By Sam E. Stone Paul’s epistle to the Philippians reads more like a personal letter than a theological treatise. Today’s text (chapter 2), however, ranks as one of the most significant passages in all the New Testament regarding the coming of God’s Son to earth. It is filled with practical lessons for us as […]
Why can’t Christians disagree without being nasty?
By Bob Russell “This is the sorriest bunch of drivel I’ve ever read. With pitiful leaders like you it’s no wonder our churches are in such terrible shape! One day God will judge you in eternity for leading his people astray.” Those strident comments were e-mailed to me by a believer who was upset with […]
Where You Live — for January 6, 2013
By Dan Lentz 1. What personal goal would you like to accomplish in the coming year? Read Philippians 1:12-26. 2. When you observe people who are “preaching Christ” or are very public with their faith, does their perceived internal motivation ever impact the effectiveness of their message? 3. In these verses, […]
Proclaiming Christ–The Uniform Lesson for January 6, 2013
By Sam E. Stone Philippians is a letter of encouragement. Although Paul wrote it while a prisoner of Rome, it is not a “Woe is me!” message. The Christians in Philippi and countless believers since have found in this letter reason to rejoice, no matter what life’s circumstances may be. Pat Edwin Harrell called […]
The Lesson and Life — for January 6, 2013
By Ray Stites “I didn’t see that coming.” “Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!” Even today I can clearly hear Jim Nabors as Gomer Pyle delivering his signature line. TV viewers of yesteryear knew the unexpected had happened—again—to help Private Pyle, or thwart his sergeant, or turn someone’s day upside down. Surprises can be humorous. They can […]