Breakout Begins!

I would be lying if I didn't tell you how excited I am about our Breakout series starting this Sunday, June 1. This series will cover several areas:

First, we'll be working our way through Philippians, one of the great letters of the New Testament. You'll be amazed at the ways God speaks to us when we systematically work through His word. So come eager to experience what God will apply. I've been reading through the entire letter everyday, and can't wait to share what God has been putting on my heart.

Second, as individuals this series will help empower us to break free from sin and give our lives freely to God. The theme of the letter is joy, and we'll uncover the heart of the joy-filled Christian life.

Third, this series will set the stage for our church to breakout, break free, and break loose on London! I'm praying seriously that God will take our church to the next level over the next two months. I'm praying that we...

• Breakout of our comfort zone and start bringing our friends and family to worship.
• Breakout of our worship and share God's love with the world.
• Breakout of our theatre as we fill all 350 seats.
• Breakout into Connections Groups and break into real community.

I can't wait to worship with you on Sunday. It's going to be awesome!

The Breakout Challenge, Day 2

For day 2 of the Breakout Challenge we go to a paraphrase of Philippians.

Philippians 1 (The Message)

The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Philippians 1

1-2Paul and Timothy, both of us committed servants of Christ Jesus, write this letter to all the followers of Jesus in Philippi, pastors and ministers included. We greet you with the grace and peace that comes from God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ.

A Love That Will Grow

3-6Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.

7-8It's not at all fanciful for me to think this way about you. My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality. You have, after all, stuck with me all the way from the time I was thrown in jail, put on trial, and came out of it in one piece. All along you have experienced with me the most generous help from God. He knows how much I love and miss you these days. Sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does!

9-11So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.

They Can't Imprison the Message

12-14I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I'm in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they've learned all about him. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah.

15-17It's true that some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, they think they'll step right into the spotlight. But the others do it with the best heart in the world. One group is motivated by pure love, knowing that I am here defending the Message, wanting to help. The others, now that I'm out of the picture, are merely greedy, hoping to get something out of it for themselves. Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition, and so the worse it goes for me, the better—they think—for them.

18-21So how am I to respond? I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!

And I'm going to keep that celebration going because I know how it's going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don't expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn't shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose.

22-26As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.

27-30Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.

Philippians 2

He Took on the Status of a Slave

1-4If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.

Rejoicing Together

12-13What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.

14-16Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.

17-18Even if I am executed here and now, I'll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ's altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout's fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don't feel sorry for me.

19-24I plan (according to Jesus' plan) to send Timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. Oh, how that will do my heart good! I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you. Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus. But you know yourselves that Timothy's the real thing. He's been a devoted son to me as together we've delivered the Message. As soon as I see how things are going to fall out for me here, I plan to send him off. And then I'm hoping and praying to be right on his heels.

25-27But for right now, I'm dispatching Epaphroditus, my good friend and companion in my work. You sent him to help me out; now I'm sending him to help you out. He has been wanting in the worst way to get back with you. Especially since recovering from the illness you heard about, he's been wanting to get back and reassure you that he is just fine. He nearly died, as you know, but God had mercy on him. And not only on him—he had mercy on me, too. His death would have been one huge grief piled on top of all the others.

28-30So you can see why I'm so delighted to send him on to you. When you see him again, hale and hearty, how you'll rejoice and how relieved I'll be. Give him a grand welcome, a joyful embrace! People like him deserve the best you can give. Remember the ministry to me that you started but weren't able to complete? Well, in the process of finishing up that work, he put his life on the line and nearly died doing it.

Philippians 3

To Know Him Personally

1 And that's about it, friends. Be glad in God! I don't mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don't mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry—so here goes.

2-6Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God's law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book.

7-9The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness.

10-11I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.

Focused on the Goal

12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

15-16So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

17-19Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.

20-21But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.

Philippians 4

1 My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.

Pray About Everything

2I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges.

3And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you're right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.

4-5Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Content Whatever the Circumstances

10-14I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.

15-17You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I'll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

18-20And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.

21-22Give our regards to every follower of Jesus you meet. Our friends here say hello. All the Christians here, especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar, want to be remembered to you.

23Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.

The Breakout Challenge

Here it is.
Real simple.
We start our series "Breakout" this coming Sunday.
The best way to prepare...

Read the letter to the church in Philippi ever day for the next week.
Read it like the way it was meant to be heard- all at once, in one sitting.
It takes 10-15 minutes tops, and that's reading slowly.
It will prepare your heart and mind to breakout and be transformed this June and July.

I'll be sending it out in a different translation/paraphrase everyday this week to aid your study.

Philippians 1 (English Standard Version)

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Philippians 1

Greeting

1Paul and Timothy, servants^[a] of Christ Jesus,

To all the^(A) saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the^(B) overseers^[b] and^(C) deacons:^[c]

2^(D) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3^(E) I thank my God^(F) in all my remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5^(G) because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6And I am sure of this, that he who began^(H) a good work in you^(I) will bring it to completion at^(J) the day of Jesus Christ. 7It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you^(K) in my heart, for you are all^(L) partakers with me of grace,^[d] both^(M) in my imprisonment and in^(N) the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8For^(O) God is my witness,^(P) how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9And it is my prayer that^(Q) your love may abound more and more,^(R) with knowledge and all discernment, 10so that you may approve what is excellent,^(S) and so be pure and blameless^(T) for the day of Christ, 11filled^(U) with the fruit of righteousness that comes^(V) through Jesus Christ,^(W) to the glory and praise of God.

The Advance of the Gospel

12I want you to know, brothers,^[e] that what has happened to me has really^(X) served to advance the gospel, 13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard^[f] and^(Y) to all the rest that^(Z) my imprisonment is for Christ. 14And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold^(AA) to speak the word^[g] without fear.

15^(AB) Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16The latter do it out of love,^(AC) knowing that I am put here for^(AD) the defense of the gospel. 17The former proclaim Christ^(AE) out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19for I know that^(AF) through your prayers and^(AG) the help of^(AH) the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20as it is my eager expectation and hope^(AI) that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full^(AJ) courage now as always Christ^(AK) will be honored in my body,^(AL) whether by life or by death. 21For to me^(AM) to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23^(AN) I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is^(AO) to depart and^(AP) be with Christ, for that is far better. 24But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25^(AQ) Convinced of this,^(AR) I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your^(AS) progress and^(AT) joy in the faith, 26so that in me^(AU) you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

27Only^(AV) let your manner of life be^(AW) worthy^[h] of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you^(AX) that you are standing firm in one spirit, with^(AY) one mind^(AZ) striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is^(BA) a clear sign to them of their destruction, but^(BB) of your salvation, and that from God. 29For^(BC) it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also^(BD) suffer for his sake, 30engaged in the same^(BE) conflict that^(BF) you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 2

Christ’s Example of Humility

1So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from^(A) love, any^(B) participation in the Spirit, any^(C) affection and sympathy, 2^(D) complete my joy by being^(E) of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from^(F) rivalry or^(G) conceit, but in^(H) humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you^(I) look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5^(J) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,^[a] 6^(K) who, though he was in^(L) the form of God, did not count equality with God^(M) a thing to be grasped, 7but^(N) made himself nothing, taking the form of a^(O) servant,^[b](P) being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by^(Q) becoming obedient to the point of death,^(R) even death on a cross. 9^(S) Therefore^(T) God has^(U) highly exalted him and bestowed on him^(V) the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus^(W) every knee should bow,^(X) in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and^(Y) every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is^(Z) Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12Therefore, my beloved,^(AA) as you have always^(AB) obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for^(AC) it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for^(AD) his good pleasure.

14Do all things^(AE) without grumbling or^(AF) questioning, 15that you may be blameless and innocent,^(AG) children of God^(AH) without blemish^(AI) in the midst of^(AJ) a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine^(AK) as lights in the world, 16holding fast to^(AL) the word of life, so that in^(AM) the day of Christ^(AN) I may be proud that^(AO) I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17Even if I am to be^(AP) poured out as a drink offering upon^(AQ) the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19I hope in the Lord Jesus^(AR) to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20For I have no one^(AS) like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21For they all^(AT) seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you know Timothy’s^[c](AU) proven worth, how^(AV) as a son^[d] with a father^(AW) he has served with me in the gospel. 23I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24and^(AX) I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

25I have thought it necessary to send to you^(AY) Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and^(AZ) fellow soldier, and your messenger and^(BA) minister to my need, 26for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29So^(BB) receive him in the Lord with all joy, and^(BC) honor such men, 30for he nearly died^(BD) for the work of Christ, risking his life^(BE) to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

Philippians 3

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

1Finally, my brothers,^[a](A) rejoice in the Lord.^(B) To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2Look out for^(C) the dogs, look out for^(D) the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3For^(E) we are the circumcision,^(F) who worship^(G) by the Spirit of God^[b] and^(H) glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4^(I) though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5^(J) circumcised on the eighth day,^(K) of the people of Israel,^(L) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(M) a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6^(N) as to zeal,^(O) a persecutor of the church;^(P) as to righteousness under the law,^[c] blameless. 7But^(Q) whatever gain I had,^(R) I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of^(S) the surpassing worth of^(T) knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I^(U) have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having^(V) a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but^(W) that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10^(X) that I may know him and^(Y) the power of his resurrection, and^(Z) may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may^(AA) attain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12Not that I have already^(AB) obtained this or^(AC) am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:^(AD) forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for^(AE) the prize of the upward^(AF) call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let those of us who are^(AG) mature think this way, and if in anything^(AH) you think otherwise,^(AI) God will reveal that also to you. 16Only^(AJ) let us hold true to what we have attained.

17Brothers,^(AK) join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk^(AL) according to the example you have in us. 18For^(AM) many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you^(AN) even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19^(AO) Their end is destruction,^(AP) their god is their belly, and^(AQ) they glory in their shame, with^(AR) minds set on earthly things. 20But^(AS) our citizenship is in heaven, and^(AT) from it we^(AU) await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform^(AV) our lowly body^(AW) to be like his glorious body,^(AX) by the power that enables him even^(AY) to subject all things to himself.

Philippians 4

1Therefore, my brothers,^[a] whom I love and^(A) long for,^(B) my joy and^(C) crown,^(D) stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

2I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to^(E) agree in the Lord. 3Yes, I ask you also, true companion,^[b] help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers,^(F) whose names are in the book of life.

4^(G) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.^(H) The Lord is at hand; 6^(I) do not be anxious about anything,^(J) but in everything by prayer and supplication^(K) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And^(L) the peace of God,^(M) which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and^(N) received and heard and seen^(O) in me—practice these things, and^(P) the God of peace will be with you.

God’s Provision

10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length^(Q) you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be^(R) content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and^(S) hunger, abundance and^(T) need. 13I can do all things^(U) through him who strengthens me.

14Yet it was kind of you^(V) to share^[c] my trouble. 15And you Philippians yourselves know that^(W) in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia,^(X) no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17^(Y) Not that I seek the gift, but I seek^(Z) the fruit that increases to your credit.^[d] 18I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied,^(AA) having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent,^(AB) a fragrant offering,^(AC) a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19And my God^(AD) will supply every need of yours^(AE) according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20To^(AF) our God and Father be^(AG) glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.^(AH) The brothers who are with me greet you. 22^(AI) All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23^(AJ) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Walk Hard

Series: Connections Gives Back
May 25, 2008

Last Sunday we started our mini-series on Connections Gives Back. We began looking at this foundational passage for the church, and for Christ-followers, Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you? To do justly, to love mercy, to walk humble with you God.” A mission for all the people of God to guide and direct our lives- corporately as the church and individually as brothers and sisters in Christ. We got started on the first part- do justly (Notice I didn’t say we finished, because really, we’ve only scratched the surface in looking at the call to justice). Today we move on to mercy and walking with God.

Read the whole sermon at cccsermons.blogspot.com or listen at connectionschurch.ca

Remember the 8th

I'm talking about the 8th commandment, "Do not steal."
Yesterday my bike was stolen (this is one of my few pictures to remember her)
RIP: 2002-2008
I can't believe she's gone.
She was beautiful, and served me well for 6 years.
The years flew by.
She was in great condition.
Sure her rims were a bit out of true, she had a couple of scratches, but she was still in excellent shape.
Someone else obviously liked her looks as well.
Cut my lock in broad daylight.
I was surprisingly not mad, considering my insurance deductible is $1000 so it's not worthy submitting as a claim. But I was still pretty upset.
I walked around the area for about 15 minutes to see if the thief dumped her.
I prayed prayers I don't think I've ever prayed before.

First, I honestly prayed to love my enemy.
If I meet this person I will tell them about Jesus.

And then I prayed, in love, that God would smite this person something fierce.
Really.
I pray they will wreak on my bike and get hurt pretty bad.
I pray they will get boils and go bald.
I pray they will be plagued with digestive problems.

And I pray they will repent of this sin, turn their life around, and come to Jesus.
If they do that, I don't even care if I get my bike back.

So if you see an incontinent, bald, boiled and bandaged person riding a silver and black Diamond Back, fully-suspended mountain bike...

Don't bother telling them to give the bike back, tell them to give their life to Jesus.
He'll work the rest out I'm sure!

Choice Points

I've been reading a book that makes reference to an obscure computer programming term called "choice points." These are points of change in a decision tree. We might call them forks in the road. This writer applied the term to churches and described them as, "points in time when a formal or informal, and sometimes unconscious, decision is made regarding a value, preference, attitude or response."

There are hundreds of "choice points" we've faced in our lives. Most go unnoticed and are not reflected up. Some are insignificant. Of course, so change everything.

Church planting involves choice points all the time. Perhaps the foremost one is this,

Action vs. Inaction
Someone once said, "Start and the job is half done." That is so true. Thinking, planning, preparing, praying are all necessary things. I'm not advocating doing things poorly or in a rush. But just getting something started is often the key to getting it done.

How many great ideas, plans, hopes and dreams go unbirthed simply because they were never started? Some ideas are so good they are worth starting, even poorly, just to make sure they get started. I embraced this idea from the start. I knew we could have planned for years and never covered all the bases of anew church. I also knew we would have killed the dream and missed the moment God had opened. There are natural "windows" to start a new church. The two obvious ones being the new school year, and the new year. I knew we wouldn't have everything in place by Fall 2007, so we started "Sneak Preview" services. This ended up being a great strategy. We were able to launch fully in January 2008 with most of the snags worked out.

Is there something God wants you to take action on? If so, you are being faced with a choice point. Plan for it. Prepare for it. And definitely pray for it. But most of all, start it! Take action- make the call, sign to contract, set the date, seal the deal and "get-r-done!"

Seek Justice

Series: Connections Gives Back
George J. Saylor
May 18, 2008

My poor wife grew up in very a very unjust circumstance- she was a Pastor’s Kid. There are actually support groups for pastors kids because to the issues they have. If you are a PK and have issues, talk to my wife, not me. My dear wife was subjected to what was called “The Calvinettes.” She tells me it was like a Girl Guides troop with a biblical twist. They would get their troop together, put on their little vests and kerchiefs, do crafts, work on earning badges, sing songs and study the bible. The Calvinettes always began with the same ritual- they would all line up and the leader would ask, “Calvinettes of Victoria, what does the Lord require of you?” And in unison the girls would shout back,

“To do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, Micah 6:8.”

To this day my wife still points to this as one of her life verses- one of those verse that provides for her a handle to grasp the Christian life, a ruler to gauge her lifestyle, and a goal for her to try to attain. Those are the hallmarks of a great and worthwhile mission- this verse gives us the direction to set our lives and the tools to get there. It calls us to something greater than just ourselves and our own wants and desires. It gives us something to live for, and something worth dying for. It really is a mission worthy of our entire life.

Read the whole sermon at cccsermons.blogspot.com or listen on our website.

EVERYTHING matters!

Today was one of those services where our volunteers ROCKED.
Which is essential, because everything matters in a worship service.
Everything.
One mistake and you may never get another chance with someone.

Here are some reflections on today's service:

One, today was so scary for me. We had Jacob Moon in to lead worship. I knew Jacob Moon was good, but wondered how it would "feel" with him leading our music component.
I don't want to mess up our "brand."
Let me explain- a woman who comes regularly and who has no church background missed the past two weeks. This weekend she had TWO folks visiting with her and brought them to Connections. When I saw the new faces I literally prayed,

"God, make this service work!"

She can invite her guests to Connections because she knows what she's bringing them to experience- the atmosphere, the music, the message, the coffee! If we deviate from the "brand" we've created, she loses confidence in bringing her guests.
That why we keep doing what we do well!

Second, sound.
Today the sound guys showed me their commitment. On our second sound check we still had buzzing. It was unacceptable. The guys pulled out speakers, stand, snake, cables and put me on a whole other channel. Romans 10 says,

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news...how can they hear unless someone goes to tell them."

Guys, you are beautiful because you make God's word heard.

Third, lighting and camera.
Today I goofed. I moved too far from my mark and my face couldn't be seen clearly. Want to know why that is important?
We have one person who comes to Connections because she reads lips. She can see my lips because we have very good lighting and a GIANT screen.
If she can't see my lips, she doesn't "hear" the good news.
If for no one else our lighting has to be excellent, and I have to stay on my mark.
If we do this, we will be a ministry to the hearing impaired.

Fourth, we gave back.
We haven't even scratched the surface of stewardship, but the giving pattern we're starting to develop shows us that people believe in our mission. It's humbling. Today and next week we want to communicate through our actions that we are serious about "Connecting with the world." The people responded. I'll have a final figure to give soon, as we may have more coming. The International Justice Mission will be blessed.
As we move forward we want people to know that they can give confidently to the church because we will steward their gifts well- to pay staff, to develop our ministry, to reach out in mission.
There is so much more to say, but for now we continue to be blessed, we want to be a blessing, and big things are on the way!

Fifth, and finally, it's my anniversary weekend! 11 years of wedded bliss! I love Robin. I love being married to her. I can't wait to see what the next 11 holds in store- I hope one part involves the 11th anniversary of Connections and thousands of people reached for Jesus!

Happy Victoria Day,
Pastor G

Mother's Day

George J. Saylor
May 11, 2008

The old saying of William Ross Wallace really is true, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” The impact of parenting in many ways, and in many cases, sets the course of a child’s life. It certainly couldn’t be more true than in the case of Hannah, the mother of a boy named Samuel. Hannah rocked the cradle of her son Samuel, and he grew up to be the king maker of Israel. Not the king mind you, but someone with more power and responsibility- the one who installed, advised, and in many ways even ruled over the kings of Israel.

Now before I go any further let me be clear that this is not to diminish those women not called to be mothers, or who cannot have children, or women who are not even called into marriage. Jesus never married. Jesus never had children, but Jesus was the most fully alive and truly fulfilled person to ever live. Our greatest value, our greatest worth, is not found in being parents or in being spouses. Our greatest value according to the bible is actually in being children- in being and embracing our identity as children of God. If you get that right, then you are set. You know who you are and whose you are, and everything else is icing on the cake.

But this is to affirm that motherhood, and parenting in general, is a divinely ordained and blessed calling in life. And should you be one of the women called into motherhood, that becomes your first and foremost work for the Lord. If you ask me who I am, first I’m going to say I am a child of God, loved by my Father in heaven, redeemed by my Lord Jesus Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit. Then, if the person hasn’t run away totally freaked out, I’m gonna say second, I’m the husband of Robin. Third the father to Eden, Karis and Justin…so far. Fourth, I am called to be the pastor of Connections Community Church- the most rocking church in London! I hope I’ve made my point- being a mom, being a parent, is the end all and be all of life, but it is really really remarkable.

Read teh whole sermon at cccsermons.blogspot.com

Week in the life of a Connector

Ok, first off, I'm now in the habit of calling our people "Connectors." I hope that isn't too cheesy.

In several recent conversations I've been asked about our mission.
We want to see people far from God come close to God through Jesus Christ.
We use the statement, "Connecting with God. Connecting with people. Connecting with the world." But this is more than just a mission, it also describes our strategy.

Here's how it might play out in the life of a Connector, in this not-so-fictional story...

At some point during the week "Steve," who considers himself committed to Connections, bumps into his neighbor "Joe," who doesn't go to church. Joe already likes Steve because he's a good neighbor and shows genuine interest in their friendship. Joe says something that makes Steve think of a message he heard (or a song we sang, or someone else he knows at Connections). Steve tells this to Joe, then asks, "Would you like to come to Connections with me this Sunday?"

Steve is of course shaking in his boots, but to his delight, Joe says "yes." (After all, 88% of people surveyed who don't go to church said they would go if a friend invited them.)

Sunday morning Steve and Joe go to church, and Joe has a great experience. So great, in fact, Joe is compelled to ask Steve some questions about God, Jesus and church. Steve is a little frustrated because he doesn't have "great" answers for all of Joe's questions. But Joe really doesn't seem to mind because he is more interested in an ongoing discussion.

But because Steve feels a little overwhelmed to "know it all" he invites Joe to his Connections Group. To his amazement, again, Joe agrees.

Joe quickly finds out that this group of people is refreshing "normal" in many ways- they love to joke around, catch up with each other, and enjoy some great coffee and desserts. They have the same struggles as everyone else- they struggle with money, with time management, with raising kids, with marriage, with mundane jobs, with aging parents and their own health.

But Joe also senses that these folks aren't just like everyone else. They are flawed people, but have a different "spirit" or attitude about them. They seem to have hope, freedom, purpose and genuine love for others.

They don't just chit chat all evening, but have some direction. They talk about their lives and the bible. They encourage one another. And they pray for one another. Joe doesn't speak during the prayer, but he is deeply moved by what he feels. He couldn't even describe it if he tried.

Steve and Joe see each other during the week, and they talk a little about Connections and the group. Joe says he really enjoyed it, and he means it. So Steve asks if he'd like to come again. Unfortunately Joe has plans next weekend.

BUT, Steve is not discouraged because he knows that Joe has never been in the habit of going to church. He has a family, work, hobbies and responsibilities. Regular worship attendance alone will be a radical life shift for Joe.

So Steve gentle continues to invite Joe. When he can, he does attend.

After several weeks Joe starts making worship a priority. He's at worship more than half the Sundays of the month. He's developing his own friendships, and genuinely looks forward to his Connections Group (yes, somewhere along the line, who knows when, it became his group too.) Joe has actually begun to invite some of his friends to Connections as well.

Joe never did anything with church before, but he's an early riser and a friendly guy. Soon he finds himself volunteering to help set things up and be a greeter twice a month.

All the while Joe has heard the story of Jesus preached every week. At some point along the way he started to believe it. One Sunday Joe is moved by the music and the message. And by the end of the service, somehow he just knew, he was now a part of Connections. He put his faith in Jesus and felt connected to God, to people, and in a new way, to the world.

He could hardly wait to invite the family that recently moved in just down the street.

Prayer Ministry Training

Did you know that the ONE thing the disciples of Jesus asked him to teach them was how to pray? (Luke 11:1)
We'd like to help teach you how to pray and be a part of our Prayer Team.

ALSO, we will teach you how to share the plan of salvation from the bible.
If you've ever wondered what the bible says about salvation, or wondered how to pray with someone to commit their life to God through Jesus, then you'll want to be at this event. We'll teach you a simple, biblical outline to follow.

What: Prayer Team Training
When: Monday, May 12, 7:30pm at 1326 Hastings Dr.
Why: To organize and prepare our team.
Starting IMMEDIATELY we want to have at least 2 people praying for our service and our community on Sunday mornings from 9-9:30am, and then to be available to pray with/for people after the worship service.

We Got Jobs!

We are getting close to filling all of our current volunteer positions.
So just to be sure that everyone knows that this doesn't mean we're finished, I'm publishing my next list of volunteer jobs we'd love to fill.

By the way, this is one of our PRIMARY strategies for growth (both numerically, and in maturity): to give EVERYONE a volunteer role/position on a ministry team.

So here's the expanded list of volunteer roles:

Sunday Mornings-
Connecting Point Lunch Coordinator: this person would run promotion and sign-ups for our first-of-the month lunch. On the day of the lunch they provide food and drinks (paid for my the church).

Parking Attendants: Yes, parking is pretty easy at the theatre, but how about helping families with young children, and just being there to let people know they're welcome before then even get out of the car!

Connections Kids grades 2-5: Yeap, we want to grow into a children's theatre program.

Prayer Support: We offer prayer support after the service already. Now we want to get the crew started before the service- praying from 9-9:30 am.

More Greeters: Greeting is an awesome job- it's how people get to know everyone the church, and I think we can't have too many greeters.

Living Billboards: you know those folks that stand on street corners and promote "Going out of Business" sales? How about a few people at major interchanges holding Connections signs from 9-10am?

Through the Week-
Media/Video Team: how cool to get a group of folks looking for great clips and videos? I can give them my preaching calendar, and they can help me find supporting materials.

Graphic Arts Team: Just what it says- folks that like graphic arts.

ALPHA Team: we should start planning for a mid-week ALPHA group. This is a program that is an introduction to the Christian faith. This would be used as a step between worship and Connections Groups, place to explore Christianity and our church.

Data Entry: It's about time we get Connections it's own administrative database.

Team Leaders-
Family Ministry Director: I can send you a job description.

First Impressions Team Director: Yea, I have a job description.

That's pretty much off the top of my head.
Here's the point- we can get you plugged in.
We don't have a complicated process right now.
We do need a better system. But for now it's this simple-

Let me know you're ready to get involved, and I'll put you in touch with the right people.

Invite Me!

I mentioned briefly in yesterday's sermon the difference between telling someone about Jesus, or church, and inviting them to meet Jesus, or church.

Here's what I've realized about many of my conversations.
I am always telling people about Connections Community Church. I'm the pastor, I love our people, our worship, our mission, everything about Connections. It comes naturally for me to share what I love.

BUT, I often fool myself into thinking that just because I've TOLD somebody about Connections, that I've INVITED them.
But I haven't.

Saying, "We're an awesome church! I'd love for you to come to our church sometime," is great thing to say if we mean it. But it isn't an invitation. It's too open ended. Just like, "We should have lunch sometime." I've never had lunch with someone after saying we should have lunch. But I've had plenty of lunches with people after I said, "We should have lunch tomorrow."

Try saying, "I love my church! What are doing THIS Sunday? Could I bring you to church with me?"

THAT'S an INVITATION.

Why is that scary? It's not. They are going to say yes or no. If they say yes, great, your invitation was accepted.
If they say no, fine, at least they know you wanted to include them in something you love.

I was invited to join a softball league. I said no. But I really appreciated the invitation.
I was invited to play hockey yesterday. I already had plans. But I loved being invited.

Here's the thing- I know, I KNOW that there are hordes of people out there who are just about screaming, "INVITE ME!" They want to find community, friendship, worship, meaning, purpose, excitement, adventure- all the things we offer at Connections.

So don't just tell them about Connections. Invite them. Actually commit yourself and invite them. You have nothing to lose, and they have everything to gain.

Sharing God's Love

Series: Signs of Belonging
May 4, 2008
George J. Saylor

This morning we come full circle. We draw to a close our series on Signs of Belonging by talking about Sharing God’s Love. Every one of us, every one who puts their faith and trust in Jesus is then called to share in the life and ministry of Jesus. And let me be abundantly clear on what I mean by that- God showed us the ultimate love by sending his Son Jesus into the world to be our savior. The ultimate love we can experience is in accepting the gift of that salvation, that life, in Jesus. The ultimate expression of love is in sharing this love, sharing Jesus, telling others about Jesus, inviting others to know Jesus. When I say share God’s love, I’m not talking about some vague concept or feeling- I’m mean we tell people about God’s love for us in Jesus. We tell them who Jesus is and we invite them to give their life and faith to Jesus.

We should share God’s love for two reasons- first, because Jesus commanded it. Simply put- Jesus said go out into all the world and make disciples. Second, we should do so because we are compelled to share the best news and the best thing that’s every happened to us. Jesus commands us, and our own experience of Jesus compels us to share the best news the world has ever heard- there is forgiveness, there is freedom, there is peace, there is a God who loves you. It’s the most amazing news the world has ever heard. That’s it, and that’s what we’re talking about today.

Let me begin by making three observations...

Read the rest of the sermon at cccsermons.blogspot.com