College Avenue Baptist Church - San Diego

Dr. John Lillis, Dean of Bethel Seminary San Diego, dissects 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 in a sermon entitled, "Recovering the Community in Communion." Use the attached "RE:collect Questions" for personal reflection after listening to this message.

Pastor Carlton shared a special message about how God never changes.

God will respond to your generosity toward Him.

Our series title is “A Most Unusual Thank You Letter.”  In this most unusual thank you letter from a Roman jail, Paul writes and teaches us that joy does not depend on circumstances, but on a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do not have joy right now, don’t blame your circumstances. Circumstances were never meant to bring you joy in the first place.  You need a source of joy that does not change―an eternal perspective that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ. 

 

Although he faced violent opposition in Philippi, according to God's providence, the Apostle Paul managed to establish a church there in about 51 AD.  He is writing this letter to the Philippians most likely about ten years later while he is a prisoner in Rome.  By this time, what started as a small church established under turbulent circumstances has developed into a flourishing congregation.  In general, Paul is pleased with this church, and his main purpose for writing is not to rebuke some sin that they have committed or some heresy that they have adopted, but to thank them for a financial donation. Nevertheless, he uses this occasion to encourage them in their faith and to remind them of several important things.  Paul encourages them to seek unity, and he challenges them to stand strong in persecution.

 

With God giving you strength, you can get by in any situation.

In this most unusual thank you letter from a Roman jail, Paul writes and teaches us that joy does not depend on circumstances, but on a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do not have joy right now, don’t blame your circumstances. Circumstances were never meant to bring you joy in the first place.  You need a source of joy that does not change―an eternal perspective that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ.

We can create a new climate by focusing on joy and truth because they squeeze out pettiness. 

In this most unusual thank you letter from a Roman jail, Paul writes and teaches us that joy does not depend on circumstances, but on a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do not have joy right now, don’t blame your circumstances. Circumstances were never meant to bring you joy in the first place.  You need a source of joy that does not change―an eternal perspective that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ.

We can create a new climate by focusing on joy and truth because they squeeze out pettiness. 

In this most unusual thank you letter from a Roman jail, Paul writes and teaches us that joy does not depend on circumstances, but on a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do not have joy right now, don’t blame your circumstances. Circumstances were never meant to bring you joy in the first place.  You need a source of joy that does not change―an eternal perspective that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ.

As citizens of heaven, our King will strengthen us during our race on earth. 

In this most unusual thank you letter from a Roman jail, Paul writes and teaches us that joy does not depend on circumstances, but on a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do not have joy right now, don’t blame your circumstances. Circumstances were never meant to bring you joy in the first place.  You need a source of joy that does not change―an eternal perspective that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ.

Your identity as a believer is completely tied to Christ within you.

In this most unusual thank you letter from a Roman jail, Paul writes and teaches us that joy does not depend on circumstances, but on a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do not have joy right now, don’t blame your circumstances. Circumstances were never meant to bring you joy in the first place.  You need a source of joy that does not change―an eternal perspective that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ.

Paul continues to write to the Philippians by giving examples of how to live a service-centered life. He is in prison waiting for his trial, yet his desire to serve God is still at work.

In this most unusual thank you letter from a Roman jail, Paul writes and teaches us that joy does not depend on circumstances, but on a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do not have joy right now, don’t blame your circumstances. Circumstances were never meant to bring you joy in the first place.  You need a source of joy that does not change―an eternal perspective that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ.

As followers of Jesus, let’s be marked by joy and selflessness instead of by grumbling and disputing.

In this most unusual thank you letter from a Roman jail, Paul writes and teaches us that joy does not depend on circumstances, but on a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you do not have joy right now, don’t blame your circumstances. Circumstances were never meant to bring you joy in the first place.  You need a source of joy that does not change―an eternal perspective that comes only from knowing Jesus Christ.