As I set down to write this weekly letter, it is because I recognize the importance of staying in contact with you by correspondence.
Are you aware that the New Testament makes 50 references to the use of letters?
What is interesting and some may know that there was no postal service back in those days unless it had to do with Imperial or Official Business. Paul’s letters were written on perishable materials, and it is assumed that he must have sent more correspondence which he wrote, than what we have available to us at this time. In First Corinthians 5:9 he speaks of what is spoken of as a missing epistle. There are 27 writings, which comprise the New Testament and 21 of them are referred to as epistles, which are called Apostolic Letters.
It is easy to comprehend that the early church needed encouragement, comfort for good reason. There were issues of doctrinal matters to which apostolic attention had to be given, not to mention those things that threatened the very existence of the early church. Some of it could very well been spontaneous. As you read the New Testament, we find that there were divisions, immoralities, relational situations that would have to be dealt with, abuse would necessarily be confronted, these things could not be left to simmer into even greater issues. There were matters of Law and Grace, which would be aggressively taken to task. You will see the elders taking misunderstandings into consideration, to bring peace into the fellowships, at large. Scholars tell us that the epistles were written in a period of fifteen years.
I have noticed that the underlying message in all of Paul’s messages is the theme, IN CHRIST. This is found among many of the inscriptions in the Catacombs, what a tremendous meaning it must have had to those who suffered for their faith during the persecutions. IN CHRIST, is found or its equivalent is me illustrate this for you:
In Romans: We are Justified IN CHRIST
In 1st Corinthians: We are Sanctified IN CHRIST
In 2nd Corinthians: We are Vindicated IN CHRIST
In Galatians: We are Liberated IN CHRIST
In Ephesians: We are Exalted IN CHRIST
In Philippians: We are Exultant IN CHRIST
In Colossians: We are Complete IN CHRIST
In 1st Thessalonians: We are Expectant IN CHRIST
In 2nd Thessalonians: We are Glorified IN CHRIST
In Philemon: We are MADE GRACIOUS IN CHRIST
In 1st Timothy: We are MADE FAITHFUL IN CHRIST
In 2nd Timothy: We are made Triumphant IN CHRIST
In Titus: We are MADE EXEMPLARY IN CHRIST
In Hebrews: We are Enriched IN CHRIST
JESUS SUMS IT ALL UP WITH THIS WORD:
“I AM THE VINE YOU ARE THE BRANCHES, ‘ABIDE’ IN ME AND I IN YOU.”
John 15:4
In Him my daily Manna,
In Him my Hiding Place,
In Him My Full Salvation,
In Him Eternal Life.
Thank you for you love and support of Heritage and abiding, In Him.
Trust this is a blessing to you on your journey of faith,
Your loving Pastor,
Cleddie Keith