Philippians 1:1,2

Philippians 1:1,2 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:  Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Tonight we are starting a new book in the New Testament. The church at Philippi had a rough beginning. When Paul and Silas arrived in Philippi, they went down by the river where a group of God-fearing ladies frequently met to fellowship. Lydia was their leader and she quickly took to Paul and his team members. Then the fortune teller slave girl was saved, which got Paul into trouble. After Paul and Silas were beaten, God sent His angel to break them out of prison. Then the jailor and his family were all saved. What a strange mix of people these folk at Philippi were! But they stuck together and grew in God’s grace. Many were added to the church, and Paul’s heart was bound to them. He loved their heart towards the Lord and he wrote this sweet book to them. In our verses for today, Paul wished God’s grace and peace upon the church in Philippi. Isn’t it wonderful to have God’s grace and peace? I Can’t think of a better way to begin our study of Philippians than to wish for you God’s grace and mercy upon your lives!