Winter 2003
Dear Friends and Partners,
We want to share with you some scriptures from the book of Philippians. The book of Philippians is somewhat of a partner letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church that supported him as a missionary. In reading his letter to the church at Philippi you really hear his heart for them, these we're people that he knew, loved, and missed. We find ourselves having the same thoughts and prayers for you…
Paul begins be telling them.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:3) We are thankful and confident that God is completing His work that He has begun in you and also for your fellowship in the Gospel.
The word fellowship comes from the Greek military word Kionania. It was a place they would all rendezvous at the end of the day to put all their food, supplies, ammo and resources. Then they would distribute it out among themselves evenly to go out for battle the next day. Paul uses this word to show us that we each have our share in the work of the gospel, we thank God for your part in the work we're doing here in France.
Paul goes on to say, I have not arrived or become perfect but I press on forgetting what lies behind and reach forward to that which is ahead,. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
(Phil. 3:12-14)
Paul didn't say I just drift along or go with the flow, he said I press forward . Paul is saying I'm not satisfied with what I know about God, and what I've done for God in the past, I need to keep pressing forward. We should never let ourselves plateau or level out. What God has done for us through redemption and the potential we have now is too great for any of us to be passive or aloof.
God is not passive toward us; but He is passionate towards us. James says He jealously desires the Spirit He's put with in us. He wants to restore us, establish us, bless us and make us a blessing. Pray for us, that we represent God well here in France, and that we reach our potential in Christ. As we'll be praying the same for you.
At the end of Paul's letter he again thanks them for their support. Rejoicing in the fruit that would abound back to them, calling their gifts a sweet smelling aroma, a sacrifice well pleasing to God.
Finally, Paul gives them this promise inspired by the Holy Spirit. We believe the same for you. And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Phil 4:19)
In Christ's love,
John and Cindy,
Chris, Jordan, Shawn and Casie
|
