Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 Sanctification of the Church

 Acts 7:44-53
        v51 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit"

The Church is the extension of the incarnation. It is expected to be holy. Being holy is not just desirable, it is a commandment. God commands "Be holy as I am holy". 

What or who constitutes the Church? The word 'church'  comes from the Greek word 'ecclesia' which means a called-out company or assembly. We often think of the church building as the holy place where God dwells. But the New Testament teaches that 'Your body is the temple of the living God ---- you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body'. (1 Cor 6:19-20). 

Does the Church need sanctification? Sanctification means the action of making or declaring something holy. The need for sanctification implies that what is existing is unholy or impure. 

In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus teaches us clearly about God's love for us and about His plan for our future. The father accepts the prodigal son as he is, with his sinful nature; but he does not allow him to continue in his filthy state. He asks his servants to bring a new dress, footwear, and ring, thereby restoring the son to his rightful place. Sanctification is something we passively receive, but also need to actively pursue. 

It was Sir John Dalberg Acton who said, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". Love of money is another important component of corruption. The first-century Christians did not have either of these. But powered by the Holy Spirit, they were able to lead victorious lives. In John 10:10, Jesus promises that He came so that we may have abundant life.

Can we, the modern-day Christians who constitute the Body of Christ (Eph 1:23), claim to be leading abundant and victorious lives? 

Let us look inwards. Am I a temple suitable for God to dwell? We need to constantly remind ourselves that we are not our own, but have been purchased for a price. May our soul and body be always guided by the Holy Spirit in every thought, word, and deed. 
 
Prayer
Dear Jesus, I thank you for the precious gift of eternal life. Please help me to a befitting temple for you to dwell. Enable me to be aware of Your presence within me and around me constantly so that I always remain focused on You and do not stray away from You. Amen. 

Thought for the day
Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever, and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow. (St Augustine).

Dr. Mammen Varghese
Salem Mar Thoma Church, Ayoor

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more