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Read Galatians 2:19-21   For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.     Reflect   How does legalism nullify the grace of God?     If someone as

What worries consume your attention? Bryon leads our prayer time today asking God to help us cast our cares on Him.

If you're like some people, you take pride in being able to tackle a huge to-do list on a daily basis. But that will only lead to burn-out and more stress. Laura is here today to share some wisdom she learned from the Bible that will help you too.

INTRO:  SPIRITUALLY FIT  | TODAY STEP 1 - RECEIVE (Receive God's Word and Grow in Bible Knowledge) "Sanctification" is another one of those big words pastors like to throw around. But this is an important word that tells us about the Holy Spirit's work in our live after we trust in Jesus. Learn more about this word in today's episode. STEP 2 - REFLECT (How does this Scripture Apply to your life?) If you're like some people, you take pride in being able to tackle a huge to-do

Have you ever considered God’s nearness to you?  Donna Amidon shares the comforting truth that God is up-close-and personal and a “very...

"Sanctification" is another one of those big words pastors like to throw around. But this is an important word that tells us about the...

READ   Philippians 1:22-24   22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.     After writing that he wanted to honor Christ by life or by death, Paul comments further. He saw the value of continuing to live. He could do more work for the Lord if he stayed but then wa

READ   Philippians 1:25-26   25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.     In his case, Paul was convinced he would remain alive at that time to continue to help the Philippian believers. He wanted them to spiritually grow and rejoice in their faith.

READ   Philippians 1:5-6   5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.     Paul was especially thankful for the believers in Philippi who had been faithful partners with him in the ministry since he first came to their city. God had begun a good work in

READ   Philippians 1:7-8   7  So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.   8  God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.     Philippians is called one of “The Prison Epistles” along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. Paul’s tenderness for

READ   Philippians 1:9-10   9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.     Notice what was on his mind as Paul prayed for these believers. He did not pray for their physical problems or that they would be free from persecution; he prayed for their spiritual growth. He wa

READ   Philippians 1:11   11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.     Paul wanted believers to “be filled with the fruit of your salvation.” He even defined what he meant: “the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ.” Notice it is not produced by the believer’s self-effort; it is produced by Jesus Christ. Paul even tells the r

READ   Philippians 1:12-14   12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.     Even though he was imprisoned, Paul saw the sovereignty of God at work. Becaus

READ   Philippians 1:15-17   15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.     Paul knew about those who were preaching with impure motives. Lik

READ   Philippians 1:18-19   18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.     Regardless of whether the motives of others preaching the gospel were good or bad, notice what Paul said. He rejoiced that Christ was being preached. In spite of

READ   Philippians 1:20-21   20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.     Paul’s desire was to preach Christ unashamedly and boldly. Above all he wanted to honor Christ whether by his life or by his death. Verse 21 reveals there is no s

READ   Philippians 1:22-24   22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.     After writing that he wanted to honor Christ by life or by death, Paul comments further. He saw the value of continuing to live. He could do more work for the Lord if he stayed but then wa

READ   Philippians 1:25-26   25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.     In his case, Paul was convinced he would remain alive at that time to continue to help the Philippian believers. He wanted them to spiritually grow and rejoice in their faith.

READ   Philippians 1:27   27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.     The Philippian believers would know what Paul was referring to when he referred to “citizens.” When he was arrested, beaten and jai

READ   Philippians 1:28-29   28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.     Believers want to be a testimony to those who need Jesus. Here Paul tells how to be a good witness: by not being intimidated by your enemies. Even your atti