Uplook - February 11, 2023

Good afternoon dear saints,

I don’t use the word “saints” lightly or loosely when speaking of each of you who are beloved by God (and by us as well).  The Apostle Paul reminded believers in Rome they were “called to be saints” (Romans 1:7) and reminds them as well of the Lords “intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:27)

The Greek word from which our English word “saints” is translated is ‘hagios’  and means “sacred, blameless, consecrated, holy”.  This describes just what God intends for those who are in covenant relationship with him through Christ.   God has called and empowered us to live as reflections of His holy character in this world.  This is why the Apostle reminded Titus of the very purpose of God’s grace saying,

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:11–14

God’s grace has been extended to all humanity and is at work teaching and enabling us to be “saints”, living sober, righteous, and godly lives.   We do that with a living hope of seeing Jesus’ return, being reminded of the great price Christ paid for our redemption.  

May we by God’s grace, be those whom God has “purify(ied) unto himself” and may we be “a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”   Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines “peculiar” as “characteristic of only one person, group, or thing: distinctive” and “different from the usual or normal: special, particular”.  May we who are called to be saints…be different from the normal or usual which surrounds us.  May we be distinctive, special, and particular… to reflect and give God the glory deserving of His great name.

Have a great week serving the Lord as those “called to be saints”.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor