My Story is His Story

These are the notes from the first, and so far only, sermon I ever preached to the whole Church. If you would like to hear it just   click here.

When I told people at work that I was going to be preaching, they asked me if I was nervous. I said, "no I don't think so". The typical response was, "I think that I'd be nervous". And I said, "we'll see what happens." Well today's the day; tell me Gloria, are you nervous?

I don't have a lot of time for opening statements. I have about 30 minutes to tell a story that has been in the writing for 50 years.

I am Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Ro 1: 14-17 Because My Story is His Story

BECAUSE:

  • I was headed the wrong way

    • without purpose

    • without ambition

    • without hope

  • He always stayed within reach

    • He gave me a conscience

    • He gave me parents who expected good

    • He sent me messengers

  • He has given me birth into a new life

    • He accepted me as is

    • He taught me how to love unconditionally

    • He has given me purpose and hope


I want to use my story to tell His Story

Let me tell you a little about myself

  • No religious training

  • Never thought about God

  • First time I chose to go to Church

  • I was not a religious person


But I still understood Sin

  • Without anyone telling me I knew that sex outside of marriage was wrong; even though I had been taught nothing about sin.

  • I knew that drugs were wrong and bad for me.

  • I was always respectful of authorities (to their faces)

Ro 1: 16-32

Ro 2: 11-15

As soon as I had opportunity I was willing to do wrong

  • 18 began drinking

  • 19 started marijuana

  • 20 first sex

  • Next 6 yrs of depravities

    • bouts of depression

    • thoughts of suicide

    • job hopping

    • lying

    • stealing

    • selling drugs


I had violated many of the laws of God simply by hardening my heart towards my conscience.


Began to wonder about GOD

  • About 20 yrs old began to wonder about God,

"there must have been a God because there is no other explanation. But God must be dead because He would not want this to be going on."

  • Invited to BT on Mother's Day 1984

  • 25 I heard that Jesus was the Son of God

  • I began to study the Bible intently



What did I learn??

  • Romans 3:21-24 -- all have sinned

  • Romans 6:19-23 -- the wages of sin are death

  • Romans 1:28-31 -- sin has no degree

  • Romans 5:6-8 -- God loves me in spite of my sin

  • Romans 5:9-11 -- Jesus-the son of God- paid the price for my sin

  • Romans 4:23- 5:1 -- By believing in the gospel

  • Romans 6:8-12 -- By repenting because I believe

  • Romans 6:1-7 -- By being baptized following repentance because I believe

  • Acts 2:36-41 -- Those who accept the massage will be baptized



The Challenge!!!!


  • If you are a baptized disciple - we know that the call is to our bodies and minds free from sin. Be assured of this, Jesus knows you and empowers you to gain victory in your life. But, we all need help. Get together with someone you trust and pray over your lives for grace and strength.

  • If you have not been baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, please, talk to the one who invited you, or the person next to you. Ask for help.

  • I know that some are struggling with some things I've said this morning. What are you going to do with the thoughts of your heart? It will never hurt anyone to sit down and study the Bible with another person. Come to resolve; prove me wrong; let's study together.