“Where love is the compelling power, there is no sense of strain or conflict or bondage in doing what is right: the man or woman who is compelled by Jesus’ love and empowered by his Spirit does the will of God from the heart.”
– F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free
This week, on Sunday, January 29th, we continue in our series, “From Joy, For Joy // Gospel Mission.” Our sermon title is “Gospel Transformation,” and the text is from Acts 9: the conversion of Paul the Apostle. We invite you to look over this excerpt from our bulletin as we prepare our hearts to worship on Sunday.
Sermon: Gospel Transformation
First Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:24-29
Second Scripture Reading: Acts 9:1-19
A Prayer for Today:
“O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 1662 –The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany)
Song to Learn: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”
Reflect:
“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.”
– John Newton, former slave trader and author of Amazing Grace
“He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
– Jesus, speaking of the Apostle Paul, Acts 9:15-16