June 24, 2018: "That's how it's done, son"

 

Philippians series message 17

Text: Philippians 4:1

There's an aspect of the Christian life which is "pressing on" towards the goal and prize. There's also an aspect which is standing firm in the Lord. Even though it's placed in chapter four, it really is the ending to the thoughts given in chapter three. So what does it look like to stand firm in the Lord? Chapters 1-3 yield the answer:  being confident of the Lord's work in your life, contending together for faith of the Gospel, being intentional about unity, knowing the Gospel, knowing Christ and His resurrection power, etc. 

 

June 17, 2018: A Compelling Vision

Philippians series message 16

Text: Philippians 3:17-21

Paul leads by example by pressing on toward PRIZE. He reminds us, pointedly, that there are those who are enemies of the cross who will distract and pull us down. They are set on earthly things but we are citizens of HEAVEN, now. We are sojourners. This is not our home. It's not as if the prize is something completely future, as if it's tacked on to our current state. No, we live here as citizens of another kingdom - our hearts should be comforted by this and this is what should define our personal conduct. 

June 10, 2018: How Does That Work?!

Philippians series message 15

Text: Philippians 3:14-16

Paul lived by the power of Christ's resurrection through a humble mindset, leaving his past behind, and pressing on toward the prize. How does one press on toward the prize? There is still applicable truth to be squeezed out of Philippians 3:14, so we will pick up there and also discuss how we should relate with one another as we press toward that prize. 

June 3, 2018: Pressing in!

Philippians series message 14

Text: Philippians 3:12-14

Thus far, we've heard Paul affirm that we worship by the Spirit, put no confidence in the flesh, and boast in Christ. What a great personal example Paul gives- his intent is to truly know Christ experientially - the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made like Him in His death. What does this mean, and how do we 'press in' to this? A key question we posed last week, which we'll highlight in this message, is how do we live by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ? What does that look like and how can we help each other live in the joy and power of the resurrection? 

May 27, 2018: Are YOU a Moralist? part 2

Philippians series message 13

Text: Philippians 3:1-11

The Gospel flies in the face of what most of us conceive our relationship to God to be predicated upon. Not my merits, but His. Jesus' finished work on Calvary. Grace. Even as believers, it's super easy to fall back into the old way of thinking - somehow, some way, I've got to bring something to the table to "pay the rent" and keep this good standing intact. So, here we find a passage dedicated to putting no confidence in the flesh and glorying in Christ. We'll take two or three weeks on this passage; it's important and very applicable to parenting.  Raising moralists is not the same as raising a grace-filled and bold generation for Christ. 

Three key concepts from last time: worship by the Spirt, no confidence in the flesh, boasting in Christ.

All of this still applies this week, but we'll develop three key concepts from the latter verses: what I lost (ditched), what I've embraced, and how that changes everything for me in the most glorious way possible. 

May 13, 2018: Are YOU a Moralist?

Philippians series message 12

Text: Philippians 3:1-11

The Gospel flies in the face of what most of us conceive our relationship to God to be predicated upon. Not my merits, but His. Jesus' finished work on Calvary. Grace. Even as believers, it's super-easy to fall back into the old way of thinking - somehow, some way, I've got to bring something to the table to "pay the rent" and keep this good standing intact. So here we find a passage dedicated to putting no confidence in the flesh, and glorying in Christ. We'll take two or three weeks on this passage; it's important and very applicable to parenting - raising moralists is not the same as raising a grace filled and bold generation for Christ.   

May 6, 2018: Humility - A Test Case

Philippians series message 11

Text: Philippians 2:19-30

Paul told us to follow Christ's example and do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but, in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Now he'll flesh that out a bit and give two specific examples of what this looks like in ministry: Timothy & Epaphroditus. Want to know what it looks like on a personal level to be humble and serve each other? Look at these brothers. 

April 29, 2018: Don't Just Stand There!

Philippians series message 10

Text: Philippians 2:12-18

So we've focused on unity the past two weeks. Paul urges the Philippians to collectively work out their salvation by doing everything without grumbling or complaining. Attention will be given to the past, present, and future aspects of salvation as well as our responsibility to cooperate with the Spirit's presence and work in our lives to forward Christian maturity (and, our responsibility to spur others on to maturity and good works) while not losing sight of the context of this passage, which has in mind a more corporate working out of the same. 

April 22, 2018: Painting the Picture of Unity

Philippians series message 9

Text: Philippians 2:1-11

This week we will continue in Philippians with the unity that comes from our common faith in Jesus Christ. But let's be honest, while we have a concept of what unity is supposed to be, we often struggle with how to actually live it out. Our picture needs definition. It needs depth. It needs detail so we can see what unity really looks like. This week we will look at Paul's desire for unity in the church at Philippi to bring clarity to what God is calling us to at DBC. 

April 15, 2018: Developing Humility

Philippians series message 8

Text: Philippians 2:1-11

From contending for the Gospel with those outside, Paul turns to in-house matters. Humility is the main theme, which drives how we interact with and treat one another. By developing unity in striving for the gospel, we must each first develop humility. Pastor Mike & I are going to tag team on this passage and reverse-engineer it. I'll set up the humility of Jesus, and he'll follow next week, making the specific application for each of us, in light of that example. 

April 8, 2018: What We're Striving For

Philippians series message 7

Text: Philippians 1:27-30

The last few weeks we've seen the centrality of the gospel and, furthermore, the centrality of the death and resurrection of Christ within the gospel. Now what do we do with this? What are we aiming for? Three key directives: know your footing, cultivate unity, and develop boldness.

 

April 1, 2018: The Resurrection; Not a Sidebar

Resurrection Sunday message

Text: I Corinthians 15:3-8

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is of first importance: no resurrection, no hope. In this message we'll consider not only the importance of the resurrection and the implications of it, but the compelling evidence for this event in history - a man who was really and truly dead was raised to life!

March 25, 2018: Christ, Our Passover Lamb

Philippians series message 6

Text: Philippians 1:21

As we approach Resurrection Sunday, we'll continue to reflect on the power of the Gospel via the last supper. My aim is to demonstrate the unity of Scripture in speaking to the suffering and triumph of Messiah, and the power of the truth that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. I'll incorporate the Sedar dinner but it won't be the centerpiece as it was two years ago at this time. 

 

March 18, 2018: The Power of Christ!

Philippians series message 5

Text: Philippians 1:19-26

The Gospel brings great ANTICIPATION, great HOPE, great PERSPECTIVE! Last week Paul rehearsed his many woes in wanting to minister in Rome, but noted that the Lord was faithful through it all because the Gospel was being proclaimed in a strategic way which brought the truth right to the powers that be. He didn't casually settle for that, he intentionally chose to rejoice in it! This week we'll see the power of the Gospel as evidenced in Paul's iconic statement, for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

March 11, 2018: The Important Thing

Philippians series message 4

Text: Philippians 1:12-18

Have you set your heart to do something godly and then suffered for it? You are actually trying to serve the Lord and bad things happen. In those circumstances, do you ask "WHY???" Paul didn't. He had his grand plans messed up and suffered greatly for it, yet he was tripping over himself to give praise to God. Why is this? Because the Gospel was being advanced in ways he never imagined, and that's all that's all that mattered to him! Paul's resolve and perspective point us to the centrality and power of the Gospel, something we must never forget or diminish. I've especially been reminded of this with Billy Graham's home-.going. 

March 4, 2018: Picture This!

Philippians series message 3

Text: Philippians 1:9-11

Paul now shows the content of his prayers for the Philippians, after commending them for their participation in the Gospel. We'll build on the strong word Mike brought last week to highlight five themes of his prayer; these themes are applicable for all believers - everywhere. His prayer is that they (we) would abound in a love which is guided and directed by knowledge and discernment, so that we can continuously develop our convictions and live to the fullest our calling and identity as Christ-followers. Our love grows through knowledge of Jesus Christ. Love well and digging deeper will be on full display.  

February 25, 2018: Relationships Reimagined

Philippians series message 2

Text: Philippians 1:7-8

Relationships are hard. It is so easy to let offenses divide us or give priority to something that drives us apart. Left alone we naturally drift apart. Not so with Paul's connection with the Philippians. He loved them deeply. They weren't just partners in ministry but they were also fellow partakers of God's grace and grace changes everything, especially our relationships. Will you reimagine your relationships in light of grace?

February 18, 2018: The Faithful One!

Philippians series message 1

Text: Philippians 1:1-6

When a guy writes about joy from prison, it's time to listen up. Paul shows us how Christian joy increases as we follow Christ, no matter our circumstances. 

Three key concepts:

1) His thoughts toward us (vs. 2): our feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness can be crushing at times. 

2) Partnership (vs. 5): pretty much our emphasis on discipleship - we all play a part. 

3) His faithfulness (vs. 6): He won't let go, He's with us in the storm, and thank GOD our standing is based on Christ's performance and not ours.

February 11, 2018: The Inside Ouch

Guest Speaker Scott Brown

In John 16, Jesus revealed a practical aspect of the Spirit's ministry among pre-believers that gives fresh perspective on our role in evangelism, and which removes the fear factor from evangelistic encounters with skeptics.