God's Good Work

Scott Risley
Philippians 1:3-11

Although Paul is in Rome under house arrest, chained to Roman guards, he is overjoyed at the good work God is doing in the lives of his friends in Philippi. He knows that the good work that God began in them at the moment of their justification, he will complete it until the day of their glorification, and even so, during their sanctification in the mean time. This is a work God does, not us by our fleshly effort. The question is whether we will cooperate with him in this ongoing work.

Fellowship of the Gospel

Chris Hearty
Philippians 1:3-11

The spiritual life is a work of God from beginning to end. Genuine biblical fellowship engages not only the heart toward others but the mind in knowledge and discernment as well. It involves active participation in both vertical and horizontal relationships.

Abounding All the More in Love

Dennis McCallum
Philippians 1:1-11

Christianity is unique among the world religions in that love is the highest goal where as other religions place duty, or enlightenment or self-improvement as the highest goal. Although the church at Philippi was doing well in loving, Paul calls them to "abound still more and more" in love. But it is not enough to merely abound in love, one must excel in love "in real knowledge and discernment" as the world is overflowing with deception and lies. Our love must be based in truth.

Arguing for Truth (Part 1)

Chris Hearty
Galatians 3:1-26

Galatians 3 and 4 form one of the Apostle Paul's greatest arguments for grace by faith in Christ. In Part 1 we will look at his first 3 of 6 arguments that he uses to defend the truth.

Why, What, and How to Argue

Ben Foust
2 Timothy 2:16-25

Timothy is charged with arguing well with fellow Christians who are falling for false doctrine. \r\nWhy should we ever argue? There are good reasons to argue, not over words, but for the sake of righteousness, when it is for the sake of someone's genuine good. Useful arguing is for the sake of God's priorities. \r\nWhen should we argue? Christians often do not address problems that matter or vigorously argue over problems that don't matter. Instead, God's way is to choose, in love, what battles are important enough in which to engage. Are you arguing in order to rescue this person from a snare?\r\nHow then should we argue? A Christian should not be quarrelsome, but instead, be kind to all, skillful in teaching and be patient when wronged. Humbleness is the key to arguing well.

Do Not Be Ashamed

Ben Foust
2 Timothy 1:7-12

What would be worth enduring shame for? Paul encourages Timothy to join him as a shameless messenger of the good news that saves. The testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes and is, therefor, a worthwhile reason to gladly endure suffering and shame to share this good news. The Gospel is worth it!

The Importance of Patience

Ryan Lowery
James 5:7-11

As James has demonstrated through his book, the world in which we live can prove unfair and harsh for believers in Jesus, but a mature Christian has learned to be patient in the midst of difficulty. James offers that someday Jesus will return, and the world will be put right. We should cling to that promise as our only true hope, and should wait patiently for now, engaging in the good works that will draw people to God, the only source of true good. We should also speak truthfully about God, even if we encounter opposition.

The Full Armor of God (Part 1)

Gary DeLashmutt
Ephesians 6:11-15

The apostle Paul was chained to Roman soldiers when he wrote this letter. He uses their armor to illustrate God's resources for our battle with supernatural evil. This time we discuss the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth and the shoes of peace.

Be Filled with the Spirit

Gary DeLashmutt
Ephesians 5:18-21

The most concise passage in the New Testament on how to be filled with God's Spirit. A helpful and practical look at what it means to: 1) speak God's truth to ourselves; 2) give thanks; and 3) be subject to one another. Habitual submission to the Holy Spirit's control results in progressive health.\r\n