Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome
Good morning, church family! I’m so glad you’re here today. Whether you’re joining us in person or online, you are deeply loved and welcomed. This morning, I want to remind you of a beautiful truth: God’s love is limitless, His power is immeasurable, and His plans for your life are beyond anything you could imagine. Today, we’ll be diving into a powerful passage of Scripture from Ephesians 3:14-21, where Paul prays that we would grasp the depth of God’s love.
As we worship and learn together, I pray that your heart will be encouraged and your faith strengthened. Let’s come expectantly before the Lord today, trusting Him to meet us right where we are!
Announcements
- Midweek Bible Study: Join us this Wednesday at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall as we continue our study on “The Life of Jesus.”
- Small Groups: It’s never too late to join a small group! Visit the Connection Center after service or check our website to find one near you.
- Volunteer Opportunities: We need volunteers for our Children’s Ministry and Hospitality Team. If you’d like to serve, sign up at the Welcome Desk.
- Community Outreach: Next Saturday, we’ll be partnering with the local food pantry to serve families in need. Come be the hands and feet of Jesus!
- Upcoming Event: Mark your calendars for our Worship Night on Friday, January 26th at 7 PM. Let’s gather as a church family to lift up the name of Jesus in praise.
Let’s stay connected and continue to grow in Christ together!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Scripture and Invitation
As we prepare our hearts to worship, let’s reflect on the words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:16-17:
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
Let’s open our hearts to the presence of God today. Whether we sing, pray, or listen, let every moment be an offering of worship to Him.
Responsive Reading
Leader: “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”
Congregation: “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
Let us stand and worship the One who is worthy!
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts. Thank You for bringing us together as a church family to worship You. Open our hearts to hear Your voice and to experience Your presence. Fill us with the knowledge of Your love, and remind us that we are rooted and grounded in Your grace. May every word spoken, every song sung, and every thought in our minds glorify You today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Introduction
Now is the time to lift our voices in praise! Our worship team will lead us in songs that remind us of God’s love, faithfulness, and power. Let’s sing together, knowing that as we worship, God’s Spirit moves among us. Whether we’re singing a familiar hymn or a new song, let every note be an expression of our love for Him.
Songs:
- “How Great Is Our God”
- “Reckless Love”
- “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”
Let’s worship with joy and thanksgiving!
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction to the Passage
Today, we’ll read from John 2:1-11, the account of Jesus’ first miracle—turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This passage shows us the power of Jesus and His compassion for the needs of others.
The Events of the Passage
In this story, we see Jesus’ divine authority revealed in a simple, yet miraculous way. When the wine ran out at the wedding, Jesus turned six stone jars of water into the finest wine. This miracle reminds us that Jesus cares about even the smallest details of our lives and that He is able to provide abundantly.
Scripture (NIV): John 2:1-11
1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there,
2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so,
9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside
10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Heavenly Father, we bow before You in awe of Your love. Just as Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:14-21, we ask that You strengthen us with Your Spirit so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. Help us grasp how wide and long and high and deep is Your love, so that we may be filled to the measure of all Your fullness.
Congregational Prayer Response
Lord, we declare together: “To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
Section 7. Offering
Message
Giving is an act of worship that flows from a grateful heart. When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God, and we trust Him to provide for all our needs. Let us give cheerfully and generously, knowing that our offerings make an eternal impact.
Prayer of Thanks
Lord, thank You for blessing us so richly. As we give our tithes and offerings, we honor You and acknowledge Your provision. Use these gifts to further Your kingdom and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music or Presentation
Introduction to Special Music
Our worship team has prepared a special song that reflects the message of today’s sermon. As you listen, let the words encourage your heart and draw you closer to the love of God.
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Paid Content Section 9. Sermon
Sermon Title: “Rooted and Established in Love”
Expository Sermon Outline
1. The Posture of Prayer (Ephesians 3:14-15)
Paul begins by humbly kneeling before the Father, acknowledging His sovereignty and the unity of His family in heaven and on earth. True prayer starts with humility and recognition of God’s authority.
2. Strengthened by the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16-17a)
Paul prays for inner strength through the Holy Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts. Our faith grows when we rely on God’s Spirit to empower us daily.
3. Grasping God’s Love (Ephesians 3:17b-19)
Paul describes the vastness of God’s love—its width, length, height, and depth. When we begin to understand His love, it transforms every area of our lives.
4. To Him Be the Glory (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Paul closes with a doxology, praising God who is able to do immeasurably more than we can imagine. When we give God the glory, we find joy in His greatness.
May this message inspire us to grow deeper in God’s love and share His hope with the world!
Section 9. Sermon
Sermon Title: “Rooted and Established in Love: The Journey of Discipleship and Growth”
Expository Sermon Outline
1. The Posture of Prayer (Ephesians 3:14-15)
Scripture:
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”
Explanation:
Paul begins this prayer with a posture of humility—kneeling before the Father. This is not simply a physical position but a spiritual one. Kneeling shows reverence, surrender, and dependency on God. Paul reminds us that God is the Creator and Father of all, uniting His people as one family. When we come before God in prayer, we acknowledge Him as the source of all life, power, and purpose.
Personal Thoughts:
When I read this verse, I’m reminded of the power of humility in our relationship with God. How often do we come to God with our own agendas, treating Him like a vending machine instead of our loving Father? Paul’s example challenges me to approach God with awe and dependence, recognizing that my strength and direction come from Him alone.
Personal Commentary:
Prayer is not about getting God to align with our plans; it’s about aligning our hearts with His. It’s a conversation that starts with humility, gratitude, and trust. When we recognize God as our Father, we can rest in the assurance that He knows us, loves us, and has good plans for us.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship:
As disciples of Christ, prayer is foundational to our walk with Him. Discipleship begins with a surrendered heart, one that kneels before God in acknowledgment of His lordship. True spiritual growth happens when we admit that we can’t grow or serve in our own strength—it’s all through Him.
Personal Reflection on Spiritual Growth:
Spiritual growth is nurtured in the soil of humility. When we kneel before God, we invite Him to shape us, teach us, and grow us. Growth starts when we surrender our pride and allow Him to lead.
Ask Yourself This Question:
Am I willing to kneel before the Father and humbly surrender my plans, my pride, and my preferences to His perfect will?
2. Strengthened by the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16-17a)
Scripture:
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
Explanation:
Paul prays for believers to be strengthened in their inner being through the power of the Holy Spirit. This strength is not physical but spiritual, enabling us to live with faith, endurance, and love. When Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, He becomes the center of our lives, guiding our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Personal Thoughts:
This verse resonates deeply with me because I’ve experienced seasons of weariness when I’ve needed God’s strength the most. The Holy Spirit has a way of renewing our hearts and empowering us to keep moving forward, even when life feels overwhelming. His strength transforms us from the inside out.
Personal Commentary:
God’s Spirit works in ways we often don’t see or understand. He strengthens us not just to survive but to thrive in our walk with Him. When we rely on His power instead of our own, we experience true peace and courage.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship:
As disciples, we must depend on the Spirit’s power daily. We can’t live out the teachings of Jesus, love others well, or persevere through challenges without His strength. Faith isn’t about striving harder; it’s about surrendering more fully to the Spirit’s work in us.
Personal Reflection on Spiritual Growth:
Spiritual growth happens when we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen and renew us. It’s a process of letting go of self-reliance and learning to trust His power. Growth requires faith—faith that God’s Spirit is always at work, even when we don’t see it.
Ask Yourself This Question:
Am I relying on my own strength or seeking the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and sustain me?
3. Grasping God’s Love (Ephesians 3:17b-19)
Scripture:
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Explanation:
Paul uses the imagery of being “rooted” and “established” in love, painting a picture of a tree with deep roots that draw strength and nourishment from the soil. God’s love is the foundation of our faith and the source of our growth. Paul’s prayer is that we would not just know about God’s love but experience it fully. This love is immeasurable—it surpasses knowledge and fills us completely.
Personal Thoughts:
When I think about God’s love, I’m amazed at how vast it is. There are times when I’ve doubted my worth or felt unworthy of love, but God’s love reminds me that my value comes from Him. His love is unchanging, unconditional, and boundless.
Personal Commentary:
God’s love is the anchor of our souls. When life feels shaky, when the storms of doubt and fear arise, His love holds us steady. It’s not something we earn—it’s something we receive. And it’s in receiving His love that we find true peace and purpose.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship:
Discipleship is a journey of learning to live in God’s love and to share that love with others. When we are rooted in His love, we grow in compassion, patience, and kindness. True discipleship flows from a deep understanding of His grace and love.
Personal Reflection on Spiritual Growth:
Spiritual growth means letting the love of Christ fill every part of our lives. It means living out of the abundance of His love and allowing it to transform our relationships, our attitudes, and our hearts.
Ask Yourself This Question:
Am I rooted and established in God’s love, and am I letting that love shape the way I live and grow?
4. To Him Be the Glory (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Scripture:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
Explanation:
Paul ends this prayer with a doxology, lifting our eyes to God’s greatness. God is able to do far more than we could ever imagine. His power is at work within us, enabling us to grow, serve, and glorify Him. All of this is for His glory, not ours. His glory is revealed through the church and through Christ, extending to every generation.
Personal Thoughts:
This passage fills me with hope and confidence. God’s power is limitless, and His plans for us are bigger than anything we can dream of. It’s a reminder that we serve a God who is not only able but willing to work in and through us for His glory.
Personal Commentary:
Our lives are meant to glorify God. Everything we do—whether big or small—can point to His greatness. When we live for His glory, we find true joy and fulfillment.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship:
Discipleship is about living a life that reflects God’s glory. It’s about pointing others to Him through our words, actions, and faith. When we live for His glory, we inspire others to seek Him and grow in their own faith.
Personal Reflection on Spiritual Growth:
Spiritual growth happens when we let go of our own agendas and seek to glorify God in every area of our lives. It’s about trusting His power to work in us and through us, knowing that His plans are always greater than our own.
Ask Yourself This Question:
Am I living for God’s glory, trusting Him to do more than I could ever ask or imagine?
Section 10. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Ephesians 3:14-21 is a call to grow deeper in our relationship with God. It reminds us to come before Him with humility, to depend on the Holy Spirit for strength, to be rooted in His love, and to live for His glory. As we move forward in our Christian lives, let us make prayer, faith, and love the foundation of everything we do.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love that surpasses knowledge. Help us to be rooted and established in that love, to trust in the power of Your Spirit, and to live for Your glory. Strengthen us to grow as disciples and to share Your love with the world. Do in us and through us more than we could ever ask or imagine. To You be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Section 11. Closing Hymn or Worship Song
Introduction
As we close, let’s stand together and worship one more time. Let this final song unite our hearts in adoration of the One who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.
Song Suggestion: “How Great Thou Art”
Section 12. Benediction
Benediction:
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His love root you, His Spirit strengthen you, and His power guide you. Go in peace, knowing that His grace is more than enough. Amen.
