The sermon explored Philippians 2:12-18, focusing on how believers are called to "work out their salvation" through the sanctification process—not to earn salvation, but to allow God's Holy Spirit to transform us more and more into the image of Christ. We examined what it means to reflect Christ's light in a "crooked and twisted generation" without cursing the darkness, but instead shining brightly through lives marked by gratitude, purity, and sacrificial love. The key truth is that God is actively at work in us, and as we surrender to His transforming power, we become effective witnesses who point others to Jesus for His glory.

Takeaways:

• Sanctification is God's work in us, not our work for Him. While we cannot earn salvation through works, God calls us to actively participate in the sanctification process by surrendering daily to His Spirit. The more we understand our position in Christ—blameless and covered by His blood—the more our behavior will naturally reflect our true identity as His children.

• We are called to be lights, not to curse the darkness. Rather than becoming angry or discouraged by the darkness around us, we should remember that those walking in darkness are simply blind to the truth of Jesus. Our role is to compassionately reflect Christ's light through our lives, earning the right to share God's Word by first listening, caring, and becoming genuine friends to those who need Him.

• Living sacrificially for others is worth it. Like Paul, we're called to pour out our lives for others, making disciples who make disciples. This requires dying to self, surrendering our time and resources, and sometimes forgiving those who've hurt us. When we stand in eternity, we won't regret what we sacrificed for Christ's kingdom—we'll only regret what we held back.

This week, ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal areas where He wants to work. Remember, He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. Don't fight the process—surrender to it, and watch how God uses your light to draw others to Himself.

We have some truly exciting news to share! Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve seen a wonderful increase in attendance for our Sunday services. It’s been so encouraging to look out and see more new faces and new friends every week, and we are incredibly grateful for this sign of God working in our community.

As our church family grows, we need your help to make sure every new person feels welcomed and can easily find a seat.

Sunday Seating: Moving Forward Together

We need your help to make finding a seat simple for our first-time attendees and new friends.

• Please make your way toward the front! If you are physically able, we encourage you to sit in the forward sections of the sanctuary. This leaves the back rows open for new people who often prefer to sit near an exit. Even moving forward one or two rows from your regular seat can help.

• Safety Team members and those with physical limitations should continue to sit where they are most comfortable/needed.

Parking: A Simple Act of Service

Let’s save the best parking for our new families and individuals!

• We are asking all regulars who are physically able to please park in the spots further away from the main entrance. Again, even one or two parking rows back can help us do this.

• Saving the closest and most convenient spots ensures that new people have an easy, stress-free path into the building. If you would like to have a greeter or usher park your car for you and retreive it after service is over, please let us know. 

Thank you for demonstrating the love of Christ through these simple but powerful acts of hospitality. Your willingness to adjust makes a huge difference!