There are certain passages in this book that are downright stunning to me. For instance…
Read MoreWe have been given the incredible offer by God to not only find forgiveness, but to experience transformation. We have been made different to make a difference.
Read MoreWhat are you known for? Your wit, appearance, talent, or success? Perhaps you’re known for your sharp tongue or short fuse. Or maybe it’s for your biblical knowledge and wisdom.
Read MoreIn this passage, the Apostle Paul makes one of the most extraordinary statements of this entire letter: “Do not be anxious about anything.” Anything?
Read MoreHow do you pursue the dream of extending God’s Kingdom when you have to do it with actual, real-life people – people who can so easily rub you the wrong way?
Read MoreOne of Paul’s favorite metaphors for the transformational journey everyday disciples are on was the footrace.
Read MoreShe is mentioned more than any other character in the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus, yet she is often overlooked. Her name is Mary Magdalene.
Read MoreThe Apostle Paul knew what it was like to live under the “performance plan” – to try to be good enough, to jump through all the religious hoops in order to be “righteous” before God.
Read MoreOur world revolves around “the performance plan.” If we work hard enough, perform well enough, and impress the powers that be sufficiently enough...we’ll make the cut.
Read MorePhilippians chapter 3 begins: “Whatever happens, dear friends, be glad in the Lord...” (TLB) Whatever happens…rejoice in the Lord. Really?
Read MoreWhen Jesus ascended into heaven after the resurrection, He put the entire future of His Kingdom movement into the hands of a group of ordinary men and women.
Read MoreIn our last episode, we began talking about what it means to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you…”
Read MoreMakeover shows have been exceedingly popular television viewing for decades. Do you remember the show, “Extreme Makeover”?
Read MoreHave you ever wondered, “Is it worth it?” Is all the sacrifice and effort for the Kingdom really worth it? Is all the ridicule and mockery for following Jesus worth it?
Read MoreAll our lives, we are encouraged to climb up the ladder. The word “up” has come to be cherished in our society.
Read MoreIn Philippians 2, Paul calls his friends – and us – to live in a totally countercultural manner. This “upside-down living” is the very opposite of what our society sees as normal.
Read MoreWhat do you think God’s favorite word is? While we aren’t given a direct answer to that question, I’d like to hazard a guess.
Read MorePaul had told his friends, the Philippians, how he had suffered for the sake of Christ. Now, he tells them that they will face the same struggle.
Read MoreWhen Paul wrote his letter to his Philippian friends, he was under house arrest in Rome, chained constantly to a Roman guard. But Paul saw this as an opportunity for the gospel.
Read MoreThere are many kinds of prayer and many reasons for prayer, but most of the time, it seems that we pray when there is a need or crisis. Such prayers are appropriate and powerful! But is that all God had in mind when He gave us the gift of prayer?
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