January 25, 2015 CLC-S Preaching: Keeping the "Happy" in the new year

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Champion Life Centre - Scarborough 'EMPOWERING LIVES TO IMPACT OUR WORLD' Sunday Service - January 25, 2015 3:00pm TO REJOICE IS A CHOICE There was once a farmer who began to look at his farm through critical eyes. Every place he looked on his farm he saw something wrong. So he decided to sell and move somewhere else. He contracted a realtor who came out to look things over. Then the realtor called to get the farmer's approval for an ad for the newspaper. The ad spoke of a good location, a well-maintained house, sturdy barns, lush pasture, a beautiful pond, fertile soil and a great view. The farmer listened carefully then he asked the realtor to read it again. Finally the farmer responded, "Don't put the ad in the newspaper. I've always wanted a place like that. I think I'll stay right where I am." Our attitude makes a huge difference in terms of what we experience in life. The Apostle Paul had this amazing ability to live above his circumstances. He chooses joy in a remarkable way. Outwardly, his circumstances were difficult. He was in prison because of his faith and for two years he was under house arrest and chained to a series of soldiers. Now here's the remarkable part: instead of seeing the soldier as an inconvenience, Paul looked at him as a captive audience. What a great example of turning lemons into lemonade! For two years, one soldier after another was chained to Paul giving him a chance to share the gospel. Those soldiers would then take the message back to their barracks and repeat it to their comrades. In the end, the whole palace guard heard about Christ! Friends, whatever circumstance come our way this year, we can always choose to rejoice. Growing with you, Pastor Roy Message Title: Keeping the “Happy” in the New Year Message Text: Philippians 1:12-26 The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to Paul because they had heard that Paul was in prison. Since Epaphroditus' departure, they had probably heard nothing of Paul. They may have supposed that his ministry was at a standstill and that his confinement was an impediment to the spread of the gospel. Also. they must have thought that Paul was lonely and depressed. But Epaphroditus, bearing a different news, has just returned back to Philippi with a letter from their beloved Apostle. As we study this portion of the letter, we will discover how Paul viewed his circumstances and how that mind-set has helped him to be joyful despite of difficulties. 1. JOYFUL EVEN THOUGH IN CHAINS (1:12-­‐14) a) His CAPTORS were Evangelized b) His COLLEAGUES were Emboldened 2. JOYFUL IN SPITE OF CRITICS (1:15-18a) a) They were JEALOUS b) They were AMBITOUS "So that if some preach with wrong motives.So what if some are overly interested in themselves. So waht if there are some who take unfair shots at me. What matters most is this: Christ is being preached and that thought alone intensifies my joy." 3. JOYFUL REGARDLESS OF CRISIS (1:18b-20) a) He was confident in the PRAYERS of the Saints b) He was confident in the PROVISION of the SPIRIT 4. JOYFUL BECAUSE OF CHRIST (1:21-26) a) His DESIRE was to Depart and be with the SAVIOR b) His DECISION was to Remain and be with the SAINTS Paul didn't allow his chains, critics to steal away his joy. That's the most important we should learn. What mattered most to Paul was that Christ is exalted and the gospel is extended. And he didn't care who received the credit. These are the only two things that Paul lived for and that make life simple. What are you living for? That would directly affect how this year will go, whether it will be a happy new year or not. For me, to live is money, and to die is to live it all behind. For me, to live is fame, and to die is to be forgotten. For me, to live is power, and to die is to lose it all. For me, to live is possessions, and to die is to take none of them with me. HAPPINESS DEPENDS ON HAPPENINGS, BUT TO REJOICE IS ALWAYS A CHOICE. END