Honoring Saints: Embracing Life and New Beginnings
Summary
Today, we gather on All Saints Day, a significant occasion in the Christian calendar, to honor and remember the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. This day is a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of life and death, as we celebrate the lives of those who have passed and welcome new life through the sacrament of baptism. As we call out the names of the saints who have departed in the past year, we are invited to stand in their honor, acknowledging their impact on our lives and the legacy they leave behind. This act of remembrance is not limited to those who have recently passed but extends to anyone who holds a special place in our hearts.
The baptism of Jesse Tanner Hoffman today serves as a beautiful symbol of the circle of life, reminding us that even amidst death, new life emerges. Baptism is a sacred act that initiates us into Christ's holy church, incorporating us into God's mighty acts of salvation. It is a gift offered freely, signifying new birth through water and the Spirit. As a community, we commit to nurturing Jesse in faith, ensuring he grows in grace and truth.
Reflecting on the scripture from Revelation 7:9-17, we are reminded of the multitude from every nation, tribe, and language standing before God's throne. These are the ones who have endured trials and tribulations, now sheltered by God, free from hunger, thirst, and pain. This vision of eternal life offers hope and assurance that, despite life's difficulties, there is a promise of redemption and renewal.
In the midst of life, we are surrounded by death, a sobering reality that calls us to live more fully and purposefully. The passing of celebrities and loved ones alike reminds us of our mortality, yet it also highlights the enduring legacy of love and grace they leave behind. As we navigate the seasons of life, we are encouraged to embrace the moments of joy and sorrow, recognizing that in the midst of death, there is life.
As we partake in Holy Communion, we are reminded of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant established through his death and resurrection. This sacred meal unites us with the saints and with one another, strengthening us to continue the race set before us with perseverance and faith.
Key Takeaways:
- All Saints Day is a time to honor and remember those who have gone before us, acknowledging their impact and legacy in our lives. This act of remembrance connects us to the great cloud of witnesses and invites us to live more fully and purposefully. [17:49]
- Baptism symbolizes the circle of life, reminding us that even amidst death, new life emerges. It is a sacred act that initiates us into Christ's holy church and incorporates us into God's mighty acts of salvation. [31:04]
- The vision from Revelation 7:9-17 offers hope and assurance of eternal life, where those who have endured trials are sheltered by God, free from hunger, thirst, and pain. This promise of redemption and renewal encourages us to persevere through life's difficulties. [47:13]
- In the midst of life, we are surrounded by death, a reality that calls us to embrace the moments of joy and sorrow, recognizing that in the midst of death, there is life. This perspective invites us to live with love and grace, cherishing the legacy of those who have passed. [49:42]
- Holy Communion unites us with the saints and with one another, reminding us of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant established through his death and resurrection. This sacred meal strengthens us to continue the race set before us with perseverance and faith. [59:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[17:49] - Call to Worship
[27:50] - Baptism of Jesse Tanner Hoffman
[31:04] - The Significance of Baptism
[33:25] - Congregational Response
[47:13] - Scripture Reading: Revelation 7:9-17
[48:44] - The Vision of Eternal Life
[49:42] - Embracing Life Amidst Death
[51:12] - Remembering Celebrities and Loved Ones
[52:46] - The Grief of Losing Pets
[53:44] - Honoring the Saints
[54:28] - Personal Reflection on Loss
[56:22] - The Circle of Life
[58:29] - Living with Love and Grace
[59:31] - Holy Communion Invitation
[01:07:31] - Naming the Saints
[01:11:54] - Invitation to Communion
[01:18:32] - Closing Hymn: When the Saints Go Marching In
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 7:9-17
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of All Saints Day as described in the sermon? How does it connect us to the "great cloud of witnesses"? [17:49]
2. How does the baptism of Jesse Tanner Hoffman symbolize the circle of life, and what commitments are made by the community during this sacrament? [31:04]
3. In Revelation 7:9-17, what is the vision of eternal life described, and who are the people standing before God's throne?
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between life and death, and what examples are given to illustrate this connection? [49:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of remembering the saints on All Saints Day encourage individuals to live more fully and purposefully? [49:42]
2. What does the baptism of Jesse Tanner Hoffman teach about the role of the community in nurturing faith, and how does this relate to the broader theme of interconnectedness in the sermon? [31:04]
3. How does the vision from Revelation 7:9-17 provide hope and assurance for believers facing trials and tribulations?
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the legacy of those who have passed can influence our current lives and decisions? [54:28]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a loved one who has passed away. How has their legacy influenced your life, and how can you honor their memory in your daily actions? [49:42]
2. Baptism is described as a sacred act that initiates us into Christ's holy church. How can you actively participate in nurturing the faith of those around you, especially new believers? [31:04]
3. The sermon mentions the importance of living with love and grace amidst life's challenges. Identify a specific challenge you are facing and discuss how you can approach it with love and grace. [56:22]
4. How can the vision of eternal life in Revelation 7:9-17 inspire you to persevere through your current difficulties? What practical steps can you take to keep this hope alive in your heart?
5. The sermon highlights the importance of embracing both joy and sorrow in life. Share a recent experience of joy or sorrow and discuss how you can find meaning and growth in that experience. [49:42]
6. During Holy Communion, we are reminded of Christ's sacrifice. How can you incorporate the spirit of this sacred meal into your everyday life, strengthening your connection with others and with God? [59:31]
7. Consider the phrase "in the midst of death, there is life." How can this perspective change the way you view your own life and the lives of those around you? [56:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Honoring the Legacy of the Saints
On All Saints Day, we are reminded of the profound impact that those who have gone before us have had on our lives. This day is not just about remembering the famous saints of the church but also about acknowledging the everyday saints who have touched our lives personally. As we call out the names of those who have departed in the past year, we stand in their honor, recognizing the legacy of love, wisdom, and faith they have left behind. This act of remembrance connects us to the great cloud of witnesses, encouraging us to live more fully and purposefully, inspired by their example. [17:49]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life whose legacy you want to honor today? How can you incorporate their values or lessons into your daily life as a tribute to them?
Day 2: Baptism as a Symbol of New Life
Baptism is a powerful symbol of the circle of life, reminding us that even amidst death, new life emerges. It is a sacred act that initiates us into Christ's holy church, incorporating us into God's mighty acts of salvation. Through baptism, we are reminded of the gift of new birth through water and the Spirit, a gift offered freely to all. As a community, we commit to nurturing those who are baptized, ensuring they grow in grace and truth. This commitment is a reflection of our shared responsibility to support one another in faith. [31:04]
Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: How can you actively support someone in your community who is new to the faith, helping them grow in their spiritual journey?
Day 3: Hope and Assurance in Eternal Life
The vision from Revelation 7:9-17 offers hope and assurance of eternal life, where those who have endured trials are sheltered by God, free from hunger, thirst, and pain. This promise of redemption and renewal encourages us to persevere through life's difficulties, knowing that there is a greater reward awaiting us. The multitude from every nation, tribe, and language standing before God's throne is a powerful reminder of the inclusivity of God's kingdom and the ultimate victory over suffering and death. [47:13]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can the promise of eternal life give you strength and hope to endure it?
Day 4: Embracing Life Amidst Death
In the midst of life, we are surrounded by death, a reality that calls us to embrace the moments of joy and sorrow. Recognizing that in the midst of death, there is life, we are invited to live with love and grace, cherishing the legacy of those who have passed. The passing of celebrities and loved ones alike reminds us of our mortality, yet it also highlights the enduring legacy of love and grace they leave behind. This perspective encourages us to live more intentionally, appreciating the beauty and fragility of life. [49:42]
Ecclesiastes 7:2 (ESV): "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart."
Reflection: How can you honor the memory of a loved one today by living more intentionally and embracing both the joys and sorrows of life?
Day 5: Communion as a Unifying Sacrament
Holy Communion unites us with the saints and with one another, reminding us of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant established through his death and resurrection. This sacred meal strengthens us to continue the race set before us with perseverance and faith. As we partake in Communion, we are reminded of the unity we share with believers past and present, and the call to live out our faith in community. This act of sharing in the body and blood of Christ is a powerful reminder of the love and grace that binds us together as one body in Christ. [59:31]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: How can you foster a deeper sense of community and unity within your church or small group, inspired by the sacrament of Communion?
Quotes
1. "Today as we come to worship, it is All Saints. It is a day when we celebrate and remember the great cloud of witnesses. There'll be a time when we celebrate and there'll be a time in the service which during the communion service in which I'll be calling names of the saints that have passed here in the last year or so. And during that time, a bell will be rung and you are invited if you're a family member or if you're close to a family member to stand as a way of honoring and remembering those folks." [00:16:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Baptism is an hour and invisible sign, that through the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's holy church and incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift offered to us without a price. And so as parents, sirs. We are standing here as representatives of this family and for all of us, I do ask questions from you and that is on behalf of the whole church." [00:29:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The extraordinary gift that God gives us when the ordinary becomes extraordinary. And so, let us pray. Oh, God, I pray your blessings upon this baptism and on this water, Lord, that now becomes your baptism. Lord, we just pray that your Holy Spirit will surround this family, surround this child, Jesse, as he grows, Lord, that he may grow into his baptism, remembering and acknowledging you as his Lord and Savior." [00:31:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In the midst of life, we are surrounded by death. You probably have heard that before or some variation of it. Sometimes we say, in the midst of life, we are surrounded by death. It's very sobering to think about. It's not something that, that sometimes we are comfortable thinking about. But yet, we are faced with it, our own mortality, to realize that even in the midst of the lives that we are living, that death happens each year on all saints." [00:49:17] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We acknowledge that it's happened within our community. And I think it's important to do so, to be reminded on this, to be reminded on these days. Because I think it can help us and draw us more into living life more fully and more purposefully here. Because in the midst of life, we are surrounded by death. We only need to wake up every morning and turn on the news and we see reminders of it, right?" [00:50:12] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "All saints happens in November. I think such a great season because it's when the seasons are changing and, you know, sometimes we're into late fall. But we're reminded that in even in this life, even within a year, we go through various seasons. We go through fall. And then winter and then spring and summer, then fall, then winter, then spring and summer again, and that there is this circle of life that we are a part of." [00:56:22] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The passage that I read from Revelation, those that were around the throne, those who were dressed in white, those from every nation, tongue, and tribe, it said they had come through the tribulation. They had come through the hardship. We cannot get out of it in this life. There are going to be some hard things that happen to us. One very important book that I've read through my life and reread it and shared it with other people is called The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck." [00:57:45] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The very first line of that book is, life is difficult. Life is difficult. But then he goes on to say, but once you realize that life is difficult, it becomes less difficult. Because we already know, we already have a given. If we're expecting life to be perfect, we're going to be disappointed. But if we realize that there is going to be difficulties in life, there's going to be loss in life. But once we understand that, then we begin to seize the moments that we have for living and for loving and for grace." [00:59:07] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "All Saints reminds us of that. That even in the midst of death, there is life. Even though it might be winter, spring will come. There is a circle of life that continues. The best life of all is one that is lived, focused on love. In the name of the Father and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." [00:59:43] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, strengthen us to run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and the perfecter of our faith. By your Spirit, O God, make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry. To all the world, until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet." [01:10:01] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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