Last Sunday of the Church Year
Today's Focus: Eager Anticipation Today the Church marks the passing of yet another Church Year, waiting for our Lord to return. Jesus said he would return soon. However, the definition of "soon" for the One who has no beginning or end will naturally differ from ours. While we cannot be certain when the day of fulfillment will come, we are completely confident of what that day will bring. No matter how many years we must mark, we watch with eager anticipation, and we pray, "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
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Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Today's Focus: God's Judgement Gives Us Peace If you were making a list of things that might make society more peaceful, would you include "more judgment"? Likely not. Many people assume that judgment leads to conflict, not peace. However, a lack of judgment is a luxury many cannot afford. When we are horribly wronged, what are our options? Taking matters into our own hands? Despair? Jesus provides a better option. Trust that he will keep his promise to return, bringing judgment. The effect of that promise? We have peace, knowing that every wrong will eventually be righted by the one righteous Judge.
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Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
Today's Focus: Faith Trusts God's Powerful Word Today we meet a centurion who believed that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. The centurion trusted Jesus' powerful word. God's word powerfully demonstrates God's worth. The Lord is worthy of our praise; his word is worth hearing. This is true for us and all people, regardless of nationality, race, background, gender, or station in life. Jesus desires and gives the faith that trusts God's powerful word.
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All Saints' Day
Today's Focus: Sainthood Gives Us Stamina God grants the status of "saint" (which means "holy one") to every believer. Being a saint does not make life easier. In some ways it makes life more difficult as we struggle against a world that is hostile toward Christ. This week we get a peek at the saints who have died and now live in the glory of Christ's light. We realize what a precious gift this status of saint actually is. We understand that soon enough we shall join all the saints in that glorious heavenly city. And that gives us amazing stamina to face the challenges of this world with the strength Christ gives to all his saints.
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