April 1st – From the Pastor’s Desk

I’ll never forget the first time I wrestled with a tough question about salvation: If I
choose to repent and believe, does that mean I get some credit for being saved?
Some say yes—that any role for our will chips away at God’s grace, leaving Him
with less than all the glory. That way of seeing it left me uneasy, wondering what it
meant for God’s heart.

The reason I was troubled was because if God alone decides who gets grace, then
what separates the saved from the lost feels arbitrary—just a divine coin toss. It
seemed to shrink sin, repentance, and faith into meaningless details, and that left
me restless, wondering where our response fits in.

Here’s what I know for sure: Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not a reward for our
works (Eph 2:8-9). We can’t confess Jesus as Lord without the Holy Spirit lighting the
way (1 Cor 12:3), and left on our own, we’re spiritually dead, unable to reach for God
(Eph 2:1-5). The Father draws us to Christ (John 6:44)—no question. But don’t let that
make you think God’s playing favorites, picking some for salvation and skipping
others.

Scripture reveals a God whose heart beats with love for all people. He “wants all
people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). He does not
desire that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9). Jesus,
our Savior, gave His life as a ransom for all, atoning for the sins of the whole world
(1 John 2:2). This is the God we worship—a God of boundless, universal love who
longs for every person to be reconciled to Him.

So how do we hold these truths together? The key lies in understanding God’s
grace as a gift that invites rather than forces. While we cannot turn to God without
the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts, the Spirit does not compel us irresistibly.
Love, by its very nature, involves freedom and cannot be coerced. Throughout
Scripture, we see God’s people urged not to resist the Spirit’s gentle leading (Acts
7:51; Eph 4:30; Heb 3:7-8). The Holy Spirit draws us, awakens us, and enables us to
respond—but He leaves the choice to us. If we say yes to God, it is entirely
because His grace has brought us to that moment.

Consider this illustration—imperfect, but bear with me: imagine God’s saving
grace as a life-changing song, and when danced to equals salvation. He fills the
world with his melody, but some plug their ears, humming their own tune. Still,
God doesn’t stop. Furthermore, He steps into the crowd—Jesus Himself—making
the music even louder. When that music finally breaks through, it’s like one of
those fun and inviting songs from childhood that got you up on your feet. Your feet
begin to move, and suddenly, you’re dancing—not forced, not earned, but swept up
by His love.

Here’s my charge: Live free in God’s grace. You’re not puppets or wage-earners
scrambling for His favor. The Spirit’s drawing you to Christ, honoring your yes—a
yes His grace alone makes possible. Every step you take toward Him is a
testimony to His relentless love wearing down your resistance, not to your own
merit. And know this, God’s grace is chasing everyone you meet. God’s love
isn’t picky; He’s calling all to dance. So pray for those still deaf to it, share Jesus’
story, and trust His relentless pursuit. Let’s be a church of gratitude and joy,
dancing to His tune and inviting others in.

Because of Grace,
Your Pastor