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Showing posts from January, 2011

Philippians 2:1-11

In 1991, I travelled to Ottawa for the first time in my life to join with 40 other students from across Canada to share a common life in Christ with the common purpose of evangelism and discipleship under the direction of a student Christian organization (then called Campus Crusade for Christ). Before coming to Ottawa, we were sent an introductory packet about the project and one of our assignments was to come having memorized Phil 2:1-4. Why this passage? Well, I think because unity was a BiG concern. Throw together a bunch of students to live, eat, grow in their faith, and do ministry together and the potential for conflict is huge. But I don't think it was just about AVOIDING something, it was also about GAINING something. In Phillipians 2:1-11 , Paul proposes that the Philippians can make his joy complete by being united: "being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" (vs 2). Paul was so grateful and joyful over the Philippians as they we...

Philippians 1:12-30

To read the passage, please click here . "Yes, and I will continue to rejoice..." (1:18b). Paul's attitude in this section of Philippians is very positive despite his imprisonment (1:13), some rival preachers (1:15, 17), and the troubles the Philippians are experiencing (1:30). I thought about entitling this blog "Determined to be Positive" but then decided not to because I don't believe it is sheer determination that is the source of Paul's joy. What is it then? Jesus Christ and the advancement of the gospel. "...what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel" (1:12); "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way... Christ is preached." (1:18) "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." (1:22) A prayer that I've heard recently embodies Paul's desire. Lord, May everything that happens to me today be for my sanctification and the salvation of the world. The redemptive frame...

Test Blog

One of my friends asked that I make it possible to get email notice when this blog is updated so I added a subscription feature. This is my test blog to see what happens when I post a blog. Philippians continues tomorrow....

Philippians 1:1-11

Eugene Peterson calls Philippians "Paul's happiest letter" ( The Message , Navpress, 2004, p 1600) and in a time of year when we are fighting the cold outside (or cold viruses in our homes), I think a joyful Word is most welcome. Over the next 8 weeks, I will be sharing reflections through the book of Philippians based on the pre-supposition that the life Paul describes and exhorts his reader towards is available to us in Christ. Philippians 1:1-11 The first thing that caught my eye when I read this portion of Scripture is how many times the word "all" is used: "all the saints" (vs 1); "all my prayers" (vs 4), "all of you" (vs 4, 7 x 2, & 8). Add into that the "always" of verse 3 and the tone of the letter is very expansive. Paul doesn't want anyone in that church to think they are left out of his prayers, confidence, or love. Where does he get that kind of capacity? I think the text gives us the answer. Verse ...

Epiphany Worshiping Jesus

Matthew 2:1-12 Today (January 6th) is Epiphany. It's the day in the church calendar when we celebrate the manifestation of God in the flesh by re-telling the story of the Magi's search for Jesus. There are many exciting elements to the story of the Wise Men - they travel from a distant land ("the east"), present expensive gifts to the Child, and avoid King Herod on their trip home. It's an action-packed dramatic portion of Scripture with the centerpiece of the story being found in verse 11: "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him." The Magi were foreigners. They were men of power and affluence. So different from the lowly shepherds who had an angelic visitation, the Magi had to travel far as they followed a star and then enlist Herod in finding Jesus exact location. I'm amazed at the perseverance and dedication of the Magi. What motivated them? The text tells us that they had seen the st...

Christmas I Welcoming the Christ

Luke 2:21-40 We are now in the season of Christmas which lasts from Christmas Day until Epiphany (January 6). For most of us, it is a time of eating Christmas leftovers and celebrating the New Year. It is also a transition from holidays to routine. What I find challenging about this time of year is keeping my focus on Jesus amid all the family visiting and travelling. To get my (our) focus back on Jesus, let's look at two people who were so joyful at the sight of the baby and welcomed him with powerful words: Simeon and Anna. Their story is found in Luke 2:25-38 when Jesus is presented to the Lord at the temple. Simeon is a righteous and devout man who has been told by the Holy Spirit that he wouldn't die until he had seen the Christ. He welcomes the child by proclaiming that "my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32). Anna, an 84 year...