10 22 07 From Where God Found Us

“……for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; 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.” (Philippians 1:5-6)

Humble beginnings…..

Here is what the first members of the Philippian church looked like: a girl having an evil spirit removed; a Roman jail guard and his family; and a wealthy business woman named Lydia (Acts 16 account). This was not a group one would pick to start a church. It was however, the founders hand-picked by God!

As we read through the Bible, we find in Philippians 1:1 that the church has elders, bishops, and many members (all the saints). This was just ten years later! Paul further praised them for their love, support, and the sweet fellowship they had there. It seemed to be Paul’s favorite church!

Where are we as individuals and even as a church today? How have we matured FROM WHERE GOD FOUND US? Are we growing in our fellowship, our love, our support, our Christ-mindedness? Do we have the same love and same way of thinking? Are we in one accord and of one mind? Are we doing things for our glory or to build up others and bring honor to Christ? Are we putting others first over our desires? Is this mind in us that was in Christ? (Philippians 2:2-5)

No matter what state we were in FROM WHERE GOD FOUND US, we have no excuse not to be growing. God can use anyone from any background to do anything if we allow Him the freedom in our life to work. We can stunt our own spiritual growth however by continuing to follow our flesh, refusing to trust God, and listening to the lies of Satan and those in this earthly realm of his. Are we willing to give God freedom to finish the work He began in us at the day He entered into our hearts? My prayer is that others will say about us the things Paul said about the Philippian church: thank God for our fellowship in the Gospel from the first day (when we were redeemed) until now.