Hi FBC Friends!
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:14-16)
I read Philippians 2 today, and of course that entire chapter is fantastic! Verses 1-11 include some of my favorite truths in all of the Bible. But I believe I was led by the Lord to meditate today on verses 14-16. I am especially intrigued by the phrase, “among whom you shine as lights in the world,” (v. 15) as it relates to what I’ll be talking about Sunday. And I have been really enjoying notes from the Gospel Transformation Bible as I do my Bible reading this year. Here is what it says about verses 12-18 of Phil. 2:
“Paul does not pretend that working out the implications of the gospel into a lifestyle of practical humility is easy (v. 12-13). But it is necessary. When we apply the gospel to ourselves with the radical humility of Christ, we stand out in the world as lights for Christ (v. 14-16). The application of the gospel is tremendously difficult work. It requires working out our salvation ‘with fear and trembling’ (v. 12), all the while trusting God to do the work of the gospel in us (v. 13). Meanwhile, we live with a luminous joy, free of grumbling and complaining (v. 14).
Paul’s own life follows the pattern of Christ’s humble sacrifice as he faces the prospect of being ‘poured out as a drink offering’ (v. 17). Rather than dread this possibility, Paul is glad and rejoices and wants the Philippians to rejoice also (v. 17-18).
As followers of Christ, we cannot expect our path to be one of ease. Salvation by grace is totally free, but that does not mean there is no personal cost (Luke 14:28). God is at work, but there is strenuous work for us to do as well. And yet the strain of living for Christ cannot eclipse our joy. Jesus’ sacrifice was done in joy, without complaining, and we likewise are welcomed in the glad service of Christ and others. The gospel that calls us to sacrifice also calls us to rejoice. The redemption into which we have been swept up is too great to be tepid about. What a gospel this is! Reflecting on God’s grace to us, the very ‘children of God’ (Phil. 2:15), our hearts are softened once more.” (The Gospel Transformation Bible)
Powerful truths! I hope it blesses, encourages, and challenges you, as it does me.
New Member Candidates: We were blessed this past Sunday with a membership class with ten potential new members! In the weeks ahead, the elders will be interviewing them and hearing their testimonies, and we hope to be ready to vote on them becoming new members at our Annual Business Meeting we are planning for December 13th. Please be in prayer for, and take the time to get to know better the following: Will & Lisa Copeland, Nick & Erika Droback, Brian & Kristie Glaser, Wilma Holden, Jess & Fern Martin, and Suzy Parker.
Trunk-or-Treat: Only 23 days left! Our goal is 500 lbs of candy and 40+ vehicles! We are off to a good start but still have a ways to go. This is a great opportunity for us as a church family to “shine as lights in the world!” It gives us a chance to serve our community in a tangible way, a safe place for kids to load up on candy without the dangers of walking the streets, an opportunity to meet new people and share the love and joy of Christ with them, and a chance to share information about our church with them. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Beach. She would be more than happy to give you ideas for “dressing up” your car, truck, boat, quad, motorcycle, tractor, tank, or fire truck!
Associate Pastor of Youth & Family Search Team: We are grateful for a great group of people willing and enthusiastic about serving on this Search Task Team. We’d like to ask you to pray for the members of the team, and of course for God’s guidance and direction as we seek His will for this pastoral staff position for FBC. We hope to pray for them in the service Sunday, but you can even start now if you’d like! They are: Myself, Judy Christophersen, Dave Ezell, Kristie Glaser, Terry McCoy, Laura Stoneberg, Doris Trimble, and Randy Waldie. May the Lord be exalted throughout this process.
“The Lamb’s Bride” is the title of the message for this Sunday from Revelation 21:9-27. Please read that passage in preparation for our time of worship and study of the Word. What are you most looking forward to about our eternal home? Try to spend some time imagining what this glorious new city will be like!
Praying that we will shine as lights in the world,
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael