Today’s article is titled “Is His Grace Enough? Part 1” and is a recording from the Sunday Morning Service at Refuge Calvary Chapel on July 9, 2023. The video, taught by Pastor Geoff Wilson, is part of the series “Acts: Faith in Action-#23” and focuses on the power of God and how He strengthens the weak. The content revolves around a religious gathering or sermon, where the speaker encourages the audience to come to God when feeling weary or overwhelmed and expresses gratitude for God’s love and promises. Additionally, the article highlights upcoming events, such as retreats and baptisms, and addresses a debate within the early church regarding the importance of circumcision and the inclusion of Gentiles. It emphasizes the need for conversations and working through disagreements in the church, as well as the sufficiency of the gospel for salvation.
Is His Grace Enough? Part 1
Speaker and Setting
Pastor Geoff Wilson
Recorded on July 9, 2023
Sunday Morning Service at Refuge Calvary Chapel
Welcome to Refuge Calvary Chapel! We are so glad you could join us today for our Sunday morning service. My name is Pastor Geoff Wilson, and I am honored to be speaking to you today. I hope that you are ready to dive into God’s word and explore the power of His grace. Today, we will be examining Acts 14:12-15:11 and exploring the question, “Is His Grace Enough?”
Bible Texts Used
Acts 14:12-15:11
In Acts 14:12-15:11, we find the account of Paul and Barnabas’s journey through the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. During their ministry, they faced challenges and obstacles, experiencing both triumphs and oppositions. This passage serves as a reminder of the power of God’s grace at work in our lives, even in the face of adversity.
Series
Acts: Faith in Action-#23
This message is a part of our ongoing series titled “Acts: Faith in Action.” Through this series, we have been exploring the book of Acts, delving into the powerful stories of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. As we continue this series, we dive deeper into the narrative of Paul and Barnabas’s journey, highlighting the faith-filled moments and challenges they faced.
Opening
Music and greetings
Reading from Isaiah 40:29-31
Before we delve into today’s message, let us take a moment to set our hearts and minds on the presence of God. Our worship team will lead us in a time of uplifting praise and worship, celebrating the goodness and greatness of our God. As we sing together, let the words of the songs resonate within your heart and bring you closer to the powerful presence of our Heavenly Father.
Following our time of worship, I invite you to open your Bibles to Isaiah 40:29-31 as we read a passage that speaks to the power of God to strengthen the weak. These verses assure us that those who wait upon the Lord will gain renewed strength and soar on wings like eagles. Today’s message will explore the significance of this promise in relation to the power of God’s grace.
Theme: The Power of God
Strengthens the weak
Invitation to come to God when feeling weary or overwhelmed
The theme for today’s message is “The Power of God.” Throughout the Scriptures, we encounter numerous examples of God’s strength and ability to strengthen the weak. We see this truth mirrored in the lives of Paul and Barnabas as they faced various trials and hardships during their missionary journey.
In our own lives, we may often feel weak, weary, or overwhelmed by the challenges that come our way. It is during these times that we need to remember the invitation extended to us by God Himself. He urges us to come to Him, bringing our burdens, worries, and weariness, so that He may strengthen us and lift us up on wings like eagles.
The power of God’s grace is not limited by our human frailty or limitations. It is available to all who draw near to Him and seek His strength. Today, as we explore the passages from Acts 14:12-15:11, let us reflect on the ways in which God’s grace is sufficient to meet our every need and empower us to live victoriously in Him.
Gratitude for God’s Love and Promises
Before we continue, I want to take a moment to express our gratitude for God’s incredible love and His promises. When we reflect on the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, we cannot help but be overwhelmed with thankfulness. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it is essential to remind ourselves of God’s steadfast love and His unfailing promises.
In Acts 14:12-15:11, we witness a beautiful display of God’s love and faithfulness towards Paul and Barnabas. They faced opposition, persecution, and even physical harm, yet God never abandoned them. Instead, He showered them with His grace and empowered them to continue spreading the Good News.
Just as Paul and Barnabas experienced God’s love and promises, we too can rest assured that His grace is sufficient for us. In moments of weakness or doubt, we can draw upon His strength and cling to His promises. As we navigate through this study, let us remember to approach it with hearts full of gratitude for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives.
Upcoming Events
Married couples retreat
Women’s retreat
VBS
Baptisms
Before we conclude today’s service, I would like to take a moment to remind you of some upcoming events and opportunities within our church community. We believe in fostering a strong sense of fellowship and providing avenues for growth and connection.
Firstly, we have a married couples retreat coming up next month. This event is designed to strengthen and enrich marriages through biblical teaching, worship, and interactive sessions. It is an excellent opportunity for couples to invest in their relationship and be encouraged by other like-minded individuals.
Additionally, we have a women’s retreat planned for the following month. This retreat will be a time of refreshing, spiritual growth, and deepening relationships. It is open to women of all ages and stages of life, and we encourage you to consider joining us for a weekend of inspiration and fellowship.
For our younger members, we have Vacation Bible School (VBS) coming up in just a few weeks. VBS is always an exciting time filled with fun, games, and, most importantly, learning about God’s love. If you have children or know someone who does, consider bringing them to VBS for a week of impactful lessons and joyful activities.
Lastly, we will be having baptisms in a few weeks, and if you have recently made a decision to follow Christ or have never been baptized, this will be a wonderful opportunity to publicly declare your faith and commitment to Jesus. We encourage you to reach out to our ministry team if you are interested or have any questions.
Prayer Request
Mission trip
Now, before we conclude our service, I want to invite you to join us in prayer. At Refuge Calvary Chapel, we believe in the power of prayer, and we love to stand together as a community, lifting one another up to the Lord. Today, I would like to specifically request prayer for our upcoming mission trip.
We have a team from our church who will be heading to a remote village in South America to share the love of Christ with the people there. As they embark on this journey, we ask for God’s protection, guidance, and provision. Pray that they will be effective witnesses, bringing hope and transformation to those they encounter.
Let us also take this time to bring our personal prayer requests before the Lord and seek His wisdom, guidance, and provision for our individual needs. Remember that God hears our prayers, and He is faithful to answer according to His perfect timing and will.
Refuge Calvary Chapel Support
Offering prayer and guidance for individuals seeking more information
As we conclude our service, I want to remind you that our ministry team is available at the front of the sanctuary to provide spiritual guidance or answer any questions you may have. If you feel compelled to support the work of Refuge Calvary Chapel through your financial contributions, there will be an opportunity to give your offering as you exit the sanctuary.
Additionally, if you are new to our church or have questions about the various ministries we offer, our team will be more than happy to provide you with the information you need. We want to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for all who come through our doors, and we are here to support you on your spiritual journey.
Thank you once again for joining us today, and may you be strengthened by the power of God’s grace as you go forth into the new week. May His love and peace surround you, and may you find rest in the assurance that His grace is indeed enough.
God bless you, and have a wonderful day!