12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. – Philippians 3:12

Press on. These two simple words make for a great life motto. Think of all the ways this phrase can be applied to life’s circumstances. When life is hard, press on. When life is good, press on. When life is uncertain, turbulent, high, low, or anywhere in between, just simply press on. We can press on because we see such a focused and victorious posture in the hearts of leaders throughout the Bible. In the passage above, the apostle Paul says straight out, “I press on.” With all the apostle Paul had been through in ministry, he knew there was more to come. He knew Jesus had claimed him as a member of His family and called him to serve on mission. I love Paul’s perspective of pressing on. Paul had endured shipwrecks, beatings, trials, and even death, but still he said, “I press on.” On the other hand, Paul had seen great victories as well. He’d preached the gospel and saw many people saved and many churches planted. In many respects, Paul was a victorious hero who’d faithfully labored in building a strong church network. Yet still he says, “I press on.”

What’s the point? Well, many points can be made; but the one I’d like us to consider is how Paul pressed on to the end of his life. As long as he had breath, he knew there was more to pursue. More growth in his relationship with Christ, more opportunities to preach, more churches to plant, and more leaders to equip and appoint. Bottom line, he pressed on to the end. He didn’t allow defeat or victory to slow him down. Paul knew nothing of retirement. Working hard to kick back was not part of his life’s plan. He simply wanted to enjoy and serve Jesus with his every breath. You get the sense that Paul was a mixture of contentment and ambition. He found joy and rest as he pressed on in the strength of Christ.

As we study the book of Nehemiah, we find that he was a leader much like Paul. He pressed on. He pursued God’s call and endured despite difficulty and challenge. This week, we are going to see that all pay off when Nehemiah hits a major milestone of PROGRESS. The progress of completing the wall is so significant that one may think the story could end this week. However, we are going to learn that Nehemiah presses on; and we will soon see that the real work is just getting started.

As we prepare for Sunday, take some time to read Nehemiah 6:15-7:4 and consider how Nehemiah responds to the great progress report. Can you begin to see the spiritual priority beyond the physical wall? O’ man. I cannot wait to walk through this text and learn how you and I can experience progress in the Lord and still press on.

Be sure to listen to the worship set as you prepare for worship this Sunday.

Love you, Church


Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor

SUNDAY AM PLAN
9:00 AM  – Worship Service Online & On Campus (Lancaster Campus)
9:15 AM – Worship Service On Campus (Myerstown Campus)
11:00 AM – Worship Service Online & On Campus (Lancaster Campus)

SAVE MY SEATS FOR SUNDAY ON CAMPUS WORSHIP GATHERINGS – CLICK HERE

REGATHERING DETAILS – CLICK HERE

SUNDAY RESOURCES
Everything you need for Sunday is available on the Mission Church App under Sunday Resources or on our website.

  • Mission Church App – mission-church.com/app
  • Mission Church Website – mission-church.com/sundayresources
    12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. – Philippians 3:12

    Press on. These two simple words make for a great life motto. Think of all the ways this phrase can be applied to life’s circumstances. When life is hard, press on. When life is good, press on. When life is uncertain, turbulent, high, low, or anywhere in between, just simply press on. We can press on because we see such a focused and victorious posture in the hearts of leaders throughout the Bible. In the passage above, the apostle Paul says straight out, “I press on.” With all the apostle Paul had been through in ministry, he knew there was more to come. He knew Jesus had claimed him as a member of His family and called him to serve on mission. I love Paul’s perspective of pressing on. Paul had endured shipwrecks, beatings, trials, and even death, but still he said, “I press on.” On the other hand, Paul had seen great victories as well. He’d preached the gospel and saw many people saved and many churches planted. In many respects, Paul was a victorious hero who’d faithfully labored in building a strong church network. Yet still he says, “I press on.”

    What’s the point? Well, many points can be made; but the one I’d like us to consider is how Paul pressed on to the end of his life. As long as he had breath, he knew there was more to pursue. More growth in his relationship with Christ, more opportunities to preach, more churches to plant, and more leaders to equip and appoint. Bottom line, he pressed on to the end. He didn’t allow defeat or victory to slow him down. Paul knew nothing of retirement. Working hard to kick back was not part of his life’s plan. He simply wanted to enjoy and serve Jesus with his every breath. You get the sense that Paul was a mixture of contentment and ambition. He found joy and rest as he pressed on in the strength of Christ.

    As we study the book of Nehemiah, we find that he was a leader much like Paul. He pressed on. He pursued God’s call and endured despite difficulty and challenge. This week, we are going to see that all pay off when Nehemiah hits a major milestone of PROGRESS. The progress of completing the wall is so significant that one may think the story could end this week. However, we are going to learn that Nehemiah presses on; and we will soon see that the real work is just getting started.

    As we prepare for Sunday, take some time to read Nehemiah 6:15-7:4 and consider how Nehemiah responds to the great progress report. Can you begin to see the spiritual priority beyond the physical wall? O’ man. I cannot wait to walk through this text and learn how you and I can experience progress in the Lord and still press on.

    Be sure to listen to the worship set as you prepare for worship this Sunday.

    Love you, Church


    Jerry Lingenfelter
    Senior Pastor

    SUNDAY AM PLAN
    9:00 AM  – Worship Service Online & On Campus (Lancaster Campus)
    9:15 AM – Worship Service On Campus (Myerstown Campus)
    11:00 AM – Worship Service Online & On Campus (Lancaster Campus)

    SAVE MY SEATS FOR SUNDAY ON CAMPUS WORSHIP GATHERINGS – CLICK HERE

    REGATHERING DETAILS – CLICK HERE

    SUNDAY RESOURCES
    Everything you need for Sunday is available on the Mission Church App under Sunday Resources or on our website.