Mark’s gospel has been described as a highlight tape of Jesus’ life and ministry. His greatest hits. It is short—fast-paced and to the point. But that doesn’t mean it’s simple. It has layers, like the rest of the Bible. It is simple enough for a child yet so deep we can never quite master its complete meaning.
Our passage from Mark Chapter 5 is two stories in one—And you cannot break them apart. You need the whole story as together they teach one biblical mega-lesson. What is the lesson? That the most crucial element of our life is faith. And what is biblical faith?
Someone once asked Billy Graham that question. He said first, you must believe that God exists, and that he loves you so much that he sent Jesus to save you. Second, you must trust wholly in Christ’s salvation, put your life into his hands, and believe Jesus not only can save you but will save you. Martin Luther said, “Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it.”
Biblical faith is not a leap in the dark—It’s not hoping something is there on the other side to catch you. Biblical faith is a complete trust in the trustworthy God who is there and who will never forsake you. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast shares an inspired message entitled “Sheltered Under God’s Wings”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30am 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. We look forward to seeing you! We also offer an amazing Spirit Filled On-Line Worship experience each week accessed at www.sedonaumc.org.
Sedona UMC offers several weekly book and bible studies: Tuesday’s @ 2PM Adult Studies at “The Gathering Place” in West Sedona; Wednesday’s Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. We offer so many great missions, ministries, and fellowship 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!—Come and grow with us!
