Santa Paula Church
of Christ
276 W Santa Paula Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Phone:(805)525-3645
CHRISTIAN
CHURCH
Santa Paula Church of Christ (SPCC)
Working toward the goal or the goal of working?
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the GOAL]”... Phil. 3:13-14a).
Sitting in my office is a plaque that says “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). After reading that plaque and preparing for this Sunday’s sermon, which is on the same text, I began to question myself what “the prize for which God has called me [us] heavenward” actually means.
Does “straining toward what is ahead” mean one is to work out one’s salvation for a heavenly prize? Or, does it mean that one needs to continue to do all one can do to make progress toward the heavenly prize? Although there is a fine line between salvation by works and working out one’s salvation with fear and trembling, I believe Paul is asking the church to work on the salvation that one already possesses (3:16). One’s motivation for why one works in the church makes all the difference in the world. That is why Paul warned the Philippians of his former lifestyle (3:3-8) and possibly even former acquaintances that based their salvation by works of the law. He warned the Philippians to “Watch out” for those “dogs, evil workers, those mutilators of the flesh.” Paul knew the difference between salvation based on the law (The Torah) and a salvation based on faith in Jesus (3:9). Paul chose Jesus (3:10-11). So must we.
What I am saying is this, first, we need to continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (2:12-13), a healthy spirituality is hard to achieve. Second, we need to continue “to strive toward our heavenly calling” because the church needs workers (Matt. 9:37-38). Finally, the one most important thing to remember is that we must always strive to move forward by “forgetting what is behind and moving forward” toward the goal of heaven, on earth too (3:13-14)!
This week’s sermon will cover Phil. 3:1-14. We are located at 276 W. Santa Paula Street, (across from the cemetery). Our weekly services begin at 9:00 a.m. in Spanish and at 10:45 a.m. in English.
God, Bless You,
Dr. Robert Perez
Minister
Welcome
August 18, 2019
Communion for August
Patty Castillo
Greeters: Ray & Sonia
Order of Worship
Worship Leader: Mike Marlow
Songs: His Grace Reaches Me (#113)
All Hail to the Power of Jesus Name (#162)
Opening Prayer: Rey Jimenez Sr.
Song: Lamb of God (#176)
Lords Supper: Rey Jimenez Jr.
Marcus Ketterman
Songs: Wonderful Story of Love (#286)
Fairest Lord Jesus (#288)
Sermon: Bob Perez – “Forgetting what is behind, I press on toward the Goal…”-Phil. 3:13-14
Song of Invitation:
Kneel at the Cross (#945)
Announcements/Closing Prayer: Caleb Castillo
There will be a Youth Hispanic Event on Saturday August 24, for more information see Virgilio & Martha Garcia.
There will be a Men’s Leadership meeting on Sunday August 25th after service. Lunch will be provided.
August Birthdays
Alin Garcia-8/2
George Gonzalez-8/2
Raúl Rivera Sr.-8/3
Gene Foshee-8/5
Pat Ketterman-8/7
Pete Reyna-8/12
Raúl Rivera Jr.-8/18
Adán Fernandez-8/23
Sonia Blaskey-8/25
José Bravo Sr.-8/27
Héctor Bravo-8/27
Wedding Anniversary
Zenon & Maria Perez-8/17
SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP
BIBLE STUDIES
Bible Study and Fellowship
Sunday Morning Spanish
Spanish Worship- 9:00 a.m.
Spanish Bible Study-10:45 a.m.
Coffee & Donuts 9:00 a.m-9:30 a.m.
English Bible Class: 9:45 a.m.
Worship in English: 10:45 a.m.
Wednesday Evening Bible study:
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
English and Spanish
Santa Paula Church of Christ
276 W. Santa Paula St.
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Office: (805)525-3645 Fax: (805)525-7195
www.santapaulachurchofchrist.com
English Minister: Robert Perez
Spanish Minister Virgilio Garcia
Secretary: Stacy Salazar
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