Saints were simply those who are united by their common faith in Jesus Christ, their experience of God's grace in salvation, and their responsiveness to the Holy Spirit in a life of discipleship.

They were “going on to perfection” in love, but not yet perfect.

So we can let go of the idea that saints are those few individuals who are perfect, who never have an angry impulse or an uncharitable thought or an unspiritual moment. Saints do not spend their time trying to escape the trials of earth by focusing on heaven, but rather try to live the kingdom life in the midst of earthly trials.

To be a saint is to be a person set apart by God, chosen by God, for God's purposes. It is God who declares us holy. God chooses us, and then equips us, for service. And as we engage in God's good work, our characters are changed to become more Christlike: “We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Saints live by hope in the glory of God, which is now revealed through our modest attempts to be faithful as God's people, and will be revealed fully in the ages to come.

On November 6 we will celebrate the saints: those who have gone before us and have now joined that great cloud of witnesses, as well as those with whom we worship and live today. I thank God for you, the saints of Central UMC: for your love, your faithfulness, your generosity and your desire to do God's will.

God Bless you-

 

Pastor Stephanie