The Secret Revealed

On Sunday we began a new message series entitled, "The Secret Revealed." We're using the popularity of the book and video, "The Secret" as a hook, but I'll actually be preaching through the book of Philippians. Philippians is all about joy. While people are searching for joy in all kinds of places, people, and things, the "secret" is no secret at all - joy is found in Christ. It's been a while since I've preached through a specific book of the Bible from start to finish, so I'm really jacked up about this series.

On Sunday my message was from Philippians 1:3-11. We talked about enjoying the people in your life. If relationships are strained in your life, life stinks. Paul mentions four keys to enjoying the people in your life: Be grateful for the good in people (Phil. 1:3, "I thank my God every time I remember you."), practice positive praying (Phil. 1:4, "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy."), be patient with people's progress (Phil. 1:6, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."), and love people from the heart (Phil. 1:8, "God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.")

Every week during this series we're going to give everyone a memory verse from that section of scripture. Sunday's was Phil. 1:6, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." What God starts, He will finish! I'm so thankful that God isn't finished with me.

Our attendance was down a bit (sickness, Spring Break, etc.), but there were several highlights. One of our students, Josh Beam, operated our computer for both services (he even helped with sound during the second service) and did an awesome job! Thanks Josh! We continue to have guests every Sunday and many of them are returning. Several people are stepping up and getting more involved in ministry. Easter Sunday, Janet had two teachers in Coastal Kidz, today she has four! We have volunteers cleaning the church until June and July is already filled. Two new people are going to help with sound. Like Janet said during the second service on Sunday, "That's fierce!" Snap. (You had to be there.)

Absolutely love our Students! We had a parent meeting on Sunday night to talk about some changes, Summer plans, and dates (more about all of that later). Yesterday, I met with a potential Youth Pastor for Coastal! Very excited about the possibilities!