I thank God for you

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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. (Phil 1:3-6). When Paul penned those words to the Philippians, ten years had passed since he’d worked with them. Over that time his care, concern and love for them had not diminished. He would always think of them as his precious partners in the gospel who brought him great joy.

This week has presented many opportunities for me to think about our partnership in the gospel. I met with a colleague today to talk about a combined Church Christmas event hopefully next year, and possibly a breakfast club in a local high school. On Monday I met with my Deanery colleagues, and we encouraged one another. I am invited to lunch this Sunday at my previous Church, Christ Church Dingley, to celebrate their 150th anniversary. And the Vicar of what used to be my home church, St Johns in Diamond Creek, has just celebrated 10 years of wonderful ministry there. 

My Area Dean met with me last week and recommended I stay at Mount Eliza 10 years. He shared some wisdom with me, saying that “we overestimate what we can do in 3 years, and underestimate what we can do in 10”. Whether I’m here 3 years or 10 (my desire is for the latter), my heart is to see the gospel take root in all our lives, transforming us more into the image of Christ, and see each of us taking the gospel into the world, for God’s purposes and glory. We exist to glorify Him. We do that when we live for Him, work together to advance his gospel message, and hold on to the sure hope we have in Him, even in the hard times.

Therefore, I pray the same prayer that Paul prayed, over our Church today: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.” As I pray this, I reflect on the fact that there is a special bond among us as believers that the world doesn’t understand and therefore cannot appreciate. The world’s clubs and organizations know little of and, quite frankly, cannot equal the deep bond of fellowship among believers.

Last Sunday I had the best time having drinks with friends at a local social club, followed by fellowship over a meal with some sisters in Christ to celebrate the final “OPEN SPACE” service for our Church. This simple meal exhibited a sense of partnership and close union as well as of a brotherly/sisterly love held together by the most powerful common thread; Jesus! This fellowship is much more than simply getting together for drinks or a dinner party. It involves a union and bond in our desires, goals and thoughts as well a focus on God’s will and His way. It is being one together in Christ - His interests our interests, His ways our ways. As Charles H. Spurgeon said: “Hold Christian company, and you will be kept wakeful by it, and refreshed and encouraged to make quicker progress in the road to heaven.”

For all these reasons, in addition to this Sunday being the day we celebrate and give thanks to God for all his kindness and generosity to us, and return our pledges of what we want to offer him back financially through tithing and thanksgiving gifts at Mount Eliza Anglican Church, I want to truly say:

Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel.
Thank you for giving.
Thank you for serving.
Thank you for loving.
Thank you for praying.
Thank you for speaking words of encouragement.
Thank you for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your continued partnership in the gospel.
I give thanks to God for you!

Rev Tanya Cummings