Feb. 15 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-13
Sermon: Life in Christ: Joy and Committment
Philippians 4:4-13
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me but had no opportunity to show it. 11 Not that I am referring to being in need, for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
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. The core of this wisdom is to open our hearts to the grace and peace of God made known in Christ Jesus, and then to share these life-renewing gifts with others. Paul concludes his letter on a high note with an emphasis on joy, contentment, and peace. Once again, Paul returns to the theme of getting our minds aligned with Jesus, who emptied himself and embraced a servant lifestyle of self-giving love. We are to think and focus on that which is true, honorable, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, and praise-worthy. Having the same mind as Jesus will ensure we experience true joy and contentment, as we trust that I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.
Questions for Reflection
• Opening your heart to Christ is the first step in the process of life in Christ. Have you tried beginning your day with that invitation to Christ Jesus? How is that influencing your day?
• Joy, contentment, and peace are outcomes of welcoming Jesus into your heart. How have you experienced these gifts when, like Paul, you had little and when you had plenty?
• You will know you are living life in Christ when your thoughts, words, and actions are true, honorable, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, and praise-worthy. What practices can you employ to support this focus?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Keep the wisdom of Paul’s ancient wisdom in the Letter to the Philippians before you by welcoming Christ into your heart every day. The discipline needed for this spiritual practice will be rewarded with an abiding sense of joy, contentment, and peace.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
