From the Pastor - November 2017

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Last week, my cell phone suddenly stopped working.  The screen went blank, even though the battery meter indicated a 40% charge.  When I plugged the phone into the charger, it worked but not for very long without being plugged in.  It was time to change the battery.  With the new battery, my phone is now functioning properly. 

Grace is the power of God that changes our hearts.  As the apostle Paul writes: “If anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation.  The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!”1

God’s grace makes a difference in our lives.  With God’s help, we can experience a transformation into the image of Christ here-and-now.2

One definition of grace, adapted from John Wesley’s Instructions for Children, is that grace is the power of God working in us enabling us to know, love, and serve God.3 

From a Wesleyan perspective, God loves us as we are but does not leave us that way.  Prevenient grace prompts our response to God and “comes before” any thought or action from us.  Justifying grace is the work of Christ that puts us right with God and makes us into a new creation.  Sanctifying grace is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit that helps us to increase in loving God and our neighbors. 

As we respond to God’s grace, we try to be more and more like Christ, replacing our vices with his virtues.  Instead of acting out of self-pride, we strive for humility.  Instead of envy, we strive for gratitude.  Instead of anger, we strive for patience.  Instead of sloth, diligence.  Instead of greed, generosity.  Instead of gluttony, self-control.  Instead of lust, honor.

Just as changing a corrupted battery gave new life to my phone, the grace of God has transformative, renewing properties for you and me, and for all people. 

Yours in Christ,


Rev. Dr. Brian C. Smith
__________________

1 2 Corinthians 5:17, CEB.
2 Committee on Faith and Order, "Wonder, Love, and Praise: Sharing a Vision of the Church," (Washington, DC: Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, 2016), 9.

3 John Wesley, Instructions for Children, (Aurora, CO: Covenant Bible Studies, 2012). 12, adapted by Barry Bryant.

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