Good Friday. Why is it good? A lot of people will answer saying, because they can sleep in and have a holiday, a day off at work, long weekend. Those are all true, but why is it good for us? Why do we gather on this unique Friday? After all, we are celebrating the death—the suffering and crucifixion—of Jesus. That sounds terrible. And yet the day marks the dramatic and perfect … [Read more...]
The Communion of the Saints (Philippians 4:20-23)
According to Ephesians 4:1-6, believers are in union with Christ and thus in communion one another as well. The union and communion that exists between the saints of God is a reality because of the answered prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, … [Read more...]
Financial Contentment (Philippians 4:4-19)
Over our past few studies we have been considering the matter of biblical mental health, most recently focusing on the issue of contentment. I am sure you would agree that one area in which many lose their joy, their contentment and, yes, their mind, is in the area of finances. During the Great Depression in the United States, elevator operators would often ask passengers … [Read more...]
Learning Contentment (Philippians 4:10-13)
When one thinks of “contentment,” Johannesburg probably does not immediately spring to mind. The countenance of Johannesburg drivers on the highways do not display an attitude of contentment. Complaints are rife in the marketplace, and the editorial sections of newspapers display obvious discontentment. It is no exaggeration to say that our malls stay solvent due to the … [Read more...]
Dominated by the Gospel (Philippians 4:9)
I am sure that most reading this would agree with the premise that what we are in life is the result of what we think and what we do. This is essentially what Paul is teaching in Philippians 4:4-9. Thus far in our studies of this section we have focused primarily on the mind, on what we think. The overriding theme of Philippians is gospel joy, and as we have learned, the … [Read more...]