Sermon Reflections from Citizens of Joy: Joy in Peace | Damon Hopkins | July 28, 2024  

The message this Sunday from Philippians 4 speaks about our everyday lives.  Damon allows us to see more clearly God’s intent for each of us and asks us to ‘take stock’ of all that we have in Christ.   Damon begins by pointing us to Chapter 4 verse 1. “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”  Paul is summing up his letter by reminding the Philippians, and us too, about how much they mean to him as believers in Christ.  There is so much they share and even though he is seeing some disagreements within their midst, verses 2,3, they are to look to what they share and focus upon Christ and their part in Him to live victoriously.
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Chapter 4:4-9 reveal Paul’s knowledge of how God works in our lives and the response we need to have towards Him. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul, and Damon, reminded us that God desires to give us peace so we can live with others without strife and be His witnesses to a hurting world.  His peace will bring Joy, understanding and a mindset like Christ.   How do we achieve this?  We need to give our anxieties to God, worry is not from God!  We are to be prayerful about life and live with thankfulness and praise in our hearts.  We need to focus on good things with our mind.  When we do this, we will exude joy and peace in our spirit and it will radiate to all those around us. It will keep us in a state of peace throughout the day.  When challenges come into our day, we can see them through the eyes of a heart filled with peace and joy. 
Damon always gives us personal examples of the principles lived out in his own life. He is a man of God seeking to live with a peace filled spirit radiating Christ to the world around him.  It is always a challenge to try and see the world through Damon’s eyes and perspective.  In spite of what the world has for him, he seeks to first and foremost stay focused and tell others about Jesus.  Thank you Damon for this reminder of how to enjoy peace and joy in the midst of life’s challenges.
Lastly, Damon pointed us to Philippians 4:13.  “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  Paul, Damon, you and me are not beyond the need to remember to think good things, live with peace and joy in our hearts daily and be a people of praise and thanksgiving. Then we must know and trust in His ability to help us to live, believing in Christ’s strength within us.  No matter who we are or what life has for us, Christ’s strength with in is greater than anything we can ever face.  Praise God!!
Praise God!!
Linda

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Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass

Sermon Reflections from Citizens of Joy: Joy in Knowing Christ| Nathanael Gregoriev | July 14, 2024  

It was a pleasure to have Nate, Darla and Eliana Gregoriev visiting with us this Sunday.  Having those we support speak to us in person and share about their work for the kingdom is uplifting and affirming.  As Nathaniel shared about their work for Wycliff Bible Translators 3 things came to mind.  The work is big but God is bigger.  The work is overwhelming and worldwide but one ‘bite’ at a time God is chipping away at the lostness of the world through us.  Knowing Christ and doing His work in the world brings joy to the heart and soul and provides purpose for our lives.
Nate shared stories about God’s work and the impact of His Word upon the hurting world.  Those are the stories that cause us to press onward and upward for Him. To not count the cost as Paul states in Philippians 3:7-8 “ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and coun.”t

What stories to do you have of pressing onward, regardless of the personal cost to you?  What stories do you have of God intervening in your life with his guidance and provision?   Like Nathaniel, we need to be willing to step out and share what God has done and is doing in our lives.  How will anyone know unless we tell them?

I have a story of my own to share.  When I retired, I was at a very fearful point in my life.  I was paralyzed when I had to make decisions about the future.  I began studying the places in the Bible where we are told to not have fear.   As I studied and journaled the list grew to 70 passages and the lessons and truths became more and more evident that to walk with Jesus I needed to allow Him to apply those truths to my life.  As a result I ended up writing my first book, Fearless Living, based on those journals. Gradually, the Lord took my fears and replaced them with hope and trust in Him.  When I begin struggling with fearful situations from time to time, I go back and reread the lessons and truths God taught me.  It never fails to booster my hope, reliance upon him and decrease my fears.  God does not want me to live in fear but to trust in Him. He gave us His Word to guide, support, affirm and convict us as we seek to live for Him.

This week ponder your own journey and where God is leading and how He is using you.  Just like Nate and Darla, God has a plan for your life.  Ask Him for an opportunity to share a story with others that testifies to your faith in Him.
Linda

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​MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass

Sermon Reflections from Citizens of Joy: Joy in Humility | Alex Hardt | July 14, 2024  

It is good to return from vacation as hopefully one has a clearer mind and renewed energy for the tasks ahead.  The sermon this week was a breath of fresh air.  The subject of JOY always is welcome and the topic of humility always calls us to greater challenges within our walk with Christ. Pastor Alex covered the fleetingness of personal goals and ambitions.   We need those in life for sure, but we need them in balance with our receptiveness to the goals God has set for us and His purpose for our lives.  Philippians 2:1-4 speaks of living beyond our natural selves, putting aside or putting off our old nature and embracing a life of love, dedication and service towards others.  Paul speaks to us about having a ‘like mind’ with Christ.  He is the only one who was able to live a dedicated life of service so He is our ultimate example.  I love Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  God desires that we walk in unity with Christ so that our old natures are subject to Him and that we can be productive towards others.  Philippians 2:3-4 explain to us what a life lived in ‘like mind’ to Christ is: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Thankfully, God unites with us through Jesus to produce this like-mind in us!   Our unity with Christ makes all this possible.

In Philippians 2:5-8 Paul explains to us the example we have before us in Christ.  We can look upon his actions, thoughts, dedication and devotion and have them before us to emulate.  In human terms we do this all the time as we live our lives and seek to pattern our lives after those that mentor us. Since our mentors are human, we cannot take all of them as well-meaning but significant others in our lives teach us how to love, speak with tact, cherish others, build relationships, etc.  Christ can do all this and more.  Seeking to pattern ourselves after or towards Christ is our goal as Christians.  Why do we do this?  It is human nature to seek examples, mentors and friends to look up to and strive towards.  Making sure that Christ if our central example is necessary for a healthy life centered on Him.

God’s work in us – this application of humility and like-mindedness transform us into workers dedicated to God.  It allows us to serve others like Timothy with kindness and love.  He was dedicated to the Lord and desired that other live their lives to the fullest.  Epaphroditus was another example of servanthood who brought joy to those with whom he served.

Pastor Alex’s sermon leaves us with some lingering questions that we need to resolve in our own lives.   Do I seek to live with a like-minded attitude devoted to Jesus?   Does this union with Jesus result in Humility of spirit and actions?   One way to answer this is to see if you have some of the benefits scriptures tells us come with being humble.  
First of all one needs salvation.  Psalm 149:4 “For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.”   Knowing the Lord Jesus as your savior gives you the ability to put on a humble spirit.  The rest of the benefits are in no particular order: 

Rest for your soul- Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Taking on the likeness of Christ’s humility brings rest to our souls.
Wisdom –Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Guidance and teaching - Psalm 25:9 “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”

Grace or unmerited favor from God - Isaiah 66:2   “All these things my hand has made,   and so all these things came to be,  declares the Lord.But this is the one to whom I will look:  he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

Exaltation from God- Matthew18:4 “ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

As you reflect on the joy of humility in your own life, may you see anew the great benefits we have as followers of Christ.  He blesses us each and every day.  That brings untold JOY!  Live out our memory verse from Philippians 4:4 this week: “ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Linda

​MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass

Sermon Reflections from Citizens of Joy: Joy in Suffering | Alex Hardt | July 7, 2024  

As we dive into the first chapter of Philippians, we're met with an incredible example of joy in the face of suffering. The Apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, exudes a profound sense of joy and purpose that transcends his dire circumstances. His words are not just a testimony of enduring faith but also a powerful encouragement for us today. Paul’s ability to find joy amidst suffering stems from his unwavering commitment to the Gospel and his deep relationship with Christ.
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Paul begins by expressing gratitude and joy for the Philippians, highlighting their partnership in spreading the Gospel from the very first day. Despite his imprisonment, Paul rejoices because his chains have served to advance the Gospel. He is sold out for Jesus and has surrendered his life to following Christ.  He explains that his imprisonment has become widely known, and as a result, many believers have gained confidence to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. This perspective challenges us to see our own trials as opportunities for God’s work to be displayed in and through us.

The notion of joy in suffering can seem counterintuitive, especially in a world that equates happiness with comfort and ease. However, Paul’s joy is rooted in something far deeper than temporary circumstances. He is focused on the eternal implications of his suffering, recognizing that his hardships are contributing to the spread of the Gospel and the strengthening of fellow believers. This eternal perspective allows Paul to find joy not in his comfort but in the progress of the Gospel and the glory of Christ.

Paul’s message in Philippians 1 serves as a reminder that our joy is not dependent on our situation but on our relationship with Christ and our commitment to His mission. Like Paul, we are called to find joy in our trials by focusing on the greater purpose God has for our lives. Whether we face opposition, challenges, or even persecution, we can take heart knowing that our suffering can serve a divine purpose. By trusting in God’s sovereignty and finding our joy in Him, we can experience a peace and contentment that surpasses all understanding, shining a light for others in the darkest of times.

Blessing,
Pastor Alex

Discussion Questions

• How can we cultivate a perspective that allows us to find joy in our suffering, as Paul did in Philippians 1?
• What are some practical ways we can support and encourage one another to speak boldly for Christ, even in difficult circumstances?
• In what areas of your life can you shift your focus from temporary discomfort to the eternal impact of your faith and actions?

Takeaway
Despite our circumstances, we can find true joy by focusing on our relationship with Christ and the eternal purpose of our lives, allowing our trials to become powerful testimonies of faith and courage.
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MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass