God proves God’s love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Romans 5-8
Among the readings for this coming Sunday is one that we often use during our Assurance of Pardon in worship.
I am often asked by people what makes Presbyterians unique. Theologically, it may include several things. However, ultimately, it all comes down to one: we emphasize the sovereignty of God.
But we are Presbyterians, which means that though we emphasize the concept, we all debate what it actually means.
The two main camps believe either that God controls everything or that if God is love, then Love will never force its own will. One includes those who lean towards John Calvin’s theology wholeheartedly. The other includes those who look to Karl Barth’s more recent take on Reformed theology.
What they bear in common is that they are always about God acting first. How God is pursuing us. God is redeeming us. God is working in our lives. Even if we do not realize it.
This is really good news, because we all mess up. A lot. We sin. We fall short. We make mistakes. We break relationships and burn bridges.
The beauty of God being sovereign is the promise that God is still actively loving us no matter what. What we do. What anyone can do to us.
Seriously – No. Matter. What.
That does not mean we have a free ticket to do whatever we want. But it is an incredibly important thing to hold on to when the going gets rough.
So always remember this: you are loved more than you can imagine.
Blessings, Pastor Janie
First Welcoming All 