Jan. 11 Virtual Worship
Go directly to Worship Service Video
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
If you wish to see more information about giving or to checkout our new Online Giving process, visit our GIVING page.
Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:12-14, 21-30
Sermon: Life in Christ, The Privilege of Suffering
Philippians 1:12-14, 21-30
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the progress of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ, and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. 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, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel and in no way frightened by those opposing you. For them, this is evidence of their destruction but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him as well, since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Key Idea of the Sermon
The ancient wisdom of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is preparing us for whatever may come our way in 2026. Last Sunday we studied the introductory passage of this letter. We were encouraged by the spirit of joy and gratitude of Paul despite his circumstances of imprisonment. The origin of this spirit was Christ, whose gifts of grace and peace were meeting Paul’s needs and advancing the gospel through Paul’s partners in ministry. In today’s passage, Paul reveals that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the progress of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ. Paul uses this example from his life to encourage disciples in Philippi not to be intimidated by opposition and adversity, but to stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel. In this way it is a privilege to believe in and suffer for Christ.
Questions for Reflection
Suffering is part of the human experience.
What manifestations of suffering are you experiencing? How are you facing suffering with the resources of Divine grace and peace? What difference is that making? Are you setting a helpful and faithful example others can follow? How does it encourage you to stand firm in one spirit…side by side for the faith of the gospel?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Do not suffer alone. Tell God how you are feeling and ask for Divine grace and peace to see you through. Reach out to someone you trust, be honest about the pain you experience, and the way the grace and peace of Christ is helping.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
