No Gas!

Will we have to go back to the Mountain Man days???? Well in all circumstances let us find joy. Paul reminds us of this in the end of Chapter 4 in the book of Philippians.

Philippians 4.10-19
I. Joy in Suffering (vs11-13)
a. Content
b. All circumstances
c. Strength in Christ
Ask—What is contentment to you? Do you think we can find it in all circumstances, why or why not? How does Christ give us strength to go through any situation?
II. Joy in Ministry (vs10,14-17)
a. Concern
b. Sharing
c. Partnership
d. Sacrifice
Ask—Look at verse 10, How did these people show concern for Paul? What exactly did they share in? How did they sacrifice? What can we do or already doing to find joy in ministry?
III. Joy in God’s Supply (vs18-19)
a. Use of God’s People
b. Supply of Personal needs
Ask—How does God use us to help others in need? How has God supplied your personal needs? Do you think that God cares for your needs?

The Art of Suffering

Suffering was an everyday occurrence for the New Testament believers. The Apostle Peter writes to these believers in the letter of I Peter. He writes to encourage and give hope to these people who suffered for the Lord. How do we suffer? Peter says that we have been called to suffer….called to die to our sin. Christ is our example he bore on sins in HIS body on a tree. We are to die to sin and live to righteousness. Many times we suffer for the Glory of God in fact Peter says that we should not be surprised when we go through fiery trials, WE ARE TO REJOICE when we are going through trials, because we are sharing in Christ’s Sufferings.

Elizabeth...

Beth...is a person who pushes me daily to become what Christ wants me to be. Her passion and zeal for life are contagious. She is an inspiration to me and all who are around her. She is a wife, lover, mom, best friend, minister, and lady. I esteem her today...

Jamberry

Here in the mountains of Haywood county mid summer brings warm days cool nights. This type weather is perfect for the wild blackberry and raspberry. Me and Emma are reaping the harvest close to our mountain home. Our dogs were also treating themselves to the bounty.

We took the berries we picked and "put them up" to be used later for jam...

Philippians 4.1….some final words on Christian Community

This post was published to D-te3m at 1:07:50 PM 9/3/2008
Philippians 4.1….some final words on Christian Community



Philippians 4.1
As Paul ends this letter to the Philippians he reminds the people of few things.

This picture from our retreat to High Pastures

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Paul reminds his reader of the family ties that hold the body of Christ together. He does this by expressing his feelings to his readers
Family ties (vs1a)
Love
Joy
Pride
Describe to the group what love in the family of God looks like? Why do you think these people brought Paul Joy? How can we find joy in our Christian relationships? What made Paul so proud of these people that he would call them his crown?
Family Orders (vs1b)
Stand
Strong
Stable
Paul orders the family of God to stand firm, what do you think he means by this statement? What is the difference between standing and standing firm? How does God provide our strength to stand. What are some challenges in today’s world that hinder us from standing in the Lord?