Unity’s Mindset
Synopsis: Paul continues to develop the theme of church unity through describing the humbling and exaltation of Jesus as our example in the kind of mindset needed for church unity.
Church Unity
Synopsis – This is the first mention of a problem in the Philippian church that will be addressed throughout the letter, the problem of disunity. In this passage, Paul calls for unity.
Not the Jesus We Expected
Summary: In the climax of Luke’s birth narrative, he gives a taste of Jesus’ ministry and message. As we find in the passage, it’s not the Jesus we expected.
The King from Bethlehem
Synopsis: Jesus’ origin in Bethlehem tell us the kind of King he will be.
Joy for the Future
Synopsis: Paul turns from rejoicing in the present to his confidence that he will continue to rejoice in the future. Anxiety about the future is a common “joy-stealer,” and Paul shows us here that the Christian can look at the future full of joy.
Surprised by Joy
Synopsis: The Philippians had heard that things were not going so well for the apostle Paul, and they were concerned for him. He writes to let them know that even though he was in prison, God was working to advance the gospel, and in that Paul found great joy.
Fighting the Right War
Synopsis: Advent means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival.’ This prophecy assures us that God’s promises cannot be denied. God accomplishes what He says and uses all things to work His sovereign plan to give life to all who will trust in Him.
A Happy Man
Synopsis: Paul’s letter to the Philippians is filled with joy. His prayer in today’s passage shows us something of the source of that joy in the things Paul valued.
At Home in Heaven
Synopsis: Christianity is not just about making it to heaven. More importantly, it’s about God’s work through Jesus to make us fit for heaven.
Do Not Disbelieve
Synopsis: In his Gospel, John uses the word “believe” almost 100 times, clearly indicating the importance of belief in his narrative. Our passage today is the climax of John’s Gospel, giving us in Thomas a living example of our own journey of belief.