Enduring
In the Year to Trust
Next week we will begin our first chapter in the book of Hebrews. This epistle focuses upon Jesus Christ being superior to everything and everyone else as the Son of God.
I can think of no other theme to concentrate upon at a time when so much seems to be changing, and forces rise as anti-Christ. One of the many great verses of this letter is “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” [Hebrews 12:23]
We do not grow weary and in Christ we will endure in the Year to Trust.
I’m looking forward to keeping our eyes on Jesus and reading the Word of God together!
Christopher
The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton
Rector
What are We Going to Do?
In the face of waywardness by the Episcopal Church leadership, I am often asked what we are going to do? It is a question I like to answer.
St. Paul’s is continuing in its commitment to Jesus Christ, to know Him and to make Him known. We continue to stand on the teaching of the Bible about morality and will not go along with the proposed changes. We remain in communication with the leaders of orthodox Anglicanism in
North America. And while we think globally, we act locally. We will continue to serve the people God leads us to reach with the love of Jesus Christ. We remain in The Episcopal Church to bear witness to Him.
We are also praying for the Bishop of Connecticut Andrew Smith, for the Diocese, for The Episcopal Church, and for the Anglican Communion.
What are we going to do? We are going to be the Church of Jesus Christ!
In His love,
Christopher
The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton
Rector
The True Grace of God
The short but powerful book of I Peter has numerous themes. The life and duty of the Christian is portrayed in the face of suffering and persecution. There is glory, hope, and courage offered by Jesus Christ as we follow “in his steps” (I Peter 2:21).
Most of all, this wonderful book is about the grace of God which is offered in Christ. Peter starts the letter with the greeting (in chapter 1, verse 2) “Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” It is grace that we need most and it is grace that is lavishly offered as we love God. Peter describes the Lord in chapter 5, verse 10 as the “God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory in Christ.” We find our greatest need met in the God of all Grace.
Remember that grace is favor with and from God. It is His mercy and love which we do not deserve and cannot earn, but must simply receive. It’s interesting that the two New Testament books we are reading this summer, James and I Peter, quote the same Old Testament scripture: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
(Proverbs 3:34).
Knowing that we are loved by God helps us live the life of grace. We go easy on others, forgiving them. We seek forgiveness from God and others. We surrender ourselves and our agenda to God. Peter concludes his letter stating his purpose in writing in chapter 5 verse 12, “I have written to you briefly encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it”
My the Lord bless you with His true grace as you are a reader and “do-er” of His Word!
Your brother in Christ,
Christopher
The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton
Rector
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