Meditation

09/09/2020

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” (Acts9:13-14)

Both Damascus and Jerusalem had local groups of disciples assembling for the purpose of worship and fellowship. Both were churches, local representations of the entire church. Persecution made the church cautious. Still God brought new leadership to the church. Any action of persecuting the church is persecuting Jesus because the church is Christ’s body representing His presence and mission on earth.

Whether in Damascus or in other parts of the world, those who serve Christ are the people of God and remain his caring eye—-even in the midst of persecution. One name for the early church was ‘the Way,’ a name which show the church as pointing to Christ and , thus, to the Way of eternal life. The saints are people who call on Christ for salvation and direction

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, no matter what takes place, no matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can and must always call upon our Lord and Savior of the Way. It is He that we honor in our prayers, bringing attention to Him and to all who witness our prayers, that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. With Him, we find eternal life. This we pray in Jesus’ holy name. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Having part-time religions is like have part-time work, it won’t support you.”

KNOWING GOD:

“For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.” (Romans15:26)

“Saints” is used often in association with the love which Christians have for one another. The context of this verse concerns the offering which Gentile saints. The context of this verse concerns the offering which Gentile saints made for he poorer and more persecuted saints of Jerusalem. To be a saints, a member of Christ’s church, is to love and help others, which is the cornerstone of our faith in Christ Jesus, to help others to find Jesus in their lives, and to do without reservation, witnessing our faith in action.

I AM:

“Greet all of the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers and who are with me send greetings. All the saints sen you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” (Philippians4:21–22)

Saints (Greek – hagiol) means the holy ones of God set apart fro His service. In the Old Testament, Israel, as the covenant people, formed a holy nation set apart fro God’s service. The nation was consecrated as a peculiar possession of God, the unique and sole Source of holiness. The term ‘saints’ designates the Christian community as recipients of the covenant promises of God. The holiness of Christians results from the call of God and His work in our lives. In the New Testament, ‘saints’ describe all Christians, for all believers are called to minister and serve in Christ’s name. Saints are not a select group with greater holiness than others. Saints are living believers, not dead revered ones. The saints were members of the various churches addressed in the New Testament, not just one specific church, but all churches.

Second Thought of the Day:

“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—-the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:25–27)

Paul’s servanthood came by divine call so the gospel might be proclaimed to all people. He was servant (Greek – diakonos) not only of Christ but also of the church. Christ’s called out servants, do not seek to use the church for personal advantage. They are the church’s slaves for Christ’s advantage.

Revelation serves God’s church, calling people to proclaim His word to all people. The word brings hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus. Our hope for life in glory beyond death rests in the saving work of Jesus. We have this hope because Jesus now lives in our lives.