Lent

"Love’s Merciful Judgment" - Traditional Service

Pastor Bruce JohnsonMarch 10, 2024Lent

Passage: John 3:14

This past Sunday, Pender UMC was a beacon of spiritual enlightenment as Pastor Bruce Johnson guided us through an unforgettable journey with his sermon, "Love’s Merciful Judgment," on the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Together, we explored the profound depths of divine love and mercy, illuminated by the wisdom of scripture and faith.

Numbers 21:4-9: We revisited the ancient narrative of healing and faith, where serpents and salvation intertwined in a compelling saga of trust and divine intervention.

Ephesians 2:1-10: We immersed ourselves in the transformative power of grace, reminded of our passage from despair to salvation, cradled in God's boundless love.

John 3:14-21: We were embraced by the famous words that have offered comfort and inspiration to millions, a testament to the guiding light in our moments of darkness.

Pastor Bruce Johnson delivered a thought-provoking sermon at Pender UMC titled "Love’s Merciful Judgment," challenging the modern aversion to judgment and inviting us to reconsider God's judgment from a biblical perspective. Through scripture readings from Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, and John 3:14-21, he explored the essential role of God's judgment in the journey of salvation, revealing how it serves not to condemn but to correct, heal, and ultimately show mercy.

Pastor Johnson delved into cultural and historical attitudes toward judgment, contrasting them with the biblical truth that God's judgments are acts of love aimed at our redemption. He shared personal reflections on the liberating effect of embracing God's judgments in his life, urging the congregation to view them as pathways to freedom and growth.

The sermon also addressed the contemporary challenges within the United Methodist Church, emphasizing the importance of communal discernment, prayer, and scripture engagement. Pastor Johnson encouraged the church to approach the upcoming conference and decisions with open hearts and minds, trusting in the Holy Spirit's guidance and the power of God's loving judgment to lead to a faithful and fruitful future.

Pastor Bruce Johnson's message was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's judgment, infused with mercy and love. It challenged listeners to see judgment not as condemnation but as a divine invitation to return, renew, and live more fully in the light of Christ's love. This sermon is a must-watch for those seeking deeper understanding and a renewed perspective on the role of judgment in the Christian faith.

Under the masterful guidance of Patrick King, the Sanctuary Choir and congregation united in a powerful rendition of hymns that touched the soul and lifted spirits. Imagine the harmonious blend of voices filling the air as they sang "To God Be the Glory," "There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy," and "Because He Lives," each hymn echoing the profound truths of faith, grace, and the resurrection.

As the offering was collected, the atmosphere turned even more intimate and reverent. The choir presented "You Are My Hiding Place" by Michael Ledner, masterfully arranged by Patrick King, enveloping the congregation in a blanket of tranquility and assurance. The highlight of this musical offering was the captivating performances by soloists Julia Jamieson and Bruce Johnson, whose voices soared and plunged in a delicate dance of melody and emotion, leaving the congregation in awe and deeply moved by the experience.

Long-time members and first-time visitors alike found a spiritual home this Sunday at Pender UMC. It was a profound opportunity to delve into the heart of Lent and reconnect with the deep mercy and love that underpin our faith.

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