Grace Upon Grace Journal

  Love Boldly: It's Time to Take Off the Masks! Reflections on Matthew 22:34–46 | Pastor Marvel Souza What does it really mean to love boldly? This Sunday at Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, we reflected on one of Jesus' most important teachings: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. It sounds simple, doesn't it? But living it out can be a real challenge! During my sermon, I shared a story from my ministry in Brasília, Brazil, that has stayed with me for many years. Back in 2014, I had the privilege of officiating the wedding of two men who had been together for more than fifteen years. For all those years, they had told their families they were just roommates. One of them came from a very religious family, and his aunt had even worked at the Vatican as a secretary for the Pope. They loved each other, but fear of rejection had kept them from living openly. When they started attending our church, something began to chang...

Last Sunday, I continued my sermon series based on the Four Alls, a journey through God’s grace and what it means for all of us. On the first Sunday, we reflected on “We All Need Grace.” Yesterday, the message was “Grace Is for All.” I connected it with our experience at camp with Bella, my dog. She absolutely loved the river. At home, she has a little plastic pool, but the river was different. She felt like she was in heaven. The pool has limits; the river keeps flowing. Sometimes we do the same thing with grace. We create our own little “pools” and decide who deserves grace, who belongs, who is forgiven, and who is welcome. But John 3:16 reminds us that God so loved the world. I also reflected on the prophet Ezekiel’s vision of a river flowing from the temple, the water that kept getting deeper: ankle-deep, knee-deep, up to the waist, until it became deep enough to swim in and dive into. God was inviting Ezekiel to go deeper. What a beautiful picture of grace. We don’t have to create...

Cheap grace is when we want God’s forgiveness without allowing God to change our lives. It is talking about forgiveness without talking about repentance. It is wanting Jesus as our Savior, but not necessarily as our Lord. It is receiving grace without being willing to follow Jesus. It is a faith that wants the blessing but not the discipleship. It wants the presence of Christ but doesn’t want to change the things in our lives that keep pulling us away from him. Costly grace, on the other hand, is like the treasure hidden in a field; the kind of treasure someone is willing to give up everything to find. It is like the pearl of great value for which a merchant sells everything he has. It is the call of Jesus that causes the disciples to leave their nets and follow him. Costly grace is what happens when the Kingdom of God becomes so precious to us that we begin to rearrange our entire lives around it. Costly grace is not simply something we receive. It is an invitation we respond to. It c...

Beyond religious practice, the New Covenant offers every person a renewed understanding of themselves and others, making it a powerful force for social transformation. The salvation proclaimed in the New Testament, at its fullest, calls for the humanization of people by setting them free from everything that prevents them from becoming who God created them to be. This understanding points to the social responsibility of the Gospel, which is meant to shape both the lives and the witness of Christians, leading them toward the fullness of their humanity and a life marked by good works. In keeping with this vision, many social movements have emerged from both Protestant and Catholic Christianity with the goal of bringing greater compassion, dignity, and humanity to Christian ministry and practice. Among them are Catholic pastoral ministries, Protestant social ministries, the work of the The Salvation Army, founded within the Methodist tradition, and the Methodist Reconciling Ministries mov...

  A Reflection Based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 By Rev. Marvel Souza Sermon preached on November 17, 2022 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) What can we say about time? This is a question that has accompanied humanity throughout history. Time is part of our existence. It shapes our stories, our decisions, our accomplishments, and even our struggles. Although all of us live within time, the way we experience and understand time changes throughout the different seasons of life. During childhood, time seems almost unlimited. Children live fully in the present moment without worrying about hours, minutes, schedules, or deadlines. Time is measured by simple moments: the time to play, the time to eat, and, sometimes with difficulty, the time to go to sleep. There is a beautiful freedom in childhood, as if there will always be enough time for everything. During adolescence, we begin to discover that time comes with responsib...

  Bible Study Recap – John 17–21: From Prayer to Resurrection This past Wednesday, we finished our study of the Gospel of John by exploring chapters 17–21 and discovering what it means to live as Easter people. We began with Jesus' beautiful prayer in John 17, where He prayed not only for His disciples but also for all who would believe in Him—including us. We talked about how Jesus' desire for unity challenges us to build a loving, supportive community where faith grows together. In John 18, we reflected on Jesus' arrest and Peter's denial. Even though Peter failed, Jesus never gave up on him. We were reminded that God's grace is greater than our mistakes and continues to work in our lives. John 19 brought us to the cross, where Jesus declared, "It is finished." We discussed how the cross was not a defeat but the completion of God's saving work. As United Methodists, we remember that we are saved by God's grace, and our good works are a grateful r...

Bible Study Recap – John 16 Last Wednesday, we began by reflecting on the four bases of the ministry of reconciliation: reconciliation with ourselves, with our neighbors, with all creation, and with God. Together, we discussed practical ways we can live out each of these areas in our daily lives. We then reviewed the message from John 15, focusing on Jesus' invitation to "abide in Me." This led us into John 16, where Jesus explains the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus prepared His disciples for the challenges they would face if they chose to remain in Him. He never promised an easy path, but He did promise that the Holy Spirit would be with them, bringing a peace that remains even in the middle of hardship. We talked about how this same peace is available to us today through the presence of the Holy Spirit. We also discussed the importance of making decisions from a place of peace. When we lack God's peace, it may not be the right time to make an important decision. Som...

Abiding in the True Vine This week, we began our Bible study by sharing our favorite types of plants and why we enjoy them. That simple conversation helped us connect with the imagery Jesus uses in John 15, where He declares, "I am the true vine," and we are the branches. From there, we compared a real plant to the picture Jesus gives of our relationship with Him. We explored how, throughout Scripture, God often uses plants—and especially trees—to communicate spiritual truths. In the Old Testament, we looked at Psalm 1:1–3, where the righteous are described as a tree planted by streams of water that bears fruit in season; Jeremiah 17:7–8, where those who trust in the Lord are compared to a flourishing tree whose roots reach the water; and Isaiah 61:3, where God's people are called oaks of righteousness, planted for the display of His glory. In the New Testament, we saw how Jesus continues this imagery in John 15:1–8, calling Himself the true vine and inviting us to abide ...

  Wednesday Bible Study Recap This week, our Wednesday Bible Study focused on John 14 . We began with a warm-up question that invited everyone to share personal experiences of finding comfort during difficult times, setting the stage for a meaningful discussion. Pastor Marvel explained that John 13 is a chapter of preparation , where Jesus prepares His disciples for what is about to happen through the washing of the disciples' feet and the Last Supper. John 14–17 can be understood as Jesus' testament—His final teachings, promises, and prayers before His arrest and crucifixion. In these chapters, Jesus comforts His followers, promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, calls them to remain in His love, and prays for their unity and mission. Pastor Marvel then invited the group to reflect on an important question: Why were the disciples so worried about Jesus leaving? Together, we explored several possibilities. They would lose His daily guidance and presence, they were uncertain abo...

Bible Study Recap: John 13:31–38 – Love, Grace, and the Open Table In our study of John 13:31–38, we reflected on Jesus' final conversation with His disciples before His arrest. These verses come immediately after Judas leaves the table, and Jesus begins preparing His disciples for what is about to happen. Jesus first speaks about glory. While the cross would appear to be a moment of defeat, Jesus reveals that it will actually be the moment when God's love and saving purpose are most fully displayed. God's glory is revealed not through power and domination, but through sacrificial love. We also discussed how Jesus openly spoke about His own death and departure. Rather than avoiding the subject, He intentionally prepared His disciples for what was coming. Jesus knew that His death would bring grief, confusion, and uncertainty, yet He chose to have honest conversations with those He loved. For many people, talking about death is uncomfortable and often treated as a taboo subj...

The Table of Christ: A Vision of Radical Inclusion There is something deeply sacred about sitting at a table. A table is more than furniture, it is a place of conversation, nourishment, vulnerability, and connection. And when we turn our attention to the Last Supper, that defining moment in Jesus’ ministry, we discover more than bread and wine. We discover a powerful lens through which to explore diversity, unity, and inclusion. The Last Supper was not simply a farewell meal. It was a bold, intentional act of gathering. Jesus chose who would be there, and in doing so, he chose diversity. Among those seated were tax collectors and zealots, fishermen and doubters, a betrayer and those who would eventually flee. Different temperaments, different backgrounds, different visions of the world. Yet all of them shared bread from the same loaf and drank from the same cup. It was a table of radical grace, held together not by sameness, but by the presence of Christ. The Symbols of the Supper The ...

Reflection on John 12: "Following Jesus in the Light" John 12 presents a powerful contrast between different responses to Jesus. Some worship Him, some follow Him, and some reject Him. The chapter begins with Mary anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume (John 12:1-8). While others saw the perfume as a waste, Mary saw Jesus as worthy of her very best. Her act was one of love, gratitude, and worship. In contrast, Judas criticized Mary's gift. He argued that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, John tells us that Judas was not truly concerned about the poor; he was stealing from the disciples' money bag (John 12:6). Judas teaches us an important lesson: it is possible to be physically close to Jesus while having a heart far from Him. He was one of the Twelve, witnessed miracles, heard Jesus' teachings, and yet greed slowly took hold of his heart. Judas reminds us that the greatest danger to our faith is not always open ...

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 11 This Wednesday, May 20, our Bible study focused on John 11, the story of Lazarus, and the themes of death, resurrection, grief, and freedom in Christ. We began our time together with a warm-up conversation, sharing personal experiences with grief, loss, trust, and hope. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how death and mourning affect both individuals and communities. As we read through John 11:1–44, we listed words and expressions that caught our attention, including “weeping,” “believe,” “life,” “glory,” “come out,” and “let him go.” These words helped guide our discussion about the meaning of resurrection in biblical times and in our lives today. We also talked about how people in Jesus’ time understood death differently. For many, death was not only physical but also connected to separation, mourning, ritual impurity, and the uncertainty of what came after life on earth. Martha’s statement in John 11:24 — “I know that he will rise aga...

📖 Bible Study Recap – John 10: “The Good Shepherd” On Wednesday the 6th, we studied John 10 and reflected on Jesus’ powerful words: “I am the Good Shepherd.” Before entering chapter 10, we reviewed John 1–9 and remembered how Jesus revealed Himself through signs, miracles, teachings, and personal encounters. Throughout John’s Gospel, people are constantly faced with an important question: Will we recognize Jesus for who He truly is? As a warm-up activity, participants were invited to share Bible verses related to shepherds and sheep. It was a meaningful way to connect the group with the biblical imagery found throughout Scripture. Some of the verses shared included: • Psalm 23:1 — “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” • Isaiah 40:11 — “He will feed his flock like a shepherd.” • Ezekiel 34:11 — “I myself will search for my sheep.” • Matthew 18:12 — The parable of the lost sheep. • Luke 15:4–7 — The shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one. • John 10:11 — “I am the goo...

  Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 9 Last Wednesday at Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church , we had a dynamic and engaging Bible study as we explored John 9 together. We began with a fun warm-up using a Wordwall quiz based on John 9. It was a great way to review the text, get everyone involved, and prepare our hearts and minds for a deeper conversation. Two Types of Blindness John 9:1–7 | John 9:39 We started by reflecting on two kinds of blindness: Physical blindness – like the man born blind Spiritual blindness – not seeing truth even when it is right in front of us Jesus says: “I came into this world… so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind” (John 9:39) This led us into a powerful conversation about how spiritual blindness can affect anyone—not just those outside the faith. Spiritual Blindness Today John 9:13–34 | Matthew 15:14 We discussed how the Pharisees in the story are not just figures of the past. Their attitude can still b...

  Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 8 and the “Four Alls” Last Wednesday’s Bible study at Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church was a meaningful and spirit-filled time of reflection as we continued exploring John 8 through the lens of the United Methodist “Four Alls.” We began with a warm and engaging conversation about baptism. Everyone shared their personal experiences, memories, and the ways baptism has shaped their understanding of faith and identity in Christ. This sharing created a beautiful foundation for the evening—centering us in God’s grace and the gift of new life. From there, we moved into John 8, allowing Scripture to guide us into deeper reflection on punishment, judgment, grace, and self-awareness before God. All Need to Be Saved John 8:1–11 | Romans 3:23 | Ecclesiastes 7:20 The story of the woman caught in adultery reminded us of the universality of sin. Jesus’ words— “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone” (John 8:7)...

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 7 This past Wednesday, we gathered for a rich and engaging time of fellowship and study as we explored John 7 together. We began with a warm-up conversation centered on different Bible versions and personal favorite Bibles. This opened the door for meaningful sharing, as many reflected on the stories behind their Bibles—whether it was a gift from a loved one, a Bible that carried them through a difficult season, or a translation that helped them better understand God’s Word. This moment reminded us that Scripture is not just something we read, but something that walks with us through life and shapes our faith in personal ways (Psalm 119:105). As we entered into John 7, Pastor Marvel led us in reflecting on how people responded to Jesus during His ministry. Throughout the chapter, we see a wide range of reactions: Some responded with curiosity , wondering who Jesus truly was (John 7:12, 7:25–27). Others reacted with doubt and skepticism , questioning ...

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – March 18 Text: John 6 During our Bible study we explored Gospel of John chapter 6 , one of the most powerful chapters in the ministry of Jesus Christ . The chapter begins with the well-known miracle where Jesus feeds a large crowd with only five loaves of bread and two fish (John 6:1–14). From this story we reflected on several important spiritual lessons. Jesus Cares for Both Body and Soul One of the first things we noticed is that Jesus did not ignore the physical needs of the people. The crowd had been following him for a long time and they were hungry. Instead of sending them away, Jesus chose to feed them. This reminds us that the gospel is not only about spiritual words but also about compassion in action . As followers of Christ, we are called to care for the whole person —body, mind, and spirit. This idea appears throughout Scripture: Gospel of Matthew 25:35 – “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” Epistle of James 2:15–17 – Faith with...

  This study reminds us that  healing, faith, and understanding God’s Word  require both willingness and an open heart to receive what God offers. Bible Study Recap – Wednesday, March 11 Text: John 5 Division of the Text: The Healing at Bethesda (John 5:1–15) Jesus’ Authority and Unity with the Father (John 5:16–30) The Four Witnesses About Jesus (John 5:31–47) 1. The Healing at Bethesda (John 5:1–15) We discussed why Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to be made well?” before performing the miracle. This question shows that faith and willingness are essential for healing. Not everyone receives miracles in the same way, and Jesus works uniquely in each situation. We described the man’s whole situation —his illness, isolation, and long-term paralysis—which helped us understand the depth of Jesus’ compassion and the significance of personal response to God’s intervention. 2. Jesus’ Authority and Unity with the Father (John 5:16–30) In this section, Jes...