Weekly messages from First Church of Christ in Altoona, PA
First Church of Christ, Altoona, PA
God has rescued us from the power of darkness, breaking the chains that once held us captive. He has brought us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son, where we now live redeemed and fully forgiven.
Philippians emphasizes the strength we receive through Christ, urging us to live with humility. It calls us to unity, obedience, and the joy, peace, and contentment found in Him.
God is actively at work in every part of your life and every situation. So, fix your thoughts on Him in all things, trusting His presence and purpose, and experience the peace He provides.
Our sanctification is not ultimately dependent on our own willpower or effort, but on God Himself, who works in us to make us more like Christ.
Righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith in Christ alone, not by our own works. It is through trusting in Him that we are made right with God.
True humility and faithfulness in a believer's life are only possible through the transforming power of Christ.
We are called to shine like stars in a dark world, holding fast to the Word of life as we live a sacrificial, joyful faith.
Christ humbled Himself, releasing His divine privilege to serve and save us. In His example, we are called to put others first, embodying true humility and love.
By living in a manner worthy of Christ, we find purpose and joy in suffering, knowing it magnifies Him and strengthens our faith.
Paul challenges believers to live lives filled with the fruit of righteousness through Christ. God, who began a good work in us, will carry it to completion, shaping us into His image for His glory.
As we anticipate Christ's return, we are called to actively live out our faith with purpose and readiness.
Through His unconditional love, God grafts us into His family, transforming us to reflect His grace by loving others as He loves us.
In Christ, God's promise is fulfilled, our joy is made complete, and we eagerly await the day when all things will be made new.
Like Mary and David, we can embrace the peace of Christ, trusting in the God who holds all things, as we celebrate His birth and the lasting peace He offers.
Even if you can only see from a distance, hold onto the hope that the Savior has come and will come again.
Like Paul, we can experience true freedom in Christ, unaffected by our external circumstances. Our hearts can stay unshackled, continually worshiping and fearlessly sharing the gospel.
In life's struggles, fix your eyes on Christ, the author of your faith, to find purpose, grace, and strength in His love and care.
Some may misunderstand or even reject our testimony, but we are called to stay courageous in sharing our faith with others.
The most powerful way to lead others to Christ is by living a life of integrity, where your character remains above reproach.
We can have an unwavering commitment to our faith in Jesus Christ, even in the face of challenges.
Love your enemies, for while we were still enemies of God, Christ died for us.
By surrendering his life to God, Paul had no fear of missing out on anything. He was already doing the work God had created him for, and it provided everything he needed.
As we become more like Christ, we must cling to an eternal hope.
Followers of Jesus will be shaped and formed to be like Jesus. As you know Christ more, your life will resemble Him.
Our God is with us, and His plan will never fail. It must be our daily posture that we trust God with our lives. He will provide for us now and for all eternity.
The Gospel speaks to what we instinctively long for.
People are listening and watching you live your every day life, so live in a Christ-like manner.
Constructive and healthy conflict is essential for growth. If we seek God and keep him at the center of our conflicts, we can claim the promise of Romans 8:28.
The church must strive for unity across differences.
We need to ensure that we do not turn our spiritual leaders into idols, but rather focus on Christ as our true example.
We can be courageous in sharing the good news of Jesus, knowing that while some may reject it, others will find salvation and joy through it.
God provides for the needs of His people.
God is grafting the gentiles into the family of God.
Jesus is at work cleansing His people so that they may be blameless before the Father.
The Holy Spirit is transforming people into the likeness of the resurrected Jesus.
God is working in and through His people to reach the lost.
The Gospel cannot be bought or earned. It is only received by the grace of God.
We must rely on the Holy Spirit to help us stand in our faith.
The early church exemplified servant leadership by addressing practical needs while prioritizing spiritual ministry.
What is your name? Are you the “Most Excellent Theophilus” (lover of God) or are you “Philautos” (lover of self)?
The early Christians were devoted to living connected Christ-like lives.
The Holy Spirit unifies and empowers the people of God for the mission of God.
We must wait and depend on the power of God in order to accomplish our calling from God.
We must trust and wait for God to work according to His plans.
Our debt is reconciled through the cross, and God alone is able to save us as a result.