This Is My Story

A healthy church is overwhelmed by the grace of God. 1. The grace of God for the present: Service “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service…” — 1 Timothy 1:12 Serving God is a great privilege. “…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 2. The grace of God for the past: Salvation “…though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 1:13-14 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23 3. The grace of God for purpose: Mission “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” — 1 Timothy 1:15 “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” — 1 Timothy 1:16-17