The Great Cloud of Witnesses
The Great Cloud of Witnesses
November 5, 2023
Sermon Notes: 11.2 and 11.5 November 1 is All Saints Day and this coming Sunday is All Saints Sunday. It is a day when we remember and honor the saints who have joined that “great cloud of witnesses” over the past year. In the United Methodist Church, a saint is anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ, not just someone who has been a channel for a miracle or was spiritually perfect. Thus, we are all Saints. I am a saint. You are a saint. We believe that the saints continue to be a witness to us about Jesus, after they have died and received their heavenly reward. This Sunday provides an opportunity for them not only to give thanks for the lives of the saints, but also give thanks to God for these great witnesses. All Saints Sunday is a long standing, meaningful tradition in the church, reminding us that we are part of the larger body of Christ and some of the members of that body, may not be physically with us, but they are with us in influence, memory, spirit, and witness. This week, reflect upon these words from Hebrews 12:1-2: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Also, take the time to give thanks for the saints and cloud of witnesses in your life. Blessings, Rev. Sherri
The Great Cloud of Witnesses
November 5, 2023
Sermon Notes: 11.2 and 11.5 November 1 is All Saints Day and this coming Sunday is All Saints Sunday. It is a day when we remember and honor the saints who have joined that “great cloud of witnesses” over the past year. In the United Methodist Church, a saint is anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ, not just someone who has been a channel for a miracle or was spiritually perfect. Thus, we are all Saints. I am a saint. You are a saint. We believe that the saints continue to be a witness to us about Jesus, after they have died and received their heavenly reward. This Sunday provides an opportunity for them not only to give thanks for the lives of the saints, but also give thanks to God for these great witnesses. All Saints Sunday is a long standing, meaningful tradition in the church, reminding us that we are part of the larger body of Christ and some of the members of that body, may not be physically with us, but they are with us in influence, memory, spirit, and witness. This week, reflect upon these words from Hebrews 12:1-2: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Also, take the time to give thanks for the saints and cloud of witnesses in your life. Blessings, Rev. Sherri