The Apostles' Creed: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, died, and was buried; 
He descended into hell; On the third day '
He rose again from the dead; 
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the 
right hand of God the Father almighty; 
From there he will come to judge 
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, 
The holy catholic Church, 
the communion of saints, 
The forgiveness of sins, 
The resurrection of the body, 
and life everlasting. Amen. 

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Genesis 1:2, John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:19, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7, Genesis 3:15, Revelation 12:1-17, Hebrews 10

Intro:

• This sermon explores the Apostles' Creed line: "conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary."
• Addresses skepticism about the virgin birth.
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding this event within the context of God's larger story.

Miraculous Births in Scripture:

• The Bible is filled with stories of miraculous pregnancies and births.
• Examples: 
  • Abraham and Sarah (barren, promised a large family).
  • Moses (born during a time of infanticide).
  • Samson (born to a barren woman, a judge of Israel).
  • Samuel (born to Hannah, who was barren).
  • Isaiah 54: Barrenness preceding promise.

The Virgin Birth of Jesus:

• Luke 1:26-38: Angel Gabriel visits Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph.
• Mary's questions and acceptance: A model of faith and trust.
• Virgin birth within the continuum of God's faithfulness to his people.
• Virgin birth is a sign post to God's people throughout generations.

Clarifications:

• Not Immaculate Conception: Refers to Mary's sinless conception, not Jesus's.
• Not Perpetual Virginity: Mary had other children.

What We Are Saying:

• Jesus Christ was truly God and truly man: Conceived by the Holy Spirit, not by human will.
• Jesus was sinless: 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:19.
• The Spirit of God was active in the birth and life of Jesus: Conceived by the Spirit, ministry empowered by the Spirit.
• A new beginning had begun: A new creation, the kingdom of God at hand (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7).
• Victory and defeat are coming: Genesis 3:15, Revelation 12:1-17 - The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of the end of evil, sin, pain, and death.

Conclusion:

• The virgin birth is essential to our faith, signifying the incarnation and God's victory.
• We join with the family of God in believing God for impossible things.

Call to Action:

• Receive the Word of God with faith and trust.
• Believe that God can do anything.
• Remember the victory of Christ over sin and death.
• Acknowledge that Jesus is truly God and truly man.