Last Sunday at The Family Church here in Gainesville, our senior pastor, Philip Griffin, continued his series about the book of Philippians with its fifth installment, titled Joy in Salvation. The Bible passage of focus was Chapter 2, Verses 12-18, which you can read through the following link to Bible Gateway: [link]. Contained within it is the admonition that Paul, its author, gives believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling...something that is problematic with some readers. But Pastor Philip pointed out that "working out" carries the meaning of "bringing out", as if from a mine: see this as an exhortation to bring out the gold God has already given us...
How does one find joy in salvation? Pastor Philip listed five facets: come under God's authority, rely on God's power, trust in God's plan, reflect God's light, and count on God's joy. As for his authority, Bob Dylan once wrote "gotta serve somebody"...we will make something our authority regardless...choosing God builds a foundation that will never be washed away in storms. Philip reiterated that we are powerless in of ourselves to even obey God...we must rely on his power to empower us. Focusing on God to get us through difficult circumstances instead of grumbling about them will give us joy. As our pastor continued, living with fellow believers united in Christ will be reflected to the world and to his glory instead of conforming ourselves to a warped and crooked generation. And finally, God's joy will persevere with us through hard times if we stick with him (and remember to rely on him and not our own strength)...
It's all too easy for me to allow myself to be tripped up over the course of my day as little annoyances and setbacks present themselves as obstacles. Seeing the bigger picture and God's role in my life forces me to step back and put things in perspective. Pastor Philip's message was a timely one for this often hectic period in my life...
You can watch this message of Philip's on the church's YouTube video website...here's a link to it: [link]...The Family Church, at 2022 SW 122nd Street, holds its Sunday morning services at 9:30 and 11. Along with the weekly message are praise and worship music, fellowship, and opportunities for prayer and discipleship. The series continues next Sunday...
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