February 25, 2018 | Pastor John Bayles | The Unity of Christian Citizenship | Philippians 2:1-4

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February 25, 2018 | Pastor John Bayles | The Unity of Christian Citizenship | Philippians 2:1-4

The Unity of Christian Citizenship
Philippians 2:1-4

In one, very likely, spoken sentence the Apostle Paul outlines the full expanse of the Christian community experience. Being well-versed in the Hebrew forms of parallelisms and meter, the four “if” statements held over against the resulting “then” responses, bring these stanzas into a form selected for substance by repetition and perhaps even lyrical singing. The Hebrew covenant structure is seen as Paul begins with the four “if” statements and responds with the resulting four “then” statements.

We must recognize what perhaps is obvious. Paul is not setting up a covenant statement of action-response. That is if you do these four things, then you will become God’s people. Never! He is working within the context of what he established in the preceding verses in which he discussed Christina citizenship. His admonition here is given in the context of what the cross has established, already for the Philippian community. His dialog is a set of statements that Christ has already established for them. Therefore, they can participate in the actions Paul describes. Christ has set you in community, Christ has give you the redemptive tools to maintain and encourage relationships in Him, and Christ has set His Spirit among you the guide you into these behaviors, in order that you may fully shine forth as a light to the lost world around you.

February 18, 2018 | Pastor John Bayles | Maintaining Christian Citizenship | Philippians 1:27-30

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February 18, 2018 | Pastor John Bayles | Maintaining Christian Citizenship | Philippians 1:27-30

February 18, 2018

Maintaining Christian Citizenship
Philippians 1:27-30

In the past few verses of Philippians chapter one, Paul has reflected upon several ideas.
1. The complex circumstances which brought him to Rome have served to give Paul the unique opportunity to share the Gospel with the whole Praetorian guard and the highest levels of the Palace population.
2. The advance of the Gospel in the impossible context of his imprisonment has stirred up the faith, like-mindedness and boldness of the believers in Rome to do the same;
3. As he faces the possibility of death under Roman judicial system, he presents his disposition as one of joyful anticipation of life with Christ weather he lives or dies. In these next verses, the apostle’s reasoning hope is that he will be released and soon return to Philippi and to joyful participation in ministry with his dear friends. However, he makes a turn to a foundation truth that must be observed and maintained no matter whether Paul lives or dies in Rome. That truth? Observe, guard, and maintain your true identity: Citizens of Christ’s Kingdom. This is the prism through which Paul addresses the Philippian audience then and us, his audience here today. Tear away the foundation and the structure will fall. Notably, the apostle is very likely reflective upon the words of his Savior: “(24) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (25) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (26) But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. (27) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Mat.7:24-27).

February 11, 2018 | Pastor John Mazariegos | Looking through the Windows of Life from God’s Perspective | Acts 17:26-28

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February 11, 2018 | Pastor John Mazariegos | Looking through the Windows of Life from God’s Perspective | Acts 17:26-28

Looking through the Windows of Life from God’s Perspective

Acts 17:26-28

Today Pastor John Mazariegos, Missionary to San Luis Potosí, Mexico will present a God-centered World-view. From this firm foundation He will affirm and challenge how we think and act in every aspect of our lives. The way we look at all aspects of life is charicterized as looking through windows. As we look through the windows of life: relationships, morality, personal and world events, God and His Word adjusts what we see and how think and act. This gives precision to our sense of who we are and what is our purpose in God’s world.

For video: click here.

February 4, 2018 | Pastor John Bayles | The Joyful Courage | Philippians 1:27-30

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 February 4, 2018 | Pastor John Bayles | The Joyful Courage | Philippians 1:27-30

The Joyful Courage
Philippians 1:27-30

        In today’s text, Paul comes to the subject of courage. It is placed in the crossroad between life and death. He has stated that for him "To live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Phi.1:21-24). With these two options before him, It is important to note that Paul “eagerly expected and hoped that he would have sufficient courage to face either options. Today we will seek to discover the source of Paul’s expectation and hope. With his hearers in Philippi, let us also take hold of that which took hold of Paul and gave him courage and hope in this time of life and death.

For video: click here.