October 25, 2015
Acts chapter 2 paints a beautiful picture of the first church. While it inspires us, it can also make us fell guilty--why aren't we more like Acts chapter 2? In this message we make sure we have not misrepresented the first church and renew our commitment to be all we can be as a congregation.
October 18, 2015
The Gospel makes for a "topsy-turvy" worldview: those who wish to be
great must become the least; those who wish to find their life, must
lose it; Christ brings eternal life through death. Philippians 2:5-11,
the "kenotic" (empty) hymn/poet/creed of the early church states Jesus
"emptied himself, taking on the role of the servant." This is how Jesus
triumphs. Paul says we must do the same. How shall we serve? How shall
we live out this topsy-turvy lifestyle in the midst of "a top-dog wins
all" world? The short Philemon series concludes with the practical
application of Paul's letter to Philemon.
Tags: Philemon, Missional
October 11, 2015
Focusing on verse six of Paul's letter to Philemon, we grasp the
idea that because of Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus' shared "mutual
participation" in the cross of Christ, Philemon is compelled to receive
back Onesimus as a brother rather than as a slave. Hebrews 9:21-22
states that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Forgiveness is Christ's work upon the cross. Therefore, no Christian can
"rob" Christ of his sacrifice and judge another: one cannot act in the
place of Christ and withhold forgiveness. This pertains to our life, for
instance, Christians cannot ignore the poor, voiceless, helpless, and
foreigner IF they are covered by the blood of Jesus. Our mind must be
the same as Jesus' - there is no option. This is the theological
understanding of verse six, which translators have had difficulty
conveying the confusing Greek syntax of Paul in that verse.
Tag: Philemon, Compassion
