God’s work in our lives is ongoing. Until we cross the finish line of mortality, much of what we are to become will be hidden from us. Yet, we can be confident that whatever that is, it will be gloriously complete in every way. As Pastor Terry walks us through this great and precious promise, we’re reminded that our lives will continually change for the better. Becoming like Christ now and given a new body suited for heaven to live with Him for all eternity. We are all works in progress this side of heaven. But when His work is finally complete, we will be a masterpiece.

The Apostle Paul demonstrated a world changing faith. As we consider Paul’s disposition while imprisoned for the gospel, we’re greatly instructed by the wisdom of this powerful witness. Paul believed that he was there by God’s appointment by His keeping, for His training, for a limited amount of time. His eyes were on the prize of the advancement of the gospel. As Pastor Terry relays the sacrificial work of the Apostle Paul, we’re encouraged to see the difficult circumstances of our lives for our ultimate good and the scandalous advancement of the gospel message.

Jealousy is really ugly and totally unfitting for the Church. Unfortunately jealousy and competition can be a strong undercurrent between believers in a multitude of ministries and personal situations. Discord between denominations and strife between believers can completely destroy our witness. So as Pastor Terry explains, no room must be made for this kind of high-minded activity between members of the body of Christ. Today we’ll learn how the Apostle Paul dealt with these ugly situations by his response to these ministries and fellow members of the body of Christ.

In today’s study, we’ll work through one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible. Within this single passage we are assured of so much in our relationship with JESUS and His involvement in all of our lives. He is quite literally the Author and the Finisher of our faith. As Pastor Terry expounds upon the magnificence of this verse, we’re reminded that the work He began starts and ends with Him in every way. God is the perfect worker. He never leaves anything unfinished. His will for us is that we trust Him for every part of our Salvation. We can depend upon our God.

The purpose of Christian fellowship is similar to the game of football. In today’s message, Pastor Terry will help us see the similarities between a partnership in the gospel and this popular American sport. In football, it’s the shared interest of each player to get the ball down the field and into the end zone. Partnerships in Christ are much the same: to bring the gospel message to the world! Strong partnerships are important to achieving this goal. Each member of the team must cooperate by doing the work of an evangelist to score touchdowns as the body of Christ.

Reaching out can be hard. But pursing a tight knit relationship with others through a gospel-centered relationship is vitally important to the health of the church. Regular fellowship can be very challenging. But as Pastor Terry maintains, its God’s will that we enjoy this special kind of relationship in Christ for the advancement of the gospel. The kind of fellowship that God desires for us is rooted in a joint participation and cooperation in a common interest and activity. So what better reason should we have than to participate in the advancement of the gospel?

The plurality of persons in the Godhead is a mystery to man. No one can comprehend it. Yet the threefold relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is maintained throughout the Scriptures. While God doesn’t expect us to comprehend it, He DOES intend for us to accept it as TRUTH. As Pastor Terry continues into the depth of this greeting penned at the hand of the Apostle Paul, we’ll explore the wonderful message of the grace and peace that comes to us through God our Father and the Lord JESUS Christ. What a glorious way to stay true to gospel message.

There can be A LOT in a greeting. The Apostle Paul demonstrated this well in his letters to the Church. It was his habit to address each letter in light of their relationship with God the Father as well as the Lord JESUS Christ! As Pastor Terry explains, it was Paul’s intent to lovingly encourage the church to think of JESUS in the same way as they do the Father in terms of deity. What a powerful way to faithfully proclaim JESUS IS LORD! The more we study the Bible we’ll hear the the Kingship of JESUS Christ proclaimed in both the old and new testament Scriptures.

There are many titles for leadership in the church. But do we understand what these offices mean? What’s the difference between a deacon and an elder? What’s the purpose of titles in the organization of the church? Pastor Terry will help us understand the nature of these titles, as well as their rightful place in the body of Christ. The task of pastors, elders, and deacons must always be rooted in humility though service. Church titles were never designed to venerate any man above another, but to create order in ministry to one-another under the headship of JESUS Christ.

Our level of loyalty will have a direct effect our usefulness by God. The Apostle Paul was unquestionably loyal to His Master. He couldn’t be bought. Nor could he be ruled over by any man. Paul identified himself as a “bondservant” of JESUS Christ. Nothing short of total obedience to HIM would ever suffice. As Pastor Terry explains, Paul’s will for his own life was completely swallowed up by the will of God. Do we see ourselves in the same way? The measure of our allegiance to JESUS Christ will greatly determine our level us usefulness by HIM in the kingdom of God.