2015 is here with a blast… a cold blast! Stay warm!!! For just over three weeks I have been thinking about what motivates people to do what they do? I believe the answer is found at least, in part, in Philippians 3. In his chapter, Paul shares with us his salvation experience and what was going through his heart and mind. For many years he thought he was living right and doing the right things. Then he met JESUS and everything changed. Oh no, not change!!! Yes, you can believe it. For Paul everything changed. What he considered valuable and worthy of his life became worthless to him. Paul took off his coat of self-righteousness and the Lord put on him the robe of Jesus’ righteousness. Jesus did not die so we could be called “good people.” Jesus died so we could be called “godly people.” Only by the righteousness of Jesus Christ can we do anything good in the eyes of God! “Good” people want to go to heaven, but only “godly” people do. “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow!” Thank the Lord today for your salvation. If you have questions about your relationship with the Lord, please call me (252-341-4017), I would love to talk to you about it!

Sunday morning I will continue our first sermon series of 2015 “REAL PASSION.” Our Scripture is taken from Philippians 3:1-21. This week I will focus on 3:12-21. Read ahead and get a feel for the message. As I was praying a few weeks ago about what to share as we entered 2015, this passage came to mind. The Lord began to work Paul’s words into my heart and soul. Sunday I will share the message. I appreciate your prayers as we look forward to Sunday worship together!

Earlier today I spoke to Tim Chilton. He and his wife, Holly are going to Taiwan as missionaries. They will be with us Sunday morning (1/11/2015). I am looking forward to meeting them. Hopefully, you can meet them as well. As for missions, I hope you are giving to support missions at Grace Church. As I have stated before, I believe every Christian should support missions. “Making disciples” is what we do as followers of Christ! Please do your part by going, giving and praying!

Keep your eyes on Jesus and your knees down. May the Lord watch between us until we meet again this Sunday!