In the Apostles' and the Nicene Creeds, we use words which are difficult to grasp. Words like "holy," "apostolic," "catholic," and even "church" itself.

Many Christians are unaware these terms point to the mission which God has given to us, His Church.

This brief creed clarifies why God established His Church.

I believe in one Church: called out, set apart, worldwide, and sent out.

I believe in one Church that is called out. The word "church" means "those who are called out." In wisdom God has called people out of unbelief into faith in him. In pardon He calls the nations out of rebellion into citizenship in His everlasting kingdom. In baptism He calls us by name and we are His.

I believe in one Church that is set apart. The word "holy" means "set apart". By Christ's sacrificial death we are made holy in God's sight, without blemish and free from accusation. As the holy items in the Temple were set apart for the worship of God, so through Christ we are now set apart for God to use as His instruments, in order that men, women, and children everywhere may come to know the one true God.

I believe in one Church that is worldwide. The word "catholic" means "worldwide." The proclamation of Christ's salvation is not limited to my community, my country, or even my continent. Around the globe the Holy Spirit continues to "purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder" (Zeph. 3:9).

I believe in one Church that is sent out. The word "apostolic" means "sent out." The church consists of those who are sent out as missionaries and those who send and support them. As Christ sent Paul the Missionary, so He sends us all to the nations--both far and near-- "to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith" in Him (Acts. 26:18).

Yes, I believe in one Church: called out, set apart, worldwide, and sent out.

This brief Bible study helps you reflect on the key words in the preceding creed.

A. Called out.

1. Brainstorm. What does the word "church" mean?
2. What are we called out of? (1 Peter 2:9)
3. What are we called into? (John 10:3-4, 10)
4. What will happen to our church if we believe and act upon the fact that God called us out? (John 10:16)

B. Set apart.

1. Brainstorm. What do "holy" and sanctified" mean?
2. How have we been set apart? (Ephesians 5:25-27)
3. For what tasks has God set us apart? (1 Peter 2:9-12)
4. What will happen to our church if we believe and act upon the fact that God has set us apart? (Romans 15:16; John 14:12-14)

C. Worldwide.

1. Brainstorm. What does the word "catholic" mean?
2. How is our church worldwide? (1 John 2:2; Jnohn11:49-53)
3. How do we become worldwider? (Acts 1:8)
4. What will happen to our church if we believe and act upon the fact that God has made us worldwide? (Zephaniah 3:9-10)

D. Missionary.

1. What does the word "apostolic" mean?
2. "Apostle" and "missionary" both mean the same thing: one who is sent. Some are sent out as missionaries, while others are involved as senders of the missionaries. What are the duties of each? (Acts 13:1-3; 14:26-28)
3. What will happen to our church if we believe and act upon the fact that God has made us a missionary church sent to a lost world? (Acts 20:23-24; Acts 26:17-18; Matthew 25:20-21)

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.