Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Being Re-Minded” Philippians 2:1-11 Mateen Elass

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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians

“Being Re-Minded”
Philippians 2:1-11
Another way to talk about living worthily of the gospel is that of seeing life the way Jesus sees it, and living accordingly. In this exemplary passage, Paul highlights the mindset of Jesus as that of the King of heaven who leaves his throne to serve the human race in the most humble and ignominious way – ultimately suffering a painful and disgraceful death to accomplish his Father’s plan. As a result, the Father honors him above all creation. Likewise, we as apprentices of Jesus are to have his same mindset in serving others for the sake of the Kingdom, and to trust God with the results.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “The Politics of Heaven” Philippians 1:27-30 Mateen Elass

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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians

“The Politics of Heaven”
Philippians 1:27-30
This text contains what I believe is the key verse of the whole letter (1:27), which is Paul’s central exhortation to his flock. Everything in this letter teaches what it means to live worthily of the gospel. This is politics in its original sense of proper public conduct. For Christians that entails standing firm in one spirit against cultural tides; striving side by side for the truth of the faith; acting confidently and courageously in the face of enemy attacks. Interestingly, Paul sees suffering for Christ as a gift God has granted us, along with the gift of faith! Grace over arches all of life!


Sunday, February 1, 2009

Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “The Key to Joy” Philippians 1:12-26 Mateen Elass

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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“The Key to Joy”
Philippians 1:12-26
Joy comes from accurately discerning God’s handiwork in the circumstances of life. For those in Christ, God is always at work to achieve His good purposes both for their welfare and for the Kingdom. Hence, even though Paul writes this letter from prison and knows of so-called Christians who are preaching from false motives to make his circumstances more dire, he nevertheless rejoices because he sees the cause of Christ advancing. God’s plans can never be overturned, so if we’ve thrown our lot in with Christ, we will always find something to rejoice in!