There is something special in the way the letters begin that Paul wrote to the people he served.   The relationship with God and Christ is often the first thing mentioned, followed by expressions of blessings for the saints.  Take some time when you can and read the opening verses of each of the letters that Paul was inspired to write.  Notice the depth of relationships that are mentioned, especially of the love of God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord toward us, and the desire for grace and peace for the “beloved” brethren. 

Here’s one example from Romans 1:  “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, through whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Though just an introduction, these few verses, and the opening verses in other books, give a great summary of God’s plan and purpose of bringing us into His family.  I bring this up because Pentecost is coming soon.  These books are written to and for “the saints,” that is, to people who have received God’s Holy Spirit.  Yes, others can read them too, but the focus in the epistles of Paul is on the relationship between God our Father, Jesus Christ our Lord and the people to whom the Holy Spirit has been given. 

What I’m learning more this year as Pentecost nears is that this Holy Day is not just a stop along the way on a journey, where we might pause for a moment and then move onward.  What we learn from Pentecost, what it brings into our lives is something that we take with us on our journey, and that sustains and strengthens us along the way.  I think that Paul’s introductions in his letters to the church help to illustrate this point, and to emphasize the love of God and Christ for all who have been called to be saints, to those who have received the Holy Spirit.  We’ll explore this concept a bit more in the next couple of weeks as we gather on the Sabbath to worship and fellowship.

 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Roc Corbett, pastor, UCG Olympia & Tacoma