[Sunday Sermon] The Joy of Gospel Partnership Together
“3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Today we gather in gratitude—thankful for all that God has done in and through our church. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, "I thank my God every time I remember you." Gratitude was the foundation of his relationship with the believers, and it should be the same for us. We thank God for Pastor Yu and his faithful ministry, for your prayers and encouragement, and for the grace-filled partnership you shared. Now, as you prepare to welcome Pastor Jungmo Koo, let this same spirit of thanksgiving carry you forward.
Paul’s prayer was also filled with joy—not just happiness, but deep awareness of God’s grace. This grace, charis, is the joy of knowing that God is present with us, even in times of transition and uncertainty. The grace of God does not change, even when seasons shift. Just as Paul sensed God’s leading to Philippi, we trust that God is guiding our church now. That same joy sustains us when we feel uncertain because we know that God’s presence never fails.
Paul commended the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel—koinōnia, a fellowship rooted not only in shared meals or worship, but in shared life. This is the heart of the church. You have lived this out in prayer, care, and service, and now you are called to do so again with your new pastor. The world will see Christ through your unity and love. As the early church showed, true partnership in the gospel transforms both the church and the community around it.
Finally, Paul reminds us that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." This is God’s promise not just to individuals, but to the whole church. God is not finished with you. You are still being shaped, still being sent, still being used. So continue to walk together in faith, giving thanks, growing in grace, and trusting that the good work God began will be brought to beautiful completion.
Prayer: Lord, we thank You for all You have done and all You are still doing in this church. Help us to walk in gratitude, to rejoice in Your grace, to share life together, and to trust Your perfect plan. Shape us into a Christ-like community, and may we continue to grow in faith and love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)