Celebrating Unity and Growth in God's Faithfulness
Summary
In today's gathering at Fellowship of Joy 2024, we celebrated the goodness of God and reflected on the past year while looking forward to the future. This special service was a time for our church family to come together, share testimonies, and rejoice in the blessings we've experienced. We heard from various members about the progress of our building campaign, which aims to expand our facilities to accommodate our growing congregation. This initiative is a testament to the faithfulness and generosity of our community, as we've seen significant growth in our building fund since 2020.
We also took time to reflect on the numerous activities and ministries that have taken place over the past year. From youth events and mission trips to new ministry initiatives like the Shine Ministry for special needs students, our church has been actively engaged in serving both our congregation and the wider community. These efforts are not just events on a calendar but opportunities for kingdom building and spiritual growth.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are challenged to continue fostering unity and community within our church. Drawing from Philippians 2, we are reminded to be of the same mind and love, putting others before ourselves. This call to unity is essential as we anticipate growth and change in the coming year. We are encouraged to examine ourselves, listen to the needs around us, and prioritize prayer and wisdom in our decisions.
Today's service concluded with a meaningful time of communion, symbolizing our unity in Christ and our commitment to His mission. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus and the call to live out our faith in community with one another.
Key Takeaways:
- Celebrating God's Faithfulness: Reflecting on the past year, we see God's hand in the growth and activities of our church. This is a reminder of His faithfulness and a call to continue trusting Him for the future. Our building campaign is a tangible example of how God provides through the generosity of His people. [51:21]
- Unity in Diversity: Philippians 2 calls us to be of the same mind and love, emphasizing the importance of unity within the body of Christ. This unity is not uniformity but a celebration of diversity, where each member contributes to the whole. As we grow, maintaining this unity will be crucial. [01:28:19]
- Kingdom Building Opportunities: The various ministries and events are more than just activities; they are opportunities for spiritual growth and kingdom building. By stepping into service, we respond to God's call and participate in His work. [01:26:18]
- Preparing for Growth: As we anticipate growth in our community, we are challenged to prepare spiritually and practically. This involves examining ourselves, listening to the needs around us, and prioritizing prayer and wisdom in our planning. [01:35:41]
- Communion as a Symbol of Unity: The act of communion is a powerful reminder of our unity in Christ. It calls us to remember His sacrifice and to live out our faith in community with one another, focusing on relationships both within and outside the church. [01:47:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:05] - Introduction to Fellowship of Joy
- [00:45] - Thanksgiving Service Invitation
- [01:30] - Deacons' Role and Prayer
- [02:15] - Testimonies and Building Campaign Update
- [03:00] - Capital Fundraising and Building Committee
- [03:45] - Chris Gibbs' Testimony
- [04:30] - Church Budget and Angel Tree Announcement
- [05:15] - Christmas Events and Traditions
- [06:00] - Reflecting on Past Year Activities
- [07:00] - Philippians 2 and Call to Unity
- [08:00] - Preparing for 2025 and Growth
- [09:00] - Communion Instructions
- [10:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
- [11:00] - Communion and Final Instructions
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:1-4
- Matthew 26:17-30
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#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the key activities and ministries mentioned in the sermon that took place over the past year at Fellowship of Joy? [01:24:22]
2. How has the building campaign progressed since it began in 2020, and what are the goals for the future? [58:55]
3. What does the act of communion symbolize according to the sermon, and how was it practiced during the service? [01:47:33]
4. How does the sermon describe the diversity within the church community, and what is the significance of this diversity? [01:29:30]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Philippians 2:1-4 challenge the church to maintain unity, and why is this important as the church anticipates growth and change? [01:28:19]
2. In what ways do the various ministries and events at Fellowship of Joy serve as opportunities for kingdom building and spiritual growth? [01:26:18]
3. How does the sermon suggest the church should prepare for anticipated growth in 2025, both spiritually and practically? [01:35:41]
4. What role does the act of communion play in fostering unity within the church, and how does it relate to the church's mission? [01:47:33]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the past year, how have you seen God's faithfulness in your own life, and how can you continue to trust Him for the future? [51:21]
2. How can you contribute to maintaining unity within the church, especially as it grows and changes? Consider specific actions you can take to foster community and understanding. [01:28:19]
3. Identify a ministry or event at Fellowship of Joy that you feel called to participate in. How can you step into this opportunity for service and spiritual growth? [01:26:18]
4. As the church prepares for growth, what steps can you take to examine yourself and listen to the needs around you? How can you prioritize prayer and wisdom in your decisions? [01:35:41]
5. How does the act of communion remind you of your unity with Christ and the church community? What specific relationships within the church can you focus on strengthening this week? [01:47:33]
6. Considering the diversity within the church, how can you celebrate and embrace this diversity in your interactions with others? What practical steps can you take to build relationships with those who are different from you? [01:29:30]
7. How can you apply the principles from Philippians 2:1-4 in your daily life, particularly in putting others before yourself? Identify a situation where you can practice humility and selflessness this week. [01:28:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Provision
Reflecting on the past year, the congregation at Fellowship of Joy 2024 has witnessed God's hand in the growth and activities of their church. This is a powerful reminder of His faithfulness and a call to continue trusting Him for the future. The building campaign, which aims to expand the church's facilities, serves as a tangible example of how God provides through the generosity of His people. Since 2020, there has been significant growth in the building fund, showcasing the community's commitment and God's provision. As the church looks forward to the future, they are encouraged to keep trusting in God's faithfulness and provision. [51:21]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to trust God for provision? How can you actively place this need in His hands today?
Day 2: Embracing Unity in Diversity
Philippians 2 calls the church to be of the same mind and love, emphasizing the importance of unity within the body of Christ. This unity is not about uniformity but a celebration of diversity, where each member contributes to the whole. As the church grows, maintaining this unity will be crucial. The congregation is encouraged to embrace their differences and work together towards a common goal, recognizing that each person's unique gifts and perspectives are valuable. This unity in diversity strengthens the church and allows it to be a powerful witness to the world. [01:28:19]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you celebrate and embrace the diversity within your church community? What steps can you take to foster unity in your relationships with others?
Day 3: Engaging in Kingdom Building
The various ministries and events at Fellowship of Joy are more than just activities; they are opportunities for spiritual growth and kingdom building. By stepping into service, the congregation responds to God's call and participates in His work. From youth events and mission trips to new ministry initiatives like the Shine Ministry for special needs students, the church is actively engaged in serving both the congregation and the wider community. These efforts are not just events on a calendar but opportunities for kingdom building and spiritual growth. [01:26:18]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can actively participate in kingdom building within your church or community this week? How can you use your gifts to serve others?
Day 4: Preparing for Spiritual and Practical Growth
As the church anticipates growth in the community, they are challenged to prepare both spiritually and practically. This involves examining themselves, listening to the needs around them, and prioritizing prayer and wisdom in their planning. The congregation is encouraged to be proactive in their spiritual growth, seeking God's guidance and wisdom as they navigate the changes and challenges that come with growth. By doing so, they can effectively respond to the needs of their community and continue to be a light in the world. [01:35:41]
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's wisdom and guidance? How can you make space for prayer and reflection in your daily routine?
Day 5: Communion as a Symbol of Unity
The act of communion is a powerful reminder of the church's unity in Christ. It calls the congregation to remember His sacrifice and to live out their faith in community with one another, focusing on relationships both within and outside the church. As they partake in the Lord's Supper, they are reminded of their commitment to His mission and the importance of living in unity with one another. This unity is essential as they continue to grow and serve their community. [01:47:33]
"So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:5, ESV)
Reflection: How can you strengthen your relationships within your church community this week? What steps can you take to live out the unity symbolized by communion in your daily life?
Quotes
"Is there anything to be more thankful for than the blood of Jesus? What a powerful song. Well, we've got a couple of testimonies coming for you today. One of them is really more of a report, but it's also a testimony. It's a testimony of God's goodness." [00:58:10] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We started with $76,000, I think, in the bank for the building fund in 2020. So it's grown quite a bit in four years, and we're thankful for that. It's because of the faithfulness of people like you that have given to that." [01:07:03] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Some of those things are a result of people stepping up into service opportunities. Feeling a call of God to do something. Responding to an invitation to do something. Getting outside themselves. Getting outside themselves to serve." [01:26:40] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"As I look back on the year since we last gathered, God has added a number of wonderful families and people to our body. Some of you here today or were not here at this time, last year, and we're so thankful that God brought you our way." [01:29:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I talked about a little bit of those ministries that have kind of had their infancy or growth spurt this year. The Shine ministry. We discovered that was a need for our people. And we saw it as a potential light to the community. Reaching our special needs students. And God has put a number of people in that ministry that have really poured into that." [01:34:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We want to be prepared to meet that growth. So 2025 I believe will be a year of growth and stretching for FBCP. There's part of that that makes me very uncomfortable. You know what? I mean I like my certain chair. I like my office with my beautiful gorgeous Houston Astro wall that I look at every day." [01:36:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"See where God is working and join him. And so I had that slide up there earlier that was targeted about our building project was talking about we need to examine ourselves. We need to we need to pray about these certain things. But let me challenge you with these quick things and then we'll we'll get to the our meat of our time together." [01:37:07] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Today it's still about the cross. It's still about emptying ourselves and it's still about building relationships. We're going to conclude our service today in a way that we've not done at Fellowship of Joy before, by taking communion together." [01:39:16] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Scripture tells us that following that Passover meal, in the evening when the hour had come, he came and sat down and the 12 apostles with him. Then he said, It's with fervent desire that I have desire to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." [01:47:04] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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