ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 11, 2019
Scripture: 1st John 3:23-24
This is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love each other as he commanded us. The person who keeps his commandments remains in God and God remains in him; and this is how we know that he remains in us, because of the Spirit that he has given to us.
Thought for the Day: In the ancient world, a name said something about a person. To believe in the name of God’s son, Jesus Christ, is to claim Jesus as the anointed expression of God in the flesh. And if you’re confused over what to believe in regard to this anointed expression of the Holy, all you need to do is look at the following words, “…love each other as he commanded us.” Believing requires action. Some will suggest that goes against the good Martin Luther (Protestant) belief of saved by grace, but in fact there is no conflict or contradiction. According to 1st John, the love of God has for us is never in jeopardy. That part is unchanging, but our belief unleashes the power and joy of that reality. What’s in a name? Everything, everything necessary to change the world!
Prayer: Guide me inward, O Lord, to better understand what needs to be changed if I am to be a living conviction of your love. After we have done some good work on me, enliven and motivate me to practice what I see in your amazing gift, Jesus. Amen.
