Athanasius. Athanasius insisted that if Jesus wasn’t fully God, he couldn’t fully accomplish human salvation. “That which has not been assumed has not been healed,” was his succinct response.
Rejecting as heretical Arius’ insistence that Jesus was not God, the Council of Nicaea produced the Nicene Creed, which declared that Jesus is “of one substance” (homoousia) with the Father. Homoousia combines homo, meaning same, with ousia, meaning substance, or essence. The Greek word isn’t found in the Bible, which troubled some members of the council. But as the Church worked to articulate the Bible’s unchanging revelation in the language of its day, homoousia seemed the best word to express the eternal relationship between God the Father and God the Son.
The importance of the Nicene Creed in Christian history is summarized by the late Presbyterian theologian John Leith who writes, “The first Christian doctrine that the church settled in an ecumenical council and that has subsequently received approval in the life of the church through the centuries had to do with the deity of Jesus Christ. The church made clear at Nicaea what it was convinced had always been the faith of Christian people. In Jesus Christ human beings are confronted by God.”
For nearly two millennia, the Nicene Creed has remained the most widely quoted creed in Christendom. It’s accepted by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, and most Protestant denominations. Each time we recite this historic affirmation of our faith, we remind ourselves of a fundamental Christian truth: God’s nature is Triune. We also remind ourselves of our unbreakable connection to Christians around the world and throughout time.
So, on the 1,700th birthday of the Nicene Creed, a cake may be in order. Especially if we fudge the candles.
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