Good morning! Are you ready for an uplifting and inspiring Sunday morning service? Today, we have Pastor Geoff Wilson from Refuge Calvary Chapel delivering a powerful message titled “Is His Grace Enough? Part 2.” Pastor Geoff will touch on various events and activities happening at Refuge church, including a Junior High Retreat, Spanish Ministry event, Kids VBS, family hiking day, and marriage retreat. He will reflect on his own 18-year marriage and the gift of a honeymoon trip from friends, highlighting the concept of God’s gift of salvation and grace. Get ready to delve deeper into the book of Acts series and discover the significance of faith in Jesus for salvation as Pastor Geoff takes us on an enlightening spiritual journey during this Sunday morning service.
Part 2: Is His Grace Enough?
Refuge Calvary Chapel
Welcome to the Sunday morning service at Refuge Calvary Chapel! We’re so glad you could join us today as we come together to reflect on God’s amazing grace.
Before we delve into the message, I wanted to mention our recent Junior High Retreat, which was a tremendous success! It was such a joy to see our young people grow in their faith and develop deeper connections with one another. If you missed out on this retreat, don’t worry, we have plenty of exciting events and activities coming up at Refuge Church. Be sure to check our bulletin or our website for all the details.
Now, let’s dive into today’s message brought to us by Pastor Geoff Wilson. He will be exploring the thought-provoking question: Is His Grace Enough?
Reflecting on God’s Grace
As we gather here today, Pastor Geoff acknowledges the fatigue many of us may be feeling after a long week or perhaps even after traveling long distances to be here. But take heart, for God’s grace is here to uplift and rejuvenate our spirits. Just as the psalmist declares in Psalm 18:1-2, “I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”
Pastor Geoff also shares a personal reflection on the gift of grace in his own life. Recently married, he reminisces about his marriage and honeymoon trip, which was a beautiful gift from God. Through these experiences, he was able to tangibly witness God’s grace pouring out upon him. This gift not only brought immense joy but also served as a reminder of the unmerited favor that God bestows upon us.
The Gift of Salvation and Grace
Do you ever find yourself desiring to repay the gift of salvation? It’s a natural response when we receive something so precious and life-changing. However, Pastor Geoff reminds us that salvation is not something to be earned or repaid. It is a gift freely given by a loving God, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our salvation is a result of God’s immeasurable love and grace, which we can never earn through our own efforts.
The Debate Within the Church
Throughout history, there has been an ongoing debate on the role of faith versus works in relation to salvation. Pastor Geoff highlights the testimonies of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas to shed light on this subject. They all experienced firsthand the overflowing grace of God extending even to the Gentiles, those who were traditionally outside of God’s chosen people. This revelation challenged the prevailing notion that salvation was exclusively for the Jewish people, sparking a debate within the early church.
Signs and Wonders
One of the key aspects of Jesus’ ministry was the many signs and wonders He performed. These miracles served as a profound validation of His message and identity as the Son of God. They were tangible expressions of the grace and power of God working through Him. Similarly, Pastor Geoff highlights how the faith of the Gentiles was further affirmed by the signs and wonders they experienced. Miracles were not exclusive to the Jewish people but were accessible to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ.
James Speaks at the Jerusalem Council
As the debate within the early church intensified, James, the brother of Jesus, played a pivotal role in the discussion. He spoke at the Jerusalem Council, addressing the controversy surrounding the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith. James referred to the support of the Old Testament prophets, who foresaw the Gentiles’ acceptance into the family of God. This revelation brought unity within the church and affirmed the inclusion of the Gentiles in what was previously seen as a predominantly Jewish movement.
Gentiles Accepted Through Faith
The invitation of many nations to become part of the church was a radical concept. It challenged the traditional boundaries and opened the doors for people from all walks of life to experience God’s grace. In his message, Pastor Geoff shares the testimonies of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas, who witnessed signs and wonders among the Gentiles. These miraculous occurrences were evidence of God’s intention to extend His grace and acceptance to all, regardless of their background or heritage.
The Council’s Decision
After much debate and deliberation, the Jerusalem Council reached a decision regarding the Gentiles’ inclusion in the church. They concluded that the Gentiles should not be burdened by the Mosaic Law or circumcision, as these were external requirements that did not bear any weight when it came to salvation through Christ. However, out of love and consideration for the unity of the church, the Council requested that the Gentile believers abstain from certain practices that could be stumbling blocks or cause division among the Jewish believers.
It is essential to note that the Holy Spirit played a pivotal role in guiding the Council’s decision-making process. The desire for unity and the leading of the Holy Spirit were at the forefront of this decision, as they sought to create an environment where both Jewish and Gentile believers could worship and serve together as one body.
To communicate this decision effectively, a letter was sent to the Gentile believers, affirming their acceptance into the family of God and providing guidance on the specific practices they were asked to abstain from. This letter served as a means of fostering unity and ensuring that the Gentiles understood the significance of their inclusion in the growing Christian community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pastor Geoff emphasizes the importance of unity in the church. Our salvation is not based on our works, but rather on our faith in Jesus Christ alone. God’s grace is more than enough to save us and bring us into His family. As we reflect on the debate within the early church, we are reminded that God’s grace knows no boundaries and extends to all who believe in Him. Let us celebrate this unity and continue to share the good news of God’s grace with the world around us. Remember, His grace is more than enough!