Paul pivots to a sticky issue next: unity. Paul desires to see the church in Philippi rally together to love and serve the community around them in the name of Jesus. Paul reminds them that the source of that unity is found not in causes or topics, but in the love and grace that Jesus has extended to them, and they are not called to extend to others.
In the second half of Philippians 1, Paul gives a brief update about his own life. He is in prison for sharing Jesus with non-Jewish people, and it is possible his punishment might be death. Yet he quickly pivots to another update: he is sharing Jesus with his guards, and those around him. Paul leans into this idea, that we get to follow Jesus. And that whatever life throws at us, we have the opportunity to live for Jesus.
In much of our lives, we rush to finish projects, get a promotion, or reach the next something. That same mentality can leak into our faith if we are not careful. In Philippians 1 we are reminded that God is up to something in each of us, and that faith is a process of being formed by God, not a destination or project to reach.
One of the unique things about how Jesus teaches his disciples to pray in what is commonly known as the Lord’s prayer is calling God our Father. This title implies closeness, relationship, connection, and approachability. Like any relationship, part of growing closer together is time with one another. In 2 Corinthians, we are reminded that because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we are invited to enjoy and take time to be with God, with no agenda, simply to enjoy each other’s presence, but again what does that mean or look like?
In prayer we talk to God, and with God. Like any healthy relationship, it is also important to listen. A common desire is to hear guidance from God. How to handle a decision, how to navigate a tough circumstance, and at the root of hearing from God is, well, listening. So what does listening to God look like?
By Lead Pastor, Bill Flavin There is a big difference in a conversation between talking to someone and talking with someone. Teachers talk to a...
By Lead Pastor, Bill Flavin Prayer is connection with God. In our first week we will dive into how we talk to God and how that reflects...
This week we take a break from Nehemiah and look into Thessalonians. Both of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonian church address either an individual or individuals who are perfectly capable of working but have adopted a rebellious attitude and are refusing to work. This refusal to work places significant weight on the community of faith, and needs to be addressed with pastoral sensitivity (culminating with Paul’s instruction regarding discipline). I will demonstrate how the refusal to work continues to be a relevant issue today, and conclude with how at creation, God invited us to partner with Him in the gift of work, and even though sin has distorted this gift, in Christ Jesus, God has already begun to redeem the gift of work.
By Lead Pastor, Bill Flavin The project is complete, the good guys have won, and now they take time to celebrate and thank God, kind of. ...
Their project is almost done at near record pace, as their largest critiques ramp up their work trying to derail the project. Nehemiah is under intense threat and criticism, as he works to keep the most important thing most important.
After a few chapters of miraculous moves of God, Nehemiah and those in Jerusalem run into significant roadblocks. The people of Jerusalem model an approach to handling roadblocks and challenges, that is honest, prayerful, and laser focused on what God has asked of them.
Nehemiah 3 is an interesting passage, sandwiched between chapters filled with actions, conflict and plot twists is a long list of names. In the 30+ verses filled with names, we get a reminder of God’s work through community. That in a world that can be focused on individuals, God’s work often occurs (and occurs best) through groups of people doing life together.
Taking a break from the book of Nehemiah, the sermon will walk through how we are all looking for security, but how nothing in this world can provide us the security we long for. Sin has caused us to lose our security. God doesn’t leave us lost and searching, but rather offers us the love we long for in Christ. This is our ultimate security. Even though we can claim security in Christ, it is threatened by opposition. Yet, with the help of God’s Word, Spirit and Christian community, we’re able to remain secure in God’s love for us and share this with others. This is the greatest gift we’ve been given and the greatest gift we can share.
There is no Next Steps document this week.
Often we have hopes and dreams in this world, but how intentional are we about pursuing them? Nehemiah is asked by the King, what can I do for you? And without any hesitation he shares a plan that God placed on his heart, and how it would all play out. Nehemiah shows a passion.
Jesus tells us in Matthew that we should ask, seek and knock when it comes to prayer and connection with God. Nehemiah takes this to a new level. When asked what he wants and is praying about, he gives not only a bold response, but an answer that he has clearly been praying about and thinking through for some time.
Nehemiah hears an update from back in the old country that breaks his heart. He stops what he is doing to pray a bold and heartfelt prayer for his people and city. He models a posture of following the Spirit’s prompting around prayer, and praying boldly.
In Matthew 25:31-46, we are told about the sheep and goats. What does it mean to be in the flock of Christ? What should the life of a sheep look like? Sunday we will look at the radical life of service we are called to and how that translates to our modern world.
Easter Sunday was a tide change event. Jesus’ death and resurrection forever changed our relationship with God. Part of the impact of it was also who’s relationship changed with God because of those events. Jesus’ ministry culminated in his death and resurrection, which was meant to be a gift and sacrifice to many people, and the hope of that message grounds us, and gives us both joy and hope even today.