Calendar

THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
1 John 1:1-7
Acts 2:42
 
“And they continued stedfastly
in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship …”
 
THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
 
The communion of saints is one of the affirmations of the Apostle’s Creed. This was formulated as one of the affirmations of the early church that one has to subscribe to before baptism. It was not only stated on paper, it guided the church in her practices. Fellowship brings believers together to hear God’s Word preached or read. They also needed to have faith to obey. Preaching also teaches Christian doctrines. This is one of the things that the early church was engaged in, together with the breaking of bread and prayer. These practices consolidated their faith and promoted fellowship.
 
Though the visible church on earth is not perfect, the elements of true faith must be exercised and seen for the edification of believers. John and the other Apostles gave guidelines on these external requirements. The visible church must have all the marks of a true church, which are taught in the Scripture by the Lord Himself.
 
In one of His parables, Jesus likened Himself to a vine and the disciples the branches. John 15:4-5, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” This was a challenge from the Lord, and John was one of those who heard Him, and now he was guiding his own disciples to similarly follow Christ.
 
THOUGHT: Christ is the perfect example in the communion of the saints.
PRAYER: Lord, may I never neglect communion with other saints.

Search