A GOOD TESTIMONY CAN BE QUICKLY RUINED (13 OF 15)
by Jerry Branch
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-3
This content is part of a series.
A Good Testimony Can Be Quickly Ruined (13 of 15)
Series: Disciple-Life: A Life of Joy and Happiness in Christ
Gerald Branch
Phil 4:1-3
08-08-2010
Stand firm
Live in harmony/unity
Church life; good testimony vs. destructive; dealing with sin in the church
© 2010 Gerald D. Branch
Philippians 4:1-3 (NAS) -
Paul starts with first talking about the 'doctrine of the church',
and how that plays out in real life which is another reminder
that each of us is to be a part of a church
and are to be active in that local church.
While some might say, and even some backslidden Christians as well
might say this, well, the church is full of hypocrites, so I'm not going to go there.
It's rather apparent with that kind of thinking,
that such a person just doesn't have the 'mindset or attitude' of Christ ruling in them, because they must have forgotten
two important Doctrines…
One being that Jesus Christ ordained the Church…He instituted and created her to be His bride…as we read in Matthew 16:18, which says, "Matthew 16:18 (NAS) - 18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it."
And second that God is sovereign and is in Control,
so guess what…God can take care of even His church too.
The Bible reminds us that God is in Control when we read passages such as Isaiah 45:9-19 and like Romans 8:18-39…read those sometime.
They'll help you to have a real peace in your mind when it seems like everything else all around is falling apart with no means to stop it.
So as Paul starts out telling the church to 'stand firm'…
he reminds them of how much he loves them,
and how much they means to him because they are 'co-laboring' with him…that's what he's really saying as he addresses them,
as 'beloved brethren' whom 'he longs to see', who are his 'joy and crown'…this is a real pastor's heart.
I really love how Paul is just not afraid to address the ha ...
Series: Disciple-Life: A Life of Joy and Happiness in Christ
Gerald Branch
Phil 4:1-3
08-08-2010
Stand firm
Live in harmony/unity
Church life; good testimony vs. destructive; dealing with sin in the church
© 2010 Gerald D. Branch
Philippians 4:1-3 (NAS) -
Paul starts with first talking about the 'doctrine of the church',
and how that plays out in real life which is another reminder
that each of us is to be a part of a church
and are to be active in that local church.
While some might say, and even some backslidden Christians as well
might say this, well, the church is full of hypocrites, so I'm not going to go there.
It's rather apparent with that kind of thinking,
that such a person just doesn't have the 'mindset or attitude' of Christ ruling in them, because they must have forgotten
two important Doctrines…
One being that Jesus Christ ordained the Church…He instituted and created her to be His bride…as we read in Matthew 16:18, which says, "Matthew 16:18 (NAS) - 18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it."
And second that God is sovereign and is in Control,
so guess what…God can take care of even His church too.
The Bible reminds us that God is in Control when we read passages such as Isaiah 45:9-19 and like Romans 8:18-39…read those sometime.
They'll help you to have a real peace in your mind when it seems like everything else all around is falling apart with no means to stop it.
So as Paul starts out telling the church to 'stand firm'…
he reminds them of how much he loves them,
and how much they means to him because they are 'co-laboring' with him…that's what he's really saying as he addresses them,
as 'beloved brethren' whom 'he longs to see', who are his 'joy and crown'…this is a real pastor's heart.
I really love how Paul is just not afraid to address the ha ...
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