West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

• The speaker contrasts the abundance of Dollar General stores in the U.S. with the prevalence of tiendas (small snack shops) and pulperias (slightly larger stores) in Honduras.
• Notably, Pepsi advertisements cover many buildings, yet Coca-Cola outsells Pepsi significantly worldwide, illustrating how some things are everywhere, but their core essence remains a mystery—like Coca-Cola’s secret recipe.

• Paul speaks about contentment in all situations—whether in abundance or in need.
• The "secret" he learned is revealed in Philippians 4:13:
  "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
• Many are familiar with this verse, but often skip over deeper meanings by focusing only on Christ.

1. "I can do all things"
   • The focus here is on personal responsibility (I can).
   • However, this doesn’t mean impossible feats (e.g., flying by flapping arms).
   • Instead, it refers to the good works God has prepared for each person (Ephesians 2:10).
   • Each person has a specific calling—a set of challenges and opportunities uniquely designed by God.
   • Fear is often the main obstacle to doing what God has prepared.
   • 1 John 4:18 – "Perfect love casts out fear."
     • The solution to fear is not courage but love for God.
2. "Through Him (Christ)"
   • How do we go through Christ?
     • Romans 6:3 – Baptism places us into Christ.
     • Galatians 3:27 – We put on Christ in baptism.
   • All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
   • This is like Psalm 23:4—walking through the valley of the shadow of death, not staying in it.
   • God is like a shepherd with a rod and staff, protecting His people.
3. "Who strengthens me"
   • God’s strength doesn’t always mean miraculous deliverance.
   • 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – Paul’s thorn in the flesh was not removed, but God’s grace sustained him.
   • Sometimes, trials exist not to be removed, but to strengthen us.
   • James 1:2-4 – Trials produce steadfastness and maturity.

• Samson, despite his failures, at the end of his life prayed:
   “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.”
• Though our battles are spiritual (Ephesians 6:12), this prayer applies to believers facing struggles.
• Encouragement to the congregation:
  • No matter the difficulty, ask God for strength one more time.
  • God remembers you, loves you, and surrounds you with His people.

• If anyone needs to become a Christian or needs help continuing in faith, they are invited to respond during the invitation song.