Embracing Our Call to Be Saints
Summary
The sermon begins with the speaker emphasizing that everyone can be a saint and share Jesus with the world. The congregation is encouraged to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers and share Jesus with others. The speaker leads a prayer, thanking God for the saints who have shared Jesus with them and asking for the congregation to be transformed like Zacchaeus. The sermon then transitions to the story of Zacchaeus and his transformation. Zacchaeus expresses his willingness to give half of his wealth to the poor and make amends for any wrongdoings. Jesus responds by affirming Zacchaeus' salvation and his purpose to seek and save the lost.
The speaker then emphasizes the idea that if Jesus has touched someone's life, his presence will continue to live on through them. The congregation is encouraged to share Jesus with others, becoming saints themselves. The sermon also highlights the significance of the sacrament of Holy Communion, reminding the listeners that God is always with them and has not forsaken them. The speaker references the Last Supper and the actions of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of remembering his sacrifice.
The congregation is gathered for worship on All Saints Day. The pastors, Pastor Becky and Pastor Matt, welcome everyone and introduce themselves. They mention that they will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion later in the service. The congregation is invited to join in singing the gathering songs, specifically mentioning "For the Beauty of the Earth." The pastors then transition to a time of remembering the saints by lighting candles and placing flowers in their memory. They mention that not only church members but also other saints who have passed away can be named and honored.
The speaker begins by praying for the congregation to embody and reflect God's love to the world. They express gratitude and praise to God as they gather together. The congregation recites the Lord's Prayer, and the speaker invites them to look at pictures of Sally, who is in Liberia, and shares updates about her experiences there. The speaker encourages the congregation to pay attention to the newsletter and other announcements. They invite the congregation to stand and sing the doxology as a final praise to God. The sermon concludes with the speaker encouraging the congregation to go out and shine the light of Christ, referencing the ripple effect of the saints and the story of Zacchaeus.
The speaker takes a moment to acknowledge and honor those who have passed away, particularly Pastor Mike. The speaker notices that the whole room stands up when Pastor Mike's name is called, indicating that he is seen as a saint by the congregation. The speaker then asks the congregation to share what makes Pastor Mike a saint in their eyes. The congregation responds by mentioning his care for everybody, his devotion, compassion, love for God, leadership, love for all, and his ability to pray. The speaker emphasizes that Pastor Mike's incredible gifts as a pastor and his love for the congregation will continue to have a ripple effect throughout their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Everyone can be a saint and share Jesus with the world. It may seem like a big responsibility, but it is something that can be done. The congregation is encouraged to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers and share Jesus with others. [46:30]
- If Jesus has touched someone's life, his presence will continue to live on through them. By sharing Jesus with others, they are becoming saints themselves. This is a reminder that God is always with them and has not forsaken them. [01:06:18]
- The congregation is gathered for worship on All Saints Day. The pastors, Pastor Becky and Pastor Matt, welcome everyone and introduce themselves. They mention that they will be celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion later in the service. The congregation is invited to join in singing the gathering songs, specifically mentioning "For the Beauty of the Earth." [22:36]
- The speaker begins by praying for the congregation to embody and reflect God's love to the world. They express gratitude and praise to God as they gather together. The congregation recites the Lord's Prayer, and the speaker invites them to look at pictures of Sally, who is in Liberia, and shares updates about her experiences there. [49:32]
- The speaker takes a moment to acknowledge and honor those who have passed away, particularly Pastor Mike. The speaker notices that the whole room stands up when Pastor Mike's name is called, indicating that he is seen as a saint by the congregation. The speaker then asks the congregation to share what makes Pastor Mike a saint in their eyes. [01:02:39]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 19:1-10 (The story of Zacchaeus)
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to him? [54:58]
2. How did Zacchaeus demonstrate his transformation after meeting Jesus? [54:58]
3. What were some of the qualities mentioned by the congregation that made Pastor Mike a saint in their eyes? [01:03:27]
4. What is the significance of the sacrament of Holy Communion as mentioned in the sermon? [01:06:52]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Zacchaeus' willingness to give half of his wealth to the poor and make amends significant in the context of his transformation? [54:58]
2. How does the story of Zacchaeus illustrate the concept of salvation and repentance? [54:58]
3. In what ways did Pastor Mike's life and actions create a ripple effect within the congregation? [01:03:27]
4. How does the sacrament of Holy Communion serve as a reminder of God's presence and sacrifice? [01:06:52]
#### Application Questions
1. Zacchaeus went to great lengths to see Jesus. What are some practical steps you can take to seek Jesus more earnestly in your daily life? [54:58]
2. Zacchaeus immediately responded to Jesus' call. Reflect on a time when you felt called by God. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Zacchaeus' example? [54:58]
3. Pastor Mike was remembered for his care, devotion, and leadership. Think of someone in your life who has been a spiritual mentor. How can you honor their influence by embodying similar qualities? [01:03:27]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing Jesus with others. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. What specific action can you take this week to share your faith with them? [46:06]
5. The sacrament of Holy Communion is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice. How can you keep this reminder alive in your daily routine, especially during challenging times? [01:06:52]
6. The congregation was encouraged to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers. What traditions or practices from your spiritual heritage can you continue or revive to strengthen your faith? [46:06]
7. Reflect on the qualities that made Pastor Mike a saint. What specific actions can you take to develop similar qualities in your own life and impact others positively? [01:03:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Call to Sainthood
Everyone has the potential to be a saint and share the love of Jesus with the world. This may seem like a daunting task, but it is a responsibility that can be embraced with joy and humility. Following in the footsteps of our forefathers, we are encouraged to share Jesus with others, spreading His love and teachings. [46:30]
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from hearing about Jesus? How can you share His love with them today?
Day 2: Living as a Testament to Jesus
If Jesus has touched your life, His presence will continue to live on through you. By sharing Jesus with others, you are becoming a saint yourself. This is a powerful reminder that God is always with you and has not forsaken you. [01:06:18]
1 Thessalonians 1:5 - "Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake."
Reflection: How has Jesus touched your life? How can you share this experience with others to inspire them?
Day 3: Celebrating All Saints Day
On All Saints Day, we gather for worship, celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion and singing songs of praise. This is a time to remember and honor the saints who have gone before us, and to remind ourselves that we are part of this great cloud of witnesses. [22:36]
Hebrews 12:1 - "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."
Reflection: How can you honor the saints in your life today? What can you learn from their example?
Day 4: Reflecting God's Love to the World
As we gather together in worship, we are called to embody and reflect God's love to the world. This is a call to gratitude, praise, and active love, as we share the stories of God's work in our lives and in the world. [49:32]
1 John 4:11-12 - "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
Reflection: How can you reflect God's love to those around you today? What specific actions can you take to show His love?
Day 5: Honoring the Saints Among Us
We take time to acknowledge and honor those who have passed away, particularly those who have lived as saints among us. We remember their devotion, compassion, and love for God, and we are inspired by their example. [01:02:39]
Philippians 1:3 - "I thank my God every time I remember you."
Reflection: Who has been a saint in your life? How can you honor their memory and continue their legacy of faith today?
Quotes
"If he's touched your life, it will live on. He will live on through you." #!!01:06:18!!#
"And as we take this bread and this juice, we say thank you God for the gifts. Thank you God for the saints who've taught us how to live and how to follow." #!!01:07:34!!#
"We have a job to do, but we can do it. You think? Yeah, you're a saint, which means you have to share Jesus with the world, like your grandfather did. Can you do that? Oh, yeah, oh." #!!46:30!!#
"May we be transformed like Zacchaeus was transformed. Thank you, God. In Jesus' name, amen. All right." #!!47:06!!#
"If you have Jesus living inside of you, in your heart, if you said yes to Jesus, that makes you a saint." #!!45:43!!#
"Every day we have an opportunity to say yes to God. Every day we have an opportunity to get it right, right? Every day we have a fresh start. Every day is a day of salvation." #!!01:01:36!!#
"The common denominator of a saint is that they have had a moment, a time where they have said yes to God, a conversion experience." #!!56:05!!#
"As we gather, we enter a time of remembering our saints." #!!22:36!!#
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