Adolf Hitler was dead. Germany was embarking on the overwhelming task of rebuilding itself as a nation. The German theologian Karl Barth had just returned from exile in Switzerland to the University of Bonn. With the noise of cranes and earthmovers in the background, Barth began his first lecture to a class of war-weary students. His very first sentence was: "I believe in God."

"I believe in God." Those are also the first words of The Apostles' Creed, and they are an affirmation that is basic to our Christian faith. In fact, that statement is the foundation from which we view all time and eternity.

That belief is the only solid foundation for rebuilding a nation or for building a life. If we ignore God, the best of human efforts will crumble in the long run and be shown to have no eternal value.

We must be sure, however, that the God we believe in is the one, true, and living God (Hebrews 11:6). We must believe in the God who has made Himself known in the Bible, and through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus said to His heavenly Father, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3).

Truly, this is the most basic belief. Is it yours?  —VCG  — Vernon C. Grounds