This Sunday we will dig deeper into the great love that the Apostle Paul had for the Church and for all the saints. In Chapter 2 of his letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages the saints of God to live in unity with peace and joy, and to live with humility as "One in Christ" in His Kingdom.
Paul’s purpose was to instruct and encourage the Church to have the mindset of Christ that brings Peace and Joy to the world. This mindset of love and humility is described as “He, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped."
We read in verses 1-2, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Paul wanted the Church (everyone) to be humble of heart and to seek God, not only for their own interests, but also for the interests of others.
God bless you today and always!
One IN CHRIST (9AM)
June 27, 2021 • Alex Rule • Philippians 1:27—2:11
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.