This is the first of our sermons on the crucifixion of Christ.

Message 6 in the "Be Joyful" series through Philippians. Paul turns from his own chains to the church's conduct, and the one word he chooses is "citizen": only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ (1:27). Philippi was a colony of retired Roman legionaries - Pastor Rohlin tells how the battles of 42 B.C. and 31 B.C. put them there, why Rome parked its old soldiers on the trade road, and why people who had never seen Rome still lived by Rome's laws. That is the picture: we have never seen heaven, but we live by its laws now. "Worthy" is never earning - it is matching. A life lighter than the gospel leaves your words with no weight, the way a Marine is judged by the uniform he wears. Three cords of the gospel in chapter 1: we defend it, we proclaim it - but do we adorn it? And constancy: the same walk whether anyone is watching, because Someone always is. The message closes on cohesion - standing fast like a shield wall at Thermopylae, one soul, magnets rather than marbles - and pauses at verse 27, with verses 28-30 (courage and the calling to suffer) to follow next week. For anyone who has ever wondered what "walk worthy" actually asks of a Tuesday.

The sermon emphasizes that divine correction is a sign of God's love and the path to true happiness, urging listeners not to despise His chastening. Drawing from Job, Proverbs, Hebrews, and Isaiah, it argues that God actively corrects believers to align their minds with Christ and reveal hidden sins. The preacher contrasts this biblical truth with modern religious complacency, warning that those who refuse correction remain in spiritual darkness. By examining prophetic scriptures and the suffering of Christ, the message highlights God's authority in both judgment and salvation. Ultimately, it calls for immediate repentance and submission to God's authority to escape the snare of sin.

Do you have ears to hear the call to come bless your Lord for His wonderful works of grace and mercy to you in Christ even more in praise and prayer tonight? May you be more mindful to do so as you remember and reflect on His goodness in your salvation. May you do so even as you look back on trials and suffering, recognizing and proclaiming God's work and good purposes in and through them. Then may you be ever more faithful to keep your vows, and obedient in worship and service to Christ. He is the God who blesses you and works by His Spirit in you to testify of His grace and mercy to others.

The call to follow Jesus is not to a life of ease, but to engagement in spiritual warfare, sacrificial service, and loving, joyful obedience. We do not seek suffering as a virtue, but we don't disobey Jesus in an effort to avoid suffering.

Our human tendency is to put certain successful, prominent people up on pedestals, only to discover that they are flawed individuals. Those who listed in the "Saints Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 were spiritually flawed. All of them were sinners in need of a Savior! In this message entitled the "Hodge Podge" of Faith, we consider the rest of those listed in Hebrews 11, both the individuals and their exploits of faith. Some of them were example of Triumphant Faith when God responds positively to their impossible situations and brings about their deliverance. Some listed we might not include in our list of faithful men and women. They are not included because of their weaknesses, but because of their faith in God. God honors faith. But some were also examples of Struggling Faith. Those times when God chooses not to deliver from their dire situations or problems but instead He gives power to see His people through their problems. All of the Old Testament saints, whether triumphant or suffering, received a good report card from God! They were honored for their faith. But what they did not receive was the promise, the ultimate promise of the Redeemer and salvation through Him. God has provided for us something better, that being the ultimate fulfillment of the promise in the person of Jesus Christ!