Last week, we looked at an idea that most aren’t comfortable with Striving and Suffering for Christ. We like the idea of “Advancing the Gospel,” but we aren’t keen on the time and effort it takes to do so. We like the idea of “Exalting Christ,” but struggle with dying to self in order to do so, and we like the idea of “Standing Firm,” but at times, we fail to use the backbone that God has given us to do so.

Today is Palm Sunday, and we will be moving into Chapter 2 of Philippians as we look at “Loving Others as Yourself.” There is no better example of someone doing just this than Jesus when He rode that donkey into Jerusalem. He knew that He would be wrongfully accused, convicted, beaten, and murdered, but He went willingly to rescue you and me! May we celebrate Passion Week by following His great example and “Loving Others as Ourselves.”

Our message title is “Loving Others as Yourself,” and our points will be:

Main Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Supporting Texts: Philippians 1:27, Mark 12:29-31, Matthew 7:12,1 Corinthians 15:17, Mark 8:34, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15,Ephesians 1:14, Philippians 1:18, Colossians 1:16,Isaiah 14:12-14, Genesis 3:6, Proverbs 11:2,1 Peter 5:5, Romans 12:13-16

Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions:

Last week, we looked at the idea of an abounding love. Paul desired for the Philippian believers to experience, exercise, and share the love of God. When they did this, they brought glory and honor to God.

In the section of Scripture that we will look at today, Paul shares about how even with him being in prison, God was using him to advance the Gospel. We will see a somewhat different view of being wrongfully put into chains as Paul shows that God’s will is greater than our will. We have the option to exalt Him no matter our circumstances.

We will see Paul standing firm for what he believed to be true. The Jews were against him. The Gentiles were against him, and even some of the church was against him, but his resolve was sure. Hopefully, we will understand that we too can stand firm for the cause of Christ in our day.

Our message title is “Striving and Suffering for Christ,” and our points will be:

Main Scripture: Philippians 1:12-30

Supporting Texts - Genesis 45:5, Ephesians 6:19-20, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 5:11, James 5:16, Acts 20:24, Revelation 4:11, Isaiah 5:20, Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 4:6-7, John 13:15-17

Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions:

Today, we will begin a 10-week sermon series through the Book of Philippians. Our theme for this study will be “Pressing On Toward the Goal.” We will learn that, through Christ Jesus, we have been given everything to do just that.

Some people call the Book of Philippians, Paul’s Love Letter. After reading this letter, there is no doubt as to the depth of love that he has for the people. Paul loves them enough to encourage them, instruct them, and remind them of the power and love of their God.

In the first part of Chapter 1, we will see Paul giving his customary welcome, thanksgiving, and prayer. May we not miss his prayer for the church in Philippi in verses 9-11. Paul prays for an Abounding Love in the church. We would do good to pray for the same today.

Our message title is “That Your Love May Abound More and More,” and our points will be:

Main Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Supporting Texts - Acts 16:13-14, Philippians 4:3, Philippians 1:13, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:3-4, James 1:18, 2 Corinthians 7:3, 1 John 4:8, John 13:35, Philippians 4:8, Isaiah 64:8, Romans 5:5,Colossians 1:16, John 15:8, 1 Corinthians 10:31

Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions:

Last week, we talked about “Leadership.” More specifically, we talked about leadership in the family. For us, as Church Members, to be what God has called and equipped us to be, we must continually submit to Him and His authority.

Our husbands and fathers need to step up and lead. Husbands, love your wife the way Christ loves His church. You need to lead your children in the Word of God. It is paramount for strong Christian families, and it is paramount for strong Christian churches.

Today, we will finish our sermon series on church membership with a message entitled: I Will Treasure Church Membership. We will talk about the importance of seeing church membership for what it is: a gift from God. I pray that each of us will take time to recognize what a gift it is.

Our points for today will be:

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Peter 2:9, Exodus 19:5, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, 1 John 1:7, Hosea 13:14,Matthew 6:21, Philippians 2:3-4

Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions:

I hope that we are seeing the importance of church membership as we move through this sermon series. From being a “Functioning” and “Unifying” Church Member to not being a “Me First” Church Member as we pray for our church leaders, we have looked at attributes and responsibilities that each of us should exude.

Today, we will look at what might be the most important part of our series. We will talk about “Leadership.” More specifically, we will talk about leadership in the family. Our society seeks to destroy our families by redefining what a family is. We have moved on from the fight of a marriage being between one man and one woman to now spreading the lie that men can become pregnant and birth children.

All of this comes from a lack of leadership and the failure to hold others accountable. My prayer this week has been for Church Members to take the blessing of church membership seriously.

Our message title is “I Will Lead My Family to be Healthy Church Members.”

Our points will be:

Main Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 - 6:4

Supporting Texts: 1 John 2:6, John 14:12, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 2:3-4, Galatians 3:28, Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:18, Proverbs 18:22, 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:7, Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 29:15

Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions:

I Will Pray for My Church Members

Exodus 17:1-7

So far in this series, we have looked at the idea of being a Functioning Church Member and a Unifying Church Member. Last week, we drove home the idea that to be a church, the members must be unified. Without unity, the different parts of the body of Christ (the church) don’t function properly.

Today, we will look at the idea of not letting your church be about your preferences and desires. So often, people treat church like something that they purchase. They see their offering as their payment for what they like. Some shop around until they find a church that meets their desires, and others work hard to make “their” church conform to “their” likeness.

Our message title is “I Will Not Be a “Me First” Church Member,” and our points will be:

Main Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:9, Romans 8:12-14, Isaiah 5:20, Matthew 5:43-45, Philippians 2:3, James 3:16, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Jeremiah 17:9, Philippians 4:4,2 Peter 3:9, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:15

Diving Deeper. After listening to today's message, consider asking yourself the following questions:

Last week, we looked at the idea of being “A Functioning Church Member.” We can define this person as someone who does what God designed them to do. God has designed you to worship Him corporately, and He has designed you to edify or build up your brothers and sisters in Christ by using the gifts, talents, and abilities that He has blessed you with. Are you a Functioning Church Member?

Today, we will switch gears and look at the idea of being “A Unifying Church Member.” Unity is something that modern society knows little about. We seek to divide at every corner, and this has made its way into the church buildings.

Our message title is “I Will be a Unifying Church Member,” and our points will be:

Unity is Paramount

Unity Trumps Negativity

Unity Oozes Forgiveness

Various Texts: John 13:35, Colossians 1:15-18, Romans 8:29, Colossians 3:12-14, Romans 1:28-32, Jeremiah 6:27-30, Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:31-32, Luke 6:31, Proverbs 17:9

Questions:

Today, we begin a six-week sermon series on Church Membership. This is a subject that we don’t talk about much at PFBC. This is somewhat by design as I have witnessed pastors pressure people to join the church. After seeing the effect that church-hoppers have on congregations, I have chosen not to pressure people to join. I don’t want to try to muscle in on the Holy Spirit as He leads.

I encourage you to read a chapter of the little book: “I Am A Church Member” each week before our Worship Service. There are six chapters, and we have six messages. We will look at a chapter a week.

This week, we will focus on chapter one: I will be a Functioning Church Member. My definition of a Functioning Church Member is this: someone who does what God designed them to do.

Our message title is the same as the chapter title, and our points will be:

Main Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12-14

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 1 Corinthians 12:31, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, John 1:3, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Romans 12:4-5

Questions:

The idea of our heart reflecting who we are can be a scary thought. It really shouldn’t be, but at times we want others to think much of us. My prayer for months has been for PFBC to be sincere. If we are truly saved, our hearts have been changed. By the blood of Jesus, our hearts have been cleansed. My prayer is that we will Reflect Jesus More in 2024!

Over the last two weeks, we have dealt with how we receive Compliments and Criticism. Today, we will extend this out to how we deal with Counsel. This isn’t a dirty word. Counsel simply means advice. Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

As we reflect on our 2024 Verse of the Year,

Our message title is “Counsel,” and it comes from Proverbs 27:9.

Our points will be:

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 19:20, Proverbs 27:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Proverbs 24:5-6, Proverbs 12:5, Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 27:6, Proverbs 19:25, Matthew 7:3-5, John 15:13, Matthew 16:22-23, Proverbs 18:24, James 2:23, Romans 5:10-11, John 15:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:9

Questions:

Why do we shy away from Counsel?

How can we discern between good and bad Counsel?

Why do we tend to give more Counsel than we receive?

How can you fight the urge to give too much Counsel?

Why should we heed the Counsel of God?