Weekend Word: Contentment

Paul writes to the Philippians:  “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, [...]

WHEN JOY IS LOST

This week we began our Wednesday night series on Depression.  The house was packed which is either wonderfully encouraging or terribly depressing.  Our first consideration was to simply establish the fact that depression is a very real thing and affects a great many people in many different ways.
I took the opportunity to look at examples:

Biblically [...]

Weekend Word: Right Thinking

Phil 4:8-9 ESV  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and [...]

Weekend Word: Worry is Dumb.

A SIN IN GOOD STANDING
All of us worry, but not many of us would categorize worry as a really BIG issue.  The truth: anxiety in a Christian represents a low view of God & a distrust in His providence & provision.  In the end it replaces faith & trust and takes God off of the [...]

Weekend Word: Standing together for the gospel

Philippians 4:1-4 is such a practical passage & application of so much that has already been said throughout the letter.
Paul had encouraged submission to one another & unity in 1:27;  Emphasized it again in 2:1-3; and Illustrated it in the person & work of Jesus in 2:5-11.
AGREE
Phil 4:2 ESV
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche [...]

The Weekend Word: Imitators & Citizens

IMITATORS of Christ
Following and being followed is life for all of us.  We have always looked to others for example and others have always looked to us for the same.
Paul writes, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil 3:17 ESV)
It [...]

SERMON RECAP: Not perfect but pressing

Phil 3:12-14 ESV 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. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining [...]

Palm Sunday

I don’t make much of Palm Sunday every year, but when I do I am glad to have done it.  In comparison to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, this is a day that doesn’t carry the same weight but it’s an excellent opportunity to see the heart of Jesus in all that is happening this [...]

Luther on Prayer

Martin Luther was once asked by his barber, “Dr. Luther, would you be willing to teach me how to pray?”.  Luther replied that he would be delighted to help.  With that, Luther retired to his quarters and penned a booklet especially for Peter entitled A Simple Way to Pray.
Luther’s practical suggestions for Master Peter:
1. Set [...]

Two men worth knowing

Timothy and Epaphroditus are given to us by Paul as examples of the sort of selfless & sacrificial life that Paul is encouraging all Christians toward.
Timothy is best known as the man that Paul brought under his wing to be a learner, apprentice & replacement.  He was a young man that had genuine concern for [...]