God’s grace is so integral in our lives. It is at work all the time and the stories we could tell of it are endless. On Sunday, Jo Britus shared how God’s grace has been and is at work in her life.
Jo grew up in a Christian home with kind parents who always emphasized the importance of God in her life.
“Although I went to church every Sunday, and some days in-between, and I read my Bible several times a week, I didn’t understand the gospel. Nor did I understand that I needed to respond to it in some way.”
During her early years in high school Jo began to live for herself and became immersed in sin. She battled with an addiction to porn and found herself feeling alienated from Christ. She was only thinking of herself and what would make her feel good at that time.
“I was caught in a vicious cycle and addiction that pulled me further and further from the Lord. I couldn’t see it at the time and didn’t see it until much later, but this was an addiction and it was destroying me.”
Jo came to a point where the joy and fulfillment that she thought she was receiving from this began to fade away. She found herself feeling dead inside, empty and void. She felt there was no way that God could ever forgive her or still want a relationship with her after she had ignored Him and run away from Him for so long. But God in His loving kindness, used a discipleship program Jo was doing to teach her about His forgiveness and mercy. It was in this time that God sought Jo in her desperation and listened to her cries for help.
“God’s response to my sinful heart was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. He didn’t just say, ‘forget about her, look at all these horrible things she’s done against me,’ although that would have been justifiable. But he instead welcomed me with open arms as I cried out to him to forgive and save me.”
Jo encouraged the church with the reminder of just how powerful the gospel is and of the power of Christ to save us from our sins. Jesus is our Rescuer and Savior!
“When I was in my darkest place He pursued me. He nurtured me to health. He poured His grace upon me. He made me whole and now I want to live for Him. I want to draw nearer everyday and I want to share Him with others. Now it’s no longer I who live but Christ who lives within me. From beginning to the end He deserves all of the glory.”
Listen to Jo share her full story below.
The resurrection of Jesus is a big deal. Nothing is more central to the Christian faith. Since Jesus has been raised to life, what does it mean for us here and now? ALL are welcome! Be our guest Easter Sunday April 12th // 10a
A place where everyone can grow in their faith, ask hard questions and take time to explore the truths of who Jesus is and what it means for their lives today. Expect to meet some friendly people, feel free to dress casually (however you like), grab a complimentary cup of coffee or two, and when the service begins expect some music and a talk based on a selection from the Bible.
On October 4th after our Sunday morning gatherings, we’ll meet at North Shore Park for a picnic @12:30p. Look for a group set up near the play area. Bring a picnic lunch and anything else you may need (chair, blanket, towel, umbrellas, etc.).
We will be celebrating baptisms starting at 1:45p!
Invite friends and family to join too! See you then.
901 North Shore Dr. NE, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
Sunday February 10th we were blessed with another Local Story of grace from Susie Marcin. Susie is a woman with a heart totally in love with the Lord. She has a passion for God’s Word and always has scripture on the tip of her tongue. As she shared her initial testimony of how she came to faith, her story clearly displayed the love and power of Jesus Christ. Please listen to the podcast under the “Talks” section of our website to hear her share her entire story, or read below for a small excerpt.
“‘In tenderness He sought me, weary and sick with sin and on His shoulder brought me back to His fold again…’ These words, in short, are my story of grace. I was a lost sheep and for years, even in the deepest crevice of my sin, Jesus would come and whisper into my heart, ‘You are my lost sheep and I leave the 99 to come get that one.’ I can remember saying to the voice, literally, ‘I am not coming.’ Nevertheless, when I finally did cry out for His help, He rescued me and pulled me out of the deepest pit of destruction and set my feet on solid ground.”
God used a series of circumstances in Susies life that only He could to draw her to Himself. Through a psychological breakdown, which was paved with over 20 years of alcoholism and addiction, God brought Susie near to Him.
“By His grace and in His great love, God guided me to a place where I could see that there was no other answer but His Son Jesus Christ… If you have a loved one who is caught in the binds of addiction, do not lost hope. Pray that God’s grace will move them to the end of themselves and to a place where they will cry out, ‘God have mercy on me, a sinner.’ If He did it for me, He can do it for anyone. His grace is sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in weakness.”
Digital Prayer Gatherings | Wednesdays 7-8AM & Every second Tuesday 7-8PM
Now is the time (more than ever) to be a people shaped by EXPECTATION + DEPENDENCY, a people of prayer bringing desperate cries to the one who is present and active. I can’t help to wonder how God is going to use this to shape his church and reach people in our city with the hope of Jesus.
We will host Digital Prayer Gatherings via ZOOM.
Again, please download the video conferencing software ZOOM.
On Sunday, November 1st from 12:30-2:30p, we will have BELONG HERE w/Local. This is a class designed to welcome you to Local Church St. Pete and is a necessary step in the pursuit of membership. We’ll share our history, Core Desires and spend some time talking about the mission we’re on together. We’ll also help you find a House Group and a place to serve during our Sunday Gatherings.
BELONG HERE w/ Local takes place three times a year. Lunch will be provided and childcare will be available at no cost.
Click HERE to register!
Local Church St.Pete is a community of people who all have a story. We love sharing these stories as a testimony to God’s grace and glory working in our lives.
Josh Allen shared a powerful word with us about God’s amazing grace working in his life. “Grace is being born to a pastor to kickstart a life of faith…Grace was being protected from despair when my parents divorced at an early age…Grace was meeting Brooke [his wife]…Grace is reading the Bible for the first time…Grace is finally seeing the Bible as the whole story of God’s joy and delight in his people and his ferocious consumption with saving us from ourselves…Grace is three amazing children…Grace is allowing me to wallow in my sin long enough to finally, FINALLY, become disgusted by it…Grace is a sovereign king who says he delights in his people.”
Thank you Josh for encouraging us this morning and sharing the kindness and love of the Lord moving in your life! May we become more aware of God’s grace in our lives and ever be in awe by it.
Read entire story HERE!
These are the things we want to be all about.