Hey there! Good morning and welcome to Refuge Calvary Chapel. We’re so glad you could join us for this Sunday morning service. Today, we have an incredible video titled “We Can’t Stop Now” from our Sunday morning service on June 25, 2023, taught by Pastor Bill Welsh. This video is part of our ongoing series called “Acts: Faith in Action,” and it’s actually the 21st installment! In this video, Pastor Bill Welsh dives into Acts 13:13-52, discussing the actions taken by Paul and his party as they sailed to different regions. The video is filled with powerful messages about crying out, finding strength in God, worshiping and praising Him, and spreading the gospel. Throughout the video, Pastor Bill also shares personal experiences, announces upcoming events and activities, and encourages the congregation to invite others to join the faith. The message of the Gospel is amply emphasized, giving hope and offering the promise of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus. So get ready to be inspired and uplifted as you watch this amazing video!
Background and Context
Welcome to this Sunday morning service! We are thrilled to have you here with us today as we come together to worship and praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Before we dive into the service, let’s take a moment to understand the background and context of our gathering.
As believers, we come together to seek spiritual nourishment, guidance, and fellowship. Our gathering is rooted in the rich history and traditions of the Christian faith, which spans over two thousand years. We gather in unity, lifting our hearts and voices to God as a community of believers.
Overview of the Service
Our Sunday morning service is designed to provide spiritual inspiration, encouragement, and teaching. It is a time when we can come together to worship as one body, celebrate the goodness of God, and grow deeper in our faith. Throughout the service, we will engage in various activities, including singing hymns, listening to sermons, praying together, and reading from the Bible.
The Bible Texts
The core of our service lies in the reading and studying of the Holy Scriptures. Each week, we carefully select passages from the Bible that are relevant to our theme and that speak to the current needs and concerns of our congregation. Today, we will be focusing on Acts Chapter 13, a significant chapter that highlights Paul’s missionary journey and the impact of spreading the Gospel.
Call to Worship and Praise
Before we begin our service, let us take a moment to enter into a spirit of worship and praise. Through uplifting songs and heartfelt prayers, we invite you to join us in expressing our gratitude and adoration to God. Together, we will exalt His name, acknowledging His greatness, and surrendering ourselves to His will.
Upcoming Events and Activities
As a vibrant and active congregation, we have several exciting upcoming events and activities that we would like to share with you. Whether you enjoy community service, Bible study groups, or social gatherings, there is something for everyone. Stay tuned to our announcements section for more details on these events.
Personal Experiences and Praises
At this point in our service, we want to hear from you! We invite members of our congregation to come forward and share testimonies of how God has been working in their lives. It is truly inspiring to hear personal experiences of how faith has transformed lives, brought healing, and provided strength. We encourage you to reflect on your own journey and consider sharing your story of God’s goodness with the rest of the congregation.
Inviting Others to the Faith
As believers, we are called to share the Good News with others and invite them into the faith. Today, we want to encourage each and every one of you to embrace this calling and take the opportunity to invite others to church. Whether it’s a coworker, a neighbor, or a family member, extending an invitation can be a powerful act of love and kindness. Let’s spread the love of Christ and make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Upcoming Meeting for Israel Tour
For those who are interested in learning more about the upcoming Israel Tour, we have an important meeting scheduled after the service. This will be a chance to hear more details about the trip, ask any questions you may have, and register if you decide to join us. We believe that this journey will deepen your understanding of the Bible and allow you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Special Musical Guest for Wednesday Night Service
We are thrilled to announce that we will have a special musical guest for our Wednesday night service. This talented artist will lead us in a night of worship through their beautiful melodies and powerful lyrics. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for an evening of heartfelt praise and worship.
Study on Acts and Faith in Action
Our church is committed to equipping believers with a deep understanding of the Word of God and empowering them to live out their faith in action. In our ongoing study of the book of Acts, we have been exploring the early church’s journey, the challenges they faced, and the abundant faith that drove them forward. Today, we will focus on Acts Chapter 13 and delve into the transformative power of faith in action.
Summary of Acts Chapter 13
In Acts Chapter 13, we witness the beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey. Accompanied by Barnabas and John Mark, Paul embarks on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, ultimately leading to the spreading of the Gospel across the Roman Empire.
Paul and His Party’s Journey
The journey begins in Antioch, where Paul and his fellow missionaries are set apart by the Holy Spirit for the work they are about to undertake. Filled with zeal and passion, they set sail to the island of Cyprus, proclaiming the Word of God in various synagogues along the way.
Leaders and Teachers in the Church
As they travel, Paul and his party encounter leaders and teachers in the church, who provide them with opportunities to share the Gospel and minister to the people. These encounters not only strengthen their faith but also serve as a reminder of the diversity within the body of Christ.
Reason for Sending Barnabas and Saul
The sending of Barnabas and Saul serves as a crucial turning point in the early church’s mission to spread the Gospel. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church leaders recognize the unique calling and gifting of these two individuals and commission them to go forth and reach the Gentiles.
Departure of John Mark
Unfortunately, not all journeys are without challenges. At one point, we see John Mark departing from Paul and Barnabas, leaving them to continue their mission without him. This serves as a reminder that the path of faith is not always easy, and perseverance is required to fulfill God’s calling.
Ministry in Cyprus
As Paul and Barnabas continue their journey, they encounter a sorcerer named Elymas, who seeks to oppose and hinder their message. In a display of great faith and spiritual discernment, Paul confronts Elymas, and he is struck blind, leading the proconsul to believe in the Gospel.
A Door Opens in Antioch, Galatia
Leaving Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas arrive in Antioch in Galatia, where they are warmly received by the people. The Word of God spreads rapidly, and the Gentiles show great interest in hearing more about Jesus and the salvation He offers.
Paul’s Summary of Israel’s History
In his message to the people of Antioch, Paul provides a summary of Israel’s history, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. This historical context serves as a foundation for understanding the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Focus on Jesus and the Gospel
Throughout their ministry, Paul and Barnabas consistently shift the focus away from themselves and onto Jesus and the Gospel. Their message centers on the transformative power of faith in Christ and the hope and salvation available to all who believe.
Sharing the Message with the People
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas boldly proclaim the message of salvation to the people. Many respond with joy and faith, while others reject the message and respond with opposition. Regardless of the response, Paul and Barnabas continue to press forward, knowing that their mission is to reach as many people as possible with God’s love and redemption.
People’s Response to the Message
As we reflect on the people’s response to the Gospel message in Acts Chapter 13, we are reminded of the diverse range of reactions that can arise when confronted with the truth of God’s Word. Some individuals respond with great enthusiasm and belief, while others react with skepticism or hostility. This diversity highlights the importance of continuing to share the Gospel and praying for the hearts of those who have not yet embraced it.
Opposition and Persecution
In their ministry, Paul and Barnabas encounter opposition and persecution from those who feel threatened by the message of salvation. Yet, they continue to persevere, trusting in the power of God to protect and guide them. Their example serves as a reminder that standing firm in the face of adversity is not only necessary but can also lead to the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Moving on to Iconium
Despite the challenges faced in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas press on and proceed to Iconium, where they encounter both believers and unbelievers. Their time in Iconium is marked by a combination of fruitful ministry and resistance, a pattern that often arises when sharing the Gospel with a diverse audience.
Inspiration from Harriet Tubman
As we navigate the journey of faith, we can draw inspiration from the life of Harriet Tubman. Just as she led many to freedom through the Underground Railroad, we too can be agents of change, helping others find freedom in Christ. Let us be inspired by her bravery, perseverance, and unwavering faith as we seek to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Motivation to Reach More People
Paul’s unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel in the face of adversity can be a great motivation for us today. His example challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we can be more intentional in sharing our faith with others. Let us be inspired to step out of our comfort zones, overcome fear, and reach out to those who have not yet experienced the life-transforming power of Jesus.
Speaker’s Personal Reflection
Before we conclude our service, I want to take a moment to share a personal reflection on the message that has been shared today. As I read and reflect on Acts Chapter 13, I am reminded of the importance of being obedient to God’s call and trusting in His faithfulness. It is through our obedience and submission to His will that we can truly make an impact and fulfill our purpose in this world.
Prayer for Those Who Don’t Know Jesus
Now, let us bow our heads and join together in prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before you today with hearts full of love and compassion for those who do not yet know you. We lift up our friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors who have not yet experienced the transformative power of your love. We pray that you would open their hearts and minds to receive your salvation and grace. Give us the courage and wisdom to share your Gospel message with them, that they may come to know you and experience the abundant life that only you can provide.
Prayer for Congregation
Dear Lord, we thank you for this beautiful congregation that gathers here today. We pray for unity, love, and support among our members. Strengthen the bonds of fellowship and help us to be a shining light in our community. Bless each person in attendance today with your abundant grace, healing, and provision. May we continue to grow in our faith and be a testament to your love and faithfulness.
Prayer for Life to be Used for God’s Kingdom
Heavenly Father, we surrender our lives and our talents to you. Use us for your glory and kingdom purposes. Guide our footsteps and open doors of opportunity for us to impact the lives of others. Help us to be faithful stewards of the gifts you have entrusted to us and empower us to boldly share the message of salvation. We pray that our lives would be a sweet fragrance unto you, drawing others closer to your love.
Prayer for Empowerment and Resources
Lord, we ask for your divine empowerment and provision as we seek to fulfill your calling in our lives. Equip us with the resources, knowledge, and wisdom necessary to spread your Gospel message to the ends of the earth. We trust that you will provide all that we need for the task at hand and that you will supply the means to accomplish your purposes. May we be faithful and obedient in our stewardship of the resources you have given us.
Prayer for Surrendering to God’s Will
Finally, Heavenly Father, we surrender our plans, desires, and agendas to you. Help us to align our hearts with your perfect will and to be obedient to your leading. Give us the strength and humility to lay down our own ambitions and to fully trust in your guidance. May your will be done in every area of our lives, and may we find peace in surrendering to your loving and sovereign authority.
Reminder to Attend Beach Service
Before we conclude, we want to remind everyone of our upcoming beach service next Sunday. We invite you to join us for a time of worship, fellowship, and fun at our local beach. Bring your family, friends, and a picnic basket as we gather together to celebrate God’s goodness in the beauty of nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we are grateful for your presence at this Sunday morning service. We hope that you have been inspired, encouraged, and equipped to live out your faith in a tangible way. As we go our separate ways, let us carry the message of God’s love and salvation with us, shining as beacons of hope in a world that desperately needs it. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always. Amen.
Closing Remarks
Thank you again for joining us today. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and activities. As you go forth into the week ahead, may you be filled with the love and joy of the Lord and may your faith be a light that guides your steps. God bless you, and may you continue to grow in your journey with Christ.