In my faith nurturing classes during my years at Jubilee Fellowship in St. Catharines, Ontario, I encouraged each participant to write their own personal statement of faith. I would then incorporate their thoughts and images into a (hopefully) singable creedal song. The class was small – just three students – the year that this song was written, but it expresses the large comforting themes that continue to guide and sustain Jesus’ followers.
I believe in Father God
who made the heavens and earth
I believe in Christ His Son
and in his virgin birth
I believe that Jesus suffered
just for you and me
Crucified and hung between
two thieves on Calvary
I believe he went to hell
and took our sins away
Easter saw him rise again;
a glorious festive day
I believe that he has gone
to make a place for me
From his throne he gives his own
the year of Jubilee
I believe that he’ll return
the same way that he left
Clouds will part and all will know
North, South, Far East and West
I believe God’s Spirit moves in me
and through the world
Always watching over us
with dove-like wings unfurled
I believe that we are saved
by Father, Spirit, Son
Loved, forgiven by God’s grace
as all three work as one
I believe that Jesus sees
my anguish, my despair
Lifting me he sets my feet
on rock, not empty air
I believe I’m God’s own child
He always watches me
Knows my thoughts and hears my prayers
His love has set me free
I believe in God!
I believe in God!
© Peter Slofstra • 1996 • St Catharines, Ontario