John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Adversity comes and goes in our lives, and we must overcome this. Jesus gives his disciples a command “Let not your heart be troubled”, in this He is saying avoid being fearful or anxious.  By Jesus tell them this it implies that there is evidence that we have the power within us to control our heart when we respond to burdens in our lives. In many ways the best and easiest way to overcome these burdens and fears is with our brothers and sisters in Christ. There is power of God on full display in prayer. As we come together to study the word, meditate on it, and share the word and pray for one another.

We will learn vital lessons that will strengthen our faith. Jesus tells them to avoid allowing their heart to be trouble and we should not have troubled hearts because you believe in God. Because of your belief you have already won the victory and overcome Satan’s temptation, and death of Sin. This is aided by the Holy Spirit that Jesus has left within you.

Paul had been instrumental in planting churches throughout Asia; and, though he had the care of all the churches, he had, upon that account, a particular fatherly tender care of this. To those to whom God has employed us to do any good we should look upon ourselves both as encouraged and engaged to study to do better.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Paul was confident that he had instructed these people about Jesus and was encouraging them. Saying Jesus Christ which at the started you off on your journey of good works is with you and will walk with them all the way. Until His return! (The rapture) good works = your faith. It must be built upon.

Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Paul says you all are in my heart and mind, and I am Sure they were in his prayers too. These are Those he had led to Christ.

Paul was in prison at this time in Rome, praying and encouraging his friends. This is I am sure was hard for Paul being in his own distress. Writing a letter of encouragement to the faithful at Philippi. Paul was under some restrictions at this time in His life.

We all are partakers of God’s grace, and Paul was extending his grace to those whom he helped to believe in Jesus. To build them up in faith. Now when we receive letters from our missionaries and guest pastors it is a joy to hear from them and it is encouraging to our ministry here. My wife and I have this desire as Paul did to to help you all to find your way back to God the Father. To help you to grow in your faith together as a church and individually to become the person God has called you to be.

Philippians 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

God keeps the records, of our faithfulness, and of our service to him. We must remember that He also records those who promote evil, disrupt, and confuse the church. God also knows the heart of men & women. Paul told them how he long to be in the presence of the body of Jesus Christ (The Church). Though he could not be there physically he was there spiritually.

Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

Paul is telling them, that I pray for you that your faith, love, and knowledge of God’s word increase daily. As we grow we should abound more and more. This implies growth. If we do not grow,  there maybe something wrong with us. Think about it. When you accpted salvation, God expects the change in your life, you get rid of the old ways and you seek to know God more. And you try to follow  him more.  Amen! If we stay the same what would be the purpose of our salvation?

Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

In our lives, we need to be able to discern right from wrong, truth from lies, and rebellion from the Lord, so that we can make good Godly decisions in our lives and live a life without regrets.  Don’t be like the foolish, man who crucifies and nails Jesus to the cross, over and over again. Jesus died once for us and rose again for us. When we are led by Jesus, gratitude, obedience, and peace enter our spirits and we are led into the green pastures. What would Jesus do, whether the situation is good or bad, Jesus would do the right thing, the best thing for everyone. Amen.

We bless and pray that as recipients of Jesus’ love and grace, we will not stir up strife and contention, but will work together as co-workers in love for the church of God, Riverview Church, standing firm in the Word.

If we come to Church to have our will be done, this is the wrong motivation we should come and allow God’s will to be done. That is God’s plan. You know the Israelites that went into the wilderness, it was not God’s intention to have them there very long. It is only three days journey from Egpyt to the land of Canaan. (The promsed land) They spent 40 years in that wilderness because they would not follow God’s will.

Let obedience be better than sacrifice.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Selah! Amen!