Podcast appearances and mentions of christ phil

6/14/2026, The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ, Phil 3:4-11, Maikel Noa by Northern Heights

 Our Victorious Christ - Phil Whitehead

A sermon from Redemption City Church's series on the book of Philippians

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 10 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Living with Christ”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Col. 3:1-17 | Rom. 1:18 | Rom. 6:1-7 | Eph. 4:22-24 | Deut. 7:6-8 | 1 Sam. 16:23. Memory Text: "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection" (Colossians 3:14, NKJV). (March 7 - March 13)  Sunday (Shelley Quinn) - “Heavenly-Mindedness”Monday (John Dinzey) - “End Earthliness” Tuesday (Risë Rafferty) - “Renewed in Knowledge”Wednesday (Ryan Johnson) - “Character of the New Life”Thursday (James Rafferty) - “Living the New Life” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Revelation 3:7-13 (The Key of David: Belonging in the Kingdom of Christ) - Phil Adams by Park Community Church

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 10 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Complete in Christ”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Colossians 2; Heb. 7:11; Isa. 61:3; 1 Cor. 3:6; Deut. 31:24–26; Rom. 2:28, 29; Rom. 7:7. Memory Text: “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ” (Colossians 2:16, 17, NKJV). (February 28 - March 6)  Sunday (John Dinzey) - The Wisdom and Knowledge of GodMonday (Jill Morikone) - Rooted and Growing in ChristTuesday (Shelley Quinn) - Nailed to the CrossWednesday (James Rafferty) - Shadow or Substance?Thursday (Ryan Johnson) - “Commandments of Men Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org  Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 8 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Preeminence of Christ”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Gen. 1:26, 27; Col. 1:13–19; John 1:1–3; Eph. 1:22; 1 Cor. 12:12–27; 1 Cor. 4:9; Rom. 6:3, 4. Memory Text: “He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:15–17, NKJV). (February 14 - February 20)  Sunday – Shelley Quinn - Image of the Invisible GodMonday – Jill Morikone - Firstborn Over All CreationTuesday – Ryan Johnson - Head of the Body (the Church)Wednesday – James Rafferty - The “Beginning” (and Initiator)Thursday – John Dinzey  - To Reconcile All Things Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 1, lesson 6 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Uniting Heaven and Earth. Christ in Philippians and Colossians”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Confidence only in Christ”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God.  Reading: Phil. 3:1-16; Rom. 2:25-29; John 9:1-39; Eph. 1:4, JO; 1 Cor. 9:24-27. Memory Text: "That I may know Him and the power of His resur­rection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10, 11, NKJV). (January 31 - February 6)  Sunday – Jill Morikone - Rejoicing in the LordMonday – John Lomacang - Paul's “Past Life”Tuesday – John Dinzey - The Things That MatterWednesday – John Lomacang - The Faith of ChristThursday – Shelley Quinn - Just One Thing--Knowing Christ Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/  Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

William Challis preaching on Phil 2:5-11 on the 28th of December at our 10.45am Service.

Date: December 24 2025 Title: Christmas and the Humility of Christ Text: Phil 2:5-11 Series: Advent 2025 Preacher: Pastor Rod Montgomery

Today's Communion Service was themed “A Communion of Intimacy with God”, reminding us that intimacy with God is something we learn and grow into. From 1 Chronicles 28:9, we were charged to “learn to know God intimately, worship and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind.” Intimacy means cultivating a deep, loving bond with God built on trust, faithfulness, and a heart that truly seeks Him - becoming a man or woman after God's heart. Building on Wednesday's message, Pastor Femi Paul gave this powerful exhortation titled “The Real Thing”, using Timothy as the example of a believer who is genuinely devoted to the things of Christ (Phil. 2:20–22 MSG). True devotion to God is seen in loyalty, service, and a heart that prioritises God over self. 1 Tim. 4:8 affirms that serving God benefits every area of life; now and eternally, and Isaiah 58:14 assures that those who delight in the Lord will “ride high” and enjoy their full share of covenant blessings. The call today was simple: Intimacy + Devotion = Grace to Live as “The Real Thing” before God. Prayer: Father, draw me into deeper intimacy with You. Teach me to know You, serve You and delight in You wholeheartedly. As I walk in true devotion, let me rise high, enjoy Your favour, and receive my full share of Your blessings. Amen.

Gentry Wigginton | 10.26.25 | ethoschurch.org

Question. Does Jesus really care about the spiritual health of His church? Main Idea. Jesus cares about His church's health, especially her heart. Five ways Jesus cares for the spiritual health of His church. 1. Jesus is close (1) 2. Jesus compliments (2–3, 6) Jesus compliments the church in Ephesus for three things: Hard work and endurance (2-3) Rejecting false teaching (2) Rejection of sin (6) 3. Jesus confronts (4) 4. Jesus calls (5) Jesus calls the church to three things to restore love: Remember (5) Repent (5) Return (5) 5. Jesus comforts (7) Practically: How do we grow in our love for Christ? Consider Paul's Example of Affection for Christ (Phil 3:7–9) 1. Count All Else As Loss. 2. Know Him Deeply. 3. Trust His Righteousness. Takeaways. 1. Christ is with us. 2. Christ wants our love.

Philippians 3:1-15 (ESV) 3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit […] The post Growing in Grace: Union with Christ (Phil 3:1-15) first appeared on Hope of Christ Church.

Big Idea: To live sent with our feet, we must first focus our eyes on Christ 1. Creation is focused on Christ (Col 1:15-16) 2. The Father's love is focused on Christ (Mk 1:9-11, Jn 3:35, 10:17, 17:22-26) 3. The Spirit's ministry is focused on Christ (Jn 14:26, 16:13-14) 4. The Bible's message is focused on Christ (Jn 5:39-40, Lk 24:26-27) 5. The founding and authority of the church is focused on Christ (Col 1:18, Eph 1:22-23, 2:19-21) 6. Our identity is focused on Christ (Rom 6:5-8, 2 Cor 5:16-17, Gal 2:20) 7. Our future is focused on Christ (Phil 3:20-21, Tit 2:11-13, 1 Th 4:15-18) 8. Our salvation is focused on Christ (Acts 4:11-12, Col 1:13-14, Rom 5:6-9)

Christ the Mystery, Satan the Counterfeit: The Unveiling of Eternal RealitiesThis message explores the two great mysteries in Scripture—Christ and Satan—framed through the lens of eternal purpose and spiritual identity. The message dives into the uniqueness of Christ as the fullness of God in bodily form and contrasts it with the fall and fate of Lucifer. The group emphasizes personal intimacy with Christ, the inevitability of every knee bowing to Him, and the importance of knowing one's true identity in the mystery of divine love. Listeners are invited to embrace the power of God's grace, resist deception, and participate in the beautiful unity orchestrated by Christ Himself.Themes:Christ: the eternal mystery of God and man (Col. 2:2–3)Satan: the counterfeit mystery revealed in Ezekiel 28Universal bowing before Christ (Phil. 2:9–11; Rev. 19:7–9)Angelic creation and Lucifer's fall from grace“Prisoners of hope” under Christ, the Conductor (Zech. 9:12)Mystery of Christ revealed to apostles and prophets (Eph. 3:1–6)Divine love as the transforming power in the believer's lifeIdentity: believers as God's temple, not restrained by unbelieversJustification, reconciliation, and freedom from guiltWorship as personal, intimate, and shut-in to ChristPersonal spiritual revelation and individualized divine encountersGrowth in unity, resisting the devil by relying on Christ's powerScripture References: Colossians 2:2–3; Ezekiel 28:15–19; Philippians 2:9–11; Revelation 19:7–9; Ephesians 3:1–6, 3:19; Zechariah 9:12; 2 Corinthians 6:1; John 1:1; Revelation 21:3; Job 42; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5; Romans 8:37–39

Emphasizing that God measures success much differently than humans, Brother Singh equated what the world calls a loser to be a winner in God's eyes. By worldly standards, Paul's ministry is a failure. In 2 Timothy 4:16, he lamented, "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me." Fellow workers like Demas left him for worldly pursuits (2 Timothy 4:10). All the churches he founded quickly fell into apostasy, like the Corinthian assembly, abandoning the foundation of truth for another gospel that pleased them. Paul suffered the loss of all things, counting them but dung, that he might win Christ (Phil. 3:8).

Luke 20:19-44 (When Controversy is a Smokescreen: Resisting Surrender to the Lordship of Christ) - Phil Adams by Park Community Church

Strengthened Through Christ, Phil 4: 6-13 - Guest speaker Owen Pikkert

Scripture References: Philippians 3:1-11; Acts 9:15-16; 1 Peter 3:18; John 17:3; Ephesians 2:13; Revelation 21:1-3Intro:Context: Philippians 3, Paul writing from prison.Focus on Paul's radical transformation: From Saul, the zealous persecutor who jailed/oversaw the killing of Christians, to Paul, the apostle jailed for Christ.What could cause such a complete reversal? (Think: converting core beliefs/loyalties). Paul had a direct encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9). His conversion wasn't just religious affiliation; it was a fundamental shift.Key Points:Conversion 1: From the Ladder of Legalism to the Cross of Christ (Phil 3:4-9)Paul lists his "blue-chip" credentials (circumcised, Israelite, Benjamin, Hebrew, Pharisee, zealous persecutor, legally righteous). He had maximum "confidence in the flesh."He counts all this previous "gain" as "loss" and "rubbish" compared to the value of knowing Christ.Contrast: The "Ladder" mentality (perform well = acceptance; fail = rejection - exemplified by the coach clip/ "American way") vs. The "Cross" reality (righteousness comes not from our works/law, but through faith in Christ's work for us).This Gospel truth needs constant repetition ("It's safe for you," v. 1) because we naturally revert to the ladder.Conversion 2: From Life FOR/FROM God to Life WITH God (Phil 3:8, 10-11)Paul's driving desire wasn't just duty for God or benefits from God, but intimacy with God: "that I may know him," "gain Christ," "be found in him."What the Gospel achieves (forgiveness, eternal life) are vital, but they are means to the ultimate end: knowing and being with God Himself.Forgiveness isn't just wiping a slate; it cleanses to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). Eternal life is knowing God (John 17:3).Analogy: Seeking spousal forgiveness – the true goal is restoring connection/relationship, not just easing guilt or getting perks.The ultimate question shifts from "Who wants benefits?" to "Who wants God?"God's Desire: Life WITH YouGod's primary goal isn't just making us morally better, but bringing us relationally closer (Eph 2:13). He desires communion.Consider God's attractiveness: Humble (Incarnation), Serving, Loving (sacrificially), Redemptive (meaning in suffering), Powerful (Resurrection).Does God want me, even knowing my failures? The Cross is the definitive YES. He takes us "as is," confident in His power to heal and restore. He sees, knows, loves, moves towards you.All history points toward God dwelling with His people (Rev 21:3).Conclusion:These conversions—rejecting legalism for grace, shifting from performance/benefits to relationship—aren't one-time decisions but ongoing processes.We continually need to recognize the "ladder" in our hearts and choose the Cross, choose life with Him.Call to Action:Acknowledge the need for these conversions again today.Consciously choose the Cross over the ladder.Seek life with God, not just for Him or from Him. Recognize His desire for you.Remain in His love (Jude 21) – that relational space is where you truly belong, wherever you go. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Luke 17:20-37 (Waiting Well: Longings, Distractions, and the Return of Christ) - Phil Adams by Park Community Church

November 3, 2024 - PM Sermon   Determined To Endure - (Phil. 2:5-11) Neal Pollard "Let This Mind..." Background of this letter Have the mind of Christ - (Phil. 2:5) "Perserverance" Have the humility of Christ - (Phil 2:6-8) Jesus put his heavenly position above self Jesus put mankind above self Jesus put God's will above self What will we be called to do for Christ's sake? Have the submissive obedience of Christ - (Phil. 2:8) Crucifixion - Now and then. Enjoy the exaltation of Christ - (Phil. 2:9-11) Jesus knew the last half of Psalm 22 What does wearing Christ name mean to you? Duration 34:54

Philippians 1:1-11; To Live Is Christ - Phil 1 - Jonathan Mitchell by NewBranch

October 6, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon   The Christian and Death Paul and Death in Philippians Death as limits - (Romans 8) The first half of Romans 8 is a Study in Contrasts The life of Deliverance is full of blessings No Condemnation - (v1-4) The indwelling Spirit - (v5-16) We're children of God - (v15-21) Hope - (v22-25) Help in prayer - (v26-27) Providence - (v28-31) He spared not his on Son - (v32) Intercession - (v33-34) His love - (v35-39) Death is swallowed up in victory - (1 Cor. 15:54) Implications of Resurrection - (v29-34) Nature of Resurrection - (v35-49)  Results of Resurrection - (v50-58) Death can't keep us from magnifying Christ - (Phil. 1:20) Death can be misunderstood - (1 Thess. 4:13-18) The death of a Christian is influential - (v12) The death of a Christian is informative - (v13) The death of a Christian is inviting - (v14-15) The death of a Christian is incredible - (v16-17) The death of a Christian is inspiring (v18) Duration 38:45

Welcome to the Daily Living for Christ podcast! In today's episode, we turn to a powerful passage from Philippians 1:27 through 2:11, where the Apostle Paul calls believers to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ. This passage challenges us to embody unity, humility, and a servant's heart, reflecting the very nature of Christ in our everyday interactions and decisions.In Philippians 1:27, Paul urges the church to "stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the Gospel." He continues in chapter 2 by painting a profound picture of humility, encouraging us to have the same mindset as Christ, who "made himself nothing" and became obedient even to death on the cross. This section of Philippians is not just about personal transformation; it's a call to live our lives in a way that reflects the love, sacrifice, and unity that Christ represents.As we explore this passage, you'll discover how living in unity and humility is essential for every believer. Paul's words are a reminder that our attitudes and actions should reflect Christ's example, serving as a testimony to the world of God's grace. Whether you're navigating difficult relationships or seeking deeper spiritual growth, this episode will inspire you to live in alignment with Christ and to cultivate a Christlike mindset in all you do.Download the episode now to dive deeper into Philippians 1:27–2:11 and be encouraged to walk in unity, humility, and the power of Christ's example in your daily life."Have Questions, Send us a Message" This podcast is a production of The Center for Biblical Coaching and Leadership. If this episode has been useful or inspiring to you in any way, please share it with someone else. Lastly, please subscribe to the show and write a review.Visit our website, tcbcl.org, to learn more about our mission and vision.

A legendary team and its members are proactive - they have a "can do" attitude and take initiative to do right and accomplish God's purpose. Choosing a proactive posture buys up the opportunity (Gal. 6:10) and trusts that we can do anything through Christ (Phil. 4:13).

A legendary team and its members are proactive - they have a "can do" attitude and take initiative to do right and accomplish God's purpose. Choosing a proactive posture buys up the opportunity (Gal. 6:10) and trusts that we can do anything through Christ (Phil. 4:13).

A legendary team and its members are proactive - they have a "can do" attitude and take initiative to do right and accomplish God's purpose. Choosing a proactive posture buys up the opportunity (Gal. 6:10) and trusts that we can do anything through Christ (Phil. 4:13).

A legendary team and its members are proactive - they have a "can do" attitude and take initiative to do right and accomplish God's purpose. Choosing a proactive posture buys up the opportunity (Gal. 6:10) and trusts that we can do anything through Christ (Phil. 4:13).

Biggest mistake I made in starting my business--not betting on me & I'm Worth It Inc.--Saying "We'll be a multi-billion dollar empire who gives to charity & changes the world" but I was selling stuff for other brands & Stayed homeless! Bet on you & your brand with your time, energy, money--ALL of it! You're worth it! Liberty (CEO I'm Worth It Inc.) changed her name LEGALLY to Liberty V Justice and came to LA to entertain you & change YOUR MINDSET (& YOUR LIFE!) with her movies & music so I can show y'all a lesson! 15 minute Watch “Worth of Wealth: Healing from Homelessness & addictions caused by my trauma” https://youtu.be/jVopKo3ndW0 Fill this form https://forms.gle/B9B8RHv6DkWE9o6C6 for a chance to be one of the 8 people chosen for the $8k Challenge--next, we will schedule a 10 min call! GET SWEET LIBERTY E- cook book-$20 NO bake sweets! ALL chocolate & peanut butter! ALL THE FLAVOR NONE OF THE GLUTEN NONE OF THE GUILT! AND feel good about helping us help kids! www.imworthitinc.com/products/sweet-liberty 100% satisfaction money back guarantee Please Support the Channel: (I need you so I can eat--Army Vet--FULL TIME business--NO job) PayPal https://paypal.me/LibertyJustice?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US Cash App https://cash.app/$LibertyVJusticeVenmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/Im-WorthItInc I give to O.U.R. EVERY MONTH WITHOUT Fail--from my United States Army Veteran's Disability Income--I AM NOT disabled! I CAN DO ALL things through Christ (Phil 4:13) https://ourrescue.org/about

A new MP3 sermon from Disciple Church (Reformed Baptist) is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Humility of Christ (Phil 2:5-11) Subtitle: Philippians: Gospel Joy Speaker: Joaquin Garcia Broadcaster: Disciple Church (Reformed Baptist) Event: Sunday Service Date: 10/15/2023 Bible: Philippians 2:5-11; Philippians 2 Length: 52 min.

These two passages display the complexity of the biblical witness on compassion. In the first, we are to clothe ourselves in compassion (literally: bowels of mercy), which leads us to bear with each other and forgive each other as love binds us all together. Elsewhere Paul “yearns for the Philippians with the affection of Christ” (Phil. 1:8). Affection and sympathy are bonding agents (Phil. 2:1), enabling us to be single-minded and in full accord. The Lord, who is compassionate and merciful, is our ultimate model for compassion, and he has given us the fathers and mothers as images of his compassion (Isa 49:15; 1 Kings 3; Psalm 103).In the second, we are forbidden to show pity or compassion on those who would entice us to idolatry. Similar commands are given with respect to first degree murder and lying in court (Deuteronomy 7:16, 19:13, and 19:21). In such cases, God is adamant that “your eye shall not pity them.” And again, in doing so, we are to follow God as our model, who executes his judgment without pity or compassion (Jer. 13:14; Lam. 2:17; Ezek. 5:11; 7:4, 9; 8:18).So how should we make sense of this?

Lisa 6:3 - "Be All You Can Be in Christ" Phil. 3:12. Let everything you do lead you closer to Christ. Be Blessed. ❤

Join us for an in depth study of one of the richest books in the entire Bible. In Romans we find the most clear argument for humanity's need for the gospel and how the gospel changes our lives for all eternity. We have a reading guide for you as you follow along in this series. You can go to scottshill.org/romans for more information.Church is more than a service. It's about people experiencing life together as we seek to join God in His work of transforming lives. We invite you to come be part of that mission here at Scotts Hill. You can find more resources here on our YouTube Channel or by visiting: https://scottshill.orgTo connect with us or to learn more about Jesus we invite you to visit: https://www.scottshill.org/nextstepsFor information on upcoming events church-wide, visit: https://scottshill.infoSocial MediaFacebook: / scottshill.org Instagram: / scottshill Website: https://www.scottshill.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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     At the moment of faith in Christ, God's righteousness is gifted to the believer (Rom 5:17; cf. 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9), and he is at once made right with God and declared just in His sight. Divine justification is not by human works at all, “for there is none righteous, not even one” (Rom 3:10), “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). Rather, Paul reveals we are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24). Like our spiritual birth, justification is a one-and-done event, perfect in itself, not to be confused with our experiential sanctification, which occurs over time. According to Norman Geisler, “Justification is an instantaneous, past act of God by which one is saved from the guilt of sin—his record is cleared and he is guiltless before the Judge” (Rom 8:1).”[1] And Charles Bing states, “Justification is the act of God that declares a sinner righteous in God's sight. It is a legal term that speaks of one's right standing in God's court of justice.”[2]      Being justified in God's sight is by faith alone and not by any human works, for “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Rom 3:20a). Rather, “to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Rom 4:5), for “a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Gal 2:16).[3] J. I. Packer states: "Justification is a judicial act of God pardoning sinners (wicked and ungodly persons, Rom 3:9–24; 4:5), accepting them as just, and so putting permanently right their previously estranged relationship with himself. This justifying sentence is God's gift of righteousness (Rom 5:15–17), his bestowal of a status of acceptance for Jesus' sake (2 Cor 5:21)."[4] Louis Berkhof agrees, stating: "Justification is a judicial act of God, in which He declares, on the basis of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, that all the claims of the law are satisfied with respect to the sinner. It is unique in the application of the work of redemption in that it is a judicial act of God, a declaration respecting the sinner, and not an act or process of renewal, such as regeneration, conversion, and sanctification. While it has respect to the sinner, it does not change his inner life. It does not affect his condition, but his state."[5] Merrill F. Unger adds: "Justification is a divine act whereby an infinitely Holy God judicially declares a believing sinner to be righteous and acceptable before Him because Christ has borne the sinner's sin on the cross and has become “to us … righteousness” (1 Cor 1:30; Rom 3:24). A justified believer emerges from God's great courtroom with a consciousness that another, his Substitute, has borne his guilt and that he stands without accusation before God (Rom 8:1, 33–34)."[6] Paul Enns states: Whereas forgiveness is the negative side of salvation, justification is the positive side. To justify is to declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus Christ. It is a forensic (legal) act of God whereby He declares the believing sinner righteous on the basis of the blood of Christ. The major emphasis of justification is positive and involves two main aspects. It involves the pardon and removal of all sins and the end of separation from God (Acts 13:39; Rom 4:6–7; 5:9–11; 2 Cor 5:19). It also involves the bestowal of righteousness upon the believing person and a title to all the blessings promised to the just. Justification is a gift given through the grace of God (Rom 3:24) and takes place the moment the individual has faith in Christ (Rom 4:2; 5:1). The ground of justification is the death of Christ (Rom 5:9), apart from any works (Rom 4:5). The means of justification is faith (Rom 5:1). Through justification God maintains His integrity and His standard, yet is able to enter into fellowship with sinners because they have the very righteousness of Christ imputed to them.[7]      The process is faith in Christ (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; 16:31), imputed righteousness (Rom 5:17; cf. 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9), and the declaration by God that the believer is now justified in God's sight (Rom 3:24; 4:5; Gal 2:16). Robert B. Thieme Jr., states: "Anyone who expresses faith alone in Christ alone is instantly justified before the bench of God's justice. The mechanics of justification follow three logical steps, though they all occur simultaneously. First, the person believes in Christ; second, God the Father credits, or imputes, His righteousness to that person; and third, God recognizes His righteousness in the believer and pronounces him “justified”— vindicated, righteous (Rom 5)."[8]      The imputation of God's righteousness to believers means we are declared righteous, but not made righteous in conduct. To be righteous in conduct is the lifelong process of sanctification whereby the believer advances to spiritual maturity and lives in conformity with the character and will of God as revealed in His Word. This is the walk of faith. But though we are righteous in God's sight because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, at the same time we continue to possess a sin nature that continually causes internal temptation and conflict (Rom 6:6; 7:14-25; 13:14; Col 3:9; Gal 5:16-17, 19-22; 1 John 1:8), and we commit personal acts of sin (1 Ki 8:46; Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:10; 2:1). Though the power of the sin nature is broken (Rom 6:11-14), the presence of the sin nature is never removed from us until God takes us from this world and gives us a new body like the body of Jesus (Phil 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2, 5). Martin Luther understood this duality and coined the Latin phrase simul iustus et peccator, which translates as, “simultaneously righteous and a sinner.” Though Christians are declared righteous in God's sight, sin will constantly be present (Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10), to varying degrees, depending on the status of the believer's spiritual walk with the Lord. Timothy George states: "The believer is not only both righteous and sinful at the same time but is also always or completely both righteous and sinful at the same time. What does this mean? With respect to our fallen human condition, we are, and always will be in this life, sinners. However, for believers, life in this world is no longer a period of doubtful candidacy for God's acceptance. In a sense we have already been before God's judgment seat and have been acquitted on account of Christ. Hence we are also always righteous."[9]      I agree with the phrase simul iustus et peccator, that a Christian is “simultaneously righteous and a sinner.” I think a better phrase is semper iustus et peccator, that we are “always righteous and a sinner.” Both are true. Always. As a Christian, I am righteous because I have received God's “gift of righteousness” (Rom 5:17). This is “the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith” in Christ (Phil 3:9). God gave me His righteousness at the moment I trusted Christ as my Savior, and like all of God's gifts, it can't be given back, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29). As one who possesses God's righteousness, I am forever justified in His sight. The matter is settled in heaven. God has made it so. After being saved, the issue for every Christian is to advance to spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1), which glorifies God and edifies others. Dr. Steven R. Cook ------- [1] Norman L. Geisler, Systematic Theology, Volume Three: Sin, Salvation, 235. [2] Charles C. Bing, Grace, Salvation, and Discipleship: How to Understand Some Difficult Bible Passages (Brenham, TX: Lucid Books, 2015). [3] Some in the early church thought righteousness came through adherence to the Mosaic Law. The apostle Paul dealt with this, saying, “if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly” (Gal 2:21), for “if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law” (Gal 3:21).    Salvation comes to the one who simply trusts in Christ as Savior and receives it as a free gift, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). [4] J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs, 164. [5] Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing co., 1938), 513. [6] E. McChesney and Merrill F. Unger, “Justification,” The New Unger's Bible Dictionary, 729. [7] Paul P. Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, 326. [8] Robert B. Thieme, Jr. “Justification”, Thieme's Bible Doctrine Dictionary, 153. [9] Timothy George, Theology of the Reformers (Nashville, Tenn., Broadman and Holman publishers, 2013), 72.

Message from Don Wagner on December 31, 2023

Luke 2:1-21 (Unwrapping Joy: Finding the Source in Christ) - Phil Adams by Park Community Church

J.D.'s guet on this episode is Tom Mercer. Odds are, if you have worked in ministry, you have probably read at least one of Tom's many books. He gew up in a Christain homa and his father was a pastor. Tom had always thought he would go into the “family” business of ministry. However, he witnessed the mistreatment of his father by the church he was serving in, and decided he wasn't going to be a part of that. He left seminary and joined a friends marketing firm. It was a conversation with that Christian friend that finally made him realize he needed to get back to ministry. However, his time in marketing was not wasted. God has a way to make all things work together. Tom ultimately realized that the gospel needed to be represented (marketed) well “…conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Phil 1:27). The rest is history. Tom has made his life's work encouraging Christ followers to represent the Gospel in a manner that will honor Jesus Christ and demonstrate the care and compassion God has for this world. Listen and be encouraged.

Brandon Steele | 05.21.23 | ethoschurch.org

Mo Obayomi | 05.07.23 | ethoschurch.org