From Zero to Apostle: The Redemption Story Hollywood’s Too Afraid to Touch.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey everyone, welcome! It’s always a joy to gather together, to share in fellowship, and to learn more about God’s amazing love for us. We’re here to support each other, encourage one another, and grow deeper in our faith journey together. We’re so glad you could make it today!
Church Announcements
- Sunday School: Don’t forget, Sunday School classes for all ages start 15 minutes after service.
- Bible Study Group: Our weekly Bible study group meets every Wednesday evening at 7 PM in the fellowship hall. All are welcome!
- Volunteer Opportunity: We’re looking for volunteers to help with our upcoming community outreach event.
- Newcomers Lunch: If you’re new to our church, please join us for lunch after the service. We’d love to get to know you!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let us now focus our hearts and minds on God, reflecting on the words of 1 Timothy 1:12-17. This passage reminds us of God’s incredible grace and His power to transform even the most unlikely people. Let’s prepare our hearts to receive His message of hope and forgiveness.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, we come before you today with thankful hearts, grateful for your love and grace. Open our minds to understand your Word and our hearts to receive your Spirit. Help us to grow closer to you, to live out our faith in practical ways, and to be a light to the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Let’s lift our voices together in praise and worship, celebrating the wonderful gift of salvation and the amazing love of God! Our worship team has prepared a selection of songs that will lead us in expressing our gratitude and adoration. As we sing, let our hearts be filled with joy and our spirits be lifted up to God.
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’re going to delve into the first letter to Timothy, chapter 1, verses 12 through 17. In this passage, Paul shares his personal testimony, reflecting on his past as a persecutor of Christians and his transformation through God’s grace. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God’s reach and that He can use anyone for His purpose.
The Events
Paul, a former persecutor of Christians, reflects on how Christ Jesus has strengthened him, appointing him to His service. He acknowledges his past actions but emphasizes the grace and mercy he received, highlighting that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Paul concludes by offering praise and glory to God, the eternal King.
1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NIV)
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Let us now bow our heads and lift our hearts to God in prayer, interceding for one another and for the needs of our world.
Intercessory Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the amazing grace you have shown us, just as you showed grace to Paul. We lift up those in our community who are struggling with feelings of unworthiness or guilt. Remind them of your forgiveness and your unconditional love. Help them to see themselves as you see them – as precious children whom you long to embrace. We also pray for those who are persecuting others, that they may have a change of heart and come to know your saving grace.
Congregational Prayer Response
Lord, we thank you for your mercy. May we honor and glorify you forever and ever. Amen. (Based on 1 Timothy 1:17)
Section 7. Offering
As we give our tithes and offerings today, let us remember that it is an act of worship and a way to express our gratitude to God. Your generosity enables us to continue our ministry and to reach out to those in need.
Prayer of Thanks
Gracious God, we thank you for your provision and for the opportunity to give back to you a portion of what you have blessed us with. May these gifts be used to further your kingdom, to spread your love, and to make a positive impact in our community and beyond. We offer these tithes and offerings in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Now, let’s quiet our hearts and prepare to receive the message through a special musical selection that will help us reflect on the transforming power of God’s grace.
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Bible Study Time! The Sinner You Thought Was Beyond Saving? (Discover the Shocking Truth in 1 Timothy 1:12-17)
Hey Friends,
Have you ever felt like you’ve made too many mistakes? Like you’ve gone too far down the wrong path to ever truly be used by God? I think we all wrestle with those feelings at times.
I remember when I first started out in ministry… (Insert a short, relatable personal anecdote about a time you felt inadequate or made a mistake).
The Apostle Paul? He gets it. Before he became a leader in the church, he was actively persecuting Christians. He was a blasphemer, a violent man. Seriously, he was the guy you’d expect to be the least likely to be chosen by God.
But look at what Paul himself said, “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:13)
That’s the heart of this passage. It’s about God’s boundless grace, His willingness to forgive, and His power to transform even the most unlikely people. Paul went from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the greatest apostles in history. That’s powerful stuff.
What mistakes are holding you back? What doubts are whispering that you’re not good enough? Let’s explore this together and uncover the amazing truth that God can use anyone who is willing to surrender to Him…
Friends, it fills my heart with joy to know that every word in these sermons has been crafted with deep love for God and a burning desire to inspire His people! You’ve already felt that genuine welcome – the same warmth and sincerity I pour into every message. That Expository Outline we use? It’s specifically designed to unlock God’s Word with crystal-clear understanding and a powerful, life-changing purpose.
Now, imagine the impact of sharing this transformative message with your congregation! Picture their hearts being deeply stirred as they hear God’s Word brought to life with fresh insights and understanding! Think about the renewed hope, the deepened faith, and the vibrant spiritual growth that will take root as a result.
Look, I understand the demands of ministry. That’s exactly why I’m passionate about providing you with the best resources possible to help you make a real difference. Your support—whether through a single purchase or through a monthly membership—is what keeps this ministry thriving and enables us to continually create new resources designed to empower your calling.
If you feel that this Bible Study will genuinely help you connect more deeply with your congregation and inspire them to grow in their faith, I’d be so grateful for your support! We’re offering this valuable Bible Study Tie-In for just $4.99 as a way to say “thank you” and to empower you to transform lives in your community.
Click the link below to purchase this incredible resource, or tap that “Membership” button in the menu for a FREE 7-day trial! Inside, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of sermons, ready to download, print, and use in your ministry. It’s all there for you.
May the grace of Jesus surround you and your family in this special time in our lives.
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