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Paul's Assurance of Salvation Paul's life is united with the life of Jesus Christ. Therefore he knows that he will be united with Christ after death. He's sure of it, so sure that he wonders aloud which would be better. To be or not to be, that is the question! Philippians 1:21-26 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better;  but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.  Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Is this an assurance we can have? -  "Living is Christ and dying is gain." Yes, Paul the mystic had great faith. But the promises of God are for us, too! A...

Pastor Rich Knight Central Congregational Church July 2, 2017 Philippians 1 We’re studying Paul’s Letter to the Philippians this month. Paul's Letter to the Philippians is often called, "The Epistle of Joy." This short letter uses the words "joy" and "rejoice" more than any other book in the Bible, 16 times. This is rather remarkable considering Paul wrote this letter while in prison (for preaching the Gospel). I don’t know about you, but if I were stuck in a First Century prison, I think I’d get a little whiny! - even cranky! I’d write “The Letter of, ‘Boy that Guy Needs an Attitude Adjustment!’” It's in the Letters section of the New Testament. There are three major sections in the New Testament - Gospels, Acts, Letters (to 1st Century churches and/or their leaders). Paul is writing to a church he founded on his second missionary journey. A 2 nd Century Bishop named Polycarp was well aware of Paul's letters to the Philipp...

One of the things I love about the Christian faith is this: we've got great hymns! How Great Thou Art!  Amazing Grace!  Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!  Here I Am, Lord, The Church's One Foundation, How Great is Our God, This is My Father's World, Glorify Thy Name, and on and on and on. Great hymns combine inspiring lyrics with timeless melodies, and they help shape our faith and our lives. They're more important than we realize. What would worship be without hymns? Philippians 2 contains one of the earliest hymns of our faith. It begins at Vs. 6.  Paul either wrote it or quotes it here to make his point. What does it say to you? Philippians 2 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Imitating Christ’s Humility 2  If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,  2  make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accor...

The Power of Paradox Paul was never afraid of a paradox - two statements that are contradictory, yet both true. "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you." Do I work out my salvation on my own? Is my discipleship all on my shoulders? No, "for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure." So it's not all me, and it's not all God. I must do my part, and God will do God's part!   12  Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;  13  for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. How do you understand this paradox? Next, Paul calls them again to harmony and unity, so they might shine like stars! 14  Do all things without murmuring and arguing,  15  so that you may be ...

Pastor Rich Knight Central Congregational Church July 9, 2017 Philippians 2     We’re going to look at Paul’s great hymn that starts in vs. 6. But first, take a look at vs. 12: 12  Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;   13  for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Note that Paul is not afraid of a paradox – two statements (or two parts of a statement) that seem or are contradictory, but are actually both true. Work out your salvation – with fear and trembling. For it’s God at work in you, both to will and to work. “Work out your salvation - You work it out! – but it’s really God in you – but you get to work! – but it’s really God in you working it out for God’s good pleasure. Is it my work and effort, or is it God’s work?  Or is it b...