All Saints Day

Today is “All Saints Day.”  That was the original reason the night before was considered “holy” or “hallowed. November 1 is also known as “All Hallows’ Day.” It is a day on the Christian calendar to remember the known and the unknown saints.

Recognizing that certain traditions and arms of the church have taken this a different direction, I want to pull us back to the original meaning, the original intent.  It has a connection with a core belief claimed by our denomination—Christ is our Sanctifier.

The New Testament frequently refers to those who are in Christ Jesus as being saints.  A few, because they are apostles or had their story recorded in Scripture, seem to have special recognition or precedence.  But Scripture does not make that demarcation.  All true believers who are redeemed by Christ’s blood and made holy in Christ are saints.

So, today we salute the saints in our lives. We appreciate the work that God is doing in your lives and appreciate your example of commitment to belief in our Lord.  We value your partnership through prayer and sacrificial giving that make it possible to give more people access to becoming saints.

Praise and Prayer

• Praise the Lord for opportunities to share with groups both online and in person.  (Photo above is from a recent online presentation.)  Your words of encouragement and support are something God uses to energize us.
• Planning for Christmas events is in progress at Baozhong Alliance Church, just like it is at your church.  (I have our grandchildren’s Christmas program marked on my calendar.)  Please pray that God will use the celebrations to lead people toward putting their trust in Christ.
• Plans are being made to restart the ukulele classes at the church in Baozhong.  Now that pandemic protocols are being eased, this is again possible.