Passage: Philippians 1:18-26 Speaker: Pastor Jon Kopp Series: Joy Full - Fellowship in the Gospel
Speaker: Jon Kopp - In this weekend's text, the Apostle Paul shows us the essence of life itself. "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Our passage contains some of of the most well-known verses in our Bibles, and with them Paul says, "Life is Christ." Christ is the definition of life itself. And with Christ defining Paul's life, he can face any uncertainty with confidence, purpose and joy. May we find the same thing as we meditate on these precious words of our Lord. Perhaps these words from several hundred years ago, could guide your prayer in preparation for this Sunday's message. "As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me. May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen." (St. Patrick's Prayer)