Partners In The Mission: Rejoice In The Lord 12/18/2007 a message from Dr. Bill Mackey, executive director Because of the birth, life, atoning death on the cross, and resurrection of Jesus, we can know the joy of His salvation and of service in His name. We can join with the apostle Paul in thanksgiving for partnerships in Christ’s work, for God’s faithfulness and for the opportunity of experiencing His peace (Phil. 4:4-7). In Philippians, Paul commended Christians to rejoice despite circumstances (he was in prison), problems in the church, religious persecution and other obstacles. He said joy is possible because we rejoice in the Lord and not in our circumstances. We rejoice through salvation in Jesus Christ. The Philippian jailer (Acts 16:34) was filled with joy because he and his whole family had come to believe in God. Paul calls those who have come to faith his “joy and crowns” (Phil. 4:1). Luke 15:7 records that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 just persons who need no repentance. Joy also comes because of the coming of the Savior. The Christmas announcement was all about great joy. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). Serving Christ also brings joy. In Phil. 1:18, Paul rejoiced because the gospel was spreading. In Chapter 2, verse 17, he rejoiced because he had the honor to pour out his life in sacrifice to the Lord. During this Christmas season, I am especially reminded of our international missionaries who are pouring out their lives far away from their families. In addition to expressing these truths about joy, Paul also expressed thanks for friendship in Christ (Phil. 1:3), for fellowship in Christ’s work (Phil. 1:5), and for God’s faithfulness in our lives (Phil. 1:6). I am grateful for the partnership in the gospel that Kentucky Baptists, Kentucky Baptist Convention staff and KBC ministries experience together and with association and Southern Baptist Convention missions and ministries. I rejoice and praise God for a partnership that enables the churches to do more together than they could ever do separately. God promises peace that passes understanding. “Be careful (anxious) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God,” Paul tells the Philippians. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7). May the joy of God’s salvation and peace fill your thoughts, words and actions during this Christmas season! Dr. Mackey's column appears weekly in the Western Recorder. To subscribe to the Western Recorder, call (502) 489-3535.