Saturday July 25th, 2015 St. James, Apostle Ephesians 3:14-21
I pray that?Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. (verses 16,17)
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the apostles fulfilled their mission to bring others into the Christian family. They accomplished this by educating, baptizing and helping new members establish Christian communities. Then they left to continue their missionary work elsewhere.
The apostles, however, didn’t forget their former congregations. They stayed in touch through letters that assured their readers of God’s love for them, reminded them that their sins were forgiven and urged them to use their gifts to live in unity with one another. Sometimes, as in today’s reading, they wrote prayers for their congregations, encouraging them to continue their Christian education. That was sage advice for the first century Ephesian community. It’s sage advice for us, too.
Lord Jesus, help us to effectively communicate your message of love to others. Amen. — CKA
Contributed by Christian Continuing Education
After Jesus' death and resurrection, the apostles fulfilled their mission to bring others into the Christian family. They accomplished this by educating, baptizing and helping new members establish Christian communities. Then they left to continue their missionary work elsewhere.
The apostles, however, didn't forget their former congregations. They stayed in touch through letters that assured their readers of God's love for them, reminded them that their sins were forgiven and urged them to use their gifts to live in unity with one another. Sometimes, as in today's reading, they wrote prayers for their congregations, encouraging them to continue their Christian education. That was sage advice for the first century Ephesian community. It's sage advice for us, too.
