1st John chapter 4 contains one of the most startling claims in all of Scripture. But it is one that we have heard so often that its boldness may have been lost on us. The name of God was so reverent the Jews could not even speak it—And God’s image so precious that it was not to be depicted with graven images.

When God is spoken of throughout the pages of the Scriptures, it is most often done in metaphor. The writers of Scripture were far more at home talking about what God “is like” than they were to try and say with certainty who God is. In 1 John chapter 4 that care and hesitation is set aside as John writes, “God is love.”

God is love, and because we are made in God’s image, we are to love God and love our brothers and sisters. God is love—Three words and apart from this truth, we have no hope whatsoever. Without God, there is no love because love begins and ends with God. Love begins with God, and love comes from God.

While we were yet sinners, God sent Jesus to save us because God loves us. Love is the core feature of who God is and it has to become central to who we are. In fact John goes on in Verse 8 to say, “Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast shares an inspired message entitled “Loving Us to the Bitter End”.

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!