Have you ever received a personal letter in the mail but then forgot to open it until much later? You discover it under a pile of credit card offers. You open it and are instantly connected with the friend who wrote it. As the letter ends you feel refreshed, encouraged, ready for the struggles you know will come. You keep the letter in a safe place so that you can re-read it when times get tough.
Each Sunday from now through July, we turn our attention to a 2000 year old letter. It was written by a Christ follower named Paul, addressed to his friends in the city of Philippi (an important Roman outpost north of the Aegean sea between Athens and Istanbul). What sets this letter apart is Paul’s obvious affection and appreciation for his friends in this Christian community. In this letter Paul pours out his heart, his faith, his prayers, his priorities.
This morning we open this letter again, as we invite the Holy Spirit of God to meet us as we read, as we listen, asking Him for a deeper relationship with Him, a closer relationship with each other, and wider relationship with our community and world.
Confidence IN CHRIST (11AM)
June 6, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Philippians 1:1–11
Content IN CHRIST (11AM)
July 25, 2021 • Dennis Whitcher • Philippians 4:10–23
On this fourth Sunday in July, we conclude our study of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Previously we learned about being Confident in Christ, Living in Christ, One in Christ, Obedient in Christ, Righteousness in Christ, Transformed in Christ, Joy- Filled in Christ. Today's message is, "Content in Christ." With all of those ways of being "in Christ" how can one not be content in Christ?. Can you be unhappy and still be content without passive resignation that your situation "is what it is"? Growing in contentment is not about feelings, it’s about faith. It’s not about what we do, it’s about how we think. What we know, what we practice, and what we prioritize shows up very clearly in our attitude towards what we are going through. Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” and " And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Let's explore what Paul means by those versus.
Content IN CHRIST (9AM)
July 25, 2021 • Dennis Whitcher • Philippians 4:10–23
On this fourth Sunday in July, we conclude our study of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Previously we learned about being Confident in Christ, Living in Christ, One in Christ, Obedient in Christ, Righteousness in Christ, Transformed in Christ, Joy- Filled in Christ. Today's message is, "Content in Christ." With all of those ways of being "in Christ" how can one not be content in Christ?. Can you be unhappy and still be content without passive resignation that your situation "is what it is"? Growing in contentment is not about feelings, it’s about faith. It’s not about what we do, it’s about how we think. What we know, what we practice, and what we prioritize shows up very clearly in our attitude towards what we are going through. Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” and " And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Let's explore what Paul means by those versus.
Joy Filled IN CHRIST (11AM)
July 18, 2021
In our summer series studying Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi (a Roman colony in the first century located at the north end of the Aegean Sea) we’ve arrived at chapter four. Paul has such genuine affection for this community of Christians, “whom I love and long for …”. Even as conflict arises Paul encourages the two women named to find common agreement in Jesus. Many have made it their life pursuit to find the “perfect” church. They land at one church for a while but when conflict or difficulty arises they move to another. Those who look for the perfect church will always be disappointed. God’s intention for each of us, and for His Church, is that we grow in our love for Him, and our love for others. Going through conflict, working out disagreements, developing patience, learning more about grace and forgiveness, are ALL necessary ingredients for our growth and maturity. Commitment to each other is the beautiful soil that makes friendships, marriages, families, churches places where love grows. Our common focus is Jesus … our future is secure (our names mercifully are included in His book of life!) … our life together real, genuine, challenging, difficult, wonderful, and joy-filled. We rejoice and give thanks. We are not anxious people. We begin trusting God more and more and as we do we discover amazing PEACE. His peace … even in the midst of conflict.