“He had entered into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as a high priest to get rid of people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and he would be able to help where help was needed” (Hebrews 2:17-18 MSG). Are you poor? Jesus knows how you feel. Are you on the lowest rung of the social ladder? He understands that too. Fallen short of yours or others expectations? He’s been there, himself being accused of breaking God’s law—Blasphemy—and more. He and understands it all, because he experienced it all. He is not ashamed of you, nor is he confused by you. Your actions don’t bewilder him, and your tilted halo doesn’t trouble him.
Author Albert Haase said, “No sin is written with indelible ink.” The most notorious road in all of history is the Via Dolorosa, the “Way of Sorrows.” According to tradition, it is the route Jesus took from Pilate’s command post to Calvary. The path to the cross tells us exactly how far God will go to call us back home—the nails of the cross show us the lengths God will go to cover our sins and restore our relationship with him. Nails fix broken things—they join together things that are separated, making things whole again. God used nails to accomplish his plans—and Jesus bore the nails of God’s forgiveness for all humankind.
Join us this week as Pastor Fred Mast continues a five week “Lenten” sermon series in an inspiring message titled “He Chose to Forgive Us”. Come and celebrate the gift of unconditional and abundant forgiveness of God’s grace—a gift brought through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring joyful music, touching times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Immediately following worship you are invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall and get “Stuffed” at our St. Patrick’s “Stuffed Baked Potato Feast”. It is truly the friendliest and best fellowship time you will find anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee.
This week, Pastor Fred continues to lead a Lenten Book Study based on renowned author Max Lucado’s book, “He Chose the Nails”. This study will run on Tuesday’s at 10:30am through April 11th. All are welcome and invited to join in this meaningful time of study and conversation. We also offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday join our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and Like us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. Come and grow with us!
