Preparing for the Lord’s Day

My wife Elke and I recently met our son Daniel at the Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer the title to a car he’s been driving since high school.  During this pivotal family moment, I appreciated the gracious DMV clerk who highlighted all the spots we needed to sign. Her gracious act allowed us to skim the directions and complete the task. How many times do I prefer to gloss over the primary instruction on most registration forms – to fill out all fields marked with an asterisk? And how many times do I assemble a new yard tool without even looking at the instruction manual? 

In our journey with Jesus Christ, we know to read God’s word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Yet,  we sometimes strain with God’s peace and godly contentment in responding to life's challenges and opportunities without following His direction.  At times, I move forward to care for others without looking over some pivotal passages, such as Philippians 4:4-7, that provide profound instruction to help with inner peace amid the joys and strains of life. 

This Sunday, we’ll look at Philippians 4:4-7 and consider “Christ and the Pursuit of Peace.” With this familiar and profound passage, we’ll see how God promises to give us the peace that surpasses us as we trust and follow our God and Savior.  To come prepared for worship, please spend some time in Colossians 1:15-20, Ephesians 2:11-22, and Philippians 4:1-9.  Ponder Christ’s death, resurrection, and the peace that He secures for those who trust in Him.  Through Jesus Christ, we have peace with God the Father, unity within the body of Christ, and contentment within our rejoicing hearts.

As we gather for worship this Lord’s Day, we’ll join our voices in  praise of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as we sing “We Come, O Christ, to You,” “He Will Hold Me Fast,” and “The Communion Hymn.” As this is the first Sunday of the month, we will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper in worship.  So please remain in prayer and come ready to meet with Christ as He has called us to Himself.  

Text: Philippians 4:4-7

Title: Christ and the Pursuit of Peace

Outline:

The Peace of Reconciliation, Unity, and Contentment

1. Rejoice in the Lord always.
2. Exhibit Reasonableness and gentleness.
3. Trust and Pray.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding 

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