Podcasts about phillippians

A message by Pastor Jared Burke from Phillippians 1:27-30 at Bethany Bible Fellowship, Westminster, California

6:18 - Why did Joab kill Absalom? / 14:37 - Phillippians 4:13, what can we do with God? / 22:50 - Revelation 16:15, Is this passage taking place before the tribulation? / 33:41 - Is the rapture related to aliens? / 43:42 - I see things, how can I know if it's spiritual warfare? / 50:40 - How should Christians work through child custody matters?

Title: God's Call To Glory Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 FCF: We often struggle comprehending the scope and sequence of God's Redemption of His people. Prop: Because God calls and oversees our redemption to glory, we must be counted and walk worthy of the call of God. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 2 Thessalonians chapter 1. In a moment we'll read from the English Standard Version starting in verse 5 and going through verse 12. Last week, Paul began addressing some of the concerns of the Thessalonians regarding the Day of the Lord and the persecution they were enduring. Paul assured them that God's justice is perfect. That He is reordering their lives and will reward all men according to what they have earned, either punishment for wickedness or reward for Christ's righteousness. As terrible as His punishment is for those who disobey the gospel, for those who obey, His reward is even more wonderful. We finished last week with the reward of meeting Christ in the air and His people glorifying Him and marveling at His splendor. But Paul wants to close out this section of his letter both by elaborating on the nature of the redemptive path God has put them on and also praying that God would see them to the end reward that he has just described. Stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Gracious God who gives abundantly to us so that we may be Your people, we humbly ask that You would send Your Spirit among us today to teach us from Your Word. Help us to see the depth and richness of Your grace today. Help us to understand just how miserable of a state we were in prior to Your grace interrupting our travels to hell. And perhaps, You would call others this morning with the interrupting power of Your grace to cease their pursuit of their own destruction and obey the gospel by believing on Your Son, Jesus. Meet with us, for we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “Perfection demands perfection; that is why salvation must be by grace and why works are not sufficient.” Donald Grey Barnhouse. “We can never be blessed until we learn that we can bring nothing to Christ but our need.” Vance Havner [Slide 3] “Whatever contribution men make to their salvation they make by the grace of God. And that makes salvation the work of grace a hundred percent.” R.B. Kuiper “A man is not a Christian unless he can say with Paul, “I am what I am by the grace of God.” D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones [Slide 4] “The grace of God does not find men fit for salvation but makes them so.” Augustine of Hippo “The sinner, apart from grace, is unable to be willing and unwilling to be able.” W.E. Best “Grace is not a reward for faith; faith is the result of grace.” John Blanchard [Slide 5] “Grace is omnipotence acting redemptively.” Geoff Thomas “Grace is power. It does not instruct, it energizes, and what dead men need is energizing, such energizing as raises the dead.” B.B. Warfield “Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.” Jonathan Edwards And on and on they go. I could have included many more. But that is enough for now. Let these words about God's grace prepare you to see it in the text today. I.) All who meet the Lord in the air are counted and walk worthy of the call of God, so we must be counted and walk worthy of the call of God. (11) a. [Slide 6] 11 - To this end we always pray for you, i. Paul begins these closing thoughts on God's righteous judgment pointing back to the rest and reward given to those who obeyed the gospel by believing what the apostles spoke to them concerning Jesus. ii. What is that rest and what is that reward? It is the glorifying of Christ and marveling at His splendor. iii. Paul reveals that it is “to this end” or more literally, “in this” that they continue to pray for them. iv. This gives this entire passage a distinct eschatological perspective of all that it has to say. Now that may be obvious now, but if we forget this it may make our interpretation of the text more difficult as we go forward. v. Paul and his companions are always praying for them that they would make it to that day when Christ returns and they can glorify Him in His presence. vi. Paul is not suggesting, necessarily, that this is uncertain. vii. Some Christians wrongly conclude that if God has promised something to us that to pray for it is either a waste of time or even showing distrust in His promises. viii. However, we are commanded to pray in the will of God. Paul shows us what that looks like. ix. Paul is confident, based on their growth in faith and love and endurance amid affliction and persecution, that God will count the Thessalonians worthy of His Kingdom. x. But just because Paul is certain of that, and just because God has promised to do that for those who believe, doesn't mean there is no need to pray for it to come about. xi. Quite the opposite actually. xii. To suggest that praying for something somehow implies that it is uncertain is simply unfounded. xiii. Imagine if we applied this to the Lord's prayer. xiv. Is it uncertain as to whether God's kingdom will come? Yet we are told to pray for it to come by Jesus Himself. xv. Paul praying for the Thessalonians to reach that glorious gathering in the air with Christ, is not suggesting, at all, that they might not make it. It is praying that God's promises come true. xvi. But what is necessary if they are to make it to that glorious day when we meet Christ in the air? xvii. What is the content of their continued prayers for the Thessalonians? b. [Slide 7] that our God may make you worthy of his calling, i. There are two translational concepts here that we should briefly address. ii. Many scholars debate the Greek word the ESV translates here “make worthy.” This is a very old debate. It is at the heart of the divide between Protestant and Roman Catholic doctrine. 1. As a reminder Official Roman Catholic Dogma believes that God actually makes you righteous at baptism. That original sin is washed away in those waters of baptism and the remainder of your life is the process of trying to keep yourself in that state of grace. Something you can only do in the confines of the Roman Catholic Church. 2. Through rigorous study, the Reformers demonstrated that the most common way to translate this word is “counted worthy.” 3. This word in the New Testament is consistently used to express someone or something being counted as worthy which is not actually worthy of the honor being given to them. It is in fact a legal declaration rather than something you are made into or have earned. 4. In fact, this is the same root word that Paul used in verse 5 where the Thessalonians are counted worthy of God's Kingdom. Since the context was speaking of God's righteous Justice, a legal verdict makes much more sense than some kind of God-infused act. 5. But since this context has an eschatological emphasis, the meaning could, conceivably be “make worthy.” 6. We know that Jesus will present us faultless before the throne of God. He will make us worthy and righteous. 7. But even if that is true, two things are absolutely certain. 8. The idea of God making us worthy prior to Christ's return, whether that be that we reach a state of perfection and never sin again, or that we reach a state of perfection and have to strive to keep ourselves there – both of these are not only not supported in this text, but they are repudiated. 9. Being truly worthy of God's Kingdom is definitely something God must do, but per Paul, that occurs at the coming of Christ. 10. However, in my opinion, counted worthy is the better translation here. And I will explain that in a moment. iii. The second translational concept here is concerning the same word but from a different angle. 1. The mood of the verb “count worthy” is in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood is used to express a wish or hope, and sometimes has conditions. 2. As understanding grows on the Greek language, particularly the Greek trade-language that was used in the writing of the New Testament, more has been understood about the subjunctive mood to understand that it is actually very RARELY used in the New Testament to express something that is possible if the right conditions are met. 3. Instead, the subjunctive mood is almost exclusively used to express something that is either probable or intended. 4. Why does this matter? 5. Well, if we read this and Paul prays that our God “might” count them worthy of their calling… our mind automatically imports the possibility that God might not do that. We start wondering what the conditions are that God might have to not count someone worthy of the calling HE CALLED THEM WITH. 6. But here, Paul uses the subjunctive mood because He is praying that God's calling producing the verdict of worthy for these Thessalonian believers. Prayers are hopes or wishes. 7. But as we've already said, prayers are not necessarily a hope that implies it may not happen. 8. In fact, there is a HUGE correlation here between God calling someone and counting them worthy of that calling. And the key to unlock that is another letter that Paul will write from Corinth, possibly at the same time that he is writing to the Thessalonians. 9. In Romans 8:29-30, Paul says that whom the Lord calls He also justifies. Justify is to be “counted righteous” or “declared righteous” in a legal sense and would be synonymous with being counted worthy of God's Kingdom. Paul puts a necessary and unbreakable connection between the ones whom God calls and those whom He declares righteous. 10. There is no uncertainty here. If God called them, He will count them worthy of that call. And Paul is praying for that end. iv. With both those translational issues out of the way we better understand what Paul is praying. v. Paul wants them to make it to that day when we glorify Christ in the air. vi. So, he is praying that what is necessary for that to be the case is found in the Thessalonians. vii. First, that they be counted worthy of the saving call of God. viii. But our justification is not the end. Just because we are justified does not mean we are ready for the day we stand before Christ face to face to give Him glory. c. [Slide 8] and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, i. Paul also prays that God would fulfill or complete or provide every resolve. ii. The ESV translates this word well. It means something hoped for or desired or something resolved to do or have. iii. Paul's prayer is that God completes in them every resolve. What resolve? iv. The resolve has two sides. 1. First, for good. a. Good here is of the moral quality. b. It is to be good. To be righteous. To be holy. c. It is to please God. d. It is to care for one another. e. It is to love God and others. f. Paul's prayer is that God completes the resolve for them to be morally upright. 2. Second, a working out of their faith. a. So beyond moral uprightness, that they would do what pleases God out of a belief in Him and the gospel. b. The resolve to work out their faith in acts of obedience to God. v. And notice that all of this is done by or with God's power. God is doing the completing of these resolves by supplying everything necessary. vi. In this we see another close correlation between another letter that Paul will write several years later. vii. In Philippians 2, Paul commands the Philippians to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” viii. The word in Philippians 2 for “good pleasure” is… resolve. ix. Here Paul prays that God completes the resolve for them to be morally upright and work out their salvation, and in Phillippians he assures them that God provides the desire and the power to accomplish His resolve. x. Paul's prayer is for them to make it to that meeting in the air to glorify Christ. xi. Therefore, he prays for the necessary process for them to get there. xii. They must not only have been counted worthy of the calling of God, but they must also walk worthy of that calling. xiii. A divinely given faith that is effective to save, is a faith that must also be worked out with divine assistance. d. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: Paul is praying, as any loving pastor should, that the church in Thessalonica makes it to that day when all believers will be gathered together to glorify Jesus in the air. And if they will make it to that day, they must follow the necessary process to get there. All who will meet the Lord in the air on that day will be counted worthy of God's effectual call. They will also walk worthy of that call by living morally upright lives, working out their faith as God completes this in them by His power. So, what is the application for us? Well, we must be counted and walk worthy of the effectual call of God. That application requires a good deal more explanation, but let's save that for later. Transition: [Slide 10 (blank)] So, after this necessary process is complete in them, what will be the result? II.) All who are counted and walk worthy of the call of God will glorify Christ and be glorified, so we must be counted and walk worthy of the call of God. (12) a. [Slide 11] 12 - so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, i. Paul, probably alludes to Isaiah 66 as he mentions the name of the Lord being glorified. ii. In our time and in this time to a much greater degree, a person's name meant much. In paganism and witchcraft, there is power in knowing and using names of demons. In the Old Testament, oftentimes it is considered a great shame on a person who is never named. In the New Testament we are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. iii. A name represents the fame and reputation and the authority of the person who bears it. iv. It would also be good for us to understand what being glorified means as we move through this verse. v. To glorify is to be positively acknowledged, recognized, or esteemed for one's own character, nature, or attributes. vi. To be glorified is to be honored and appreciated for who you are. vii. Therefore, the purpose of the Thessalonians being counted and walking worthy of God's call is so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be given the proper honor, praise, recognition, and esteem it deserves… how? viii. Paul says - in you. In the Thessalonians. When? ix. When they are all delivered safely to Christ's glorious presence having been counted worthy of God's call and having walked worthy of God's call, by their existence as a people conformed to Christ, and by their actions, as a people who marvel at His splendor, they will give glory to Jesus. x. The question arises, of course. Don't we bring glory to God NOW by the way we live? xi. Certainly! Paul isn't debating that point, nor is what he says here somehow in conflict with that. xii. Remember this passage is eschatological. Paul has his eyes fixed on that meeting with Christ in the air when He is revealed from heaven. xiii. Why? xiv. Because that is where the Thessalonians' concerns are. xv. They are concerned that the Day of the Lord has come and they are actually living their best life now… under great persecution. xvi. But that isn't the end of this redemption plan of God… b. [Slide 12] and you in him, i. One aspect that we must understand is that salvation is NOT just about getting out of hell. ii. It is NOT just about avoiding eternal death. iii. Being counted worthy and walking worthy of this name means not only that we bring glory to His name… but that the one who bears His name is also… glorified. iv. We are called children of God. A kingdom of priests. We are called the bride of Christ. v. This is all imagery and language to suggest that we become, in a very real way, part of God's family. We become sons of God. vi. We, in this entire redemptive story arch, go from created Image bearers to part of His royal court. vii. We inherit glory from one who has stamped His name on us. A name above every other name. viii. That same name… has been given to us in a similar way to a surname being given to an adopted child or a bride. ix. We inherit all the rights, privileges and responsibilities that comes with the name we were given. x. How can this be? How did this happen? How did we go from wretches to sharing in His glory? c. [Slide 13] 12 - according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. i. It is all grace my friends. ii. Once again, I implore you to step away from the correct but often misunderstood definition of grace as God's unmerited favor. iii. A better definition might be the acronym grace… God's Riches At Christ's Expense. iv. But even that is a bit narrow. v. So here is the best definition of grace that I can give you. vi. It is God's power which he grants to people according to His free will, to enable them to be, receive, or do something which they are unable to be, get, or do on their own. vii. And indeed, we could not be worthy of God's call on our own. We could walk worthy of that call on our own. viii. And we certainly were not able to take His name or be in His family by the strength of our own efforts or will. ix. Who among us chose their name? You may have had an opportunity to change your name. But none here chose their name. x. Our salvation, from beginning to end, is all a work of God's grace. d. [Slide 14] Summary of the Point: And so, Paul reveals that after the necessary process of being counted worthy and walking worthy of God's effectual call, not only will the Thessalonians glorify the name of Jesus but they will also be glorified by bearing His name. Paul summarizes that all of this saving work from beginning to end is the work of God and His grace. Therefore, we must be counted worthy and walk worthy of the effectual call of God. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today that refines our beliefs and guides our lifestyles? Basic Concepts of Faith and Practice: [Slide 15] Paul's prayer starts at the end, where those rewarded for obeying the gospel are glorifying Christ. So, his prayer is that they would walk the only path that leads to them glorifying Christ in the air at His return. He prays that God counts them worthy and that they walk worthy of God's effectual call on their lives. So that they can glorify Christ and in His name be glorified themselves. Of course, all of this is according to the grace of God and Jesus Christ. Since this is the only path that delivers believers to His side, and since all true believers will meet Him in the air, this is the path all true believers must walk. So, we too must be counted worthy and walk worthy of the effectual call of God. But what does all this mean, and how do we do it? 1.) [Slide 16] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that all of salvation is by the grace of God. a. Understanding God's grace is perhaps one of the greatest personal lessons the Lord has taught me since being your pastor. b. Ten years ago, I understood God's grace to be, mostly, kindness. c. But I now realize how cheap my understanding of grace really was. d. I heartily affirmed the definition, unmerited favor… but truthfully didn't comprehend exactly what that meant. e. And even understanding the words can lead us right back to… kindness. God is kind to us and we don't deserve it. f. But as I studied, I realized that this is really a drop in the bucket of what God's grace really is. g. Others have said, God's Riches At Christ's Expense. A fine definition. But, alas, it could simply mean… kindness. God gives His riches through Christ's sacrifice to us because He is kind to us. h. But all these definitions fall short of a biblically consistent view of the word… grace. i. Let me define it with a word picture. j. Imagine you are sailing in an motorless sailboat on the Mediterranean Sea. While heading for your destination, the wind suddenly stops. No matter how many sails you unfurl and in which direction, there is no wind to catch. You are stranded. In this position, you are completely subject to the wind. Nothing you do can actually affect your progress toward your destination. Suddenly, a strong wind kicks up and pushes you, not to the destination you wanted to go, but to another. When you land you find out that the destination you desired was overrun by bandits and everyone there was killed. k. This is a great illustration of God's grace. e. God's grace is His power which He grants to people according to His free will, to enable them to be, receive, or do something which they are unable and unwilling to be, get, or do on their own. l. Since we are sinners from birth, children of wrath, and sons of our father the devil, we are not righteous and we do not even seek God. The destination we wish to go is toward a city destined for destruction. m. God's grace fills our sails and propels us toward a destination of His own choosing. We don't seek Him, He seeks us. n. Now, there are certainly aspects of human agency. We are commanded to repent. We are commanded to believe on Christ and what He has accomplished. We are commanded to walk worthy of the calling we've been given. o. But we must recognize that no matter what we are commanded to do, without God's power which He gives when and to whom He chooses, we can never obey any of those commands. We cannot even obey the command of the gospel to believe on Christ, without God's grace first enabling us to do so. p. That is what Paul means when he says that salvation is by grace, through faith, not of ourselves, but a gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast. q. Grace comes first, like a wind, unseen and not in our control. Then once we are moved by grace, we can believe in Christ, and we are saved. r. In this way, as Paul makes clear in this passage, all glory goes to God for our salvation. For even our belief would not be possible if He did not enable us to believe. s. And since salvation is by grace, it produces a predictable trajectory of every single believer's salvation, which leaves no room for interruption or uncertainty. 2.) [Slide 17] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the events of salvation are an identical unbroken chain beginning with God's foreknowledge and ending with our glorification. a. This passage, as I have already said, has a lot of similarities to both Romans 8:29-30 and Philippians 2:12-13. Since Paul wrote all three of these texts and one around the same time as he wrote 2 Thessalonians, I took the liberty of cobbling together the sequence of salvation according to Paul. b. [Slide 18] On the screen behind me, Romans 8 is in blue, 2 Thessalonians 1 is in red, and Philippians 2 is in purple. The italicized words in black are merely words I have filled in to help connect the contexts together. c. This is the redemptive story of every single person who God has elected for salvation. And not only does every single believer follow this sequence, there is no interruption or break. Meaning if the sequence is truly started by God, it will not end until it is completed. d. Let's look… e. Those whom He foreknew, He also predestined... and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (counted worthy of His call and His Kingdom) and those whom He justified, He also… conformed to the image of His Son by completing in power their resolve for good and every work of faith to work out their own salvation in fear and trembling for it is God who is at work in [them} both to will and to work for His good pleasure and those whom He conformed to the image of His Son, The name of the Lord Jesus will be glorified in [them] and He also (will glorify) glorified [them] in Him so that all His salvation from beginning to end is according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. f. From God's foreknowledge or His foreordination, to His glorifying us in Christ, and everything in between, it is one unbroken chain. g. Those whom God foreordained will be glorified. h. Since this is true… what must we do? 3.) [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must pray that God completes our salvation. a. Just because He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it, does not mean we don't need to pray for our own and one another's salvation. b. Oftentimes when we talk about praying for others to be saved, we mean for them to be justified. c. Certainly, from what we just saw, this is not a bad thing. For if they are justified, they will be glorified. d. But Paul provides a pattern for us. He is reasonably sure that the Thessalonian church is elect of God because He saw the gospel come upon them in the power of the Holy Spirit. He has seen them grow. He has seen them mature. e. And yet, both his letters to them are FILLED with prayers for them to be saved… ultimately. f. We are often tempted to stop praying for someone when they profess Christ. Because, try as we might, we still think of salvation as a one-time, check box experience. g. My friends… Our salvation is ongoing. We are still being saved. We are still being reordered. We are still being redeemed. h. God has more for us in this great salvation. i. So let us continue to pray for one another. That we would continue to be saved, and that God would save us fully and completely one day. j. Pray through the member directory. Pray through the prayer list. Pray that God would keep saving everyone on that list who has made a profession. k. Just because we believe that God will preserve all those whom He has elected to salvation… doesn't mean we stop praying when we see one event of that salvation occur. l. Indeed, our salvation isn't done… In many ways – especially for us – it has only just begun. 4.) [Slide 20] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must walk worthy of God's effectual call. a. Since God has us on this new path, a path we are guaranteed to walk if we are truly called by Him… b. Then we must walk the path! c. The certainty of our salvation does not produce passivity… it produces action! d. And the greatest part is… God supplies our desire and our ability to be what He wants us to be! e. He doesn't leave the tending of or progression in our salvation to our passions or power. He supplies that to us! f. So with an assured outcome of success – RISE UP CHRISTIAN and walk worthy of the name of Jesus Christ. g. It is a name above every name… and He has given it … TO YOU! h. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings… and He has given YOU His name. i. So get off the bench! It is time to live uprightly. It is time to obey His commands. It is time to make disciples. It is time to serve each other. It is time to share the gospel. It is time to grow in the knowledge of Christ. j. GET IN THE GAME! There is no fear of failure. k. In fact… 5.) [Slide 21] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” When God calls us, He is faithful to complete us, and glorify us. a. Is there a greater comfort available? b. We often talk about salvation in reference to sin. And we should. That is a message that often gets neglected in many churches today. c. We are saved from sin's power, penalty, and eventually its very presence. d. And I still believe that one of the greatest parts of heaven is never dealing with temptation again. e. But listen… f. God's plan for your salvation is not so narrow. g. He will honor you. Not because you deserve it. Not because you've earned it. But because CHRIST has earned it and given you HIS NAME! h. We will reign with Christ. i. We will be part of a council where we contribute to the rule of His eternal kingdom. j. We will judge angels. k. We will be in the royal court. Dukes, duchesses, princes and princesses. l. My friends. We went from children of wrath… to royalty. How? The King left heaven and sought for Himself a bride. He purchased Her with His precious blood. And He will come back for Her and take Her to His Kingdom. m. Is there a greater comfort available my friends? n. If there is… I don't think my heart could take it. For this comfort… leaves me… speechless. 6.) [Slide 22] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” You can't do anything to save yourself or force God to save you. You must be called. a. This is a difficult message for you to hear. b. Why? c. Because even though it is something you should do… ultimately, you can't do it. d. God must do it. e. The application… is humility. f. In order to be called of God, you must be counted worthy of the call… by God. g. Again, counted worthy is not something you earn or something you inherently have. Counted worthy is a legal verdict implying that you are not actually what you have been counted to be. h. And indeed, the first step of obeying the gospel… the first step in any person who is being called of God, is to recognize your wickedness and unworthiness. i. As a negative example, the rich young ruler came to Jesus wanting to know how to enter the Kingdom of heaven. He called Jesus a good teacher, to which Jusus asked, why do you call me good, there is none good but God. An interesting statement designed to get the young man thinking about whether or not he understood what goodness really was. Of course this goes right over his head, so Jesus answers his original question. Jesus told him that he must keep the law. Jesus even gives examples of some of the laws that it is impossible to break secretly, like not murdering, committing adultery, lying, or loving others as he loves himself. Really this is the last 6 commands of the 10 emphasizing human relationships to one another. It is true, in the sense that a person must perfectly keep the whole law to be worthy of God's Kingdom. But, again, this was a gambit, a riddle designed to get the young man to consider how sinful he really was; to humble him. But again, it goes right over his head, because he assures Jesus that he had kept all of these laws from his youth. So, Jesus applies the first half of the 10 commandments and tells the young man to sell all that he has and follow Him. Thus, showing that he loves God with all of himself. Of course, the young man goes away sorrowful because he realizes that he does not love God more than he loves his money. ii. Interestingly, some scholars think that this rich young man was actually Saul of Tarsus. The author of this book we are studying now. i. What the rich young man needed, and what Paul received on the road to Damascus, was the sudden and abrupt understanding of how far from God they actually were. j. And that is the real application here. k. My friend… there is NOTHING you can do to force God to save you from His own wrath. He is just to send you to eternal death away from His mercy and His saving power. l. There isn't a prayer you can pray, a list of facts you can believe, or a lifestyle you can live that will force God to call you to be His child. m. You must be counted worthy of His call. That is the position you are in. Utterly… and completely… helpless. n. And the interesting thing about that… is that those who arrive at this conclusion. When you are truly convinced that there is nothing you can do… that is usually the first evidence… that God is calling you. o. Why? p. Because natural man never concludes that he is helpless. Natural man always assumes he is able to do something. How do I know that? q. Out of every single movie where mankind faces an insurmountable enemy that cannot be beaten, how many movies do you know where mankind goes extinct and that is the end of the story? r. Every single religion in the world and even some strands of Christianity teach that you can earn by works what God is offering. If you just do X,Y, and Z then you will get what God offers. s. Christianity teaches that the thing you must do… is be perfect. And since you can't do that… there is nothing you can do to get salvation from God. t. No… He has to do it all. u. Perhaps, today, you are realizing this for the first time. You, unlike the rich young ruler, have recognized how helpless you are to get salvation from God. v. This friends, is evidence that God may be calling you. How does He link you to the verdict of “worthy”? When He enables you to obey the gospel, abandon your sin, and believe on Jesus Christ as your Savior and your King. w. Won't you step out and obey the gospel today? Won't you fall on His mercy and hope in His grace? Won't you believe on Christ? x. If that is you today – don't leave without talking to an Elder or someone you know to be a Christian. [Slide 23 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan Phillip Doddridge. Ever-blessed fountain of natural and spiritual life! I thank you that I live, and that I may live a faith-filled life. I bless you that you breathe into me your own living breath. Though I was once dead in my sins, now I have become a living soul, in a sense that is unique to your own children. But I do not just want to live. I want to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). So I beg you to form my mind in the image of faith. Do not let me misunderstand grace, measuring my growth in grace by a natural yardstick. Let me experience your love even more, with unreserved resignation to your wise and holy will, and a greater care for others. Strengthen my soul as you help me grow in patience, in humility and zeal, and in a heavenly attitude. Give me a concern to be accepted by you (2 Corinthians 5:9). Whether I live or die, let everything I do be for your glory. You know I hunger and thirst after righteousness. Make me whatever you want me to be. Draw your image on my soul. By the gentle influences of your Spirit, trace every feature which your eye, o Heavenly Father, may enjoy, and which you may see as your own image. I know I am not yet where I should be. I am far from being already perfect. But after the great example of the apostle, I forget what lies behind, and strain forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13). Feed my soul by your word and by your Spirit. …As a newborn babe, I desire the sincere milk of the word, that by it I may grow 1 Peter 2:2). And may my progress be obvious to all (1 Timothy 4:15) until I finally reach maturity, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). And after having enjoyed the pleasure of those that flourish in your courts below, I will come to live in the paradise above! I ask and hope this through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ-to whom be glory, both now and forever. Amen. Benediction: And now hear from the God Who dwells in the heavenly Zion: Blessed is the one Who He chooses to dwell in His courts, For He will satisfy your house with goodness and by awesome deeds, Answer all who trust in Him with a hearty Amen! Until we meet again, Grace and Peace to you.

Phillippians 4

Pastor Joe preaches an on time word about feeling isolated and how we can stay connected, learning from Paul in Phillippians 1:1-11

 "Mission Possible, Part 3: Shine Like Stars;" Phillippians 2:12-15

 "Mission Possible, Part 1: Focus On Others;" Phillippians 2:1-4

Join us this evening for A Quick 15-minute moment of devotion and prayer with Pastor Scott from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 3:18, and Phillippians 2:3 NKJV

Send us a textThe various Reformers during the Protestant Reformation restored New Testament worship emphasis especially the centrality of the Bible in the language of the people. Preaching and the public reading of the Scriptures was the focus in the services. They looked to such Bible passages as John 4:24 and Phillippians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 14:16-18,26 and Acts 2:42 for direction. John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”Phil 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the fleshActs 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with themActs 2:42 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.1 Timothy 2:1-8First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;2 Timothy 4:1-2 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.Colossians 3:16 6 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.1 Corinthians 14:15-19, 2615 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building upBible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

The various Reformers during the Protestant Reformation restored New Testament worship emphasis especially the centrality of the Bible in the language of the people. Preaching and the public reading of the Scriptures was the focus in the services. They looked to such Bible passages as John 4:24 and Phillippians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 14:16-18,26 and Acts 2:42 for direction. John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." Phil 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them Acts 2:42 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 1 Timothy 2:1-8 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, .. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 2 Timothy 4:1-2 I charge you i..preach the Word

This episode is about how crafty the enemy can be trying to convince the world that Jesus name has no power and that the name Jesus was created to make us call on satan

We're all in search of that one thing that will bring us happiness and contentment. And this week, Charles Tapp reveals its source, but it requires some honesty and soul-searching, as he shares the fourth and final part in his series "God's Good Work: Lessons from Phillippians" with his message "The Secret of Contentment."

Today's Scripture: Phillippians 4 Mary is reading Phillippians 4 in the WEB.   Access Pray Every Day every single day on the Pray Every Day App! Not only can you listen, but I’ve created 365 daily devotions you can read as well–all about connecting deeply with Jesus, finding healing, and experiencing His presence. Download the app […]

Today's Scripture: Phillippians 3 Mary is reading Phillippians 3 in the WEB.   Access Pray Every Day every single day on the Pray Every Day App! Not only can you listen, but I’ve created 365 daily devotions you can read as well–all about connecting deeply with Jesus, finding healing, and experiencing His presence. Download the app […]

Today's Scripture: Phillippians 2:14-30 Mary is reading Phillippians 2:14-30 in the WEB.   Access Pray Every Day every single day on the Pray Every Day App! Not only can you listen, but I’ve created 365 daily devotions you can read as well–all about connecting deeply with Jesus, finding healing, and experiencing His presence. Download the app […]

There is a joy unlike any other God wants you to experience. And this week, Charles Tapp explains that God has started a work in you, and wants to see it to completion. It may involve some ups and downs, but you'll discover a life he's been preparing you for all along, if you're willing to trust Him. Here's Charles Tapp with part 2 in his series "God's Good Work: Lessons from Phillippians" with his message "Joy In the Journey."

IronMen of God - August 2025 CoffeeSpeaker: Jim SubersTopic: Phillippians

Dr. Powers speaks from Phillippians 3:13-14. Today's chapel theme is the Renewed Mind.

Message from Joe Ryan on August 17, 2025

" BE LIKE CHRIST"Phillippians 2:1-11Pastor Dan CassAugust 10 2025

Message from Lyndsay Slocum on August 3, 2025

Catbaloo tells a charming backstory tale of Old Mrs. Moody —from a time before they became neighborhood friends. When the walnuts began to fall from ten tall trees in Old Mrs. Moody's yard, she announced to the chickens: "It's time to pick the walnuts!" Her chickens twirled with excitement. They loved walnut season—the things they would make with the nuts—was the reason. They'd make walnut pot pie, walnut fricassee soup, and walnut chip ice cream with walnutty goop! But the squirrels living nearby needed the walnuts too! If they didn't gather and store them, they'd have nothing to eat in the cold days of winter. And that is how a wild and hilarious battle for walnuts began.  But Old Mrs. Moody stepped in to stop it. She helped them all discover something wonderful:   If they could learn to share, there would be walnuts aplenty for everyone—with plenty of walnuts to spare! Come listen, laugh, and be happy as Old Mrs. Moody plays a lively tune on her fiddle to celebrate the newfound friendship between the chickens and squirrels. She makes them a most spectacular feast of walnutty treats. And it's dinner and dancing ... on the table! Incredible things can happen when you make the needs of others as important as you make your own. /sb veskerna Phillippians 2:4 "Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." © 2025 Walnut Hullabaloo from the title © 2023 Winter Walnut Festival all rights reserved    

How can you teach your son empathy? Start by modeling this skill in your own life. If the grocery store checker is rude to you, when you get in your car, say out loud to your son, “I wonder if that checker is having a bad day, and dealing with some tough things!” Help your son do this too. If he mentions someone at school who he doesn't get along with, ask, “How do you think that person is feeling?” If your son says he doesn't know, encourage him to guess. Remind him that people who hurt others are often insecure or fearful. You can also memorize verses together about empathy, such as Phillippians 2:3- “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves.” For more ideas to raise godly boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Pastor Jason and pastoral intern Jordan engage in a conversation about JOY and Phillippians. Show Notes: 5:39 - "I am so sure of God's guiding hand, that I hope I shall always be kept in that certainty. You must never doubt that I am travelling with gratitude and cheerfulness along the road where I am being led." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer6:43 - "Full of joy we are enabled to believe that there was and is one to whom no human suffering or sin is foreign, and who in deepest love accomplished our redemption." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer23:03 - Matthew 18:326:54 - "Humor can be the bridge that gets us from hanging our heads in shame at the harm we're capable of causing to holding these patterns of crap with compassion and understanding, while releasing ourselves from their grip." - Elizabeth OrrMultiple references to Jesus calming the storm - Matt. 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25Thanks for listening! Check out our Summer schedule for your next in person connection with us. Community Group Sunday | July 13thPool Sunday | July 20th | Bear Creek Pool @ 10:30 amChurch at the HUB | July 27th | Unit #2, 19102 27 Ave, Surrey. Sabbath Sunday | August 3rd Pool Sunday | August 10th | Bear Creek Pool @ 10:30 amChurch at the HUB | August 17th | Unit #2, 19102 27 Ave, Surrey.Church at the Park | August 24th | Noel Booth Community Park  @ 10:30 amIF you have any questions or comments about todays episode, please email hello@citycollective.com. 

Generosity denotes the spirit in which one performs an action - a voluntary, unselfish giving of time, money, attention or other resources. Generous people are especially willing to share their resources with others. How do we engage generously within the Church and within our own local communities and congregations?

What does it look like to live with the same attitude as Christ? In this message, Pastor Ann Hansen dives into Phillippians 2, showing the power of humility, unity, and selfless love—how Jesus gave up His divine privileges to serve and save. Be inspired to follow His example, living lives marked by obedience, compassion, and surrendered hearts.

Stacey Gatlin, a passionate servant leader, is on a mission to transform the lives of children, women, and families through her commitment to personal, professional, and community development. She transitioned her corporate experience in talent management, leadership, and project management into entrepreneurship and advocacy.Stacey was compelled to rewrite the narrative around Black adoption and fostering when she became a mom through adoption. Fueled to counteract negative stereotypes, she created Yes We Adopt in 2016. Through this platform, Stacey seeks to enlighten the Black community on the need for Black adoptive and foster parents. As she further engaged with the adoption constellation, she refined her mission for Yes We Adopt to educate, uplift, and empower Black families with the tools they need to parent with courage while centering adoptees and birth families with care and respect. In 2020, she created the Yes We Adopt: Black Voices Amplified Summit to elevate our voices through community, advocacy, and education. In addition to her work in Yes We Adopt, Stacey also serves on the Board of Adoption Knowledge Affiliates (AKA) and is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in New Jersey, advocating for children in foster care.She has conducted workshops at the Concerned Persons for Adoption “Let's Talk Adoption” Conference and Christ Church's “Foster Care & Adoption Seminar.” She has also appeared on Fox Soul TV's “The Book of Sean”; Yes, We Do Adopt! Podcast; The Adoption Journey Podcast, and was also featured in Rolling Out Magazine.Stacey holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Rutgers School of Engineering. She is motivated by the scripture, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Phillippians 4:6-7 Music by Corey Quinn

Luke 20:9-19; Isaiah 43:16-21; Phillippians 3:7-16

Ezekiel 34:1-16 John 1:1-4 John 10:30 John 8 Romans 9:5 Luke 2:9-11 John 14:9 I John 4:2 Phillippians 2 Hebrews 4:15

Message preached Sunday March 2, 2025

Message preached Sunday February 23, 2025

Phillippians 1 - JOnathan Mitchell, Gospel Advance - 01-19-25 by NewBranch

Phillippians 1:3-11

Phillippians 4:1-9

HEY JWLKRS Family! We just got home from tour so this week we brought you a can't miss episode featuring worship leader and Tribl artist Nick Day! We can't wait for you to listen in on this powerful conversation on how he overcame abuse from his childhood, battling church hurt, and conquering struggles with identity within the worship realm! Grab a coffee and get ready! This episode is filled with wisdom, revelation, and encouragement! “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." - Phillippians 1:6Get In Touch in the Comments Below or Head To Our Socials ↙️ JWLKRS Podcast - instagram.com/jwlkrspodcast Allie Schnacky - instagram.com/allieschnacky JWLKRS Worship - instagram.com/jwlkrsworship Nick Day - instagram.com/nickdayofficial_

The "pink" Sunday of Advent has readings that are thematically different than the rest of the season. The Old Testament, response, and New Testament readings are joyful. In his letter to the Phillippians, Paul uses "rejoice" almost as a refrain. The Gospel reading, however, fits the theme of the rest of Advent: preparing for Jesus' coming. How do these readings connect? What does preparing for Jesus' coming look like when it is peppered with praise? What do we have to rejoice about? How can Advent be a balm in a turbulent season? Jonathan and Seth have a wide-ranging discussion this week about Advent that they hope gets you thinking too. We're glad you're with us. Christmas is obviously coming (That's what Advent prepares us for, after all!). We hope you're experiencing some rest right now, find time to rejoice, and that this season is also a meaningful preparation time for Christmas and the New Year.

Message from Jill Rhodes on November 13, 2024

Message from Colie Cabalatungan on November 6, 2024

Message from Tonia Carter-Lovelace on October 30, 2024

Message from Jill Rhodes on October 23, 2024

Thomas Massey decided to show how complicated inflation is and how hard it is to understand. So maybe Zach Abraham can help us understand how this applies to life. Maybe we can also talk about free speech. It's so interesting to see a guy who is my dear friend and brother and on this program every week, having the same concern I do about the stomping of free speech. We'll also talk about Boeing. Plus, we need to discuss the forgivable loans Kamala Harris wants to give out to black men - but just black men.What does God's Word say? Phillippians 2:10-1110 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Episode Links: Next-Level Vote-Buying: Harris Promises Black Men $20k 'Forgivable Loans'Wait wait wait. WAIT.  Are we… Are we now to the point where Rep. Massie is literally explaining currency devaluation to the rest of Congress like it's a Kindergarten science class?Boeing Desperate For Liquidity, Files $25 Billion Shelf RegistrationTD Bank will pay approximately $3 billion in a historic settlement with U.S. authorities who said that the financial institution's lax practices allowed significant money laundering over multiple years, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Thursday.G20 Meeting to Look at Introducing Wealth Tax for Billionaires; The United States is home to 813 billionaires collectively worth $5.7 trillion, according to Forbes.Alan's Soaps https://www.alansartisansoaps.comUse coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bioptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/toddStart your journey to better health with MassZymes. Visit bioptimizers.com/todd today to get your MassZymes 10% off.  Bonefrog https://bonefrogcoffee.com/toddMake Bonefrog Cold Brew at home!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.Bulwark Capital Bulwark Capital Management (bulwarkcapitalmgmt.com)Learn about Bulwark's strategies with their FREE Common Cents Investing Guide. Get yours by calling 866-779-RISK or go to KnowYourRiskRadio.com.Renue Healthcare https://renue.healthcare/toddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit renue.healthcare/Todd

Message from Colie Cabalatungan on October 16, 2024

Message from Colie Cabalatungan on October 9, 2024

Message from Jill Rhodes on October 2, 2024

Send us a textWhat are the fears? Hosts Markus Lloyd and Antwuan Malone, with special guest Collin Packer, explore why some Christians hesitate to engage in politics. Do Christians and churches stay silent in the name of unity? What does real unity entail? The episode is full of questions as they discuss economic consequences, historical perspective, and what it means to look out for the interests of others (Phillippians 2)—does that include voting? _____________________________Podcast Subscription LinksApple Podcast: coloredcommentary.com/appleSpotify: coloredcommentary.com/spotifyGoogle Podcasts: coloredcommentary.com/googleStitcher: coloredcommentary.com/stitcherIHeart Radio: coloredcommentary.com/iheartradio

Finding Joy Heaven Perspective Your focus and perception change your actions and outcomes. No one is more influential in your life than you are because no one talks to you more than you do. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phillippians 4:8-9 (NIV) “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 (NIV) “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions…” Galatians 5:19-20 (ESV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24 (ESV) Steps to have a heaven perspective: Take a Consistent Time of Reflection Evaluate Your Influences “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Create an Encouragement Circle You will produce what you surround yourself with

This week, we continue our series on Philippians. This is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi. Paul is in prison and the church is struggling in an area heavily influenced by empire. Even though Paul's future is uncertain, his focus is on strengthening the community, and eternal life. Enjoy this message from Pastor Jared.  We highly encourage you to download the Church Center App if you want more information about the church. The app will be able to guide you toward our Calendar of Events, ways to Give, and fill out a Connect Card. 

How could one Man be approached so easily by the destitute, sought by the sick, loved by children, and trusted by the marginalized?   One word.  Gentleness. Jesus said it best of Himself. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). He described Himself as gentle, and in Philippians 4:5, today we learn that our gentleness, too, should be known to all men because the Lord is at hand. In today's episode we also explore some of the most famous passages in Phillippians, including verse 6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Such incredibly applicable and RICH passages of Scripture, today on Rinse and Repeat! (RAR2024EP25) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carol-eskaros/support