Apostle Paul loves the church in Philippi. You can sense that in the way in which he writes this letter to the church Philippi. In today's message, Paul shares the secret to a joyful community. It is through prayer and thanksgiving. He also teaches us we cannot ever cool down with our passion for the gospel; and he also teaches us what God has started He will also finish.

Apostle writes this letter from prison to a church he dearly loves. Today we look at verse 1 and 2 focusing on the great privilege of being a servant of God; being a grace filled church that's fueled by the cross; having peace with God.

By faith people of faith look forward to a better resurrection. By faith we are made stronger when we start from weakness; God will always protect us because we are under the care of His sovereignty and although we suffer for our faith heaven awaits us.

Having faith also means to live with courage. Yes we acknowledge our weakness and by it we are made strong but it is only through faith. Just like Gideon, Samson, Barak and other characters names they had courageous faith in God. We trust God to accomplish things that are only explainable by His power.

When we choose to walk in faith, when we choose to live in faith we must make choices that display and exhibit that kind of a life. Living in faith means making decisions in faith. We want to see God work but perhaps God is waiting for us to make the decision that’s based on faith first. You will never know what God can do until He sees your faith activated and your decisions made by faith alone. Moses made decisions of faith all through his life.

Isaac, Jacob and Joseph they died without fully experiencing the promise but they kept the faith. When you receive the promise from God why then would you not continue to believe. Living with hope is the life of faith. Learn how to keep your faith from Hebrews 11:20-22

We look at Hebrews 11:17-19. Abraham in faith obeyed when God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac, his only son. Abraham was tested by God but it was the love of God that he was tested. Promises of God are condition on our obedience and in all things the Lord will provide.
Allow your faith to take its full course.

Faith is no longer looking back but running toward the prize of the life above. What a blessing it is to have been described as people 'these died with faith'. Faith is lived out until the end, faith looks toward the homeland, the Father's place and a place that is eternal.

By Faith - As we continue to look at Hebrew 11 we are taking yet another look at the life of Abraham. God encourages Abraham, and when Abraham believes it is counted to him as righteousness.