Living the Good Life (part four)

Last week’s post (Philippians 1:9-11), stated that two goals every child of God must have in conflict is to behave before men in such a way that our actions bring praise and glory to God, and to behave in such a way that we have a flawless testimony before the Bema Seat of Christ.  Reaching these two goals requires a refining of love in the areas of knowledge and discernment, which leads to making right decisions about our attitude, thinking, and behavior.

This week’s post (Philippians 1:12-26), is a glimpse into the actual conflict Paul faced as well as his frame of mind.  These verses further exhibit Paul’s love in the areas of knowledge and discernment.

Living the Good Life (part three)

I stated in last week’s post that our biggest battle in the midst of conflict and problems is over our attitudes.  We can control our attitudes just as much as our actions. For twelve years, the church in Philippi had a good attitude.  Paul was not writing to the church just because he was given money, he was exhorting them to continue to be yielded to God and live a life marked by joy.

Today’s post delves into Philippians 1:9-11.  This passage reveals two specific goals every believer must have and meet in his life as he experiences conflict.

Living the Good Life (part two)

Last week’s post began a series of posts based in the New Testament book Philippians which is entitled, “Living the Good Life.”  When Christ stated in John 10:10, “I am come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly[.],” He was not referring to money, possessions, one’s status in society, or happiness.  Christ was referring to living a quality, principled life marked by joy.  The Philippians church was one example of this truth.

In the first seven verses of chapter one, Paul recollects the Philippian church’s twelve years faithfulness to the Lord in the Gospel ministry, thanking God for His work in their lives (1:3-5).  After the first seven verses, Paul exhorts the church to keep their attitudes right as they experience conflict.

Living the Good Life (part one)

This week’s post begins a new series of posts based on the New Testament book of a Philippians.  The series will be entitled, “The good life.”

Many times we associate the good life with money and possession.  We think that the good life has no problem.  These types of statements are Unbiblical.  Eternal life is a gift from God.  It is the child of God’s possession.  Many believers today only view eternal life as a “get into heaven” card which they give to Saint Peter at the pearly gates when he asks “why should I let you into heaven?” In reality, eternal life is not just a possession—a gift from God—it is a principled, vibrant quality of life.  Jesus told his disciples, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).

Entering into the Place of God’s Blessing (part eleven)

Today’s post, based on Joshua 2:1-5, concludes a series of posts based in the Old Testament book of Joshua, centering on the theme “Entering into the place of God’s blessing.” We will consider Rahab and learn from her life that there is always hope for the days ahead even though we have failed in the past to trust God and live by faith.

The Christmas Bow (written by Pastor Mark Brown, Maple Avenue Baptist Church, Elmira, NY)

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the whole thing – the family gatherings, the excitement of the kids, the Christmas cantatas and other church activities, the decorations, the tree, the Christmas cookies, and the gifts all wrapped in bright colors and beautiful bows. Have you ever noticed how the right bow completes the Christmas package?

An Holiday Exhortation: Traditions in the Home (written by my wife)

Thanksgiving and Christmas are joyful holiday celebrations.  Families gather together to celebrate time-honored traditions, as well as to create new ones.  Traditions are “inherited, established, or customary patterns of thought, actions, or behavior; the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.”[1]