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The Apostles’ Creed, ca. 2nd cent.,
6th cent.; Versified: anon. Tune and refrain: Anthony D. Moore (2007) I believe in God the Father, Maker of all heav’n and earth; And in Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s own Son, of matchless worth; By the Spirit was conceived, of the virgin Mary born, He in whom I have believed: God Almighty, Three in One. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Crucified for me He died; Laid within the grave so silent, Gates of hell He opened wide; For the stone-sealed tomb was empty; On the third day He arose; Into heaven made His entry, Mighty conqu’ror of His foes. I believe, Lord help my unbelief. I believe, Lord heal and make me whole. I will go to You and learn from You And find rest for my soul. I believe. At God’s right hand He is seated Till His coming as He said; Final judgment will be meted To the living and the dead; I confess the Holy Spirit Who was sent through Christ the Son To apply salvation’s merit-- God the Spirit, Three in One. I believe the church of Jesus, Universal e’er remains; We are one through all the ages, In communion of the saints. I believe sins are forgiven That our bodies will be raised To eternal life in heaven: Ever let His name be praised. I believe, Lord help my unbelief. I believe, Lord heal my withered hands. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear And a heart that understands What I believe, what I believe. I believe. |
I was planning to write a new tune to the versified Apostles' Creed text that is in the new Trinity Hymnal (#742) when we were preaching through the gospel of Matthew. As we approached chapters 11 and 12 I began to craft refrains for the song. The first one is a reference to Jesus' invitation from chapter 11. Coming to Jesus is the only source of true rest for our souls.
The second refrain is drawn from Jesus' healing of the man with the withered hand. While many of us have fully functional hands, I read the passage's spiritual implications for us all. Unless our head knowledge belief, which comes through seeing and hearing becomes heart knowledge belief, then we will never be about the work of the kingdom. In that sense we all have withered hands and need to be transformed. The song arrangement works well with or without the refrains. |