Basics of the Christian FaithSample

### I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints “God put everything under Christ’s power and made Him head over everything for the church. The church is Christ’s body. It is filled with Him.” (Ephesians 1:22-23, ERV) Let’s start today’s devotional with an explanation of the words ‘catholic’ and ‘saint’. The word ‘catholic’ simply means ‘universal’. So, we believe that there is a holy, universal church; consisting of all Christians from all over the world and from every period of time, organized in innumerable local churches and denominations. This church is the communion of saints. The word saint may arouse an image of devout looking sculptures in old churches. But it actually means a group of people set apart for the Lord and His kingdom. Everyone who belongs to God is a saint, and is called to live as a saint. The Bible compares the worldwide church to a body, and Jesus to her head. A body consists of many members who each have their own function. They can’t do without one another. The church consists of all kinds of people with different gifts and abilities. Together, they serve God. The church is a place to worship together, to serve one another, and to receive teaching and correction and encouragement. One day, the church will be united with her Head, Jesus, when He comes back to create the new earth. That is the ultimate purpose of the church, to be with Jesus forever. Are you longing to be with Him?