Ambivalence describes how I feel as I write my final “Prepare.” If I did not have something meaningful in ministry to look forward to, I would be depressed. I love the ministry. It’s all I’ve known since the day after I graduated from high school...
The Apostle Paul was humble, hungry and smart. His motor wasn’t stuck in park, neutral, or reverse. He went fast when he could. When he was confined, he made the most of those opportunities, too. Paul was completely given to Christ. He did...
Philippians 4 is one of the best-loved chapters in the Bible. Paul instructs his beloved friends in the Philippian church to think about and practice certain things. If we could follow his simple instructions, our lives would be full of love, joy...
I write this on July 4, and I am so grateful for our great country and that I am a citizen of the United States of America. However, those with faith in Christ have a dual citizenship. I’m even more grateful for my citizenship in heaven.
This is such a great memory verse from our text this week: Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8). The sermon title is “The Surpassing Worth.” What (or who) is the...
In this week’s text from Philippians 2:12-30, Paul told the church at Philippi to “work out your own salvation in fear and trembling.” We will consider what this means, why Paul wrote it and how it’s done.
Our theme in Philippians is about developing our affections for Christ. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The intent of these brief notes is to help us prepare for worship. Preachers do their work—I want you to do your preparation, too. Our daily texts relate to the sermon in some fashion (sometimes you may have to connect the dots). Always look for...
We prepare to preach a sermon—those who get the most out of it are those who arrive prepared to hear it. Your daily readings contain some wonderful texts this week, but please look at the context for the Book of Philippians. Paul’s conversion...
Our English word “axiom” comes from a Greek word, “axios,” which means “worthy.” An axiom is a pithy saying worth remembering and applying. Paul uses “axios” in Ephesians: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy...
