05/08/2023
A new era
We're entering a new era. Not a prideful time, nor a sorrowful time, but a new time. No longer United Methodist, but still Methodist. Though dropping one word doesn’t seem like much, to us, it makes a huge difference. We’re still the same local church, with the same loving views of God’s word, only with the new freedom to continue that teaching without fear of retribution from a denominational stance.
During this process some of us may have endured hardships and hurt, anger and sorrow, enduendos and false allegations over our denominational decision to leave the UMC, and to follow God’s word regardless on how uncomfortable it might make us feel at times. God’s word is absolute and never changing. Many of us grew up in this domination and it's painful to leave, but WE HAVEN'T LEFT GOD'S CHURCH. We love God and we love others. If some of us have felt we've sacrificed for our convictions then I congratulate you. The Apostle Paul tells us…“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!””
Galatians 2:20-21.
The Apostle Paul also tells us....
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Romans 12:1-3 NIV
Todd Finley, Pastor
