philippians

Let No Selfishness Separate

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Marriage falls apart when selfishness takes over. If you want a Christ-centered marriage, stop making it about you and start serving your spouse like Jesus served you—selflessly, sacrificially, and without waiting for another to deserve it.

Small Steps for the Kingdom

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The path of following Jesus provides ample opportunities to do amazing feats, but they typically are completed by simple steps along the way. As we help others, we must provide them with achievable goals as they progress.

Neglected Efforts

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We often miss development to grow, not because we lack opportunities, but because we aren’t putting in the required effort. God gives us gifts, but we have to use them.

You Didn’t Get Here Overnight

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Many people have years of damage done and want immediate fixes, but it is never that easy. They can get help, but it takes time. You didn’t get here overnight, and you aren’t going to get out of here overnight either.

Anxious for Nothing

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Anxiety affects every single one of us in different ways and varying degrees. Learn some biblical ways to address your anxiety.

Waiting for the Election Results

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If you stayed up late last night hoping to learn the status of the presidential election, you woke up with two realizations: you’re tired and we still don’t know anything. With tensions high now and people on alert, how should Christians respond?

How God Supplies Every Need

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In Paul’s final remarks, he recognized the church’s maturity due to their willingness to meet the needs of others. God often supplies our needs through the help of one another. God supplies every need by every believer giving every way they can. Philippians 4:14-23 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of …

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I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Contents Me

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This passage of Scripture is one of the most quoted and most misinterpreted sections of Scripture. The secret of the Christian life is learning how to live it out regardless of our circumstances. Philippians 4:10-13 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had …

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When Anxiety Attacks

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Making a stance for joy is waging a war against worry. Scripture clearly teaches what a disciple should do when anxiety attacks.

When God’s People Don’t Get Along

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In any family, conflict is unavoidable, but, in the family of God, it must be dealt with, or else the church will suffer. Paul singles out two disagreeing church members and instructs us all how to reconcile when conflict comes. Personal conflict must be addressed, or else the entire church will suffer. Philippians 4:1-3 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I …

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I Pledge Allegiance

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As we live our lives on the earth, we are never to forget that our citizenship is in heaven. Ultimately, we belong to another King and another Kingdom. Philippians 3:17-21 17 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 …

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Keep On Keeping On

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Christian maturity is a matter of progression instead of perfection. As we follow Jesus, we gradually grow closer to Him in our personal discipleship. None of us are so spiritually mature that we can afford to coast the rest of the way. Philippians 3:12-16 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it …

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Knowing Christ Is Better Than Anything Else

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Paul had plenty of room to boast in religious, familial, and personal accomplishments, but it was nothing compared to knowing Jesus. The opportunity to know the resurrected Christ is greater than anything else this world offers. Philippians 3:1-11 3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. …

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Good Gospel Friends

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Since Paul couldn’t personally gather with the church of Philippi, he planned on sending two individuals who epitomized reliable, gospel companions. We need to have good gospel friends, and we need to be good gospel friends to others. Philippians 2:19-30 We have unfortunately reduced Christianity to a one-time decision rather than a lifelong journey. Life requires companions more than content. …

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Stop Your Whining

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If we want to make a difference in the world, we must avoid sounding just like the world. We are called to rid ourselves of complaining as we follow Jesus. I have been given a perfect Savior, so why should I complain about imperfect stuff? The challenges of the Christian life will lead us to whine or worship. Philippians 2:14-18 …

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Social Distancing and Spiritual Growth

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When it comes to the work of our salvation and sanctification, who is ultimately responsible? Scripture indicates that God works hard through our hard work. How spiritually healthy would your family be if the church doors had to close? The mature Christian must show diligence in personal responsibility and dependence on God’s activity. Philippians 2:12-13 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have …

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Savior and Standard

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Jesus never attempted to advance a personally painless agenda but gave of Himself for our benefit. If the magnificent Jesus can humble Himself so much for our sake, what excuse can we reasonably provide? Philippians 2:5-11 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a …

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Stop Being So Selfish

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The path to unity is not waiting on everyone else to align themselves with you. Fight against personal selfishness and work toward humble servanthood. Philippians 2:1-4 2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and …

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Even Suffering Can’t Slow Down the Gospel

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While we often think that suffering will serve as a blockade towards spiritual growth, it is often the vehicle. Realize that God may want to use that which you want to remove. Philippians 1:12-18 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial …

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God Will Finish What He Started

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God began a good work in you, and He never leaves anything unfinished. While you are not there yet, He will gradually help you make progress. Philippians 1:1-11 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. …

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Philippians [Series Overview]

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I am eager to begin our four-month study through the Book of Philippians. We start this sermon series this Sunday! The Apostle Paul was no stranger to emotional stress. Giving his life away for gospel ministry landed him in prison, and yet all he could talk about was the need to rejoice. We will go through this book to see …

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Anxious-Worthy?

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When circumstances confront us and tempt us to worry, we cannot ignore them or hope they will simply go away. God’s Word is clear – we must fight against anxiety and rely on prayer.

Pray for Gospel Workers

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Pastors and ministry leaders pray for many people, but how many people actually pray for them?  We should be thankful for these effective prayers that are prayed by these righteous gospel workers on our behalf (James 5:16), but we must also not neglect to pray for them. The enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour …

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Tips Concerning How to Catch Up on Bible Reading

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The last couple of weeks have been super busy.  As I am leading a group of folks through our 100 Day Bible Reading Plan, I have to confess something: I got behind. A few days behind. During ministry, early morning camp schedules, family stuff going on, I got more and more behind in my Bible reading plan.  I also got …

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The Peace that Surpasses All Comprehension

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The picture above was taken during the funeral for Eric Petrus.  Eric was a friend of mine for many years.  We’re the same age.  Eric battled cancer for over a 3rd of his life.

And he won.

He has finally been healed by God.  The struggle is over, and cancer will never cause an ounce of pain or grief for him ever again.  He is home.

As I sat through his funeral, I watched the most vivid example of the “peace that surpasses all comprehension” displayed through Ken Petrus at his son’s funeral.  That is Ken on the right side of the picture praying over the hundreds of people in attendance.  For those in attendance, it was a remarkable display of composure and peace.

It’s much more than he didn’t break out into weeping like most people would.  That wouldn’t have made his message a failure.  Grieving is not evil.  It was his honesty and hope that spoke volumes.

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We Can’t Hear THE Name Because All We Hear is YOUR Name

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We live in a very interesting time in American Christianity.  In some ways, so much incredible Kingdom stuff is happening.  In other ways, I feel like we can’t hear THE name because all we hear is YOUR name.

Translation: many Christian leaders and Christian ministries are focused more on building their kingdoms than they are on building God’s Kingdom.

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Zuckerberg, Lucas, and You

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Something is wrong with the world as we know it.

Facebook has changed yet again, and the Facebook community is in a tizzy.  Disgust and outrage fill status feeds, news reports, and paper headlines.  How dare Mark Zuckerberg keep changing a good thing?

Within days of the Facebook mutiny, global Star Wars fans are distraught that George Lucas has changed scenes yet again in his recent Blu-Ray versions of the Star Wars saga.  Tinkering with some effects is one thing, but when he started changing details in the story lines reopened the scab for those still upset that Han Solo was “provoked” by Greedo.

So, let me get this straight.  Most of the world is hooked on Facebook.  Created by brilliant college student, Facebook is the way people attempt to share life these days and is the most visited website in the world.  It has literally changed how people function in our society.  And we are mad at the guy who made it because he changed it?

George Lucas, who single handedly changed the movie industry, wrote a script that millions of fans have memorized.  When he decides to enhance a story that he wrote, we get mad at him for changing what we like as if he has no rights to the story.

The outrage this week reminded me how we think we are the center of the universe.

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The Most Misinterpreted Verse in the Bible

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Today was a great day to be a part of North Side. The praise band led us in this amazing time of “unplugged” worship (have I told you people lately I am working myself out of a job?!) – thank you Eric, John, Peggy, and Leah.  Breathtaking and genuine: Made to Worship – Chris Tomlin Make Me Holy – North …

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Why 30-Year-Olds Hate Their Jobs

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This post is the result of a study I have been doing lately.  It seems like that many people around the age of 30 are miserable in their jobs, state of life, status, acquired wealth, etc.  I recently had a discussion with some friends about this issue, and I have come up with some conclusions that might help some of …

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