In a world increasingly full of scams, we have learned to be wary of any opportunity that appears too good to be true. Many of us miss out on amazing opportunities because we fear the pain and humiliation of falling victim to the latest fraudulent scheme. We are quick to reject any offer accompanied by a “free gift” or a once-in-a-lifetime deal.
While this may be a wise decision in our day-to-day interactions, we too far often apply this attitude of skepticism to God’s offer of unmerited grace in our lives. This is especially true when we consider the doctrine of justification. While we struggle to wrap our minds around the fact that God can forgive our sins in the first place, most of us can hardly dare to believe that God offers us a “no-strings-attached” gift in freely offered pardon of our sins. Instead of living in the joy and freedom of what God has done for us through Jesus Christ, we continue to battle the shadows of doubt and fear wondering if we could ever do enough to earn God’s approval.
We are not alone in this struggle. Some consider John Wesley the most influential theologian since the sixteenth century, and early in his ministry Wesley too struggled under the assumption that he needed to earn God’s acceptance and pardon. After years of discouragement and failure, the utter impossibility of ever becoming “good enough” to merit God’s forgiveness, Wesley finally surrendered to “the just shall live by faith” message found in Paul’s Letter to the Romans. From that point forward, Wesley shared this Doctrine of Justification with the world—a “free gift” of justification by faith—a gift so many believed too good to believe it couldn’t be true.
Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast shares a message entitled “If It’s Too Good to be True—It’s God”. As we to strive to keep our community safe and healthy we continue to offer an amazing Spirit Filled On-Line Worship experience each week—You are invited to access worship through our website (www.sedonaumc.org). Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship featuring meaningful and uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others.
Check out our Facebook and Website page for the latest details and updates regarding church activities and Re-Opening Plan coming soon!!! Check out our NEW “SUMC Joy Hotline” on our website and share the “Joys & Blessings” happening in your life! Don’t hesitate to contact us if we may be of assistance and for pastoral care. We are here to help!
The Church Building may be temporarily closed—But the Church is certainly open with so many great missions, ministries and opportunities 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. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—We look forward to seeing you very soon—Come and grow with us!
