Monday's thoughts

Sunday, April 20th

"And Still The Saints Go Marching In"

I want to have us take a look at what it means to live out, to the fullest extent, the essence and meaning of the Christian faith. I want to have us think about the people who have been an example for us of what that has been for them and what that is for us.

There are two biblical texts that speak to us on this subject.

The first one is from Acts 7 and it is the story of the murder of Stephen. Stephen was one of the first Christian martyrs. A martyr is a man or woman who witnesses his or her faith. In this case Stephen was stoned for his faith and as he died he forgave his killers. One of the people who was involved was Paul. Paul held the coats of the people who murdered Stephen. We would have to imagine that witness was a huge influence on Paul. And Paul became one of the most important heroes in the expression and the expansion of the Christian faith. His conversion was noted as he walked the road to Damascus but I wonder if the witness of Stephen didn't play an important role as well.

The other text is from 1 Peter 2. It is that section that calls us a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, and God's own people". The saints keep marching in when we realize that the obligation comes to us and the examples we have from the people who have gone before us provide incentive for us to follow in their footsteps.

Sunday, I want us to think about the people who have been role models for us and how we have been given direction in our lives by their example.

Who did that for you?
Who were the saints of your past?
How does their example inform your action?

Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net or click on the blog at the bottom of the page to add your thoughts to these comments.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster