The letter talks about things that are close to me, not the least of which is the gospel itself. And, today, as I sit amidst that which is transpiring about me, the partnership these Philippians shared in is something of which I am acutely aware. For, gazing out my window I see construction workers busy preparing a building that will house children soon to hear and receive the gospel from within new walls. Listening through my door I hear sounds of mothers picking up children and learning news of Women's Bible Studies yet to come -'one just for them!' And reaching for my desk I touch my Bible to read from God's Word, the same Word which will be proclaimed this Sunday and throughout each day of this coming year - or til Christ comes. So that I literally tremble with anticipation of both what is, and, what is yet to be.
Philippi was established in 356 BC by the Macedonian King, Philip II, and was abandoned in the 14th century after the Ottoman Conquest. Sitting at the headwaters of the Aegean Sea, in Eastern Macedonia, it was a strategic site for defending neighboring mines containing gold. Describing its geographic locale today, one would say it sits west of Istanbul and north of Athens 400 and 350 kilometers respectively. Population estimates of Philippi in the time of Paul range in the neighborhood of 300,000 inhabitants, though these numbers are hard to authenticate. Regardless, it was of significant size to attract the attention of Paul, to bear historical mention of commerce and trade, and to house a Jewish population of enough size to garner the beginnings of a new - and ultimately, very successful - church.
But beyond this, let me just say - Paul loved this church. The Philippian Christians were not perfect, but they did serve a perfect God. They were those who had been saved by Him sending His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for their sins - and unto the proclamation of this great truth and the building of His Kingdom their attention was now fully turned. Yes, Paul loved them, gave praise for them - but... wanted for them MORE.
So that this is what I think of when I think now of ParkwayHills. We are a commendable church too - maybe not always, but certainly on most days. And as I complete this first message - the one Ill bring this coming Lord's Day, I simply must say I, too, am ... "thanking my God in all my remembrance of you." Indeed - ready to have us learn of the MORE God has for us as we serve Him faithfully here.
Till then,
Pastor Sam
