The Apostles' Creed - Lesson 11B: The holy, catholic church, The communion of saints

The Apostles' Creed

Lesson 11B: The holy, catholic church, The communion of saints

I believe in God, the Father, Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord;

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

Born of the virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, dead and buried.

He descended into hell,

And on the third day he rose again;

He ascended into heaven,

Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty,

Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy, catholic church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And the life everlasting.

Amen.

Hebrews 10:24-25 [24] Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, [25] not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.

2 Timothy 2:19 However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is, using the Apostles' Creed, to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith and what it means to believe them. To state it simply, the goal is to teach what we believe and what it means to believe it.

The Apostles' Creed has three main sections. The third section begins with the Holy Spirit. In this lesson we will learn about the second part of this third section: “...The holy, catholic church; The communion of saints.” To keep this simpler and shorter, this lesson is split into two lessons, the first considering the church as holy and catholic, the second lesson that the church is the communion of saints.

In the first lesson, we saw that the church is both holy and catholic (universal). In this lesson on the church, we will see that the church is also “the communion of saints.”

The church is the communion / fellowship. During his time on earth, Jesus taught his disciples that he and the Father are one (John 10:30). He prayed that we may be one just as he and the Father are one (John 17:11). While the church is all those people who have turned from darkness to light, it is equally all those people in fellowship with God and in fellowship with one another (the two cannot and should not be separated).

Communion / fellowship with God. Jesus said that eternal life is to know the Father and the Son whom he has sent. This knowing in not a one time event, but an ongoing living in relationship with God, walking in obedience to him as our loving Father (John 14:23). Hence the apostle John (and others) wrote of “walking in the light.” So God's children must be diligent to maintain a good and clear conscience. We must maintain this communion with God. We do this through prayer and reading God's word, and obedience to his word while departing from iniquity. We also do this through the breaking of the bread and drinking the wine in the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion, the Lord's Table, the Eucharist). Jesus and the apostles plainly teach that this communion, this fellowship with God is kept in communion, in fellowship, with other Christians.

Communion / Fellowship with one another. It is important to see the church as catholic (universal). It is equally important to see that the church is the real communion and fellowship of Christians gathering together regularly to maintain and strengthen their fellowship with God and with one another. We are charged to not neglect gathering together (as some do), but to exhort and encourage one another on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). God's people must love one another in real and practical ways, which must include humility, meekness, mercy and forgiveness. If we think we can draw near to God while having bitterness in our heart toward a brother in Christ (or even having an unresolved problem with a brother), we are really mocking the relationship of the the Father and the Son, who prayed that we may be one as he and the Father are one. This communion, this fellowship with one another, is also seen in sharing our possessions with one another, in giving of our things to the poor, to those in need. This communion is seen in our participation together in the Lord's Supper, as we partake of the one loaf as one body.

The church is the communion of saints. Just as the church as a whole is holy, so the people who make up the church are holy.

Holy because God has made us holy. God's children are holy, or set apart, because God has chosen them. They have also been redeemed by the precious blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ. Further, God did not give his Holy Spirit to all men, but he gave it to his chosen one's, to those baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Lord knows those who are his (2 Timothy 2:19).

Holy because we live lives set apart from the world. Equally important, the people of the family of God are saints, that is, are holy ones, because they live differently from the world. They have repented, they have turned from their sins and turned to God, to live for him and his Son, in obedience to their laws and ways. Jesus gave a new commandment, that we love one another. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:19), “...God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.'” The more God's children live holy lives, the better the communion with one another and with God will be.

What does it mean to believe this? If we believe that the church is also the communion of saints, then we will not neglect gathering together. We will love one another, caring for earthly needs and helping one another to reach the eternal and heavenly goal. If we believe this, we will do all we can to live as peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), to be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18), especially with those of the household of God. We will depart from sin and pursue righteousness that we may walk worthy of our calling. We will examine ourselves before sharing in the bread and wine with God's family. The communion of saints is not a burden. Rather, it is the path created by God. When we walk on this path our joy may be made full (1 John 1:3-4).

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Remind the children that we are using the Apostles' Creed to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith, that is, what we believe and what it means to believe it. Read through the Apostles' Creed with the children.

For the purpose of these lessons, we have broken the creed into twelve parts. Let the children know that today we will talk about the ninth part: ...The holy, catholic church; The communion of saints. In this lesson, we will talk about the second half of the ninth part, the communion of saints.

Ask the children what they think communion means. Help them to understand that communion and fellowship (which we will use somewhat interchangeably) mean in a very simple sense friendly relationship. In the church, it means a loving relationship, a loving friendship.

Ask them if they know what a saint is. Lead them to see that a saint is a person that is holy, a person that is set apart because God chose that person, and because that person lives as God commands instead of as the world wants us to live.

Ask the children again about communion. With whom do we have communion in the church? Help them to understand that we have communion (fellowship) with one another, and also with God.

Read the story of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:1-42. As you read the story, ask the children to point out things that show the communion, the loving relationship between David and Jonathan. At the end, ask them why David and Jonathan had such a loving relationship, why did they have such good communion? Help them to see that their having pure hearts, their living as saints, was very important to their good communion.

Read Acts 4:23-32. If may be helpful to remind them of the events leading up to this portion in Acts (see Acts 3:1 – 4:22). Help the children to see the example of communion with one another as Peter and John return to the Christians. Help the children to see the example of communion with God as all together the Christians prayed to God about the threats made against them. Point out that even in their communion with God, they were doing that in communion with one another.

Ask the children if they can think of ways that we have communion with God today. Ask them if they can tell you ways that we have communion, or fellowship with one another.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

1 Samuel 20:1-42

King Saul is seeking to kill David. David asks Jonathan for help. Jonathan helps him. In the asking and the helping we see the communion, the fellowship that existed between them. In the pure hearts of David and Jonathan we see saints, people of God set apart from the world by God's choosing and by their own living.

Acts 4:23-32 [23] Being let go, they came to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. [24] When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; [25] who by the mouth of your servant, David, said, ‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? [26] The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.’ [27] “For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, [28] to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen. [29] Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.” [31] When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. [32] The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

Peter and John were threatened and released. They came to their own company. In this story we see an illustration of the communion of saints. Peter and John reported the threats to the other Christians (communion with one another). Then they all prayed about this to God (communion with God with one another).

More Stories and Examples:

1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:1-7; 23:16-18

In David and Jonathan, we see one illustration of the communion of saints. Both were committed to seeking first God's kingdom, not their own power or glory. They loved one another as brothers, as children of God. More than once Jonathan encouraged David in the way.

Other Verses:

Matthew 22:37-40 [37] Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

These two commandments point us to communion with God and with one another. Though they are two commandments, yet one cannot be fulfilled apart from the other.

COMMUNION / FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

Matthew 5:23-24 [23] “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Our fellowship with God is intertwined with our fellowship with one another. The two cannot be separated. If we would have fellowship with God, we must be reconciled to our brother. At the same time, it is the fellowship with the Father and the Son that makes the fellowship of Christians possible and heavenly.

Matthew 18:19-20 [19] Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. [20] For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.”

John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.

1 John 1:3-4 [3] that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. [4] And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.

1 John 1:5-8 [5] This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 4:20-21 [20] If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? [21] This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother.

COMMUNION / FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Matthew 6:9-15 [9] Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. [10] Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. [11] Give us today our daily bread. [12] Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. [13] Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’ [14] “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

John 13:34-35 [34] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 17:11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.

Acts 2:42-47 [42] They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. [43] Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. [44] All who believed were together, and had all things in common. [45] They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. [46] Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, [47] praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.

Romans 14:19 So then, let’s follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 [16] The cup of blessing which we bless, isn’t it a sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn’t it a sharing of the body of Christ? [17] Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf of bread.

Hebrews 10:24-25 [24] Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, [25] not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.

1 John 4:7-8 [7] Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God. [8] He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.

SAINTS

Psalm 92:12-15 [12] The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. [13] They are planted in Yahweh’s house. They will flourish in our God’s courts. [14] They will still produce fruit in old age. They will be full of sap and green, [15] to show that Yahweh is upright. He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Ephesians 4:1-3 [1] I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, [2] with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; [3] being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Colossians 3:9-14 [12] Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. [14] Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 [11] As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children, [12] to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.

2 Timothy 2:19 However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

Notes:

“Communion; (Fellowship).” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online. February 4, 2015, http://www.internationalstandardbible.com/C/communion-%28fellowship%29.html

ko-mun'-yun: The terms "communion" and "fellowship" of the English Bible are varying translations of the words koinonia, and koinoneo, or their cognates. They designate acts of fellowship observed among the early Christians or express the unique sense of unity and fellowship of which these acts were the outward expression. The several passages in which these terms are used fall into two groups: those in which they refer to acts of fellowship, and those in which they refer to fellowship as experienced.