“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master’.” (John 15:18-20)
Jesus openly taught His disciples that one day persecution would come. He mentioned it in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:10-12, 44) and again in His “commissioning sermon” when He sent out the disciples to minister (Matthew 10:16-23). In His sermon denouncing the Pharisees, Jesus openly said that they would persecute and do harm to God’s servants (Matthew 23:34-35) just to mention a few.
These were difficult words to hear—They still are. We don’t want to believe we live in a world where hatred exists, but sadly hatred does exist in this world and Jesus wanted us to know that we as believers in Him are to react differently. This can be a real challenge for us, living and functioning in a world which seems so often to be upside down and backwards.
But just as Jesus took the best punch(s) the world had to offer and came away standing tall and defeating all foes—So can we as we stand the most challenging circumstances with our victorious savior. Jesus has given us the remedy for the standing against the worst of the worst in this life. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast offers a message entitled “Taking the World’s Best Punch(s)—And Coming Out Victors”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring uplifting music, special times of prayer, and passionate life changing messages that will move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. Sunday school offered for children kindergarten to 6th grade.
Immediately following worship, you are invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for a very special fellowship time featuring delicious goodies and snacks, beverages, and always great hot coffee. This is the friendliest and most welcoming fellowship time anywhere!
We offer several weekly book and bible studies: Tuesday’s @ 1:45pm Adult Studies at The Gathering Place in West Sedona (Revelations Study); and Thursday’s Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am (Studying the Gospel of John). 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 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—Come and grow with us! Invite, pick-up, and bring your friends and family.
