pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: missionary


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Deep Unity

Reading: Philippians 2:1-4

Philippians 2:2 – “Complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with one another.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

As we turn to our Epistle reading for this week, Paul invites the people that make up the church in Philippi to imitate Christ. He is writing to a group of people that he knows well. On his first missionary journey he founded a church there, sharing Jesus with them. He stopped in during his second missionary journey a few years later, offering further teaching and encouragement. Chapter 2 begins with an “if” statement. Having spent so much time with these folks, this is more of a reminder than a guess. Paul knows that they have been encouraged and comforted by their faith. He knows that they have shared food and other resources with one another.

Paul then invites them to lean even more into these blessings of the faith so that they can know and experience a deeper faith. He writes, “Complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with one another.” This community of faith will bring joy to their founder if they continue to grow in Christ, working together in their common mission and ministry. To live and be this way is essential as the world creeps in and as challenges arise – ridicule, persecution, isolation… If they stay united in Christ, having Jesus’ heart and mind, they will get through the hard times and the challenges, and they will be bonded together with stronger ties.

In verses 3 and 4, Paul focuses on the key to unity and to working together: humility. In times of challenge and trial, it is natural to first think of self-preservation and then to act on these instincts. Paul encourages another line of thought. He encourages those in the church to think of others first. Yes, you matter. But “watch out for what is better for others.” When we consistently put others before ourselves, we build bonds and relationships that can weather the worst of the inevitable challenges that will surely come. In this place of love, we become people willing to sacrifice for one another. From this place of deep unity, we can overcome all obstacles and we can do great things for Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, through the power of your love, draw us together. As we live together in faith, draw us deeper into relationship with one another. As our relationships deepen, Lord, create in us a desire to lift the other, to care for the other, to give of ourselves to benefit the other. Walk with us and work though us, O God, to build the kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.


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Marks of Faithful Discipleship

Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-4

2nd Thessalonians 1:3 – “Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you.”

2nd Thessalonians is Paul’s second letter to the churches in and around Thessalonica, a city in what is now Greece. This second letter is not Paul’s second interaction with these believers. Paul visited here on his second missionary journey, likely establishing these churches. He returned on his third journey, likely bringing encouragement and more teaching. Paul’s letters were continuing education and encouragement. It is believed that this second letter is written in response to a letter from these churches. Amidst the persecution that has ramped up, they seek assurance and more encouragement in their battle against fear and doubt.

Paul opens the letter in typical fashion, with a greeting followed by a blessing. The blessing is also a reminder: grace and peace are already yours. These gifts from God and Jesus will remain present in their communities of faith as long as Jesus remains their focus, their centering presence. Next Paul writes, “Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you.” Although struggling under some heavy persecution, these churches remain models for other Christian communities. Paul wants to elevate and celebrate their faithfulness and love.

In verses 3 and 4 Paul lifts up three ways that these churches are living out their faith. First, their faithfulness is “growing by leaps and bounds.” They are maturing in faith, growing closer to Christ. Second, their love for one another is increasing. They are becoming more intimately connected. And third, they are faithfully enduring the “harassments and trouble.” As the world beats against their faith, their are holding fast to their faith as they stand firmly on the rock of Jesus Christ. These three markers identify faithful discipleship. May these be the daily marks of our lives too!

Prayer: Lord God, in this world we will have trouble. In this walk of faith, it will get difficult. Challenges will arise. Doubt and fear will creep in. By the power of your Holy Spirit in us, lifted by your grace and peace, strengthen and encourage our daily walk with you. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Big Questions, Individual Answers

Reading: 1st Corinthians 1: 1-9

Verse 9: “God, who called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful”.

On Paul’s second missionary he went to Corinth and helped establish a church there. As was typical, he would begin by preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. When there was a small group who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, Paul would help them to become a faith community. Then he moved on to another place, starting the process over. On this journey, Ephesus would be his next stop. Other apostles and disciples were out and about preaching and encouraging as well. As they would pass through Corinth…, they would bring news to Paul as they crossed paths.

The news that was shared would sometimes prompt Paul to write a letter, to go visit again, or both. This would be what happens with the church in Corinth. The body of Paul’s letters usually offered teaching, correction, and encouragement. Almost all of Paul’s letters begin with a greeting, which was and remains the custom. In our letter today Paul continues from there with a few words of thanksgiving. He thanks God that they know Jesus Christ and that Christ has been enriching them in every way. Paul is thankful for their spiritual gifts. He encourages them to wait patiently for the Lord’s return, reminding them that God will strengthen them. Paul then closes the opening with this eternal truth: “God, who called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful”. In short: God is faithful.

These words from Paul make me wonder what would be said about our churches. Would an observer note that the members are being enriched by Jesus Christ, empowered and using the gifts the Holy Spirit has bestowed on each one? Or does the 90/10 rule apply at your church too? Would the observer find folks eagerly awaiting an encounter with the risen Lord? Or would he or she find pew-sitters waiting to be entertained? Stepping outside the Sunday morning hour, would the observer see disciples living out their faith as they trust all things to a faithful God? Or would they be hard to even identify out there in the world?

These are hard questions that are generally corporate questions. But each one’s answer lies with the individual. God is faithful. Would the same be said of you?

Prayer: Dear God, trusting fully is not always easy for me when life feels a little unsure. Giving fully of my gifts is a little harder as circumstances are unknown. Yet I know that you are in control. You are the only one in control. Draw me into this truth. Help me to be faithful – I know you are. Teach, correct, and encourage me as needed, O Lord my God. Amen.