A JOYFUL FINISH

Join your Calvary Chapel family this Sunday, February, at 10:00 a.m., in the main sanctuary or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com

), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we come together to exalt Jesus, build each other up in love, and be equipped to evangelize a lost world by concluding our study in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians (4:10-23).

Paul had walked with the Lord long enough to trust Him regardless of the circumstances, whether good or bad; he knew he would be okay. Now, as he sat in prison waiting for a hearing before Caesar Nero, he didn’t know if he would be released or executed. Still, despite the uncertainty, he was at peace.

Therefore, knowing that his time might be short, he wished to see his beloved church family in Philippi and share the same joy, peace, and contentment he had. He wrote that the contentment he possessed was not a natural response to trouble, trials, or tragedy. Instead, it comes from a deep and intimate knowledge of God's character. That knowledge can only come from a close, personal relationship with Him.

To demonstrate the importance of a close relationship with God, Paul told them that everything he faced, believed, and overcame came from the strength Christ gave him. It was more than just a feeling; it was a deep-seated belief that flowed through every part of his being.

This belief kept him from falling into despair, wrongly blaming God, or becoming bitter toward those who aimed to destroy him and his message. It was a steadfast, unwavering trust in His Savior, Lord, and Master, who had promised never to leave or forsake him.

So, Paul’s concluding message was to thank the church for their love and concern in sending Epaphroditus to check on him and to provide him with much-needed financial support. To let them know he knew their gift was sacrificial, that came not from their abundance but from a generous heart. And because of their love for God and Him, their gift was a sweet-smelling aroma to the Lord that not only was well pleasing to Him, but guaranteed them a great reward in heaven.

My prayer is that our church, filled with love for God and one another, will continue to uphold the unity of the Spirit and walk humbly before our Lord and Savior so that our ministries stay impactful. Therefore, our community will see and recognize that we love God and each other with all our hearts, minds, and strength.

In His Unfailing Love,

Pastor