Gospel, Mission, and Joy

This morning we are beginning a new series entitled Letter from a Roman Jail on the New Testament book of Philippians. This work is a letter written by Paul from his Roman imprisonment to a church that he planted in the Greek city of Philippi. The story of his trip to this city in Acts 16 tells of the first converts to Christianity in Greece. While the story includes people coming to know Jesus, the preaching of Paul and Silas resulted in their being falsely accused, beaten, arrested, and thrown in prison. That night in a Philippians jail is a moment that is beyond belief, as these two men in stocks are found singing hymns, praying, and expressing great joy in the Lord. Many years later, Paul is in prison again, this time in Rome. And again, Paul finds joy in the worst of situations. Paul's letter to the Philippians will challenge us to find joy in something that is outside our circumstances and accomplishments.