The Church of Canton

The Joy of Becoming /// Philippians 3: 1-11

Paul urges believers to rejoice in the Lord by letting go of confidence in personal achievements, embracing faith in Christ, and pursuing a deep, transforming relationship with Him. True joy is not something we chase, but a byproduct of knowing Jesus and becoming like Him—through suffering, surrender, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Our mindset and attitude, especially in trials, reflect our faith, and Paul reminds us that joy in Christ is both our identity and our testimony to the world.

The Joy of Others /// Philippians 2: 19-30

Paul expresses deep joy in partnering with faithful believers like Timothy and Epaphroditus, highlighting their humility, obedience, and genuine concern for others as key Christ-like attributes. These two men were not only co-laborers in the gospel but spiritual family to Paul, showing how deep relationships rooted in Christ reflect the unity between God the Father and Jesus. The message calls believers to pursue these same qualities—selflessness, love, and service—as essential to fulfilling their purpose and experiencing true spiritual joy.

The Joy of Obedience /// Philippians 2: 12-18

Jesus' final command to His disciples was to make followers of all nations, teaching them to obey everything He commanded, emphasizing not just knowledge but action rooted in obedience, humility, and trust in God's authority. Paul echoes this in his letter to the Philippians, urging them to continue living out their salvation with obedience, humility, and without complaint, so their lives reflect Christ's example and shine as lights in a broken world. True Christian living, as demonstrated by Jesus and encouraged by Paul, is a daily, joyful surrender to God’s will—one that impacts how we live, serve, and respond to others.

The Joy of Humility /// Philippians 2: 1-11

Paul’s letter to the Philippians centers on the deep, unwavering joy found in Christ, a joy rooted in humility, unity, and selflessness. His transformation—from a prideful persecutor to a joyful servant of Christ—demonstrates that true joy comes from surrendering pride, embracing humility, and living fully for Jesus. Paul calls all believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, who humbled Himself to serve and save others, urging us to find our identity and purpose not in self, but in loving and serving God and others.

The Joy of Living for Christ /// Philippians 1: 18-30

Paul’s joy in Philippians is rooted not in comfort or circumstances but in the exaltation of Christ, whether through life, suffering, or death. Writing from prison, Paul encourages the church to rejoice, emphasizing that gospel partnerships, faithful endurance, and unwavering focus on Christ bring lasting joy. He challenges believers to abandon “comfortable Christianity” and instead live with the resilient mindset of “Christ at all costs,” finding joy even in suffering for His name.

The Way is Available

Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection made a way for all humanity to be reconciled to God, offering access to peace, grace, and eternal life through faith in Him. The barrier of sin, once separating us from God, was shattered when Jesus rose from the grave, and now each person has the choice to receive this gift by believing in His sacrifice and resurrection. God's love, shown through Christ, invites us into a life of purpose, healing, and belonging, where our worth is no longer defined by our failures but by His grace.

Prepare for ... THE WAY

This message emphasizes the importance of preparing our hearts for Jesus, the Messiah, by repenting and making room for Him in our lives. It draws from Isaiah’s prophecy and its fulfillment through John the Baptist, who called people to repentance as a way of preparing for Christ’s arrival. Jesus' baptism marked the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s plan to bring salvation, defeating sin and death through His life, death, and resurrection. Ultimately, preparation for the coming of Jesus—then and now—is a spiritual act rooted in faith and repentance, clearing the path in our hearts for the King of Glory.

"Yet" - A Powerful Word: Habakkuk 3: 16-19

In the final verses, Habakkuk experiences a moment of feeling the pressure of the impending calamity of God and teaches us how to  respond properly - Have Faith and Trust In God! This was God's main message, and always will be. Twice, Habakkuk uses the word "yet", which is a statement of his hope in God. In the "yet" is the realm where God lives, where faith and trust grow through waiting and patience. 

Who God Is! - Habakkuk 3: 3-15

Habakkuk is shifting his prayer to praise as he recounts the divine appearances of God to humankind, specifically the happenings of the Exodus, Mt. Sinai, and the conquests that followed. He is showing his genuine faith and something very important to us - WHO GOD IS!

A Command to Rest: Practicing The Sabbath

The practice of the Sabbath is a discipline that involves intentional integration into your lifestyle, focusing on trusting God and detaching from work. It emphasizes taking a designated 24-hour period to stop, rest, delight, and contemplate God. This holistic approach to Sabbath is meant to offer freedom, joy, and connection with God, helping individuals balance their lives and deepen their spiritual walk.