by Pastor Chuck Ryan

Everyone Needs To Belong Text: Philippians 1:3-5 Thesis: The Church is the family of God where everyone is loved and accepted. Action Step: “Do not be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6)”, but become actively involved with your church family. 1. Everyone needs to experience the warmth of God’s family called the Church. A. The Apostle Paul carries with him a treasure of great memories of the Church. 1. Memories we cherish - meals shared with laughter, mountain top experiences with God, the celebration of new births, the building of a new worship facility, and more! 2. Present Events we enjoy - we are together again. 3. Future Dreams anticipated - “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 2. Everyone needs the loving prayers of those who care. A. The Apostle Paul “always prays with joy”. (Vs. 4a) 1. Fervency originates in love. * “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (person) availeth much.” James 5:6b KJV 2. It is a pleasure to pray for a person you love. 3. Everyone needs to form a “partnership in the Gospel” (Vs. 5a) A. The Apostle Paul found comfort in knowing he was not serving Christ alone. 1. Paul was serving Christ in a Roman prison at the same time his fellow Christians were serving Christ in Philippi. 2. There is a connection established when two or more people partner together. * “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Mathew 18:19-20 3. There is strength in numbers. * “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 4. Everyone needs to belong to the family of God. A. Accept Christ as your personal Savior and become a part of the universal Church. B. Commit to a local Church family and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Our Church Can Become Your Home