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Philippians – Experience Sheer Joy. 10 Years On and Still Going Strong. The Lives Paul Touched. The Only Ecclesia.
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The Only Ecclesia ‘And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way’. 2 Cor 11 v9 ‘We didn't accept food from anyone without paying for it. We didn't want to be a burden to any of you, so night and day we worked as hard as we could’. 2 Thess 3 v8
2 Corinthians 8 I really want to tell you about the Ecclesia’s of Macedonia who are so clearly under the influence of the grace of God. Right when they were experiencing incredible trials, they were so full of joy and love that they gave very generously even though they had so little. They gave every cent they possibly could have, in fact, let the truth be known, they gave more than they could afford. Further to this, they approached us and begged us to let them contribute. We didn’t even ask them! They were so desperate to help their fellow bro and sister they asked us if we would let them contribute!
2 Corinthians 8 And what they gave was far far more than our wildest imagination. The first thing they did was give themselves completely to God and because they had given themselves to God, they supported us so passionately and gave so generously. I’m telling you this because we have asked Titus, who initiated the project, to visit you and encourage you to finalise your contribution. You are so rich in everything. You are strong in faith, you speak well and even know a lot. You are zealous and you love us. Surely then you will be generous in giving. Please don’t think I’m ordering you to give. I’ve mentioned the generosity of others to test your love.
2 Corinthians 8 Just think about Christ – he was so loving and generous that he gave up his riches and everything he had to be poor so that you could be rich. I offer my considered opinion. A year ago when we first spoke about this project you were very very keen to get involved and support it. For your own good I’m suggesting you keep your word and finish the work you so excitedly began. Show everyone that you are as eager to complete what you eagerly adopted. We’re not asking for your life savings, we’d just like you to give what you can. God is happy with any gift as long as it is given willingly.
2 Corinthians 8 He’s not asking you to give more than you have, He just wants you to show your love and care. By the way, we’re not trying to make it easier for some by making it hard for you. It’s a matter of helping where possible. At the moment the extra cash you have would meet their needs. Who knows, one day, their extra cash might meet your needs. The aim is that everyone has a fair share – enough to meet their needs.
Day 1 Year 3 Year 6 Year 10 Four Updates Joy Time
Update 1 – The Beginning • Am I getting closer to God or further away? • Was I excited about coming to the meeting on Sunday and tonight? • Am I passionate about working in my Ecclesia? • Am I living life like an otter with a contagious and enthusiastic joy?
Need virtually nothing tangible to be joyful • Create their own reasons for joy • Claim joy now…as present reality • Need things to be joyful • Dependant on others to provide them with joy • See joy as always out there…in the future… It’s Your Choice… Negative Positive
‘Tis the set of the sails…’ One ship drives east and another drives west With the selfsame winds that blow ‘Tis the set of the sails And not the gales Which determine the way we go
