Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” – Revelation 21:5
I grew up in a church tradition that did not focus on the practice of Lent.
It wasn’t until my late 20s that I was introduced to Methodism and Lent. I had been sharing with a co-worker about my church experiences. She invited me to go to her church, a Methodist Church. What I learned at that church caused me confusion, but I decided to meet with the minister and ask some questions.
That was approximately forty years ago, and it changed my life! You see, the church I grew up in focused on pointing out our sins and I grew up thinking there was just no way God could love me. I was learning something new. No more thoughts of God being a punishing God but learning how to accept His love and forgiveness. I learned of God’s amazing grace at work in all parts of my life.
There are very few days that we as Christians feel we do not need to seek God’s forgiveness, for me it is daily. I feel unworthy at times; however, God reminds me that I am human and because of His grace, I am forgiven. In this world it is impossible to live without sinning however, we are children of a forgiving God. Through God’s grace we find the strength to believe in Him, follow Him, do His work, ask for forgiveness and in turn give forgiveness. It is God’s wonderful grace, freely given that allows us to become His disciples!
I look forward to studying more during this Lenten Season. I want to encounter the fullness of His grace and be reminded in my relationship with Jesus, I nd even in my weakness, He is making all things new.
Rev. Connie Barnett, St. Luke’s Asbury Campus Pastor
