This is just a short outline of the sermon that I actually preached. Click on either the audio or video link below to hear or view the complete sermon
The last week has been a long week. It has been a week full of packing boxes, cleaning all kinds of things, saying good-byes, getting my first motorcycle ride, enjoying time with the family and finishing up my time at Salvation Army. As we come to worship this morning, the boxes are all packed (the living room and dining room are filled with boxes.) My office is empty except for my sound equipment. We have had to change addresses and email addresses and all kinds of things that are needed to get ready to move. The truck is reserved and now it is time to say our official goodbye to the congregation at Preston Wesleyan Church. Some of you we will see tomorrow as you help us pack the truck. Some of you we will see at District Conference and at other district events. I searched for an appropriate scripture for this morning and my mind came back to the first chapter of Philippians. This passage first became special to me when I graduated from high school. It was put in one of my graduation cards and meant a great deal to me. Paul writes to the church at Philippi. As we read through this, I would like to share some parting thoughts and share from my heart.
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Lamentations 3:23 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
