For believers all around the world, knowing God and having a personal relationship with Him is crucial. That includes learning His Word in one’s own language. In her newest Bible study, Together We Believe: A Study of the Apostles’ Creed, Emily Belvery reveals the joys found in understanding the foundational statement of faith and a renewed appreciation for reading Scripture in one’s heart language.
“Whether you are a new Christian or a lifelong believer, this study is designed to lead you in an in-depth and practical study of the Apostles’ Creed,” Belvery writes. “While the words are deeply familiar to most believers, the meaning and implications of this ancient statement of faith may not be something you consider often.”
Belvery’s aim in this study is twofold. The first is to return to the most basic truths of the Christian faith in a way that is accessible to new Christians and to those returning to the faith and that draws lifelong believers deeper into these familiar truths and out into the daily life applications of these beliefs. The second aim is to invite North American Christians into conversation with their Asian brothers and sisters. With questions and stories shaped by Emily’s missionary experiences, readers will remember the beauty of the Gospel and the unique nature of God.
“The fundamental truths of our shared Christian faith are the heartbeat of this refreshing Bible study,” says Deb Burma, Christian speaker and author. “Author Emily Belvery brings fresh insight to this amazing ancient Creed that crosses cultures, languages, and nations. She then delves more deeply into the tenets of our triune faith, unpacking each petition through thoughtful Scripture study, engaging essays, compelling questions, and discussion topics.”
For more information about this Bible study, visit books.cph.org/together-we-believe-apostles-creed-bible-study, or contact Erica Sontag to schedule an interview with the author.
About the Author
Emily Belvery has a Lutheran teacher diploma from Concordia University, Nebraska, where she studied English and theology. She recently served as missionary ministry coordinator and teacher for two English-speaking congregations in Asia. Currently, she works for Mission of Christ Network in the areas of recruitment and church partnerships. Emily and her husband have a young daughter and live in Omaha, Nebraska.
Praise for Together We Believe
Emily’s work allows the richness of her cross-cultural experience to bring depth to the biblical truths we confess in the Apostles’ Creed. Her mission stories help us see the wonder of our Lord’s incomprehensible love for all people. We grow to understand that God’s Word speaks to every language and culture and are reminded of how we have allowed our own culture to raise barriers to a right relationship with God. This work, which is for Christians and non-Christians, illustrates that confession is also proclamation.
—Rev. Dr. John Mehl, executive director of Mission of Christ Network
In a world of dramatic cultural changes, the story of God’s love for His people is even more comforting. Emily Belvery’s study of the Apostles’ Creed connects participants to the historic, universal truths narrated by the Creed and the deep insights brought by a multi-cultural discussion of the faith. Her extensive notes and references for leaders make this study simple to use for any group. Her personal stories of mission and ministry in East Asia reveal how cross-cultural discussions of the biblical faith will deepen and broaden our perspectives on the creedal faith.
—Rev. Joel Scheiwe, senior pastor, Church of All Nations, Hong Kong
I believe you will find this book refreshing and renewing. I did. You are invited beyond superficiality into the richness of the Apostles’ Creed and the lively and comforting confession found there. But there is more! Emily Belvery equips the reader to share the true God with others (Evangelism! Mission!) in a relatable and practical way based on the Creed. Inspiring stories from her work in Asian countries brings biblical theology to a very useful level for everyday relationships inside and especially outside the community of believers. Church professionals and laity alike will find the book insightful, faithful, and helpful as they teach, equip and lead for the sake of Christ’s Church and mission! In a world of disconnection, this book connects to great things and great opportunities.
—Rev. Dr. Allan Buss, president, Northern Illinois District LCMS
The fundamental truths of our shared Christian faith are the heartbeat of this refreshing Bible study. Author Emily Belvery brings fresh insight to this amazing ancient Creed that crosses cultures, languages, and nations. She then delves more deeply into the tenets of our triune faith, unpacking each petition through thoughtful Scripture study, engaging essays, compelling questions, and discussion topics. Both articulate and conversational, this unique study has made my profession of the Apostles’ Creed all the richer and has renewed my fervor to live out the faith that I confess together with all believers.
—Deb Burma, Christian speaker and author of Joy: A Study of Philippians, Be Still and Know, and Living a Chocolate Life
Emily Belvery has produced a Scripture-rich study of the Apostles’ Creed. Both new and reviewing Christians will welcome it as a tool to nurture their faith and life in Christ, increasing their zeal to share the Gospel with others. Participants will especially value the essays at the end of each chapter. These essays reveal how the Holy Spirit used Emily as a missionary in Taiwan to speak apostolic truth substantively, humbly, and compassionately, reaching across cultural and religious canyons. Upon reading the last essay, your response will likely be similar to mine: “Sister Emily, teach me more!”
—Rev. Charles Blanco, professor of theology, Concordia University Nebraska
