Intro: (1) encouraged by faithfulness (2) life-giving dependability (cf. tuskegee airmen) (3) four traitsFaithful People (3-4): (1) “all” . . . “always” . . . “every” . . . “all” (2) Paul’s appreciation extendsthroughout their diversity (3) appreciating differences in personality and gifting (4) learning to be thankful for people more than things (cf. new shirt) (5) their faithfulness was happenin...  Read More

Intro: (1) read v.1-2 (2) triple use of Christ Jesus (cf. St. Patrick prayer) (3) four encouragements in ChristServants of Christ: (1) usually intros himself as “apostle” (i.e. authority) → “servant” here (i.e. UNDER authority) (3) doulos → one of many terms translated “servant” → only one which designates being property of owner (4) a negative term in Philippian culture but used of OT heroes like...  Read More

Intro: (1) overview of letter (2) foundations series → importance of hitting passages from different angles (3) overall theme of encouragement → series titleEncouraged by faithfulness (1:1-11): (1) read v.3-7 (2) “partnership in gospel” (cf. mission partner sharing) (3) “partakers of grace” (cf. “learning to not let enemy beat me up”)Encouraged in suffering (1:12-26): (1) v.12 → unexpected setback...  Read More

Intro: (1) recap of foundations, previous sermon (2) “worshipers in community engaged in ministry”Worshipers1. Corporate (2:9-11, 4:18): (1) one picture given of eternity is of a multitude worshiping the Lord (cf. Revelation 7, OT temple) (2) now happens when local congregations gather for corporate worship (3) different elements → greeting, scripture, prayer, singing, testimonials, giving (cf. 4:...  Read More

Intro: (1) foundations series → sound doctrine (2) “summary of the Bible’s teaching that is faithful to the Bible and useful for life” (cf. Titus 2:1-10) → rules/field in sports (3) statement of faithTrinity (2:1-6): (1) God (Father), Christ (Son), Spirit → one God, made up of three persons, all of whom are fully God (2) why all illustrations fall short (cf. clover, water) (3) basis for community ...  Read More

Intro: (1) gratitude (2) cruel joke first day back (3) five lessons from rest (4) biblical overview of restThe Jacob Lesson (Genesis 32:24-31): (1) Jacob returning to potentially dangerous situation → met by God in human form (2) they wrestle all night until Jacob is both blessed and hurt (3) he limps away, but now with the name Israel (4) a limp prevents us from operating with strength/control (c...  Read More