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Pastor's Points
Beloved Community,
This week as we continue our series on understanding our roots as a Wesleyan tradition, we will focus on what it really means to understand Grace and Salvation. By doing this, we look at the gospel of John 3:11-21. Included in this pericope, is arguably one of the most famous passages that Christian's have used as an instruction manual for how to ask Christ "into your heart." The passage reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, for whoever believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)."
While this text is critical to our understanding of salvation, most people forget to look at the first nine words of this verse:
"For God so loved the world that he gave..."
God's "Grace" is rooted in love and is a gift to be freely received. Therefore, how do we as Wesleyan's understand the true nature of salvation? Is salvation something to be earned or something freely given through God's prevenient grace that goes before us making a way for our redemption before our recognition?
We look forward to celebrating worship with you this Sunday where we will continue to explore what it means to be a United Methodist and lean into this big, bold word called GRACE. We also will have our family dance in the afternoon from 4-6 PM and we hope all generations will join us for an afternoon of music, fun, and fellowship!
Peace be with you!
Pastor Chelsea
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