Articles for tag: Philippians 3

December 23, 2014

Mark A. Taylor

A Promise for More Than the Shepherds

By Mark A. Taylor It was a golden moment. We were touring the magnificent Christmas displays at Longwood Gardens, a 1,000-plus-acre delight not far from Philadelphia in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Tucked in one corner of the Gardens” many-roomed, 4.5-acre conservatory is a majestic 10,010 pipe organ, a centerpiece for hourly Christmas carol sing-alongs throughout the day we were there. In spite of the instrument”s ability to fill the room with its own volume (and rumbling bass notes we could feel as well as hear), voices soared and surrounded us as we sang the carols together. And one of them””certainly not

April 14, 2014

Christian Standard

Making the Point: Delivering Powerful Communion Meditations

By Andy Heisler Preparing a three-minute Communion meditation has challenges that are unique from crafting a 30-minute sermon or Bible lesson. A sermon speaker or lesson teacher is able to follow the arc of a story, and take time to unpack the meaning of a text. A meditation presenter, on the other hand, has only a few critical moments to engage the congregation and lead them to the foot of the cross. Preparation is critical to crafting a Communion message that hits the mark. Consider the following suggestions: Make the Point Being clever or creative is not of greatest importance,

March 8, 2013

Christian Standard

His Glorious Body

By C. Robert Wetzel Glory to God in the highest! Coming to the Lord”s table is an occasion to celebrate the glory of God and the promise of our participation in his glory. Traditionally we have often sung in preparation for the Lord”s Supper, “In the Cross of Christ I Glory.” More recently it may be, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” But every Lord”s Day we are reminded in a special way of God”s power, majesty, and love. How extraordinary that the God who created all things should reveal himself in the person of Jesus Christ! How glorious

February 8, 2013

Christian Standard

Confess Our Unworthiness, Celebrate His Worthiness

By Lynn Gardner Paul warned against partaking of the Lord”s Supper in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27, 29). However, that does not mean we should not recognize our unworthiness as we partake. Our culture stresses self-confidence as a key to success. Proper self-respect as one made in the image of God is not sinful, and recognizing we are unworthy to be saved by God is not having a low self-image or low self-esteem. God places a value on us because he created us in his image, but we stand before him as guilty sinners who do not deserve his favor

January 21, 2013

Christian Standard

Lesson for January 27, 2013: Standing Firm in Christ (Philippians 3:12–4:1)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone In his personal letter to the church family at Philippi, the apostle Paul emphasized the importance of doing everything for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:7). In addition to warning against false teachers, he spoke candidly about spiritual maturity, encouraging every Christian to remain faithful. Today”s text provides guidance for believers living in a hostile world.   Don”t Dwell on the Past Philippians 3:12, 13 It is not wise to think that one has “arrived,” having

January 14, 2013

Christian Standard

Lesson for January 20, 2013: Knowing Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:1-11)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone This month”s lessons are all taken from Paul”s letter to the Philippians. His message to them centered in Jesus Christ, just as his other letters did. Evidently some false teachers were afoot in Philippi, as well as in Galatia (Galatians 3:1-5). They were causing some believers to have misplaced confidence. They taught that salvation could come from what they could do””not by depending on God. We see similar errors today. Paul reaffirmed his previous message to

May 2, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for May 8, 2011: Perpetual Praise (Revelation 4)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for May 8 ) is written by Tom May who serves with Eastside Christian Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana. ____________ Perpetual Praise (Revelation 4) By Thomas May Revelation 4 provides another of many transitions in the final book of the Bible. John is given a glimpse of the end of time. Picture someone looking at a two-sided coin. On one side, John sees images of God with his people, protecting and encouraging regardless of the apparent circumstances of life; and on the other side are inscriptions of the judgment that will come

August 9, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Aug. 15, 2010: Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4b-16)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 15) is written by Rick D. Walston, vice president of academics and professor of Christian ministries at Crossroads College in Rochester, Minnesota. Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4-16) By Rick D. Walston What motivates you? What goals are you pursuing? Gordon MacDonald tells about pursuing a doctorate in history at the University of Northern Colorado. He was in a seminar with a dozen other graduate students discussing the economic impact of changes in tobacco prices in 17th-century Virginia. The students offered their opinions, raised their voices, and gestured forcefully, evidencing true passion. MacDonald reports, “When I left the

May 17, 2009

Christian Standard

What Church Leaders Need to Know About Ministry to Aging Baby Boomers

  By Amy Hanson Chances are you”ve heard some of these statistics, but try to take a fresh look and really let them soak in: “¢ Americans 65 and older are the fastest-growing segment of the population. “¢ In the past century, the number of people in the United States under the age of 65 has tripled; however, the number of people over 65 has increased by more than a factor of 12. “¢ Today, there are approximately 78 million baby boomers in the U.S., with the oldest boomer turning 63 this year (2009). “¢ By the year 2030 there

September 14, 2008

Christian Standard

The Discipline of Worship

By Becky Ahlberg Worship is a spiritual discipline. It is relationally driven, to be sure, but like any healthy relationship it takes dedicated nurture to overcome our selfish nature. Healthy relationships require constant attention and, yes, discipline. They are dynamic and ever changing. Bookstores are full of books that offer help and insight into building better relationships with parents, children, spouses, coworkers, employers, employees, and even our pets! They all seem to agree we are drawn into relationships by our nature (to love and be loved and to find companionship and meaning for our lives), but we stay in them

August 26, 2007

Jeff Walling

power to go the distance

The Power to Go the Distance

Marathon training reveals a surprising truth: finishing is less about muscles than motivation. This devotional contrasts fear, reward, and love—and points to Christ’s love as the strength that helps believers go the distance.

July 1, 2007

Christian Standard

The Problems with Christian Nationalism: An American Viewpoint

By Ethan Magness A visit to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is an unsettling experience. From the outside everything seems so normal. If not for the small line of tourists waiting to get in, it would be indistinguishable from other houses in the beautiful old neighborhood. Cobblestones and a quiet canal belie the dramatic story of good and evil that took place inside the silent building. The house tour leads from the printing shop through the secret door and into the apartment. The furniture is simple and functional. Even the “hiding place” seems comfortable and would have been quite

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