The Blazing Center

If we make much of God because he makes much of us, then WE are idolaters. But if we make make much of God because God makes much of God, then God is our God. Cultural Christianity will tell you that the greatest thing in life is salvation. Salvation is an amazing miracle that shows the grace of mercy of God, but it is one of the blessings of God. The Greatest thing in life is God. God is the Gift, God is salvation, God is the Gospel. When we find our joy, hope, fulfillment, satisfaction, and purpose in God, He is most Glorified. God should be the blazing center of our lives.

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?

Servants

Servants of the Savior
Philippians 1.1-2
1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus
The Identity
We see that in this text, as well as all the other texts that Paul has written, that he identifies himself and Timothy. He does not use code, or secret language he openly tells all who he is. This is the same Paul that was with you when you first came to know the Lord. This is the same Paul whom you ate with, hung out with. This could have brought Paul great persecution, but Paul did not care. You see a true servant is not ashamed of their identity. Notice that Paul did not say, I Paul the Great preacher, or I Paul the mega super star pastor…..No he said I Paul the slave or servant. ( what things do we tend to identify with? Why are their so many Christians who are ashamed of who they are? How can we keep from letting pride swell up in our lives?)

(vs1b) To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
The Fellowship
In the next part of the text we see the fellowship. These are the people whom Paul Cared for. From Acts 16 We remember that these people were a cross section of the society they lived in. In other words there were many different people who involved in this church. We see a glimpse of how Paul viewed community. Notice how all is emphasized in these verses. ( What is community to you? What are some ways that we as a group can promote community? When has their been a time that you experienced community?)

(1:2 ) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Supply
The text shows how Paul’s true feelings for the church. He desired that God would supply them everything that they needed. Christ is our supply. Paul knew that Christ was everything that this church needed. Grace and peace should be the top of every Christian’s wish list. Many people whish for other things like money, prosperity, good insurance, nice houses, cars, etc. As servants grace and peace are all we need. These items must be put into context. ( name some things that we think we need? Where do these thoughts come from? Why are we so easily influenced by our culture? What steps can we take to make Christ our supply?)