A Year to Remember 2023!

Scripture

Philippians 3:7–15 KJV 1900

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Philippians: Verse by Verse Circumstances and City

Paul’s labor in Philippi was a major milestone in his life, for this was the first city the apostle would have reached in the Grecian lands where he ministered. It took the vision from the man of Macedonia (Acts 16:6–10) to get him there. The city had been named after Phillip II, the father of Alexander the Great, and it was located on a major trade route called the Egnatian Way.

Philippians: Verse by Verse Circumstances and City

Paul and his team (Silas, Timothy, and Luke) arrived in Philippi during the second missionary journey as they extended the gospel to Macedonia and Greece in about AD 50. They could not find a synagogue (implying that there were fewer than ten Jewish males in the city) and instead encountered a group of Jewish women and god-fearers meeting on the Sabbath for worship (Acts 16:13).

This year has been many ups and down throughout the year but I am truly thankful for the many blessings that not just me and each of you have received from the Lord. It is amazing just how far we have all come and we look at the close of another year. Yes, we can all agree that every day or even each week may of not been the best but because of the grace of God we somehow were able to overcome those obstacles and stand the time of struggles.

I just want to do a brief preview of what we not only accomplished in 2023 but experience over the last 12 months in 2023.

Today I just want to talk to us all on how the Lord has not only kept us but provided for us in times we never thought we would get through the rough times in 2023.

In 2023 RCCC has accomplished some outstanding work for the Lord

Ministered to a women transition housing providing them a course in forgiveness by Pastor Liz

Ministered to the men at Prince William Detention Center conducting a monthly worship service

Ministered to the men at Nottoway Correctional Center conducting a evening worship service, were one Sunday 12 men gave their live to Jesus receiving Salvation.

Ministered monthly to APTS providing the students with food.

Held a yearly Thanksgiving luncheon to the staff and students of APTS.

Provided Christmas gifts to designated students of APTS.

Participants in Full Gospel 30th Anniversary and Propel 2023.

Adopted a children Leanne from the Dominican Republic

Held Family and Friends service where we were able to fellowship with different local ministry in the Northern Virginia area.

Had a consistence level of giving from the congregation to support RCCC Vision and Mission.

Yes, there has been some loses of friends but through it all the Lord has kept His hands on our families and shown His undying Love for each of us in 2023.

I want to say to everyone here at RCCC, that as your Senior Pastor, I am very proud of the spiritual growth each of you has displayed and show weekly support by attending Sunday service as well as Bible studies. You may not see it for yourself but I have observed the growth in all of you which makes me very proud of what the Lord is and will continue to do in your life.

Matthew 6:31–33 “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Closing

I am so Thankful of what the Lord is during in each of your life and what is has in store for you in 2024.

I want you to stay connected to the Lord and always trust him Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV 1900

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

Increase your pray life and daily devotional with the Lord John 17:1-5

John 17:1–5 KJV 1900

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

Strive to help others in 2024 who may or may not believe in Jesus Christ. Be a witness Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:18–20 KJV 1900

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Always look to give even when you know you do not have the funds. Luke 6:38

Luke 6:38 KJV 1900

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Be mindful of what the Lord is requiring of you. Col 3:16

Colossians 3:16 KJV 1900

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.