Saturday, September 19, 2026
We contend together to accomplish Kingdom work!
into God’s House!
Mark welcomed us to worship and shared announcements. David Fox, Dean and Susie’s son, is bringing the message Oct. 3. Oct. 10 we will hold a church business meeting–bring a brown bag lunch.
Becky led us in prayer for a six-year-old little girl diagnosed with meningitis, a man with a bladder tumor, and a woman with young children who faces Guillain-Barré Syndrome. We prayed for our brother Pastor Bob Harris who worships with us online and for his family’s health needs, and for Jake and Mariela as they expect their baby very soon. We also continue to pray for Tracy who ministers to people that visit her prayer tent, and for her husband Bryan who faces serious health concerns.
Reminding us of how each and every one of us is perfectly designed by God, Marissa challenged the children to see if they could recognize church members’ baby pictures.
We are all fearfully and wonderfully made!
Many thanks to Chuck, Jessie and Davis Meathrell for beautifully leading praise and worship!
Susie Fox read Hebrews 4: 1-12 which encourages us to make every effort to enter into the rest of God, and in v. 12 reminds us that “the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Brother Chuck brought us a meaningful message from Philippians about spending our lives wisely.
History is full of stories of people coming to the end of their life and asking what was it all about? What did I do that ever meant anything? Even Solomon.
What should we be doing with life? Our priorities are messed up unless we focus on Jesus.
The apostle Paul said, “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain…” Phil. 1:21
To live is Christ. In the natural we don’t want to die, but Paul’s attitude about life and death is healthier – to die is to go to be with Jesus
To Live is Christ — Kingdom work takes many shapes:
In your secular job you support your Kingdom work. Raising up children to the glory of God is Kingdom work. Our duty is to be obedient to Him. Use your accounting gift to God’s glory. Or your musical ability, or driving big trucks! Whatever it is, do it to the glory of God. – I Cor. 10:31. This is part of living a fruitful life
In the midst of this world’s frustrations, know that you are here on earth on purpose for a purpose – to serve a living God. We may have limitations – but we serve a BIG God. Don’t spend your life on the couch, or only on making money—focus your life in a way that God is glorified. Know the time is coming when you will depart your body and sit at the feet of Christ Jesus.
To Die is Gain
Paul can say this having been being stoned, kicked out of town, shipwrecked and afflicted with physical pain. To die means full restoration – the burdens and struggles of life lifted away. To sit at the feet of Jesus. To enter into the rest of Jesus – to move beyond Sabbath day rest to eternal rest.
Paul’s work was valuable and needed, but he longed for heaven which is indescribably better. Jesus went ahead to prepare a place for us. In Rev. 21 we read about no more crying, pain, no need for sun or moon, because the glory of God will be our light! In Rev. 22—the river of life flows from the throne of God – and we will see His face. Jesus told the thief on the cross that “today you will be with me in paradise.” Did the thief understand? Do we think about heaven enough?
Paul continues…
Referencing Ephesians 2, Chuck reflected on how being a citizen of Heaven now is one of your defining characteristics. It should direct how we think and impact all the details of our lives. We’re here doing the work—but our deepest citizenship is in Heaven, our true Home.
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” Phil.1:27
As citizens of Heaven you and I stand firm together in one accord. We work alongside/ beside/with one another – striving, enduring and suffering. With a nod toward the Greek games, Paul uses sports language describing a team that contends together to win a prize. We have to choose one another as we fight for victory.
Anytime you are doing good work you will be challenged by the enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy. That is why in this church we pray against the enemy.
We have to work, serve, celebrate, endure – all together. Even if its hard to get along. Is suffering the direct result of faith and working for the kingdom? Yes. But is not about me, and it is not about you. It is about the Kingdom of God.
We need to choose togetherness. God didn’t call just one or two or three of us – he called all of us together to contend together for his prize. There is a true homecoming for all of us.
Amen.
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Pataskala Seventh Day Baptist 