Pastor Dan Olson
Cause/Effect—In life, there's almost always a cause behind every effect — an agent driving each action. We live in a world shaped by cause and effect. Recognizing that pattern is essential to living wisely. If you want a healthy heart, you need to understand what leads to heart disease. If you're aiming for financial stability, you have to consider the long-term impact of your spending before making big purchases. And if you desire the peace that comes from a close walk with God, it's important to understand what fosters that kind of relationship. As we approach the end of the church year, our Scripture readings begin to draw our attention back to the central themes that have echoed throughout the year. In this final series, we’ll reflect on how God’s kingdom works through cause and effect — not in a mechanical or transactional way, but in a way that reveals His heart and His purposes.
Sainthood/Stamina—God grants the status of “saint” (which means “holy one”) to every believer. At first glance, that title might not seem to have much practical value. After all, if you achieve the status of “billionaire,” “celebrity,” or “senator,” your life is likely to change dramatically—often for the better. But if God calls you a saint, your day-to-day life may not seem much different. Like everyone else, you still face trials, temptations, and sin.
In fact, being a saint in some ways makes life harder, as we now live in tension with a world that is often hostile toward Christ. That can lead us to wonder: Is it really such a big deal that God calls us saints?
For centuries, the Church has answered that question with a resounding yes by celebrating the Festival of All Saints. This week, we catch a glimpse of the saints who have died and now live in the radiant glory of Christ. Through eyes of faith, we see them in the place where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:1–6) and realize what a precious gift the status of “saint” truly is. We understand that, in time, we too will join all the saints in that glorious heavenly city. Until then, this promise gives us remarkable strength to face the challenges of life, upheld by the power Christ gives to all his saints.
Cause/Effect—Sainthood/Stamina
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