Wednesday August 15, 2012

Read 1 Tim 1:12-16. Revelation 7

 

When we talk of a church being catholic we automatically think of the Roman Catholic Church. But this was not the original meaning of the word. The word when used with regard to the church referred to the church being open to all. The Jews naturally accepted only Jews and converts to Judaism. The Gnostics accepted intellectuals but the church originally opened its arms to anyone who would embrace its message and accept its Saviour irrespective of colour, race, social status, intellectual capacity or moral background. Even the worst of sinners could find love and acceptance in the church of Christ Jesus. Entry was open to all who accepted and professed  Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour.

 

The Apostle John’s revelation of heaven pictured the catholicity of the church. Standing before the throne were Jews and Gentiles, together in praise and adoration of the Lord God Almighty. People from every nation, tribe and tongue were gathered in unity around the throne of God and of the Lamb. There was no distinction, no barrier, no discrimination. All had become one in the Lamb.

 

When we speak of the catholic church we speak of its openness to all and its willingness to receive all who repent and believe in Christ Jesus.

 

Prayer:

¨ It is God who grants repentance. Pray that God would grant repentance to those in the church who desperately need it. Pray that He would open their eyes to sin and lead them in paths of mercy.

¨ Pray that the community around your church would see it as a place of holiness and integrity. Pray that the community would be blessed by your church’s holiness and also challenged to come to Christ because of it.