There are two things I am really looking forward to... the day when we can safely meet in the same building and the day when my kids can see their friends, and laugh and play and chat about nothing important. This week has been particularly tough as we stretch beyond any normal length of time away from school and friends.
Paul encourages the Philippians to 'press on' toward the goal, but he isn't talking about daily life, he is talking about something, or rather someone, far greater. Looking forward can seem difficult in our current isolation, but perhaps we have a greater opportunity to strain toward what is ahead - to focus on Jesus and follow him heavenward.
Philippians 3: 7-14
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Talk - Don't Look Back, You're Not Going That Way
This week's talk, based on Philippians, comes from Francis Chan, an author and teacher who founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California. Particularly impressive is his unwavering belief in biblical teaching.
Kevin has recorded an introduction to the talk, including some more verses from Philippians. I have included both the talk and introduction into a playlist so that the talk automatically follows Kevin. Click here to listen.
Worship Playlist
Each member of the Jennings household (junior edition) has chosen a song for the playlist this week. Click here to listen to the playlist, to watch a video explaining our choices, and to join Kevin as he leads us in singing 'Great is Your Faithfulness'.
Communion
As he broke bread, Jesus told his disciples “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
I look forward to the day we can meet together again and do this - we normally do so on the first Sunday of the month. Sometimes we use the song Mercy as part of our communion, so perhaps we can do so now in our homes as we break bread and drink wine in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. Click here to listen.
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