Even When You’re Left Out...Jesus Loves
You
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ
Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together
with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:1-2)
As we prepare for the opportunity to
share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the children of our community through Vacation
Bible School, we take time to look at the lessons we have prepared for the
children and reflect on their meaning in our lives. It is so important for us
to continue our focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We cannot hear the good
news too many times. We should continually be reminding ourselves of the love
we have found in God through the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This is why today we are starting the sermon series, Jesus’ Love is One of a
Kind.
For this series we are going to do
something different with the journals. We are going to read one of Paul’s
letters. In particular we are going to be reading the letter from Paul to the
church at Philippi. This is a marvelous letter that is both simplistic in its
presentation of its message but also quite complex with many nuances to its
arguments. The core message of the letter revolves around the importance of the
gospel of Jesus Christ and our roles as servants in mission on behalf of this
gospel.
The setting of the letter centers
around the fact that Paul is in prison and fears that he may die soon. This
letter is a way to keep in contact with the church in Philippi and let them
know how he is doing and how the gospel is spreading in the world. It is
important to remember that this is a letter.
It was written for a specific purpose and time. That does not mean that
it is of no importance in our lives but that we should take note there is a
specific reason and occasion for this letter to be written. Because of this it
opens a window into the relationship between its author and its readers.
