Wednesday, June 30, 2010

14 March 2010 - ENCS

Before the ushers passed around the offering plate
We read 2 Corinthians 9, verses 6 and 8
Whether we sow much or little, so shall we reap
Give God blessings and His grace is ours to keep

It was the last in the "Most Wanted" Series
About Paul, Pastor Joshua shared his theories
Remember that Stephen's story did not end with his death
He asked God to forgive the stoners with his last breath

Per the first verse of Acts chapter eight
Saul approved of the stoning at the town gate
And as he said in Philippians 3 from verse five
To be passionate and obedient he did strive
Something in Saul's heart was wrong, said the Pastor
As Saul knew the Hebrew law but not the Master

Two things happened to change his heart
Thus allowing Paul to do his God-driven part

First was a genuine relationship with God in heaven
Like Moses in Psalm 103 verse seven
In Philippians 3 verses seven and eight
Paul talked of the change, it wasn't too late
To know Jesus, there is nothing greater
Whether you live in the north or on the equator
God kept Paul from going certain places
As other people needed to receive his graces
Throughout Acts Paul followed many a vision
One even resulted in him going to prison
Read Acts 16, verses twenty two to twenty four
Paul was beaten, flogged, jailed, and more

This leads to the second key trait, Paul's attitude
It became Christ-like, filled with gratitude
When he was jailed in Acts 16 : 25
Paul's worship was not just a way to survive
True faith is worshipping before a miracle does occur
Knowing the many good things that God has in store
And then in Acts 16 verse 26
On Paul and Silas all eyes did transfix
The earthquake came and all chains did unloose
But none of the people did vamoose
For when the jailor woke up and saw the scene
He was afraid of the trouble he would be in
The group used their blessings to bless the Roman
Who asked to be saved, as a result of the omen
For others we can do the same
If we share blessings in Jesus' name

After the sermon we sang Amazing Grace
And felt the power of Jesus' embrace

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