Surprised by Joy in Fellowship

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. – Phil 1:3-5 

Paul is writing to a church he planted.  A place with so many memories for him and a right concoction of people.

Lydia the fashionista. Rich with multiple homes travelling around the known world selling her brand. The no name slave girl who was demon possessed and used by men to make money. The retired roman centurion who understood what it was to serve but now was enjoying the trappings of his service in this roman colony keeping his hand in by being a jailer. All put together to form this thing called church. If ever there was an example that church was for everyone it is here.

Diversity is the churches strength not weakness. Something to find joy in not because of what it does for us but what it does for the kingdom. All sorts of people reaching out to all sorts of people to bring them into the kingdom.

Diversities common cause is THE Gospel. The greatest cause unites the greatest of enemies.

His cause is greater than your agenda.

Part of a message "Surprised by Joy" watch the rest of it here.