Proclaiming Christ

Devotion

This week our devotion will cover Philippians 1:12-18c:

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed

In the latter part of Genesis the story of Joseph is covered. Joseph was his father's favorite son and his brothers, in envy and rivalry, sold him into slavery. Well, that was plan B. Plan A was to kill him. Joseph was sold into slavery and through a series of events eventually is put into a position of great authority. This authority allows him to provide for his family during a great famine, yet there is always the fear from his brothers that Joseph will take revenge. When Jacob, their father, dies, the brothers fear that vengeance will soon fall on them. It is at this juncture that Joseph says:

Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones. [Genesis 50:19-21]

It is precisely this attitude that the Apostle Paul has adopted in his address to the Philippians. Paul has looked on his circumstance-being imprisoned for the Gospel-and instead of bemoaning his what had befallen him, instead he rejoices. Certainly both those who arrested him and were holding him for trial and those who used his imprisonment as a means to assert their own leadership in the church over and against him meant his harm. Yet, the Apostle can only see how even this suffering he was enduring was used to proclaim Christ.
When we come into faith in Christ Jesus and we behold the wonder that is our salvation by grace alone, the Gospel takes center stage in our life. The hope we have begins to lead us to proclaim Christ to others and to view the entirety of our lives in service to the Gospel. No matter what befalls us, no matter what occurs, no matter the circumstance or situation, God is working to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through us. Who needs Jesus in your life? Proclaim the Gospel then and trust that everything in your life is leading you toward that end. And when we see the Gospel proclaimed, no matter the outcome, we rejoice that the truth has been shared.

News and Events

• Cookies, cookies, cookies: Coffee Fellowship could use some cookies. Please put them in a ziplock bag labeled with the date and drop them into the freezer.
• It is not too late to buy a highly-fragrant, long-lasting candle from one of our youth. This fundraiser supports our annual camp ministry.
•  Please check the Lost & Found box for items you may have left. The day is coming and will soon be here when items in the box will be donated to the Senior Center.
• Men's Breakfast is coming up on October 8 at 6 am.

Opportunity to Serve

Trunk-or-Treat: On October 31 from 5-7 p.m. our parking lot will be hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event. At a trunk-or-treat people decorate cars and dress up in a theme to hand out treats to kids. It is a good opportunity to meet people and invite folks to worship.
We are in need of folks to provide the trunks. More information will be forth coming from the Service Team.