WEBVTT 00:00:00.239 --> 00:00:02.399 Passage of Paul's letter to the Philippians. 00:00:03.359 --> 00:00:09.359 And as we saw last week, here we find Paul in a state of thanksgiving and joy. 00:00:10.880 --> 00:00:14.560 Because Paul was not writing to the Philippians in order to correct them. 00:00:15.439 --> 00:00:27.199 Instead, he writes a warm and encouraging letter to the church that he had planted years earlier, who are exemplifying the loving kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:28.559 --> 00:00:31.359 Let's read our text, and then we can break it down. 00:00:31.839 --> 00:00:34.880 This is Philippians chapter 1, verses 7 and 8. 00:00:35.840 --> 00:00:36.719 This is God's word. 00:00:39.039 --> 00:00:53.439 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 00:00:54.799 --> 00:01:01.119 For God is my witness how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 00:01:02.960 --> 00:01:14.879 Now these pass these verses come right in the middle of a larger passage, sort of a bridge between the exhortation of verses 3 to 6 and the prayer of verses 9 to 11. 00:01:16.079 --> 00:01:21.359 But this short passage stands on its own as a testament to Paul's joy. 00:01:22.879 --> 00:01:29.760 And tonight we will look at five elements of the joy for Paul felt towards the Philippian church. 00:01:31.840 --> 00:01:38.560 In the beginning of verse 7, we see our first element, which is the justification for Paul's joy. 00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:47.519 Verse 7 starts off by saying, indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you. 00:01:48.719 --> 00:01:50.959 So what way was Paul thinking? 00:01:52.319 --> 00:01:54.959 First, let's examine the word think. 00:01:56.159 --> 00:01:58.799 Some translations use the word feel. 00:01:59.280 --> 00:02:01.760 It is right for me to feel this way about you. 00:02:02.959 --> 00:02:08.639 Now the Greek word is phrenale, which Paul uses several times in this letter. 00:02:10.240 --> 00:02:18.960 And in the context of this verse, Paul is setting his affection on the Philippians because they are like-minded in their gospel work. 00:02:20.800 --> 00:02:33.439 If we go back to last week in verses 3 to 6, he is thankful for their faithful support, joyful for their partnership, and confident that God will complete his good work in them. 00:02:34.719 --> 00:02:42.400 And we could look ahead to next week, where he makes fervent prayer for their spiritual growth in verses 9 to 11. 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:51.120 This way of thinking is a clear sign of Paul's deep, unbreakable bond with the Philippian church. 00:02:54.080 --> 00:02:59.599 Another key phrase here is all of you, as in all of the Philippians. 00:03:00.400 --> 00:03:05.680 And he uses a form of this phrase ten times in the first eleven verses of the book. 00:03:07.120 --> 00:03:14.639 And unlike any of his other letters, he specifically calls out the overseers and the deacons as part of this group. 00:03:16.719 --> 00:03:21.439 And it is right for Paul to be justified in how he thinks about the Philippians. 00:03:22.159 --> 00:03:26.080 Make no mistake, Paul is delighted with them. 00:03:26.639 --> 00:03:34.560 And how could he not be, considering the evidence they have shown over all these years that they were indeed faithful in their support of him? 00:03:36.960 --> 00:03:41.680 And that brings us to our second element, the reason for Paul's joy. 00:03:43.039 --> 00:03:45.120 Let's go back to the beginning of verse 7. 00:03:46.719 --> 00:03:53.199 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart. 00:03:54.960 --> 00:04:02.319 Now, the word heart here does not refer to the physical organ, but is always used figuratively in Scripture. 00:04:04.159 --> 00:04:10.240 The heart is the center of the personality, and it controls the intellect, the emotions, and will. 00:04:12.080 --> 00:04:18.800 And the expression, I have you in my heart, signifies a strong bond between Paul and his church. 00:04:20.879 --> 00:04:30.399 Paul values these people not merely as acquaintances, but as family, not only for their financial support, but for their brotherly love. 00:04:31.360 --> 00:04:36.079 And this was the main point Paul was trying to make to them as he wrote this letter. 00:04:37.759 --> 00:04:40.399 The church at Philippi was special to Paul. 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:47.120 It was on his second missionary journey when he established it as the first Christian church in Europe. 00:04:48.720 --> 00:05:01.120 He had a profound affection and a tender concern for his church, stemming from consistent support, prayers, and financial giving, which demonstrated their love for him. 00:05:02.160 --> 00:05:08.560 Their unity in the faith made them a shining example of what a Christian community should look like. 00:05:10.800 --> 00:05:18.720 And this expression, I have you in my heart, could just as easily say, because you have me in your heart. 00:05:19.680 --> 00:05:26.800 It is true that the Philippians had a large place in their hearts for Paul, and the love between the two was reciprocal. 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:33.040 This should be the basis for all relationships in the Christian community. 00:05:34.079 --> 00:05:39.920 Our relationships should evoke sentiments that bind us beyond basic friendships. 00:05:41.199 --> 00:05:51.759 They should lead us closer to the heart of God and intensify our desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ with each other and the larger community. 00:05:53.600 --> 00:05:55.759 And this brings us to our third element. 00:05:57.040 --> 00:06:02.000 We saw the justification for Paul's joy and the reason for Paul's joy. 00:06:02.639 --> 00:06:05.920 And now we see the evidence of Paul's joy. 00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:08.240 Let's read verse 7 again. 00:06:10.480 --> 00:06:23.759 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 00:06:25.360 --> 00:06:29.759 The key evidence is that the Philippian church were true partners with Paul. 00:06:30.639 --> 00:06:32.160 Let's take a closer look. 00:06:32.319 --> 00:06:35.199 It says, partners with me in grace. 00:06:36.959 --> 00:06:45.120 The Greek definition of this phrase translates as being a co-participant in an enterprise or a matter of joint concern. 00:06:45.920 --> 00:06:48.879 In this case, it is the salvation of the lost. 00:06:50.639 --> 00:06:55.279 This stays in context with the reciprocal love between Paul and the Philippians. 00:06:55.920 --> 00:07:00.800 They are co-laborers, each having a necessary role that supports the other. 00:07:01.360 --> 00:07:04.240 And it is an active role, not a passive one. 00:07:06.079 --> 00:07:17.360 More specifically, in this context, the word grace would refer to the undeserved strength from God to carry on the work of the kingdom in the face of severe opposition. 00:07:18.959 --> 00:07:32.240 Grace is God's supernatural power to exert his holy influence upon souls, turning them to Christ, keeping them in Christ, strengthening them in Christ, and growing them in Christ's likeness. 00:07:33.519 --> 00:07:36.399 All of this demands the participation of the body. 00:07:37.279 --> 00:07:42.000 Paul could not do it alone, and physically, he was alone. 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:49.680 As we read in verse 7, he reminds them of something they already knew: that he was indeed in prison. 00:07:50.639 --> 00:07:56.079 It says, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 00:07:57.839 --> 00:08:02.319 Now, the book of Philippians is famously labeled as one of the prison epistles. 00:08:03.279 --> 00:08:08.800 Paul was under house arrest in Rome, chained to a Roman soldier, and unable to work. 00:08:09.920 --> 00:08:19.680 In order to pay his expenses, he relied on the support of the churches he planted, and the Philippians were first and foremost in their financial support. 00:08:21.360 --> 00:08:25.199 But it was their work of the kingdom that made the biggest impact. 00:08:26.079 --> 00:08:32.000 While he was able to receive visitors, his ability to share and defend the gospel was limited. 00:08:33.039 --> 00:08:37.840 And this is another area where the Philippian church raised their level of support. 00:08:39.279 --> 00:08:50.879 This bond of togetherness, particularly in hard times, is a strong theme throughout the letter, showing that Paul and the Philippians have a history of enduring trials together. 00:08:54.080 --> 00:09:00.720 The verse also speaks of the shared mission they have, defending and confirming the gospel message. 00:09:02.559 --> 00:09:07.519 This shows that their support extends beyond emotional and financial comfort. 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:10.799 The partnership is active and purposeful. 00:09:12.399 --> 00:09:24.559 This shared mission of spreading and defending the gospel creates a profound bond between believers, which, as we will see later in this passage, is rooted in the love and affection of Jesus Christ. 00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:32.480 Paul was out there as a missionary, evangelizing and planting churches, and he was in chains because of it. 00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:38.159 He needed help, he needed prayer, and he needed financial support. 00:09:38.559 --> 00:09:41.200 And the Philippians provided it joyfully. 00:09:42.480 --> 00:09:45.679 This hardship required them to stand together. 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:58.960 Brothers and sisters, as a church congregation, we are called to stand together with our pastors and the elders in this work, just as the Philippians were doing with Paul. 00:10:00.159 --> 00:10:04.159 Everyone's role in this spiritual family is crucial. 00:10:05.679 --> 00:10:14.399 True Christian fellowship requires active partnership, shared suffering, and mutual responsibility in advancing the gospel. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:21.919 Paul is stating through this verse that the Philippian church members were not mere spectators. 00:10:22.799 --> 00:10:29.919 They are full partners in grace who validate the gospel through their ongoing support and shared hardships. 00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:36.480 Now, in the ancient Roman world, imprisonment brought immense stigma and shame. 00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:46.960 But the Philippian church stood united with one another and with their imprisoned leader, refusing to distance themselves from hardship and persecution. 00:10:48.960 --> 00:10:51.840 And this is part of the grace we spoke of earlier. 00:10:53.600 --> 00:11:01.279 In verse 6, Paul expresses absolute confidence that God will complete the good work he started in the believers. 00:11:02.399 --> 00:11:10.399 And in verse 7, he gives us the reason for this confidence, their enduring affection and loyalty to the gospel mission. 00:11:11.840 --> 00:11:16.480 Their active partnership serves as the tangible proof of their salvation. 00:11:17.519 --> 00:11:21.919 The Philippians were sharing the gospel by speaking the truth and living it out. 00:11:22.960 --> 00:11:28.240 And this is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, who transforms their lives. 00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:30.639 Evidence that the gospel is true. 00:11:31.919 --> 00:11:40.639 And their reciprocal love implies a deep Christ-like bond that unifies the church across all circumstances. 00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:44.399 So, how does this affect Christians of today? 00:11:45.679 --> 00:11:48.559 Now there are several layers to this, so let's take them one at a time. 00:11:50.320 --> 00:11:54.720 Verse 5 tells us that the Philippians were partners in the gospel from day one. 00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:58.639 They did not distance themselves from Paul when he was arrested. 00:11:59.919 --> 00:12:02.320 And that could be a standard for us as a church. 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:08.159 In the past five to six years, we have gone through the cancel culture. 00:12:09.440 --> 00:12:16.799 Christians across America are falling into the trap of not wanting to offend, and it is silencing our witness. 00:12:18.639 --> 00:12:26.080 Believers are facing persecution for their faith, and this verse challenges us to support them rather than abandon them. 00:12:28.559 --> 00:12:33.360 Another thing to look at is that the Philippians were true partners with Paul. 00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:36.080 They were active in ministry with him. 00:12:36.320 --> 00:12:37.840 It was a joint effort. 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:43.679 Now, modern church culture often defaults to passive consumption. 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:47.519 It is a lot of listening, but not a lot of doing. 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:54.559 But this verse demands a personal investment of time, finances, and prayer into the local church. 00:12:57.120 --> 00:13:00.559 Paul also mentions the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:05.039 In today's age, we are dealing with a digital world. 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:09.840 False teachers are screaming out of our phones, and the influence is high. 00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:13.120 So we must have a higher level of defense. 00:13:14.399 --> 00:13:21.120 And in the same way, people view our social media pages and we wonder why they might call us hypocrites. 00:13:22.639 --> 00:13:25.279 Are we the same in the world as we are in the church? 00:13:26.799 --> 00:13:31.039 Our moral integrity must clearly confirm our love for Christ. 00:13:33.200 --> 00:13:38.240 And finally, our Christian calling does not change because our circumstances are difficult. 00:13:39.840 --> 00:13:45.360 Shared hardship creates deeper community bonds and grows our spiritual strength. 00:13:47.440 --> 00:13:48.720 So how do we do this? 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:51.519 How do we build relationships within our body? 00:13:53.360 --> 00:14:01.679 In verse 6, Paul is confident that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:06.320 So where does the power come from to build relationships in the church? 00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:19.440 Well, the God who began a good work in the Philippians and is sure to complete it is the same God who has begun a good work in us and will complete it by glorifying us when Jesus returns. 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:24.960 But while we wait for that, there are some practical steps that we can take. 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:32.639 Number one, when we serve others, we can shift from duty to affection. 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:36.720 Paul didn't just minister out of obligation. 00:14:37.440 --> 00:14:39.360 He actively loved his community. 00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:46.639 Is there a relationship where you are simply going through the motions or not 100% sincere? 00:14:48.080 --> 00:14:56.000 I invite you to intentionally pray for that person and shift your mindset from a call duty into genuine, affectionate care. 00:14:57.440 --> 00:15:02.000 Number two, we can stand with others in times of hardship. 00:15:03.919 --> 00:15:07.840 As we said earlier, the Philippians didn't abandon Paul when he was arrested. 00:15:08.559 --> 00:15:11.600 They publicly partnered with him despite the danger. 00:15:13.039 --> 00:15:17.200 So let us consider church leaders and members who are facing personal trials. 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:27.679 Reach out with support, such as a prayer, a meal, or financial assistance, proving that your loyalty does not decrease during their difficulties. 00:15:29.360 --> 00:15:34.000 And number three, represent God with both words and deeds. 00:15:35.279 --> 00:15:38.240 Paul mentions the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:45.279 How we speak and how we act will show the world the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:46.320 --> 00:15:53.120 Match your words with an honest lifestyle so your actions serve as a practical example of your message. 00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:58.960 So as you can see, our relationships within the body are important. 00:15:59.679 --> 00:16:02.799 They must be built on mutual love and support. 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:09.759 Being there for one another creates resilience and promotes growth in our spiritual journey. 00:16:10.799 --> 00:16:16.559 Let this be a call to action to nurture our relationships within our church community. 00:16:18.960 --> 00:16:24.559 And that brings us to our fourth element, and that's the validation of Paul's joy. 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:26.879 Let's read our passage again. 00:16:28.960 --> 00:16:42.399 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:43.759 Now, verse 8. 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:51.919 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 00:16:53.840 --> 00:16:55.759 For God is my witness. 00:16:57.039 --> 00:17:05.519 Now the definition of a witness is someone who has information or knowledge of something and therefore can bring it to light or confirm it. 00:17:06.559 --> 00:17:12.880 In this case, the witness is the omniscient God, the Lord of truth, the one who cannot lie. 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:16.960 In the courtroom of life, there is no better witness than God. 00:17:18.400 --> 00:17:24.079 Now, the phrase, for God is my witness, isn't an expression to be tossed around lightly. 00:17:25.359 --> 00:17:28.720 Paul speaks with a sense of accountability before God. 00:17:29.359 --> 00:17:33.599 This adds authenticity and sincerity to his proclamation of love. 00:17:34.960 --> 00:17:43.839 In the Bible, oats were often seen as solemn promises made before God, reflecting a person's commitment and integrity. 00:17:45.440 --> 00:17:54.240 Paul was so sure of his relationship with God and the integrity of what he was about to say that he points to God as being his witness. 00:17:56.000 --> 00:18:01.119 Paul is not being validated by man who is flawed and has a propensity to lie. 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:08.559 He is calling God to the witness stand to vouch for everything he feels and says about the Philippian people. 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:12.880 Because God knows the hearts of all of us. 00:18:13.599 --> 00:18:20.240 He consciously connects his feelings of love to God, asserting that they are genuine and heartfelt. 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:27.039 And because he is in prison, he is not able to have a personal connection or fellowship with them. 00:18:27.759 --> 00:18:31.039 He says, How deeply I miss all of you. 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:38.160 Now the repetition of the phrase, all of you, emphasizes that his love does not discriminate. 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:46.559 He cares for every member of the church, showing no favorites, which reflects the inclusive love of Christ. 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:56.079 He is not just addressing the leaders or prominent figures, he longs for the relationships built with everyone within the community. 00:18:57.839 --> 00:19:01.359 He is talking about Lydia, who held church in her house. 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:05.279 He's talking about the slave girl that he drove a demon out of. 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:09.599 He's talking about the jailer whose whole household was saved. 00:19:10.880 --> 00:19:17.599 When he says in verse 3, I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, these are the people he remembers. 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:20.400 Paul knows this church. 00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:23.119 He won the souls of this church. 00:19:25.119 --> 00:19:28.880 He was the conduit through which the power of the Holy Spirit poured out. 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:34.480 This is why he's yearning for them with the affection of Jesus Christ. 00:19:37.359 --> 00:19:45.359 Now, so far, we have seen the justification, the reason, the evidence, and the validation of Paul's joy. 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:52.079 And that brings us to our fifth and final element, the source of Paul's joy. 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:54.960 Let's read verse 8 again. 00:19:57.200 --> 00:20:03.680 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 00:20:05.119 --> 00:20:10.640 So it was clear in this text that Paul's source of joy comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:11.279 --> 00:20:14.160 And the attribute he uses is affection. 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:18.480 So let's spend a few moments on the word affection. 00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:27.680 The Greek translation is the word splocknon, and it literally refers to the region of one's bowels. 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:42.079 For example, in Acts chapter 1 and verse 18, it describes a remorseful Judas falling from the tree he hung himself on, hitting the ground, and his intestines splattering on the rocks. 00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:53.119 Now, I don't think that's what Paul is referring to here, but in the New Testament, the word for bowels is primarily used in a figurative way. 00:20:54.559 --> 00:21:02.319 The region of the bowels was regarded as the center of feelings, such as affection, sympathy, and compassion. 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:12.000 In much the same way that the word heart is used, not as an organ in your chest, but as the center of intellect, emotion, and will. 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:18.000 Paul is alluding to the sympathy, tenderness, and love of Christ. 00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:36.799 Paul thus describes his longing as the same as Christ's longing, as if the very heart of Christ dwelt within him. 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:02.079 When he gave himself for it. 00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:07.759 And brothers and sisters, this love is not a manufactured love. 00:22:08.319 --> 00:22:11.440 And it is not a love that comes naturally to us. 00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:15.279 So, how will this love come about? 00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:20.240 How can we have the affection of Christ towards one another? 00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:26.079 Hebrews chapter 10 and verses 24 to 25 gives us an answer. 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:42.720 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching. 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:47.519 Now the Bible urges us to fellowship with other believers. 00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:55.680 And the writer's implication was that some were not doing that, thus missing out on the love that fellowship produces. 00:22:56.799 --> 00:23:04.400 One of the most beautiful sights and sounds is our sanctuary filled with conversation 30 minutes after the service ends. 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:06.960 We have all kinds of events. 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:13.039 Prayer meeting on Wednesday night, Bible studies, monthly breakfasts, teas and brunches. 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:17.279 Several times a year, the gym is full with some type of church meal. 00:23:17.359 --> 00:23:20.160 And if you were here today, you saw that example of it. 00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:28.079 Brothers and sisters, this is where that affection starts and this is where it grows. 00:23:29.119 --> 00:23:36.079 All Christians must share an active, intentional, and loving investment in the lives of other believers. 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:42.720 Now, another way to experience this love and affection is to serve. 00:23:57.119 --> 00:23:59.200 Christ was the ultimate servant. 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:04.720 Brothers and sisters, there are so many ways to do God's work. 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.559 Join a ministry. 00:24:07.359 --> 00:24:08.960 Find something to do around here. 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:11.039 There is enough work to go around. 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:16.079 Our church is a beautiful mosaic of God's creation. 00:24:16.640 --> 00:24:20.240 Each one of us is unique, special, and set apart. 00:24:20.960 --> 00:24:23.680 But our common bond is the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:27.279 Because it is the gospel that binds us together. 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:34.720 Working together as partners in grace will generate the affection for one another that we are to have. 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:39.680 The scriptures teach us to love one another with brotherly love. 00:24:39.839 --> 00:24:41.039 Romans 12 10. 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:48.319 The Apostle John wrote that we were to lay down our lives for one another, 1 John 3.16. 00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:53.279 And that we are to give our possessions to each other if there is any need. 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:55.119 1 John 3.17. 00:24:56.559 --> 00:25:02.319 No greater partnerships exist than when people work together in the gospel effort. 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:04.400 There is no greater work to do. 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:14.160 Both the effort and the results are a privilege because all are working for the same goal to share the grace of God with others. 00:25:15.759 --> 00:25:22.480 Grace is central to the message, and it is absolutely central to the life God intended for us. 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:32.640 When we focus our attention on the gospel and do the work that God has given us to do, our hearts will be transformed by grace through his word. 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:40.079 In this way, we will develop the self-sacrificing love that God calls us to have. 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:46.640 And maybe you are here today and you don't know Christ as your Savior. 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:48.960 You don't have this special bond. 00:25:50.400 --> 00:25:54.240 Maybe you are looking for the affection that only Christ can give you. 00:25:55.119 --> 00:26:06.640 Well, out of his immense love for us, God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all those who believe. 00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:21.359 Through faith in him, we received the free gift of forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. 00:26:21.839 --> 00:26:22.960 And you can have that. 00:26:24.559 --> 00:26:32.640 But without this gift of forgiv for this gift of forgiveness and reconciliation, we are all headed for judgment. 00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:44.000 God saved the Apostle Paul, who spent his life murdering Christians and turned him into the single greatest spokesman for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:47.359 He has the power to save anyone. 00:26:47.680 --> 00:26:49.279 Can he not save you? 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:55.279 And maybe you're thinking, I don't deserve this gift of eternal life. 00:26:55.599 --> 00:26:56.559 Well, none of us do. 00:26:58.240 --> 00:27:01.279 Maybe you're thinking, I'm not good enough to be saved. 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:03.119 Well, you don't have to be. 00:27:03.920 --> 00:27:04.960 In fact, you can't. 00:27:05.920 --> 00:27:12.559 In Mark chapter 10, verse 18, Jesus said, no one is good except God alone. 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:18.640 So if we are not good, what must we do to be saved? 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:25.119 In Acts chapter 16, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas this very question. 00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:30.000 And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:37.119 It is never about what we can do, it is only about what Christ has already done. 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:43.519 All those who believe in Christ will be forgiven and will have eternal life. 00:27:44.079 --> 00:27:46.400 Believe in him, cry out to him. 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:50.240 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 00:27:50.480 --> 00:27:52.400 He will turn no one away. 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:06.240 And you will become part of the family of God and experience the wonderful love we have for one another. 00:28:08.480 --> 00:28:13.599 Brothers and sisters, true Christian fellowship is resilient to distance and suffering. 00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:17.279 It transcends physical separation and hardship. 00:28:18.400 --> 00:28:29.279 As we continue to grow together in Christ, let us remember to lift each other up in challenging times, sharing God's grace, and defending the gospel fervently. 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:34.000 Paul's confinement did not stifle his joy or his love. 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:39.279 Rather, it proved the supernatural bond shared by those united in Christ. 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:52.079 This bond serves us as a reminder that we have a shared mission, one that strengthens us individually and collectively as we spread the love of Christ to our communities. 00:28:52.319 --> 00:28:52.960 Let's pray. 00:28:54.799 --> 00:29:00.559 Heavenly Father, we thank you for the beautiful gift of Christian community and fellowship. 00:29:01.839 --> 00:29:04.640 Teach us what it means to be a true partner in the gospel. 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:12.880 Just as Paul held the believers at Philippi close to his heart, help us to value and love our brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:29:14.160 --> 00:29:24.319 I pray that we would be united in spirit, sharing in your grace, whether we are in hardship and trial or actively standing up to defend and confirm the truth of your good word. 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:29.599 Help us to bear with each other's burdens and rejoice when the gospel is advanced. 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:37.119 Fill our hearts with the tender compassion of Jesus that we too can yearn for your people with Christ like affection. 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:46.400 Knit our hearts together across every distance and circumstance, so that our love for one another reveals your grace to a watching world. 00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:48.079 In Jesus' name we pray. 00:29:48.400 --> 00:29:48.880 Amen.