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Shine Like Stars

Chris Risley

Philippians 2:12-18

Here, Paul discusses how we should respond to Christ's example of humility. He humbled himself by being obedient to the point of dying on a cross for the humans he so loves. We are called to follow his example of humility and obedience by "working out" in the example of our lives the salvation God has worked in us from the moment we accepted the free gift of forgiveness. This does not include grumbling or complaining! Instead our lives should be so different from the world that we shine like the stars.

Keywords

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The Emptying

Dennis McCallum

Philippians 2:5-11

The concept that Jesus was fully God as well as fully human can be difficult to comprehend for our limited human minds. nevertheless, Jesus, fully divine, chose to set aside his supernatural powers in order to live fully as a mere man on earth. He emptied himself of his godly powers and relied entirely upon the Holy Spirit as he lived as a man. He did this so that he could be our faithful high priest and intercede for us on the cross. Because he was fully God, he had the infinite nature that could take on an infinite judgment against sin. And because of his obedience even unto death on a cross, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all names.

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Answering the Call

Chris Hearty

Philippians 2:12-16

Paul calls upon the Philippians to answer the call that God has made on their lives. There are two aspects of how a believer in Jesus can grow. One aspect is God's role and the other is our role. God's role is to WORK IN his salvation for the person who asks for forgiveness. A believer's role is to WORK OUT his salvation with awe and reverence which means to live out what he already has, that is his salvation. So, the believer is not working for his salvation but living out the salvation he already has. God supplies the desire and ability to live out our salvation. Our responsibility is to respond to his ability which he freely supplies.

Keywords

{"passage": "Philippians 2:12-16","passageabreviated": "Phil 2:12-16","passagetiny": "Phil 2:12-16","teacher": "Chris Hearty","teachingDa...

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The Risks and Rewards of Saying Yes to God

Ryan Lowery

Luke 1:29-38

In this passage we see 3 people or groups who said "yes" to God, despite the risks. Mary agreed to bear the Messiah, Joseph maintained his relationship with Mary, and the magi defied Herod--all moves that came with great risks, but also great rewards, as they take their place in God's plan to redeem people through Jesus the Messiah. We also face the opportunity in our life to say yes to God, also facing risks but opening the door to rewards from God, the giver of good gifts.

Keywords

{"passage": "Matthew 1:18-2:23","passageabreviated": "Matt 1:18-2:23","passagetiny": "Matt 1:18-2:23","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingD...

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Speaking into Each Others' Lives

Ryan Lowery

1 Thessalonians 5:14

As part of loving others, it is sometimes necessary to admonish other believers who are in the wrong. While uncomfortable and often counter-cultural, done properly, it is an act of love to help them, and is based on the common external standard of God's truth. It's essential to determine, with the help of the Holy Spirit, if a person is truly being "unruly," or instead is weak or disheartened, and to take action that is appropriate for them.

Keywords

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Biblical Leadership

Ryan Lowery

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Biblical leadership is accomplished through flawed people, willing to be servants. We are called to acknowledge the role of leaders, understanding they have a God-given role, and we should not make it difficult for them. We are also not to put them on a pedestal. Christian leaders are not called to control people, but rather to help people make decisions about their life, informed about the Biblical perspective on their choices.

Keywords

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Dual Citizenship

Jim Leffel

Romans 13:1-7

Why as Christians should we submit to the government at all? Isn't our citizenship in heaven? Jews of Paul's day wrestled over these very issues. Paul argues that God Himself instituted the governing authorities for our own good. A society without government would be anarchy, which is bad for all. So, even a bad governing authority, like the Jews often had to endure in their day, was better than no government. As Christians, we need to submit to the governing authorities as chosen instruments of God and not view people with differing opinions of the government as the enemy.

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{"passage": "Romans 13:1-7","passageabreviated": "Rom 13:1-7","passagetiny": "Rom 13:1-7","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "11/08/...

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Faith That Works

Mike Sullivan

James 2:14-26

When people say they have faith yet have no works, can that faith save them? James helps us understand how, even under God's grace, faithful "works" show our relationship with God.

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{"passage": "James 2:14-26","passageabreviated": "Jas 2:14-26","passagetiny": "Jas 2:14-26","teacher": "Mike Sullivan","teachingDate": "0...

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The Backward Wisdom of God (Part 2)

Ryan Lowery

James 4:1-11

The Kosmos--the world system that stands in opposition to God and His will--draws people toward a selfish point of view and lifestyle, which leads to destruction in their life. The Kosmos distracts us away from the good life that God has created us to have, and away from the true needs of others that He wants us to help meet. For Christians, James describes obedience to the Kosmos as being spiritual adultery, and calls on us to take these failings seriously. The good news is, as we turn to Him for mercy, God offers us forgiveness and a restoration to usefulness.

Keywords

{"passage": "James 4:1-11","passageabreviated": "Jas 4:1-11","passagetiny": "Jas 4:1-11","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDate": "09/15/...

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