When God Gives You Travel Plans, Buckle Up, It’s Time for a Holy Road Trip! When Sea Voyages Were Slightly Less About Cocktails and Slightly More About Christ. The Original Airbnb, Now with 100% More Baptism!
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey there, family! Welcome to our church blog. I’m so glad you’ve joined us today as we dive into God’s Word together. You know, every time we gather like this, whether in person or online, it’s a beautiful reminder of how God brings us together as a community of believers.
Before we jump into our message, I’ve got some exciting updates to share with you:
- Community Outreach: This Saturday, we’re partnering with local shelters for our annual “Serve the City” event. Let’s show our neighbors the love of Christ!
- Youth Camp: Registration for our summer youth camp is now open. Parents, this is a great opportunity for your teens to grow in their faith and make lasting friendships.
- Bible Study Groups: Our small group Bible studies are starting a new series next week. If you haven’t joined one yet, now’s the perfect time!
Remember, you’re not just attending church; you’re part of a family. Let’s make the most of these opportunities to grow together!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s prepare our hearts for worship by reflecting on Acts 16:9-10:
“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
Just as Paul was called to Macedonia, God is calling us today to worship Him and to be ready to serve wherever He leads. Let’s respond to His call with open hearts and willing spirits.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts. Thank You for bringing us together today, whether we’re in the sanctuary or joining from home. Open our eyes to see Your vision for our lives, just as You did for Paul. Give us the courage to respond to Your call without hesitation. May our worship today be pleasing to You, and may it prepare us to be Your hands and feet in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Church family, it’s time to lift our voices in praise! As we sing together, let’s remember that worship isn’t just about the words we say or the songs we sing—it’s about offering our whole selves to God. Whether you’re a seasoned choir member or you think you can’t carry a tune in a bucket (trust me, I’ve been there!), God delights in our joyful noise. So let’s stand together and sing our hearts out to the One who gave us the greatest gift of all—His love.
Section 5. Scripture Reading – Acts 16:9-15
Today, we’re diving into a powerful passage from the book of Acts. It’s a story of God’s guidance, open doors, and hearts transformed by the Gospel. Let’s turn our Bibles to Acts 16:9-15:
9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Let us pray:
Lord, like Paul, make us attentive to Your voice and responsive to Your call. Give us the courage to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain. We pray for those in our community and around the world who are seeking Your truth. Open their hearts, just as You opened Lydia’s, to receive the message of Your love and grace.
Father, we ask for Your guidance in our lives. Help us to recognize the “Macedonias” in our own world—the places and people that need Your light. Make us bold in sharing Your love, and give us discernment to know where and how to serve.
We also lift up those in our congregation who are facing challenges. Comfort the grieving, heal the sick, provide for those in financial need, and bring hope to the discouraged. May Your presence be tangible in their lives.
Congregational Response: Lord, open our hearts to Your Word and our eyes to Your mission, just as You did for Lydia. Make us willing vessels of Your love and truth in our community and beyond. Amen.
Section 7. Offering
Family, as we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, let’s remember that this act is more than just dropping money in a plate or clicking a “donate” button. It’s a tangible expression of our trust in God and our commitment to His work in the world.
You know, when Paul traveled to Macedonia, he went in faith, trusting that God would provide for his needs. In the same way, when we give, we’re demonstrating our faith that God will provide for us and use our gifts to further His kingdom.
Our giving supports not just the practical needs of our church, but also our outreach efforts, our care for those in need, and our ability to share the Gospel—just like Paul did in Philippi. Every gift, no matter the size, is significant in God’s eyes when given with a willing and joyful heart.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your abundant blessings in our lives. As we give back a portion of what You’ve given us, we ask that You would multiply these gifts for Your purposes. Use them to spread Your love, to meet needs, and to draw hearts to You. Help us to be good stewards of all You’ve entrusted to us, always ready to respond to Your call, whether it’s to give, to go, or to serve. We offer these gifts as an act of worship, trusting in Your provision and goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember, friends, God loves a cheerful giver. So let’s give with joy, knowing that we’re participating in God’s work in the world!
Section 8. Special Music
Friends, as we prepare our hearts for the message, let’s take a moment to reflect on God’s goodness through music. Our worship team has prepared a special song that beautifully captures the spirit of today’s scripture. Let this melody remind us of God’s calling in our lives and His faithfulness in guiding our steps.
Free Bible Study: The Divine Encounter.
Unlock the Secret of Paul’s Macedonian Vision
A Tale of Obedience, Opportunity, and Open Hearts
Picture this: A man of God, sleeping soundly in the night, suddenly jolted awake by a vision so vivid it could only be divine. A Macedonian man, pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” This wasn’t just any dream – it was a celestial summons that would change the course of history.
Paul, our protagonist, didn’t hesitate. He gathered his companions and set sail, guided by an unseen hand towards an unknown destiny. Little did he know that this journey would lead to an encounter that would ripple through eternity.
As they arrived in Philippi, a Roman colony, Paul and his team didn’t wait for opportunity to knock. They sought it out, venturing beyond the city gates to a quiet riverside on the Sabbath. It was here, in this seemingly ordinary spot, that something extraordinary was about to unfold.
Enter Lydia – a successful businesswoman, a worshipper of God, and the key to unlocking a new chapter in the spread of the Gospel. As Paul spoke, the Lord Himself opened Lydia’s heart, and in that moment, the seeds of a new church were planted.
But here’s the kicker – this story isn’t just about Paul, or Lydia, or even the birth of the Philippian church. It’s about you, dear reader. It’s about the divine appointments waiting in your everyday life, the hearts God is preparing right now, and the role you’re called to play in His grand narrative.
The Irresistible Offer: Your Gateway to Deeper Understanding
Imagine having the keys to unlock this powerful passage, to dive deep into its riches and emerge transformed. What if you could:
- Discover the secret to hearing God’s voice clearly in your own life
- Learn how to recognize and seize divine opportunities
- Understand the art of sharing your faith naturally and effectively
- Develop the discernment to see God’s hand at work in everyday situations
This isn’t just another Bible study. It’s an invitation to step into the story, to walk alongside Paul and Lydia, and to experience the thrill of being used by God in extraordinary ways.
For just $4.99, you’ll receive a comprehensive sermon.
- Break down Acts 16:9-15 verse by verse, revealing hidden gems of wisdom
- Provide thought-provoking questions to deepen your understanding and application
- Offer practical exercises to help you put these timeless truths into practice
- Include bonus materials on prayer and evangelism inspired by Paul’s journey
Don’t miss this chance to revolutionize your faith and impact your world. Click below to embark on this life-changing journey today!
Buy Today’s Sermon Only: $4.99
Prayer: May the Lord of divine encounters bless you with eyes to see His opportunities, ears to hear His call, and a heart wide open to His transforming work in your life and the lives of those around you.
Paid Content Section 9. Sermon
Sermon Title: “Answering God’s Call: From Vision to Victory”
As we leave today, remember that God’s work doesn’t end when we walk out these doors. The lessons we’ve learned from Paul’s journey and Lydia’s open heart are meant to be lived out in our daily lives. So let’s go forth with expectation, ready to see how God will use us this week.
Don’t forget to grab a copy of this week’s study guide on your way out. It has some great questions for further reflection and practical steps to apply what we’ve learned. And if you’re new here or haven’t connected yet, please stop by the welcome desk. We’d love to get to know you better and help you find ways to get involved in our church community.
Have a blessed week, everyone! Let’s be attentive to God’s voice, responsive to His call, and open to the opportunities He places before us. See you next Sunday!
[As the congregation begins to disperse, the worship team softly plays instrumental music. The pastor moves to the back of the church to greet people as they leave. Church volunteers are available near the exits to answer questions and provide information about upcoming events and ministries.]
