“Reformed Christians talk a lot about the Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort, Westminster Standards, and creeds such as the Apostles’, Nicene, Athanasian, and Chalcedonian Creeds. They are not making the case that confessions, catechisms, and creeds should replace Scripture. Quite the opposite. Reformed Christians use confessions, catechisms, and creeds to clearly articulate what they believe Scripture teaches.”
(Jonathan Shirk – Small Town Theologian) Read Nehemiah 8:7–8 on the site.
Every time a preacher ascends the pulpit to read and explain God’s Word, He is speaking creedally. It is inescapable. The moment he begins to explain the meaning or sense of the Scriptures, he is giving his creed. He is saying, “I believe that this Scripture means this, and here is why I believe it means this.” Explanation is absolutely necessary. God intends it to be done.
Check out the name Duffy Strode. He was a child preacher who appeared on Oprah years ago. On the Oprah show, Duffy stood up and shouted Scripture. They called it preaching. Then, Oprah (and the audience) asked a fair question. They asked Duffy to explain what he just said. In other words, they asked Duffy the kid preacher to explain what he said. He wouldn’t do it. Perhaps we could say, he couldn’t do it. The point of preaching is to give the meaning or sense of the Scriptures so that people can understand and believe.