Category: Christian Living

Paul appreciated the Philippians greatly.  Here in this text is the caveat he expressed. His great appreciation was contingent “only” with their continued “conduct” being “worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

There needed to be unity, standing fast “in one spirit, with one mind.” There needed to be effort, “striving together” for the gospel.  There needed to be courage in the face of their opponents, here probably referring to non-Christian Gentiles, as Philippi was a Roman city.

Consider of what these things were proof. First that the Christian’s lack of fear showed their understanding that God was with them.  It would indicate to the pagans surrounding them that perdition (ruin) followed those who opposed God, but that salvation from the one true God would be granted  to the brethren in Philippi.  Great conviction creates doubt in the mind of the enemy!

Yes, we will suffer, but in the end is glory! (cf. Matthew 10:28).

Paul here expresses the cause of spiritual death, “trespasses and sins” (1). This is to note our past position, before “you He made alive” (1).

That past position is one what all have experienced, as indicated by Romans 3:23. It is described as a walk here. But, not a walk of righteousness, rather one that is characterized by a following of the devil.

Devil worship is not the point. When we live our lives without obeying God’s will, by default we are in the camp of the enemy.  It is for this reason that defenses such as, “They do more good than bad”, or “They are generally a good person” hold no credence to God.

Paul put it clearly in Romans 10. The righteousness invented by men do not properly substitute for the righteousness of God. Living for self is being a child of wrath, just like everyone else.

Instead, as Christians, we are to live according to His will!

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he expressed the type of Christians that please God, categorized by age and gender.  Consider the following verses:

“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things — that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,  not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:1-10).

First, note the phrase “sound doctrine.” The word ‘sound’ means “to be well, to be healthy, figuratively, to be uncorrupt, true in doctrine.” These things are as they should be. They are God’s desires rather than the desires of men.  These are things we disregard at our own peril.  Consider further these thoughts: Continue reading “What Our Church Needs!” →

Stan talks about the need for faith to grow, and shows via 2 Peter 1:5-8, the eternal consequences of a strong faith. Then actions and resources are examined to show how faith can be strengthened.

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The text of Colossians 4:2-6 is used to show that we as Christians ought to acts as diligent disciples of Jesus Christ. This is a short 10 minute invitation talk.

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We are often told the importance of counting the cost  before becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. While we want everyone to make the commitment, the idea that it is an important and substantial decision must not be forgotten.  Consider the words of Jesus Himself, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.  And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.  For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—  lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,  saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?  Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.  So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26-33). Continue reading “A Simple Evaluation” →

The text continues the call for righteous living by noting that each person is treated the same way by God.  He judges “without partiality”, and “according to each one’s work.” This is imminently fair.  God does not play favorites.  Your standing before Him is a result of appropriate rules He has established that are the same for all men.

So, our sojourn on this earth should be characterized by a respect for the rules of God. Anarchy or rebellion is not acceptable, and will be judged harshly.  The gift of grace is much too precious to be treated with disdain.  How precious? Our redemption is purchased with something far greater than worldly treasures.

Our redemption is purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ.  He who lived perfectly died a sacrificial and vicarious death.  He died for us!  Isaiah wrote, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (53:5).

The book of Haggai is a short work, a series of messages from the prophet to Zerubbabel (governor), Judah (high priest) and the remnant of Judah who had returned from Babylonian captivity. The people had returned to rebuild the temple, but years had passed with it unfinished. An introduction to the book indicated that Haggai’s message was a call for renewal, a renewal of courage, holiness, and faith. This seems to be a rather apt description of the message God gave to the prophet.

First, notice why the people had left the temple unfinished for several years. “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Consider your ways!’” (Haggai 1:4-5). The people had become distracted, shifting their priorities from the greater to the lesser. They were more concerned for their own comfort than for serving the Lord. Misplaced priorities are a big problem for just about every generation! In this the returned exiles were typical, “It is time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” The remedy is, as stated,  to “consider your ways!” Continue reading “Working on the House of the Lord” →

The final two verses of this first chapter of James contain a contrast between vain religion and pure religion.

First, vain (useless) religion is a religion that does not change a person for the better. Specifically, James describes one who thinks himself to be religious, but it has not touched his tongue (or his heart), cf. Matthew 15:18.

Second, pure (and undefiled) religion is characterized by both what is not done, and what is done.   One whose religion is pure will show it by righteousness. He will keep himself “unspotted from the world,” cf. 1 Peter 4:3. Additionally, he does his duty, what God requires of Him.  He visits “orphans and widows in their trouble,” cf. Galatians 6:10.

Simply put, our religion must first be true (accepting Jesus Christ as the Anointed, the Son of God), and also life changing.  We must be a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), living our lives according to Jesus’ own will (Galatians 2:20).

Once you become a Christian, it is important to grow to maturity, progressing rather than regressing.

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At the end of chapter 2, Paul tells Titus to speak to his charges with “all authority.”  In chapter 3 he begins by writing certain charges of which Titus should remind them.

First to be subject to rulers and authorities.  While Christianity is radical, and we must obey God rather then men when there is a conflict between men and God’s will, in general we are be obedient to our civil government.  This is made clear in Romans 13:1-7, as well as Jesus’ willingness to pay taxes to Caesar, cf. Matthew 22:15-22.

Obedience in general should be characteristic of the child of God.  To parents, to civil authorities, in the church itself.

They were to be ready to do good, and to refuse to treat others badly.  “To speak evil of no one.”

Their character needed to be Christlike, (peaceable, gentle, humble), towards all men.  Not living like the Gentiles, rather having the character of their Lord (cf. Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-7, et al).

As Christians, we are to be different than we were, and than others continue to be.

A discussion of Matthew 10:21-42 showing that reconciliation and peace with God, though it is valuable and secures us blessings, sometimes will cause division with even our closest family members.

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A discussion of the example of Barnabas, the companion of Paul and a great minister of God in his own right. There is much to emulate from his example.

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(Adapted from a sermon outline “starter” that appeared on Facebook by Mark Posey on 1/19/24)

Anyone who is familiar with the teaching of Jesus Christ will know what is called the “golden rule.”  “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

The rule encompasses the most important truth for the Christian, and that is the imperative of love. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). It is not inappropriate to call it the golden rule, though that is a name given it by man, not found in scripture. Continue reading “Five “Golden” Rules” →