Podcasts about syntyche

2025-05-18 Stand Firm By Agreementby Pastor Chris BergScripture Reference: Philippians 4:1-31 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

This sermon examines Philippians 4:2-3 as part of a mini-series titled "Marching Orders for the Church Militant." The message focuses on Paul's appeal to two women in the Philippian church—Euodia and Syntyche—to resolve their differences and find unity "in the Lord." The preacher skillfully connects this ancient conflict to contemporary church dynamics, highlighting how disunity weakens the church's witness and effectiveness in spiritual warfare. Using the metaphor of an army that must maintain unified ranks to be effective in battle, the sermon calls believers to have "the mind of Christ" (referencing Philippians 2) rather than merely avoiding conflict. It emphasizes every Christian's responsibility to be a "loyal yoke-fellow" who actively promotes reconciliation before divisions become entrenched. The message concludes with an eternal perspective, reminding listeners that their names are written in the Book of Life and that all believers will ultimately experience perfect unity in God's kingdom. This hopeful vision provides motivation for pursuing unity now as a foretaste of what is to come. This sermon would particularly resonate with congregations experiencing internal tensions or with Christians who have been wounded by church conflicts. It provides both theological grounding and practical guidance for nurturing unity within the body of Christ.

The church at Philippi faced a problem that believers have faced down through the years. How do you pursue the dream of extending God's Kingdom when you have to do it with actual, real-life people – people who can so easily rub you the wrong way?Like porcupines, we can be prickly and cause a lot of hurt and harm to others. That's why porcupines are solitary creatures. They live alone…until it's time for mating. This is the porcupine's dilemma: How do you get close enough to multiply without getting hurt? In nature, porcupines have found a way to avoid the quills and come together in a unique mating dance. All for the sake of reproducing their kind. Friends, we face the same dilemma. We struggle to relate to those who rub us the wrong way.  And we're tempted to either withdraw or lash out.  But if we could see that there's something bigger at play – the multiplication of disciples – perhaps we could learn to do an awkward dance with one another.This is what Paul is calling two women to do in this text. Their names are Eudia and Syntyche and Paul pleads with them to get along. These women are leaders in the Philippian church but their break down is so severe, so costly to the community, that Paul calls them out. He then asks someone he calls “loyal yokefellow” to intercede. When believers break down, it's the responsibility of those who know and love them to help them reconcile.Let's look at how Paul handles this situation and see what we can learn about handling breakdowns.1.     Paul doesn't take sides.Most likely this was not an issue of right and wrong, but rather an intense differing of opinions. So, Paul doesn't side with either one. 2.     Paul doesn't say that their strong opinions weren't justified. His apparent neutrality probably tells us that he thought both women had legitimate points of view. When it comes to the work of the Kingdom, we can be gripped by a “beautiful anger,” a powerful passion for a cause. And that's great! What's not great is to condemn others for not sharing it or to say that their passion is unworthy. 3.     Paul doesn't say they have to be friends.Reconciliation doesn't necessarily mean you'll be best friends. There will be people you just don't resonate with, and that's okay. However… 4.     Paul does challenge them that their breakdown is costing the community.Even the most faithful, mature, and committed people can become so passionate about their points of view that they can poison the very thing they love. 5.     Paul does ask them to be open to mediation.Remember that this letter would have been read aloud to this church body. These women would have heard Paul's request to “get help. Do whatever it takes to resolve this.” Follow the pattern Jesus gave us in Matthew 18. When you break down with someone, go to them – just the two of you. If that doesn't work, get help. Bring in a mediator. 6.     Paul does call them to remember what they do share together and let that unite them.These ladies had “contended by his side” (v. 3). They had labored together in this Kingdom mission. And Paul reminds them…and us… that what unites us is greater than what divides us. Text: Philippians 4:2-3Originally recorded on January 4, 2009, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

4Therefore, my brothers,[a]whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer 2I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.3Yes, I ask you also, true companion,[b]help these women, who have labored[c]side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Leider gibt es auch negative Beispiele gläubiger Frauen im Neuen Testament. So sehr ihr Einsatz positiv war, so negativ war der Streit zwischen Evodia und Syntyche. Auch daraus lernen wir heute.

In this episode of Love Never Fails, we continue our transformative series, Giving My Mind Back to God, focusing on the power of releasing offenses and settling disagreements in a way that honors Christ. Rooted in Philippians 4:2-3, we explore how Paul urged Euodia and Syntyche to reconcile in the Lord, reminding us that unity in Christ is greater than any personal dispute.Unforgiveness and unresolved offenses can cloud our minds, affecting our relationship with God and others. But when we surrender our thoughts, hurts, and conflicts to Him, we experience the freedom and peace that only He can give. Join us as we discuss practical steps to let go of oughts, embrace forgiveness, and walk in the love and unity God calls us to.Tune in and learn how to realign your mind and heart with God's will, freeing yourself from the weight of offenses and stepping into His perfect peace.

Series: Epistle to the PhilippiansService: Sun PMType: SermonSpeaker: Caleb Adkisson

Practical Points of Peace(Philippians 4:2-9) For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. Message SlidesConflict, Imitation, and Citizenship - George GuthrieGod's Peace and the Beautiful Life - George GuthrieFighting for Peace - SwindollIntroduction: Joyful Christians in a Turbulent World Rejoicing, Prayer, and PeaceUnity and peace are a powerful witness.(4:2-7)Live in Harmony in the LordAll believers must be unified to advance the gospel (4:2-3).Joyful Christians are a Clear Testimony Confident prayer leads to joy and peace (4:4-7). Meditation, Practice, and PeaceWhat you really believe determines how you really behave.(4:8-9)Meditations: Foundations of a Christian Mind Focus on the tested and true (4:8).Mentoring: Expressions of a Christian Mindset Put into practice what you believe (4:9). Christians' unity, joy, and peaceadvance the gospel witnessbefore a watching world. Still in Bed"We read of spiritual efforts, and our imagination makes us believe that, because we enjoy the ideaof doing them, we have done them. I am appalled to see how much of the change which I thought I had undergone lately was only imaginary.The real work seems still to be done. It is so fatally easy to confuse an aesthetic appreciation of the spiritual life with the life itself—to dream that you have waked, washed, and dressed, & then to find yourself still in bed."C.S. LewisHome Church QuestionsRead Philippians 4:2-9. Is there an immediate insight or application you would like to share from the passage or the message?Euodia and Syntyche had to work at their relationship for the sake of unity “in the Lord” (verse 2). What issues tend to divide brothers and sisters in Christ to the detriment of unity?Paul directed these ladies to agree (be of one mind) “in the Lord.” How is this achieved when you have differences with another believer?Life is not always enjoyable. Read verses 4-7 again. What key truths in these verses allow you to rejoice in the Lord “always,” even in circumstances that are not enjoyable?Read Romans 5:1-5. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your ability to rejoice in life's irritations and difficulties? What truth from the question above will help you do this?How does verse 6 tell you how to deal with anxiety? How good are you at releasing your anxiety in this way?Verse 7 refers to the peace of God and verse 9 refers to the God of peace. To what degree are you experiencing the peace of God right now? If your heart is not at peace, what truth or promise from Scripture do you need to grasp?As you close your time, pray together that each of you will know the peace of God that passes understanding and display true peace to an anxious and troubled world.Pray for the Unreached: The Burmese in Myanmar (Burma)The Burmese people of Myanmar, numbering over 31 million, are predominantly Buddhist, with only 0.35% identifying as Christians and 0.08% as evangelicals. Their culture blends Buddhism with animistic beliefs, often centered around appeasing spirits called nats. Despite civil wars, ethnic divisions, and ongoing political unrest, the Burmese maintain rich traditions. Pray for peace among the Burmese and for a spiritual hunger among them that results in disciple making movements.FinancesWeekly Budget 35,297Giving For 03/02 43,310Giving For 03/09 42,264YTD Budget 1,270,698Giving 1,273,145 OVER/(UNDER) 2,447Fellowship 101We invite you to join us on Sunday, April 6, at 9:00 a.m. to learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to hear about our mission, values, and our ministries. If you're new to Fellowship, join us in the conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowhipconway.org/events.New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Men's Muster 2025 A car out of alignment is harder to steer, wears down faster, and wastes fuel. Ever feel the same? Worn down. Burning energy. Pulled off course. It's time to realign. Join us April 25-27 for Men's Muster at our NEW location—Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center in Little Rock (45 min from Conway). Take a weekend to rest, recharge, connect, and have fun. Chris Moore will lead a powerful discussion on realigning your life with the gospel. Don't wait—register today at fellowshipconway.org/register. Registration deadline is April 10.Fellowship Women's Ministry Spring Conference & Luncheon Join us on April 12th, 10 am-4 pm, for our Fellowship Women's Ministry Spring Conference & Luncheon with the inspiring Cathy Lee! Dive deep into scripture with Cathy as she covers many aspects of spiritual gifts. Registration fee of $25 is due at time of registration and includes lunch. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. Deadline to register is Sunday, April 6th. Childcare is available by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332 Silent Auction | April 6thYouth and College Mission Teams will host a Silent Auction on Sunday, April 6th, at 4 PM. Let us know if you have a service, item, or experience you can donate to be auctioned off. We would love to have it. To donate an item or for any questions, please contact our College Pastor, Andrew Stauffer at astauffer@fellowshipconway.org. Prayer During ServiceWe love to pray for one another. Our prayer team will have people at the front of the Auditorium under the signs Hope and Love to pray for you after the message. Please feel free to walk up to them for prayer or encouragement during the first worship song after the message.

Aan de slag!Voor wie of in welke situatie kun jij een bemiddelaar zijn? Wat heb je daarvoor nodig en wie kan jou daarbij helpen?Deze overdenking is geschreven door schrijfster Emmely Post-Spreeuwenberg.

Aan de slag!Reflecteer eens op jouw gedrag en houding. Waar heb jij een stap te zetten?Deze overdenking is geschreven door schrijfster Emmely Post-Spreeuwenberg.

Pastor Nicole shared a powerful message from Paul's letter to the Philippians, highlighting Euodia and Syntyche in Philippians 4—two women whose division was affecting the church. Paul exhorted them to be of one mind in the Lord, reminding us that unity is essential in the family of God. This message invited us to rejoice, walk in gentleness, and cast off anxiety through thanksgiving. We were also challenged not to remain “only children” in our faith, but to step into the real, sometimes messy, but always refining relationship of being sisters in Christ.

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, At Achsib with the six apostles (Peter, Simon, Matthew, and John with John of Endor and Syntyche, the Greek slave) at Antigonia.Plus a second reading: Evanglization at the Border of PhoeniciaOriginal music by Angela Marie. Wisdom. History. Teaching. Answers. Religion. Bible narrative.

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see the apostles (Peter, Simon, Matthew, and John with John of Endor and Syntyche, the Greek slave) Farewell to Antioch after preaching. Original music by Angela Marie. Wisdom. History. Teaching. Answers. Religion. Bible narrative.

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see the apostles (Peter, Simon, Matthew, and John with John of Endor and Syntyche, the Greek slave) at Antigonia. Original music by Angela Marie. Wisdom. History. Teaching. Answers. Religion. Bible narrative.

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see Jesus' farewell to the two disciples (John of Endor and Syntyche). Original music by Angela Marie. Wisdom. History. Teaching. Answers. Religion. Bible narrative.

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode, we see Jesus and a few of his disciples, along with John of Endor and Syntyche, go towards Jiphtahel. Plus an excerpt for the book My Way of Life, from the Confraternity of the Precious Blood, part 2 ch. vi Original music by Angela Marie. Wisdom. History. Teaching. Answers. Religion. Bible narrative.

Philippians 4:2-8 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel story of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode we see Jesuswith John of Endor and Syntyche at Nazareth; plus a second reading: Jesus' lesson to Marjiam Wisdom. History. Teaching. Answers. Religion. Bible narrative. Original music tracks by Angela Marie

A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Advent Philippians 4:4-7 & St. John 1:19-28 by William Klock The days are short and the clouds are heavy.  I was walking home for lunch yesterday and thinking that it felt more like dusk than noon.  It seemed very appropriate for Advent.  These dark and dreary days build anticipation for Christmas, for the birth of Jesus—they're very fitting.  Think of Israel two thousand years ago—in those days of Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah, and King Herod.  The world was dark.  The nations were enslaved to false gods and pagan kings.  Even little Israel, called to be the light of the world, lay in darkness.  The candlestick in the temple was kept lit, but the cloud of glory that had once filled the holy of holies, the very presence of God, had been absent for five-hundred years.  God's people were ruled by pagans and pretenders.  But the people knew the words of the prophets, the promises of their God.  It would not be this way forever.  That's the setting for today's Gospel, which begins at John 1:19.  Here's what John writes: This is the testimony John [the Baptist] gave when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”  “What then?” they asked him, “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he replied.  “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”  “Well, then who are you?” they said.  “We've got to take an answer back to those who sent us.  Who do you claim to be?”  He said, “I am ‘a voice calling in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord,' just as the prophet Isaiah said.”  (John 1:19-28) The priests were the spiritual gatekeepers of Israel and when they heard of this prophet, John, preaching and baptising, they sent their people to ask him what he was about—to see if he was legit.  People were talking about John like he was the Messiah.  You have to understand that everyone was eagerly waiting for the Messiah.  He would come to drive away the darkness and to set things to rights.  He would deal with the pagans and then sit on the throne of David to usher in a new age.  Was John the one? So they ask, “Who are you?  Who do you claim to be? Elijah?”  Some people thought Elijah would come back as Messiah, kind of like King Arthur coming back in Britain's darkest hour of need to save the nation.  Remember that Elijah never died.  He, the greatest of Israel's prophets, was carried up to heaven in a fiery chariot.  Malachi had prophesied that he would return, writing: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.  (Malachi 4:5) But John says, “No.  I'm not Elijah.”  He hadn't come to earth in a fiery chariot.  He was the son of Zechariah the priest and his wife, Elizabeth. “Are you the prophet?” they asked.  In Deuteronomy 18 the Lord had promised that he would one day raise up a prophet like Moses, who would declare his words.  Many people thought this prophet would be the Messiah.  But again John answers, “No, I'm not the prophet either.”  We get a sense of the longing and expectation of the Jews in those dark days.  They were in an Advent season of their own.  Like a kid waking up every morning in December and asking his parents, “Is it Christmas yet?”  So the Jews waited expectantly for the Messiah to come and drive away the darkness: to vindicate their faithfulness, to end their long exile, to restore the presence of the Lord to his temple.  They knew the Lord had promised all of this long before and they knew from their own history that the Lord is faithful to fulfil his promises.  He would surely come and rescue them just as he'd rescued them from Egypt and just as he'd rescued them from Babylon.  So for five hundred years, they woke up each morning eagerly asking, “Is it today?  Will the Messiah finally come today?” John says “No”, but in Matthew and Mark, Jesus affirms that John was fulfilling the prophecy of the return of Elijah.  I think John denied these things because he knew people associated the prophecies of Elijah and the Prophet with the Messiah.  John knew he wasn't the Messiah; he was the Messiah's herald.  And so when the priests finally let him speak for himself, he quotes Isaiah 40:3, and says, “I am ‘a voice calling in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.'”  In other words, John was indeed fulfilling prophecy—not as the Messiah, but as the one sent to prepare Israel to receive the Messiah. They were surprised.  People in the past had claimed to be the Messiah.  No one claimed to be his herald.  That was weird.  So they dig deeper.  Look at 25-27: They continued to question him, “So why are you baptising, if you aren't the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I'm baptising with water, but there is one sanding among you whom you do not know—someone who is to come after me.  I'm not worthy to untie his sandal straps.” Baptism was a symbol of cleansing and of ritual purity.  At this point the other gospel-writers are helpful as they expand on John's answer.  Mark tells us that John's baptism was a baptism of repentance—it was a preparatory act in light of the coming judgement the Messiah would bring.  And Matthew and Luke also report John continuing about this one who will come, this one greater than John: “He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16).  In other words, John is calling Israel to repentance in anticipation of the Messiah, who will fulfil the Lord's promises to set Israel to rights by filling his people with his own Spirit.  The law written on stone tablets would be inscribed on the hearts of God's people so that they could finally fulfil his law of love.  But the Messiah was also coming in judgement.  He would baptise the repentant with God's own Spirit, but he would baptise unrepentant Israel with fire. These are the two sides of the gospel coin.  You can't have one without the other.  Jesus' advent, on the one hand, brought mercy to the repentant, but on the other it also brought judgement on the unrepentant within Israel.  What's important for us here, Brothers and Sisters, is that this exchange between John and the priests reminds us of the Messiah's place in Israel's story and of the faithfulness of God to his promises.  It is this manifestation of the Lord's faithfulness (and of his goodness, mercy, grace, and wisdom) to Israel—something we see brought to its climax in the birth, the death, the resurrection, and the ascension of Jesus, that has drawn us—you and I—to the God of Israel and that, by faith, has incorporated us into the people of God.  Through our union with Jesus, through our incorporation into this people, through our being made adopted sons and daughters of Abraham, you and I have come to know God's mercy and the life of the Spirit, too.  Because of the faithfulness of God, revealed in Jesus and in the power of the gospel, the darkness that Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah, John the Baptist and Jesus knew, that deep, deep darkness full of false gods and wicked kings and demonic power has been driven away by the light.  The light has come into the darkness, his gospel has thrown those powers down and lit up the world.  And you and I have seen—we live in—the glory of that light.  And this is where our Epistle today takes off.  Brothers and Sisters, it means something that you and I have been incorporated into the people of God.  God has a purpose and a mission for his people—for us.  This is where our Epistle takes off. Paul writes those wonderful and challenging words in Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always; I say again, rejoice. What prompted Paul to write this?  Well, just two verses earlier, Paul exhorted two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to agree with each other.  They had once been fellow labourers with Paul, but they'd had some kind of falling out.  There's something providential in the fact that Paul doesn't give us the details, because with no details I think we all end up thinking of the fallings out we've had with our own brothers and sisters in the Lord.  This isn't just about two women in Philippi.  It's about each of us.  In response to that falling out, Paul calls the Philippian Christian to rejoice in the Lord.  Instead of a public display of disunity or resentment or anger—whatever it was that was going on between these two women, the Church was to put joy on display, to celebrate the life of God.  They were people of the light, but they were living in the dark.  It was imperative that they come back into the light.  Brothers and Sisters, the devils and the evil powers of this age want nothing more than to undermine our gospel witness in the world, to flip the switch and turn off our gospel light.  Don't let that happen.  Jesus and the gospel should overcome and drown out the darkness whenever it tries to creep into our church family.  Here's how it works.  Paul writes: Let everyone know how gentle and gracious you are.  (Philippians 4:5a) Gentle and gracious.  Paul uses the same description in 2 Corinthians 10 to describe the meekness of Jesus as a model for Christians.  This is gospel light lived out.  What Paul's getting at is that Jesus is the King, but in him we see this amazing display of gracious gentleness.  This is the gentleness we see revealed as Jesus, the one to whom heaven and earth belong, humbled himself to be born one of us, to die on the cross, and to show mercy to his enemies.  This kind of meekness or gentleness is unique to Jesus, and yet Paul stresses that as his people, as stewards of the gospel, we're called to witness this same gentleness amongst ourselves.  As it should be the resolution to so many disputes in the Church, it was the resolution to whatever had driven Euodia and Syntyche apart. Brothers and Sisters, when we demand our rights, when we grasp for power, when we nurse grudges, we undermine our gospel witness—we put on display the very darkness from which we've been delivered by the one who is light.  In contrast Paul calls us to rejoice in the Lord and to manifest Jesus-like gentleness in our relationships.  Jesus' gracious gentleness has forgiven and restored us and that same gracious gentleness ought to shine through us and through the life of the church.  Consider that every time we hold a grudge, allow a relationship to break down, or follow the world's advice to cut those problem or negative people out of our lives, we undermine the Church's witness to the world.  But that's not all. Paul goes on: The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything.  Rather in everything let your requests be made known to God, by prayer, supplication, and with thanksgiving.   There's that Advent theme again: Jesus has given us a job to do.  He's given us a gospel treasure to steward in his absence.  In the meantime, rather than being anxious, we should take our needs to God.  Jesus made the same point in the Sermon on the Mount.  The pagans worry about what they'll eat, what they'll wear, and where they'll sleep.  God's people should know better than to worry unduly about these things.  God will provide just as he always has.  He is faithful to his promises.  The story of his dealings with Israel is the proof and even more so, so is his gift of Jesus, who died and rose again to set us free from sin and death.  So go to the Lord with your needs and ask.  And while you're at it, give thanks, because you know his faithfulness and his love. This is part of the witness of the people of God—it's how we are light in the darkness—and it ties back into rejoicing.  When Paul talks about rejoicing, at least part of what he's got in mind is a public display or a public witness.  The pagan Greeks in Philippi regularly held public celebrations to honour their gods.  And yet the pagans, as Jesus said, were always anxious.  Why?  Because their gods never delivered.  Pagan religion was a non-stop game of trial and error, trying to guess what the gods wanted, trying to guess what you may have done wrong to offend them, and then guessing at what you might offer to appease their anger or to ingratiate them to you in order to get what you needed or wanted.  The pagan gods were silent and they were notoriously capricious and unreliable.  And in this context Paul exhorts the Philippian Christians: Rejoice yourselves.  Let the pagans see you celebrating the fact that the Creator of the universe has, through Jesus, made you his own and lives in your midst by his own Holy Spirit.  Let the pagans, who know only mean and capricious gods and who live in a dog-eat-dog world, let them see the gracious gentleness of God in you.  Live in such a way that they see in you the God who humbles himself to die for the sake of his enemies.  And let the pagans see you living in faith, praying in confident thankfulness to the God whose story reveals an unfailing pattern of promise and fulfilment.  Shine the light of Jesus into the darkness of the world.  And the result of all this?  Look at verse 7: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in King Jesus.   I think we tend to look at Paul's exhortation here as something we should do in order to experience the peace of God ourselves, but given the context in Philippians, I think Paul's point is actually more about our witness.  If we truly live as stewards of the good news about Jesus, if we truly live as people who know the faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus and particularly in his death and resurrection, if we truly know the life of the Spirit, the peace of God—rather than the strife and anxiety of the world—will guard our hearts and minds in a way that will astound the pagans around us. I said last Sunday that we are called both to proclaim and to live the gospel.  This is how we live it.  Put together with our proclamation, to truly live in light of Jesus and what he reveals about God, should cause the world to stand up and take note.  This is our way of being John the Baptist in our own age.  And as it did for John, for us—if we are faithful—it will result in many giving glory to God for his faithfulness and then coming to him in faith as we have.  But it will also threaten many who are invested in the pagan and sinful systems of the world.  Brothers and Sisters, we are now the voice calling in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord!” So we need to ask: Does the world see our joy?  Are we the voice crying in the wilderness?  Are we the royal heralds the Lord has called us to be, summoning the word to let go of its false gods and to come to the Lord Jesus, calling the world away from sin and self and to come to the cross?  And we need to ask how the world is responding to us.  If we're faithfully proclaiming the good news about Jesus, if we're faithfully calling people to repent and to believe, if we're faithfully proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and that his kingdom has come—well—people will respond in one of two ways.  Either they'll believe or they'll get angry—as Herod got angry with John.  There's some of both out there in the world, but overwhelmingly, when I look at how people respond to or think of the church these days in our part of the world, it's often just indifference.  Why? Because we have not been the witnesses God calls us to be.  We have been mealy-mouthed and, quite often, just plain silent in our proclamation, because we have too often sought to please people rather than God, and because we have been half-hearted and unfaithful in our gospel living.  Like old Israel, we pray to God, but we've failed to tear down the old altars to Baal and Asherah—or Mammon or Aphrodite or Caesar.  We name Jesus, but we deal dishonestly in business, we sell our souls to the commercialism that surrounds us, we look to politics or to science as our saviours, and we dabble in the sexual immorality of the age.  We've failed to proclaim the gospel and we justify it, saying that we'll preach it with our lives.  But if we stop to ask what the world sees in our lives, is it really very different?  Does the world see us rejoicing in the Lord?  Does the world see us manifesting the gracious gentleness of Jesus?  Does the world see us living in faithful prayer and trusting in God, or does it see people just as anxious as everyone else?  Does it see enmity and strife and broken relationships or does it see a gospel people living out the healing and reconciling love of Jesus?  Does the world see the peace of God ruling our hearts and minds?  Does the world see us, holding high the gospel, as a challenge to its gods and its kings and its sins?  It should.  But sadly, I think that for the Western Church at large, the answer is often “no”. And, all too often, when we do proclaim the gospel, we do so without power or authority.  Think of John boldly declaring the coming judgement and calling Israel to repentance.  It was urgent and powerful.  In contrast we tend to hold the gospel out as good advice, rather than as the good news that it is.  Friends, the gospel is the royal summons to submit in faith to Jesus, the world's true Lord—the Lord who has come with mercy so that the repentant will escape when he comes one day in judgement.  This was the power behind John the Baptist' preaching.  But all too often we present the gospel as just another option on the religious smorgasbord—something you might want to try. See if you like it.  See if it works for you.  If not…oh well.  Brothers and Sisters, that's not the gospel.  The gospel is good news to the people living in the midst of darkness: the king who will set the world to rights has come.  And that means the gospel, when preached as it should be, will challenge and upset the Herods and Caesars of our age and all those invested in the false gods of the world. The Advent message is to be prepared.  Jesus has given us a gospel mission to take the good news of his death, his resurrection, and his lordship into the world.  Brothers and Sisters, pray that we will be faithful to our mission—faithful enough to provoke persecution, because that's the kind of faithfulness that also reaps a harvest for the kingdom.  Pray for the holy boldness of John the Baptist and the gracious gentleness of Jesus.  Pray that we will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  Pray that the joy of the Lord will overcome us.  Brothers and Sisters, Rejoice!  Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say rejoice. Let's pray: O Lord, come among us, we pray, with your power and strengthen us with your great might; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness we are grievously hindered in running the race that is set before us, your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever.  Amen.

Today we are in Luke 1:46-56 "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life."

Joy   Luke 10:17 ESV   17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”       Luke 10:20 ESV   20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”         Ephesians 2:8 ESV   8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,         1 Peter 1:3-6a ESV   3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice,       Philippians 4:4-8 NIV   4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 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.       Philippians 4:2-3 NIV   2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.       Revelation 20:15 ESV   15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.       Revelation 3:5b ESV   I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.       James 1:2 ESV   2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,      

Today we are in Luke 2:8-20 "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life."

Today we are in Isaiah 9:6-7 "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life."

24 November 2024 | This week Casey Huckel preaches from Philippians 4:2-9 on living out and rejoicing in the goodness of God despite our circumstances. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,[a] help these women, who have labored[b] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[c] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[d] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Today we are in Philippians 4:14-23 "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life."

Pastor Dave emphasizes the importance of addressing personal conflict as a barrier to experiencing God's peace, referencing Philippians 4:6-7. He reveals how Paul publicly called out two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to encourage reconciliation and highlights that conflict is a normal part of relationships. This message outlines four conflict resolution styles—prize fighters, pretenders, pacifiers, and peacemakers—advocating for a peacemaker approach to restore love and understanding. Ultimately, we're encouraged to utilize prayer, intentional conversations, and a positive thought life to cultivate lasting peace in our relationships.

Today we are in Philippians 4:10-14 "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life."

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Philippians 4:2-3 NIV “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Philippians 4:2-3 NIV “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

Today we are in Philippians 4:4-9 "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life."

Four of our grandkids were playing with a miniature train set, and the younger two were arguing over an engine. When our eight-year-old grandson began to intervene, his six-year-old sister stated, “Don’t worry about their business.” Wise words for us all—usually. But when the argument turned to tears, Grandma stepped in, separated, and comforted the squabbling children. It’s good to stay out of others’ business when doing so could make matters worse. But sometimes we need to prayerfully get involved. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul provides an example of when to do so. Here Paul urges two women, Euodia and Syntyche, “to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Apparently their disagreement had become so intense that Paul felt compelled to intervene. And because he was imprisoned, he urged his unnamed “true companion” to “help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel” (v. 3). Paul knew the women’s argument was causing disunity and taking focus away from the gospel. So, he gently spoke the truth while reminding them that their names were written “in the book of life” (v. 3). Paul wanted these women and everyone in the church to live as God’s people in thought and actions (vv. 4–9). When you’re unsure if you should get involved, pray, trusting that “the God of peace will be with you” (vv. 6–7, 9).

Today we are in Philippians 4:2-3 "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life."

Who are Euodia and Syntyche in the Bible? Why did the apostle Paul have to plead with Euodia and Syntyche to get along in the book of Philippians?

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also, help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement as well… Read More »Pursuing Joy In Peace

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________Opening Words:“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”Rev 4:8 (ESV) Confession:*Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Almighty and most merciful Father,we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done;and apart from your grace, there is no health in us.O Lord, have mercy upon us.Spare all those who confess their faults.Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord.And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryO Lord, open our lips,and our mouths shall show forth your praise.Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.Cast us not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from us.O give us the comfort of your help again, and sustain us with your willing Spirit.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. PsalmsPsalm 23Dominus regit me1The Lord is my shepherd; *I shall not be in want.2He makes me lie down in green pastures *and leads me beside still waters.3He revives my soul *and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I shall fear no evil; *for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *you have anointed my head with oil,and my cup is running over.6Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. The LessonsIsaiah 25:1-9English Standard Version25 O Lord, you are my God;    I will exalt you; I will praise your name,for you have done wonderful things,    plans formed of old, faithful and sure.2 For you have made the city a heap,    the fortified city a ruin;the foreigners' palace is a city no more;    it will never be rebuilt.3 Therefore strong peoples will glorify you;    cities of ruthless nations will fear you.4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor,    a stronghold to the needy in his distress,    a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat;for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,5     like heat in a dry place.You subdue the noise of the foreigners;    as heat by the shade of a cloud,    so the song of the ruthless is put down.6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,    of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.7 And he will swallow up on this mountain    the covering that is cast over all peoples,    the veil that is spread over all nations.8     He will swallow up death forever;and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,    and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,    for the Lord has spoken.9 It will be said on that day,    “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.    This is the Lord; we have waited for him;    let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”Philippians 4:1-9English Standard Version4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.Matthew 22:1-14English Standard Version22 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”' 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.' 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. The PrayersLord, have mercy.Christ, have mercyLord, have mercyOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. IntercessionTake a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. The CollectsProper 23Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. BenedictionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode we see: Syntyche speaks in Lazarus' house. Plus an excerpt from THE SECRET OF THE ROSARY by Luis Marie DeMonfort Original music track by Angela Marie Catholic Bible stories for all Christians retold

The Poem of the Man God is a retelling of the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the private revelations of Maria Valtorta. In this episode we see: At the Temple they are aware of Ermasteus, of John of Endor, and of Syntyche. Original music track by Angela Marie

4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Book of Philippians

Sunday Evening

"One of the things I love about Future State University is we work on skills based on executive functioning...within the game play and you'll get immediate access what you could have done better and how to enhance those skills whether its delegation, time management, communication, or technology", says Syntyche Jennings. Syntyche joins this episode to discuss first online game that is a social network and career platform. To learn more about Syntyche and Future State University visit https://www.futurestateuniversity.com . If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for extraordinary support support to live self-sufficient and purpose-driven lives through customized coaching then visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠doug.blecher@autismpersonalcoach.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by long-time teacher, Mrs. Jeanie Davis. ** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses ** Title: The Role of Women in Ministry: Lessons from Leadership and Service Summary: In this Sunday School lesson, Mrs. Jeanie explores the role of women in ministry, emphasizing their significant contributions as leaders, prophets, and servants in the church. She underscores the importance of unity and flexibility in serving God's purpose, encouraging everyone to embrace their God-given roles and responsibilities. Outline: Introduction and Context Homework review and importance of participation Overview of lesson topic: Women's place in the church Biblical Examples of Women in Ministry Miriam, the prophet (Exodus 15:20) Deborah, the prophet and judge (Judges 4:4-9) Huldah, the prophet (2 Kings 22:14-20, 2 Chronicles 34:22) Tabitha, benevolence ministry (Acts 9:36) Philip's four daughters, prophets (Acts 21:8-9) Other notable women: Euodia, Syntyche, and Priscilla (Philippians 4:2-3, Romans 16:1-2) Jesus' Teaching and Leadership Model Jesus' instructions to the disciples in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-45) Importance of watching and praying Supporting one another in times of distress Modern Application and Ministry Work Personal story of youth working in the tomato fields Lessons on teamwork, perseverance, and mutual support The evolution of the church's benevolence ministry Conclusion and Encouragement Encouragement to embrace God's calling Importance of flexibility and readiness to serve Final prayer and commitment to serving God's kingdom

For those of you who have been Christians for a long time, have you ever heard a sermon before and thought, “Wow! When the pastor said that one part, it was like he was talking straight to me”? Can you imagine what Euodia and Syntyche must have felt after this letter was read to the church at Philippi?This letter from Paul was read aloud in one sitting to the gathered church, and in the audience of that church would have been the two women that Paul names here, Euodia and Syntyche. And all we know about these women are three things:They both were members of the church at Philippi — they've got strong Greek names, not Jewish names. So they would have been some of the Gentiles who converted to Christ when the gospel advanced to Philippi in Acts 16.They both labored with Paul in the gospel as his friends. These two women were not church consumers or ministry bystanders, but they were active with Paul in the mission — and that's why Paul addresses them by name. He's not shaming them by doing this, but it's just the opposite. By saying their names he is highlighting his personal connection to them. We know these women were important to Paul and to the church.They had a disagreement. We know this because Paul entreats them to “agree in the Lord” and Paul would not say that if they already were agreeing. So they had some kind of disagreement.And other than these three things, we don't know much else about what's going on here, and it kinda drives some people crazy. There's a lot of mystery in this passage: Who is this “true companion” Paul mentions? Who is Clement? What exactly was this conflict about? Commentators have spilled a lot of ink with all kinds of speculations here, and I'm not going to get into any of that — I figure that if Paul wanted us to know more details then he would have given us more details. So instead, for this sermon, I just want to highlight three observations in these verses that are relevant for our life together as a local church. Here they are:Local church unity really matters (verse 2).Local church unity is owned by everyone (verse 3a).Local church members' names are written in the book of life (verse 3bc).We're gonna slow down and focus on each one of these, but first let's pray, and ask the Father to do more in this time than what we have expected:Father in heaven, we believe that the Bible is your word to us, and that means that anytime we hear your word preached it is always for us. By your Spirit, through your word, you address us as a local church and as individuals who are part of the local church. And so we ask: give us hearts to receive what you have for us this morning, in Jesus's name, amen. Local church unity really matters (verse 2)When Paul tells Euodia and Syntyche to “agree in the Lord” — to have unity — it's the third major mention of unity in this letter. Unity has been a theme, going back to Chapter 1, verse 27. Pastor David Mathis mentioned this verse again last week. Philippians 1:27, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel …”1:27 is extremely connected to our passage today. Notice three ideas back in 1:27: Standing firm; Striving side by side in the gospel; Having unity …And if you remember, the unity part continues into Chapter 2:“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”Unity!So standing, striving, unity — each of these ideas in 1:27 show up again in the first few verses of Chapter 4. Everybody look at those words “to agree” in Chapter 4, verse 2.Those two words “to agree” is literally to have “the same mind” — and those are the exact same words that Paul uses in Chapter 2, verse 2. So the idea of unity in Philippians 2:2 and Philippians 4:2 is the exact same, it's just that now in 4:2 Paul is repeating that idea with practical application. Paul has obviously known about the disagreement with Euodia and Syntyche since the start of the letter, so it's kind of like the whole letter has been heading toward this moment. Chapter 4, verse 2 is not an afterthought, but Paul saying this has been his plan. It reminds us that unity in the local church is not theoretical, but unity really matters, because disagreements really happen. This is real-life.Talking ‘Everyday Conflict'When you put a bunch of people together, each with their own stories and experiences, and personalities and preferences, there will be moments when we relationally bump into each other. The writer Ken Sande calls this “everyday conflict.” And we've all been there. We've either been involved in these conflicts or we've known about conflicts, and as a fact, in the life of our church over the past decade, most of our relational conflicts have been between women. Now these have not been massive disruptions — most of the time they're small disagreements —but I think they tend to happen more among women because women care more than men. I'm going to do some natural theology here, but we have to be okay with speaking in general. In general, men are more externally-oriented. Men think: “let's go build something.” And of course there are disagreements among men, but with men we either resolve them or we separate. Because we're looking externally. We're shoulder-to-shoulder, and the question is about the work: Can we get over this to keep doing the work together? We're externally-oriented. But see, men and women are different. Women are integrators. They are internally-oriented. They cultivate and beautify inside. Women have wombs and make wombs. Sisters, hear me, in general, and profoundly so, you are nesters. And it's glorious and indispensable to the local church, but it also means that when conflict arises, your first instinct is not to resolve or separate, but it's to go silent. Because you want to integrate. You want it all to go together, and so maybe if you just keep your distance on that issue, maybe it will go away, maybe it won't be that big a deal, maybe a little tension won't be so bad. You just want to hold everything together. And that's precious! That's motherly. Happy Mother's Day!That's at least how things started in the church at Philippi. We don't know the details of why these two women are disagreeing, but we know this: the conflict was not severe enough to split the church, but it was also not minor enough not to be addressed.Better Than OkayAnd probably tells us something about Paul's standard of unity. Most likely these women were “okay.” They were tip-toeing around each other, making it all work. They were okay. But Paul wants them to be better than “okay” — he wants them to agree in the Lord. The way Paul puts this is important. He says the exact same thing to both women and he addresses them in alphabetical order: “I entreat Euodia” and “I entreat Syntyche.” He's not taking sides here. He speaks to both women individually and he appeals to what they both have in common — they both are in the Lord. This means that whatever the root of the issue was, whatever caused the conflict, because they are both in the Lord — they are both united to Christ — let that be the source of their unity together.The blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin! — the resurrection power of Jesus at work in our hearts! — the Spirit of Jesus who is completing in us the good work that he began! — That can do better than “okay.” Because of THAT, we can agree.These sisters are already on the same page when it comes to the most ultimate things in reality, now get on the same page about this conflict. It doesn't mean they have to become ‘besties,' and it doesn't mean that act like the thing never happened, but they can come to resolution in Christ. They can think the same way in Christ, for Christ, because of Christ.Paul entreats these women to do that, and so I would like to entreat the women in our church. My sisters, I thank God for you. Our church needs you. You shape the heart of this community. You are the warmth of our fellowship. You are like the welcome of God to everyone who comes here, and so, sisters, I entreat you: agree in the Lord. Unity really matters.Here's the second observation …2) Local church unity is owned by everyone (verse 3a)Look at the first part of verse 3:“Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women. …”And like I mentioned earlier, there's a lot of speculation about who Paul is talking about here, and some arguments are better than others, but I'm not going to mention them because the main thing I want us to see here is the high-level fact that there are two women who have a conflict, and there is somebody else who is supposed to help them. You Can Be a PeacemakerPaul gives a command here. This true companion, another member of this local church, is commanded to help Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord. This means that we should expect disagreements between two parties to require a third-party helper. When there's a conflict between some members of the church, it's other members of the church who should help them resolve the conflict. The name we might give these other members, these helpers, is “peacemaker.” And I think it's helpful that Paul doesn't mention this peacemaker by name, because it's actually the responsibility of anyone in the church. Any of us could be a peacemaker. If we're all leaning in and moving in the same direction, and doing what Paul exhorts us to do — if we're living in a way that witnesses to the all-satisfying value of Jesus (1:27a), if we're “being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (2:2) — if we're all doing that and any of you finds out about two members who are disagreeing, you should move toward them to help them. The whole church must take ownership of the church's unity. Which means if there's ever festering conflict in a church, if there's disunity, it's not just because two people disagree, but it's also because others are not helping like Paul says we should. Every single one of us should be ready to become peacemakers. And there's not really an alternative here, unless you also want to become part of the problem. Conflict in one part of the church is the whole church's business because unresolved conflict will eventually affect the whole church.When It FestersAnd you can imagine how this goes: Euodia has this issue with Syntyche, and she says it's not a big deal but then she tells another friend about it. And that friend brings it up in a Life Group as a prayer request, and then suddenly there's three women who think Euodia is right.At the same time, Syntyche tells one of her friends about it, a little more removed from Euodia, and that friend is all in with Syntyche and she can't believe Euodia would do that. And then that friend's husband gets in on it too, but here's the thing: Euodia and Syntyche are cold toward one another but cordial — maybe they're okay — but the unresolved conflict means that sides slowly begin to form. Charitable judgment is pushed aside and suspicions toward one another start to creep in. And the local church, which is the family of God, which is an embassy of heaven on this earth, it starts to become a place of anxiety — and the focus is not on How do we make Jesus known in this world? but the focus is: How do we make all this hold together? And meanwhile, Satan is throwing a party because the whole thing started with an argument about carpet color. And we should laugh here because it's silly, but church, Jesus isn't laughing. Do we have any idea how disunity in the church must grieve him? He bought us with his blood. He has given us the Spirit of unity! His Spirit is the love of God poured into our hearts! — and what are the things that we let come between us?Getting in the RoomI've tried to be a peacemaker one time, in a formal sense, years ago. I was part of a different church, there was a disagreement between two individuals, and I felt like I had enough rapport with them both to help them agree. And so we got together in a room, and they sat across from one another and I sat here, and honestly, that was the hardest part. It was just getting in the room, in front of one another. And the only way it happened — the only way it happens — is because both individuals want to be there. Both individuals have to want to, in humility, count the other more significant than themselves. They have to want to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of the other. They have to want to have the mind of Christ — which means they will suffer the discomfort of that conversation for something greater than comfort. They will risk humiliation because the honor of unity is more precious that the honor of winning.Church, I'll tell you, if we can have a Philippians 2-heart like Jesus and just do what the Bible says, everything around here is going to be good. I promise. So for all of us, each one of you true companions, if there's disagreement, help. Let's point one another to Philippians 2. Let's be peacemakers. Local church unity is owned by everyone. 3. Local church members' names are written in the book of life (verse 3c)In verse 3 Paul makes it clear that Euodia and Syntyche are his friends. They are his sisters whom he loves and longs for. They are his joy and crown, his beloved, and they've served the Lord together. They've “labored side by side with [Paul] in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of [Paul's] fellow workers” — and here's the sentence to end on — “whose names are in the book of life.”What Is the Book of Life?What is that? We probably heard something about a “book of life” before, but it's not from Paul. This is the only time in all of Paul's letters that he mentions the “book of life.” So where does this idea come from?Well, we first see it in the Old Testament, in the Book of Daniel, Chapter 12. Daniel is talking about the very end of time and he says that those who will be saved are “everyone whose name shall be found written in the book” (12:1). Then later, in the New Testament, John, in the Book of Revelation, picks up that same theme. The Book of Life is mentioned six times in Revelation, and Revelation 21:27 basically says the same thing as Daniel 12:1. On the last day, the day of judgment, the Book of Life will be opened and only those whose names are written in the book will enter the kingdom of heaven.So we read about this book in Daniel, and then in Revelation, but most notable of all is that Jesus talks about it. In Luke 10, Jesus sent out 72 missionaries to go into every town and prepare these towns to receive him. So they're commissioned out, two by two, and then later they return with joy, and they're blown away by the mission. They said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And do y'all know how Jesus replied?He said, “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (v. 20).Written in the book of life. That's what Jesus is talking about. Isn't it great when Paul says the same things that Jesus said?Paul is getting this from Jesus. There is a book in heaven and it has names written in it — and it's everyone who has put their faith in Jesus — and it's really important. Eternally important! Because, if your name is in this book, you get to be with Jesus forever. And if we could remember that our names are written in that book, do you think it could change the way we handle our conflict? That's why Paul goes here, because remembering that book changes things.How Does This Impact Our Conflicts?So I want to close with this question: How does this fact — that our names are written in the book of life — how does that impact how we handle conflict?Three ways:When we remember that our names are written in the book of life …First, we will see one another as loved by Jesus. Paul is thinking here like a Baptist, because he assumes that every member of the local church is a born-again believer. If the local church was a mixed community of Christians and non-Christians, then when there's conflict, the immediate question is whether the other person is really a Christian or not. It's instant suspicion. But, because the local church is made up of only those who have been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life, conflict in the local church is always between two people for whom Jesus died. That's not theoretical. I'm being very literal here. The person you are disagreeing with — if they are a church member in good standing, duly affirmed by an elder-led covenant membership — that person is your brother, your sister, and Jesus loves them. He knows them and he loves them. Jesus wrote their names down in the book in his blood.And so someone's response to conflict — someone's resistance to even try to agree — actually says more about them than it does anything else. Can you really love your Savior if you despise the one he saved? (See 1 John … Chapter 4, verse 20)Jesus loves the person you got beef with. Their name is written in the book.When we remember that our names are written in the book of life …Second, we will come to help one another with hope.I think one of the biggest barriers to sustained unity in the local church is our cynicism toward conflict. If we've been around long enough and we've seen enough conflict, we can do the whole ‘Here we go again.' That's cynicism. It's a subtle doomsday mentality that the conflict will go about as badly as it could. And look, I get it, I've been there — but that mentality is wrong. If our names are written in heaven, the expectation should be that we can agree and we will. We should be eager to get together in the same room and work it out. Look, Jesus is pulling for us! The Spirit is gonna help us! We move toward resolution with hope — humbly and prayerfully, God help us. We can have hope!When we remember that our names are written in the book of life …Third, we will rethink our disagreements in light of Jesus's face.One thing that Paul is doing at the end of Chapter 4, verse 3 is that he's sending us back to 3:21. This is for perspective. He's reminding us: Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.Because our name is in that book, we will see Jesus face-to-face one day. We will stand right there with him, transformed. That will be a real moment. And imagine for a second, in that moment, imagine yourself explaining to Jesus your side of the story. Your looking at him, he's looking at you … “Well, Jesus they blah, blah, blah; but they blah, blah, blah; then they blah, blah, blah.”I can't help but wonder if on that day all our disagreements will be seen as petty, because on that day we will truly know that there is something more glorious than being right. Whatever you're holding on to, you're gonna explain it to Jesus. Could we rethink our disagreements now in light of that day?Our names, brothers and sisters — our names are written in the book.Kinda feels like the pastor is talking straight to me.I'm talking to all of us. Let us agree in the Lord. That's what brings us to the Table.The TableEvery week when we come to the Lord's Table, it is a uniting ordinance. It's called communion — we remember our union with Christ by faith and our union with one another in Christ. And today, I'd like to talk to two categories of folks in the room. First, if you're here today and you're not a Christian, you might wonder: How can I get my name written in that book? The answer is faith in Jesus Christ. So I invite you to put your faith in him right now. Right where you are, know that you cannot save yourself. Trust in Jesus. Just tell him, Jesus, I trust you. Save me.Second, if you're a member at this church and there's some conflict between you and another member of this church, as we receive this table, resolve in your heart that, if possible, as far as it depends on you, you will be at peace with this brother or sister. Church, Jesus loves you and he has freed you from your sins by his blood. To all who trust him, receive his Table and give him thanks.

In this sermon on Philippians 4:2-3, Pastor Jonathan Parnell highlights three observations in these verses that are relevant for our life together as a local church. With the disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche, Paul teaches us that local church unity really matters, it is owned by everyone, and local church members' names are written in the book of life.

Rescue workers cooperated to help two men stranded on an island in Micronesia. Teamwork was necessary because a widespread health crisis required them to limit their exposure to each other. The pilot who first spotted the castaways radioed a nearby Australian Navy ship. The ship sent two helicopters which provided food, water, and medical care. Later, the US Coast Guard arrived to check on the men and deliver a radio. Finally, a Micronesian patrol boat taxied them to their destination. We can accomplish a lot when we work together to achieve a common goal. The Philippian believers pooled their efforts to support the apostle Paul. Lydia and her family welcomed him into their home (Acts 16:13-15). Clement and even Euodia and Syntyche (who didn’t get along) all worked directly with the apostle to spread the good news (Philippians 4:2-3). Later, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome, the church gathered essentials for a care package and delivered it via Epaphroditus (vv. 14-18). Perhaps most importantly, the Philippians prayed for him throughout his ministry (1:19). The examples of believers serving together in this ancient church can inspire us today. Cooperating with fellow believers to pray and serve others as God leads and empowers us accomplishes much more than we could ever do on our own. It has been said, “Individually, we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.”

Donation link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64 Or go to www.freersangpreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab. Welcome your excellencies! Thank you, Michael, river boat Mike, and California Dave for your recent donations. Thanks you and others we have distributed 50 “The Foundation Blocks of Biblical Prayer.” We also welcome officially, Canada, The United Kingdom, and the Philippines. (Y'all have been here a long while, but we have just begun to acknowledge our listeners.) The answer to the question “Does God need our prayers?” Culminates in the glorious truth, that in His mysterious will, God does not need us but He conendsends to appoint us as ambassadors for Christ! “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.? 2 Corinthians 5:20 We cover briefly how and why ambassadors get their jobs, the trust they are given, and the responsibility they have to the king who sent them. Then through Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Euodia, Syntyche, and Clement (it may be worth the listen to hear my pronunciation of those names.) we see the duty, glory excellency, and privilege of being ambassadors to the King of kings and Lord of lords. "What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more." Robert Murray M'Cheyne Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard Dialogue with us at: www.freerangepreacheronprayer.- (email or voice mail) freerangeprayer@gmail.com (email) Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries (Messenger) Instagram: freerangeministries (Contact or leave a comment.) Spotify (leave a message) All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition. Season 006 Episode 42

Welcome to Day 2335 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Philippians-10 The Cure for Anger and Anxiety – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 02/11/2023 Joy in Sharing – The Cure for Anger and Anxiety Philippians 4:1-9 Last week, we focused on Standing Firm without Standing Still in a message titled Hanging Tough and Looking Up. Today, we begin the last section of Philippians, Joy in Resting, and specifically focus on how we often fight for peace /when we have already been given The Cure for Anger and Anxiety. Today's scripture passage is Philippians 4:1-9 on page 1829, in your Pew Bibles. 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Final Exhortations 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 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. 9 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.   In Philippians 4, Paul puts the finishing touches on his symphonic “Ode to Joy” with a soaring, moving, inspiring conclusion. Some of the most quoted, best-loved passages of Scripture are found in Philippians 4—as are a few obscure lines. We also get a sneak peek into the lives of some Philippian Christians and their real-life conflict. In this final chapter, Paul argues that there is joy in resting. He includes perhaps the finest passage on contentment in all the Scriptures, and this contentment is the essence of joyful living amid a restless world. Whether the cause of our unrest is disunity (4:1–3), anxiety (4:4–7), lack of peace (4:8–9), discontent (4:10–13), or need (4:14–19), Paul encourages believers to find Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered joy in resting in God, and God alone. “Stand firm in the Lord!” (Stay True to the Lord NLT) With this command, Paul begins to wrap up his letter to the Philippians. But what does it look like to “stand firm”? Psalm 1:3 describes this well:  They are like...

Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________EpiphanyAnd nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.Isaiah 60:3 ConfessionOfficiant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.People: Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws.We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.Officiant: Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen. The Lord's PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Invitatory & PsalmsOfficiant: O God, make speed to save us. People: O Lord, make haste to help us. Officiant & People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. EpiphanyThe Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him. Venite Psalm 95:1-7Come, let us sing to the Lord; *let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, *and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, *and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. * Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! Psalm 51 Miserere mei, Deus1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *in your great compassion blot out my offenses.2Wash me through and through from my wickedness *and cleanse me from my sin.3For I know my transgressions, *and my sin is ever before me.4Against you only have I sinned *and done what is evil in your sight.5And so you are justified when you speak *and upright in your judgment.6Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *a sinner from my mother's womb.7For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *and will make me understand wisdom secretly.8Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.9Make me hear of joy and gladness, *that the body you have broken may rejoice.10Hide your face from my sins *and blot out all my iniquities.11Create in me a clean heart, O God, *and renew a right spirit within me.12Cast me not away from your presence *and take not your holy Spirit from me.13Give me the joy of your saving help again *and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.14I shall teach your ways to the wicked, *and sinners shall return to you.15Deliver me from death, O God, *and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,O God of my salvation.16Open my lips, O Lord, *and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.17Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, *but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.18The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.19Be favorable and gracious to Zion, *and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.20Then you will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices,with burnt-offerings and oblations; *then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The LessonsProverbs 15:16-23 English Standard Version16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord    than great treasure and trouble with it.17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is    than a fattened ox and hatred with it.18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,    but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.19 The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,    but the path of the upright is a level highway.20 A wise son makes a glad father,    but a foolish man despises his mother.21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,    but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.22 Without counsel plans fail,    but with many advisers they succeed.23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,    and a word in season, how good it is!Proverbs 15:27-29 English Standard Version27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,    but he who hates bribes will live.28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,    but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.29 The Lord is far from the wicked,    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. You are God(Te Deum laudamus)You are God: we praise you;You are the Lord: we acclaim you;You are the eternal Father:All creation worships you.To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.The glorious company of apostles praise you.The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded,your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory.We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting. Philippians 3:17-4:3 English Standard Version17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.Officiant: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God. A Song of Praise(Benedictus es, Domine Song of the Three Young Men, 29-34)Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; * you are worthy of praise; glory to you.Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; * we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; * on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; * we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.Glory to you, beholding the depths; * in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; * we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever. The CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersOfficiant: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Officiant: Let us pray The SuffragesShow us your mercy, O Lord;And grant us your salvation.Clothe your ministers with righteousness;Let your people sing with joy.Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;For only in you can we live in safety. Lord, keep this nation under your care;And guide us in the way of justice and truth. Let your way be known upon earth; Your saving health among all nations. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. Create in us clean hearts, O God; And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.Take a moment at this time to reflect and pray for the needs of others. Epiphany 3 (Anglican Prayer Book)ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our weaknesses and, in all dangers and needs, stretch out your right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our LORD. Amen.A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceLord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.For MissionAlmighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. ThanksgivingsThe General ThanksgivingAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.A Prayer of St. ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. ConclusionThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14