Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Invitation to Christ's Hospitality
1 John 1: 1-4

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us,And our fellowship is with the Father and with his son, Jesus Christ.(V.3)

 John’s first letter begins with an extensive introduction in which he confirms the audience that what he is going to tell them about is, what he saw, what he had heard with his own ears, and had even touched. He wants us to understand that his message is based in reality that he himself was witness to. In verse 3 he goes on to say that it is "so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." The sharing of this truth brings about communion, participation with one another and with the triune God Himself. Secondly as John continues he says in v. 4, "We are writing this that our joy may be complete." This Joy he speaks of is the extension of the good news that Jesus is the true light of the world, and that all may be able to come into this communion through this witness.  
As Marthomites, we have a great slogan that has been placed to describe our denomination, that is, as we all know, “Lighted to Lighten”. Our lives are served as an Apostolic Witness. Each time we participate in any of our public services we have a great declaration that is used, the Nicene Creed, which bares two statements of faith these being, “We believe in the… Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made…” and also “We believe in the Holy Catholic (Universal) and Apostolic Church.” It is in these two phrases that we affirm and proclaim our witness in Jesus Christ. Also, through the laying of hands in any of our services w also bare the Apostolic Witness that our spiritual fathers, the bishops and priest have received through their consecration. And indeed it is rightfully understood that our apostolic witnessing is given to us in the last of our services as it is ordained upon us through the raised hands of the priest as he says, “Go now in peace and serve the Lord  with the gifts and blessings that you have received from the atoning sacrifice of the Lord.”  It is this light, this proclamation and understanding that allows each of us to understand that God is the light and life of our souls and only when we put our full trust in faith in him shall we be received.  Thanks be to God
Prayer: “God in Christ in the Spirit, may we your people bear witness to Your Love for all. May those we encounter in our daily lives know that we are Christians by our lived witness of Your Love for us, in us, and through us. We are a diverse people but we have need of each other and we have need of You. Help us to live into the gift of Your Oneness - Your Family - Your Church - Your Love... for ultimately we all live in you. Amen.” ( Prayer by National Council of Churches)
Thought for the day: Fellowship among believers depends on fellowship with God


Jason Varghese

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