Tangerine

The upward calling of God may not be 'up' as many think it to be...but it could be 'down' to a level where God can use us to serve others and to bless them with the grace he has given to us. For example, Jesus was lifted up after he humbled himself as a servant, even unto death on a cross. But I think that in the context of this passage, it could very well refer to a 'keep looking up to Jesus' kind of thing, where we stay focused on his heavenly calling on our lives, and not on our own desires or distractions. My own hearing of God's call is dimmed or watered down when I focus on my own problems...usually which are financial or time oriented. But God also uses those times to help me to realize that he is the only one that can help me when I'm down. Yes, he usually does help me by bringing other people into my life to be a blessing, and yes, I do try to bless others in similar ways, so maybe the upward calling of God includes going through these experiences one after the other so that my life may have some depth to it, and when I tell someone that God cares for them, I can say it with conviction. A lot of people said we can renew our hearing of God's call by reading his word, but I especially concur with those who also include meeting with other believers to understand God's word in the context of our own community, and to help each other live out this life in Christ...whatever that means for us in our time and culture. For all of us, the specifics of this call include 'love your neighbor', 'encourage one another towards acts of kindness', 'do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit', etc. For some, the specifics might be for certain acts of kindness or labours of love. And for others, it could be to simply be a good Dad and provider. Whatever the case, we must do what God desires for us, because only he knows what we need, and how he wants to use us in this life.

I would say that my past is difficult for me because it contains a lot of stuff that I regret. So for me, the trap is to be regretting this and that all the time, and becoming imobilized from doing anything new or different. In fact, I often feel that if I try something new, it will be a failure, so I don't try. I wish I could say that 'looking to Christ' would change all that, but life is more complicated than a simple phrase. Instead, it's a long (hopefully) journey into the unknown, with changes that are made in micro-increments and fits and starts. I guess that's why it's such a strain. I guess with all the regrets mentioned above, I should likely try forgiving myself and others for the problems that have happened, and get over it. I would like to enjoy the present and look forward to the future....if only I didn't know that it would SUCK!

Our pastor says that Christian faith is not blind, and it is does not stand on its own. It is based on the facts that Jesus laid out for us, and is the personal link between us and Him. He is the object of our faith. So in this case, faith is personal. For anyone to call themselves a Christian, and to not profess a personal relationship with Jesus is to not have faith in him at all. They might be following a religion, but it's not what Jesus called us to. He rebuked the religious leaders of his day who studied the scriptures but didn't understand that the scriptures spoke about Jesus. Our faith cannot be based on Bible knowledge or religious systems - although both of these can point us to, and helps us grow, a personal relationship with the Author and Finisher of our FAITH. Where am I? I have known Jesus personally for about 30 years, but have only been really following him for about 20 years. I think he knows a lot more about me than I would like, and I don't know as much as I would like to know about Him. So I carry on, trusting that he'll somehow manage to keep me in his grace, and show me how to life like I should.

Q3. (3:9) How does righteousness obtained through faith differ from righteousness obtained through law observance? How seriously does righteousness by law observance infect your congregation? Society's view of Christianity in general? Why is this concept of justification or righteousness by faith so difficult to grasp? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.ph...;f=78&t=327 Righteousness obtained through faith is utterly dependent on the object of our faith...in our case, Jesus Christ. But righteousness by law observance is entire based on our ability. Our congregation is constantly being taught from the pulpit that the only law to obey is the law of love. And much is said about it and discussed at small groups. However, we still struggle and want to always make a list of things that can be done to obey the law of love, and then judge people who don't live like that. (Or maybe it's just me ... Anyways, it's something that we're trying to deal with, but it's not really an overwhelming issue. Society really seems to think that Christianity is all about rules and laws and pushing people around. The concept of righteousness by faith is difficult to grasp because we, as a society, are always trying to achieve something on our own merit. We always respect and promote people who have achieved great things. So when it comes to our salvation, we want to have the same approach. It just doesn't seem fair to allow someone else to have to do all the heavy lifting, and then we just tag along. So when someone else offers us free salvation, we might say "No, thanks. I'll just put in my best show and hope that it's enough." Ya -- right.

A previous reader said: "I know some translations use the word dung,but I have always found that gross and offensive. " I think this puts it in a nutshell as to why Paul would not be neutral about his pedigree. His own 'works' are gross and offensive to God. They 'make God a liar' by supposing that a person can be good enough for God on their own merits, even though God has already said that it's not possible. The public display of these works and the telling of others that this is how to achieve God's favour is also offensive because it teaches others this terrible lie. So 'dung' is probably the strongest word that Paul could come up with and still be read in public settings. Considering that God greatly desires a personal relationship based on trust in him, and that by depending on our own merits, we miss out on that relationship, God would definitely consider this gross and offensive, too! My religious background has taught me that people should act and talk in certain ways in order to be acceptable to God. I still filter my interactions with people through those thoughts and I'm ashamed to admit that I steer clear of people who are not like me. It's an obstacle to finding out the glory and goodness of God in everyone's lives. I'm currently struggling with how to share the gospel with a gay friend of mine. My religious background tells me that this person doesn't deserve the gospel, but that is a lie from hell. Everyone deserves to know the truth of God, and I need to not be the obstacle, but the avenue of grace that God desires from each of us.

I definitely do struggle with confidence in the flesh, and I know that everyone in our church does too. It's so hard to expect God to take control when we have so many resources at our disposal. It's no wonder that the church is growing very fast in South America, Africa, and Asia --- because those people have very little material wealth compared to us in N.A. We also spend all our days (but Sundays) doing all we can to the best of our ability - to raise children, make money, entertain, and exercise. All of these things are done 'in the flesh'. After all, does God drive that truck? Does he clean the house? No...we do, and we're pretty good at it, right? And then, for some reason, on Sunday, we're supposed to turn our lives over to Jesus and let him have control. Fat chance, eh? Of course, I also struggle with it personally. I might even say "that was a pretty good paragraph I just wrote." HAHA. Anyways, the way I try to deal with it, and I'm not sure if I have it right, is to "walk in step with the Spirit" as far as I can tell in my daily life. If the Spirit wants me to work hard, then I had better work hard. If the Spirit wants me to be casual and hang out, then I had better chill. The trouble is, I need to eliminate the sinful habits, thoughts, and attitudes in order to be able to sense the Spirit at work, and those parts of my life are still under construction. So, in the meantime, I'll journey along with everyone else.

The church seems to be going through some type of persecution that Paul commiserates with (as he is in chains). And as a result of the struggles, people are reverting to selfish ambition, conceit, and forgetting about the love and encouragement that can be found in Christ. To combat this, Paul encouraged the church to be more Christ-like, who gave up on his own sense of power and rights and became a servant of all. Paul mentions both Timothy and Epaphroditus as men who are encouraging of others, and think of the welfare of others ahead of their own.

I must admit that I have a tough time with this question about slavery. Jesus also called us friend, brother or sister, and disciple. We talk about our life with him as being on a journey -- walking in step with the Spirit -- but we also talk about strict obedience -- be Holy because the Lord your God is Holy. And Jesus wanted us to tie ourselves to him in a yoke, but he said that the burden would be light and load would be easy. And then he said that he came to bring a sword pitting father against son and mother against daughter. Is that so easy? There are many ways to look at our relationship with Christ and I think that when we think of it only in the terms of slavery, then we lose out on the other perspectives, as well. However, in terms of preference vs. slavery, I think it is foolish to say to others that we are friends, family, disciples, or bondslaves of Christ if we are wanting any of this on our own terms. He did not ask us to give us a portion of his life, but to give all of it, including the roots, branches, leaves, and fruit. This means that if we are called upon to sit in the dirt with beggars, then we shouldn't be preferring to eat with princes in castles. On the other hand, if we go about sitting in dirt with peasants when in fact Jesus had different plans for us, then we are no less being disobedient to him and to his call in our lives. So the key is to understand what it takes to be wholly devoted to him in such as way as to understand what he wants from each of us. And then, when we know what he wants, to be committed to living out that thing, whatever it is, to the best of our ability.

The closest I have come to having a true mentor was when I was in Bible School, so many years ago. There were several great role models and opportunities to learn about God. But since then, I can't really name a specific mentor, but perhaps an accountability partner or two. Praise God for Bible School! As a Youth Leader, I had the pleasure and responsibility to mentor many young boys and am overjoyed that some of them have been influenced by my teaching and example. (One even calls me 'father' - can you believe that??) I am not mentoring anyone at the time, except for my young daughter not even 1 year old, yet. I look forward to the days when we can talk about Jesus and see Him at work in our lives together. So many families are raising their kids without speaking to them about Jesus and these kids are left to fend for themselves. It's a sorry example for how the parents don't have enough confidence in their faith to share it with their own kids. Pray that Jesus will find ways to teach parent about their responsibility and privilege to lead (not force!!) their children to Christ.

Timothy's concern is so rare among church leaders for two reasons: 1.) We train pastors and ministers to be like professionals who have authority and command, instead of finding people who are gifted by the Lord and how have love and compassion. 2.) We put so much pressure on our leaders to perform - to grow the church, to start great programs, and to teach eloquently every Sunday. No wonder they have no desire or time to be compassionate and loving. As you might judge, I am a very critical person. Jesus has helped me to see that I don't need to be in leadership. I'm one of those people who shouldn't be in charge because I am a very demanding person, and I let things go to my head. I am better situated as a team player who has a good influence, but is not in charge of other people. I have struggled through many years of job-hunting and been unsuccessful at trying to find leadership roles. Now that I've gone through some self-evaluation process, and have agonized over lost income and risking the mortgage, I'm beginning to see where I fit into the leadership/servant spectrum. Someday, I might be able to lead but not until the Lord sees fit. And even if not, I am happy with that.

I don't think we're talking about just suffering for suffering's sake. But instead, Paul is connecting his suffering, and perhaps eventual demise, to the faith, service, and sacrifice that the Philippian believers are living out in their daily lives. Perhaps we can instead think of how we can connect our lives to those who are sacrificing and serving for the gospel. For example, we can give to missions, or write letters of encouragement, or stretch ourselves in any number of ways to support those who are going above and beyond for the sake of the gospel. Then I think we would be honoring God with our 'drink offerings'. Of course, this doesn't minimize how our own sufferings can be used to realize God's glory, but I'm just not sure that this is what this passage is talking about.

Q3. (2:16) In what sense are we Christians to "hold fast" the Word of Life? In what sense are we to "hold forth" this Word of Life? How does this relate to the purpose of the church? In many other places, Paul talks about other versions of the gospel that are infiltrating the church. It could be that he's asking the Philippian believers to stick to the original message - the Word of Life. The context of this verse includes that Paul hopes that his labours would not be in vain. So if they came to believe a different gospel, then he would have preached to them the Word of Life for nothing. I believe the purpose of the church is to help those who hear the Word to live it out in their community. To simply stick to what we believe is not enough - to call ourselves Christians and to argue famously for our theological beliefs is getting close to hypocracy...if we don't also live it. The church is our community and opportunity to really live out what Jesus taught us, and what Paul tried to help his churches to do ... to live out the eternal gospel in their very real and mortal worlds. Our situation is no different today - we hold onto an eternal gospel that has the power to save. But we live in a mortal and sinful world. The church is the only organization, established by God himself, to live out what it means to be a Christian, in love and in community. (I suppose Marriage might be another such 'organization' but it's a different sort of thing.)

It always takes at least two to argue, so if you stop complaining and arguing, then perhaps the others will stop too. Then, as has already been written, there might be an opportunity to find unity and love instead of always wanting our own way. One lesson that I learned a long time ago regarding unity within a marriage is that if you want your spouse to be on the same side of the argument as you, then go to their side. Then you are both on the same side. Game over. The same can be done in the church, so long as you're not dealing with heresy, I suppose. I think shining like stars takes on a special meaning when you realize that everyone around all sees the same stars. If you shine like stars, then your neighbors, your countrymen, and other countrymen, all see the same brilliant picture of Jesus shining through you. If you shine like stars, then you bring awe and inspiration to those that witness the glory and love of God. I think that a lot of complaining and arguing comes from too many people having a say in what the church is for. There are enough churches around, that we should be able to say 'this church is for people who like to sing this way' and 'this church is for people who want to all drive Mercedes' and so forth. Of course, that's not going to happen, nor is it the godly way, but there has to be something about the church that people say 'I come here because of ....' fill in the blank. When there is no specific reason why people come to church, then there can be all kinds of argument about what the church should be doing. Everyone has their own opinion, and there is a constant downward spiral towards doing nothing. Eventually, the pastor leaves, the church gets sold, and everyone blames everyone else for the dismal failure. At least, that's how I see it. Can someone change this? It would take a very exceptional pastor or board of elders or lay leaders to be able to change this, because it does mean a power struggle for a while. There must be a unified goal, and there would be a lot of people who want to make their goal the church's goal. I don't know how to make that happen, and I don't know anyone who does, except maybe GOD. :-D. God bless you if you are in this struggle. Try just doing what the humblest person in the group wants to do, be a servant to all, and see where that goes.

The context of this 'working out' is one of obedience, with Jesus being the example. And considering that his example was one where he gave up everything, and was brutally tortured and killed, and all in obedience to his loving Father, then how should we think that our salvation should be any better? We should consider the horrible nature of God in 'fear and trembling'. I don't mean that God is horrible in the 'horror' sense of the word, but in the sense that we just simply don't know how far he will go in our lives to purify us from sin. I would be scared to think what he might to do me in order to purge the evil from my life, and bring me closer to the likeness of his son. It would be worth it to be saved from the life of sin that I live, but it wouldn't be easy on my mortal senses. And I believe that this is salvation from sin. Maybe not eternal salvation, but purifying salvation. To escape from the grip and grasp of daily sin, and to be clarified in my obedience and reflection of Christ in my life. How dare I think that my mortal body will give these things up very easily? It will be messy, and violent, perhaps even frightening to my dirty soul to have the light of Christ shining in dark places. And if I don't let Christ have his way? That's even worse...to be out of the will of a Holy God. I would rather not think about it. But rather, let me rejoice in his ever present grace which has saved me no matter what, and let me give my life to him on a daily basis, and see how he changes me for his glory. Amen.

In all of scripture, God never exalted those who were proud or arrogant. Instead, he always put his servants through times of trial and trouble until their hearts were softened to the point of true humility, to the point where they completely yielded to the Lord. Moses, King Nebucudnezer, Noah, Job, Peter, Paul, etc. All of these great men of God were so proud of their own abilities and secure in their mission until God gave them a slap upside the head. But it didn't end there. He followed that up with giving these men new lives, new missions, new purpose, and he used them for greatness that they would not have realized on their own strength. We get impatient because we always want greatness on our terms. We do not want to be humiliated -- nobody on earth prepares us for that. We, in our human natures, do everything we can to avoid being humiliated. And then, God, who loves us, says - "be humiliated". It's counter-intuitive to our natural way of thinking. We avoid it, and we do everything we can to make sure it never happens. Of course, this drags out the whole process, because God will not bless us as we continue to exalt ourselves, which makes it all take longer, and longer, and so .... we get impatient. In my case, my impatience has led to making some very bad choices about my career and personal life. Instead of thinking and praying through big decisions, I've jumped to conclusions and made significantly wrong choices. In the process, I've actually reduced my future to be in the hands of others, and I've put my family's well-being and security at risk. It might not appear like it to some, but I have a lot of regret, knowing that things could have been so much better.

I don't know what else he could have been, having been born of a woman. Was he a cow or a tree? Nope...only humans are born of humans. That's just the way it is. The only difference he had was that he didn't have a man for a father. He wasn't affected by the seed of Adam, and could therefore be our new Adam (man) who could live the way all men (and women) were meant to live. These verses teach that just as he was in very 'nature' God, he took on the 'nature' of man. So he was made, just like we are made, and took on our nature, and not some type of mixed nature. No...it was a human nature. And this means that he experienced all of life just as we would have experienced it, except without the sin nature that we are also born with. By Jesus being human, we can identify with him in every way. We can share in his sorrow, his suffering, and his identity as a 'man of God'. He is not afraid to call us brothers, or friends, or servants, or students, or disciples. These are all human relationships that could not have been relevant if he were not human, himself. But because he was also God, he could provide for us to also share in his glory - in his victory over sin and death, and most importantly, in his resurrection to eternal life, and life forever with the Father. Amen and Hallelujah!

The fact that Jesus didn't cling to his divinity teaches me that I also do not need to cling to my sense of self, or feel that I have a right to be 'all that I can be', especially in the face of what other people need from me. I'm not above it all, I am part of it all. I have a gift to give, and it is me. By giving up his own divinity, I know that Jesus would help me to give up my own sense of self - my ego - in order to fulfill a greater good. This passages specifically teaches that Jesus is divine by stating it as a fact - he existed in the form of God (NASB). That must have been an awesome existence, and to part with it, or put it aside, even temporarily must have been an incredible event in the heavenlies.

Humility is necessary for unity because: We are so very different from each other. It is so easy to misunderstand and judge, just because we don't see things in the same light. And when we do, we start building up barriers to co-operation, friendship, brotherly love, and all those other things that endear us to each other, and bring a sense of unity in Christ. It (humility) also helps us to not think too much of ourselves, and to realize that other people have valuable opinions and ideas, too. Lack of humility caused our church to lose over half its members over a one year period. Unfortunately, it started with the pastors who could not realize that they were there to serve, and to model unity. So as they went through their problems, one of them had to leave, then the other, and so it went with the congregation, too. I was part of this ... always thinking that I knew best, and taking sides, and so forth. It was an unhappy time. Today, I'm at a different church and am hoping to have learned from my mistakes. I don't want to be in leadership anymore because I know that it's not my talent. I help with the setting up and tearing down of equipment, and I am as friendly as I can be with everyone. Hopefully, this will be enough.

Q3. (1:20-21) How can fear keep us from being a bold witness? Why does fear of people bind our tongues? How does "losing our life" for Christ's sake actually give us an abundant life? What fear is keeping your from clear witness? I have definitely been afraid to speak about Christ, especially to strangers, and even when I have sensed it was God telling me to do it. My fear kept me from being obedient to the one who saved me by being obedient, even to death on the cross. Fear binds us because we allow it, we give in to it, we focus on it more than on Christ's love which compels us. Fear of people is strong because we are social creatures and we strongly believe that we are susceptible to the favor of others. If we displease them, then they will have power over us, and can have a negative influence on our lives...and we don't want that. We want positive, good feelings, all the time. Losing our lives can mean that we loose our idea that our lives on dependent on what other people think. We might have the idea that our lives would be better if other people think well of us, but if we 'lose our lives' then it no longer should matter what other people think, because we would no longer care how their influence would affect our lives, one way or the other. The only thing that would matter is what we do for Christ in obedience to him, and as his love compels us. And Christ's promise is clear - he came to bring us an abundant life, so the longer we keep holding on to the old one, the less chance we have of living the life that he has in store for us. I fear losing my stature and of not fitting in. I don't want to be 'that guy who always talks about Jesus all the time'. However, as one of the other writers put it, I do tend to bring up my faith in personal conversations, and try to witness in a one-on-one kind of way. I'm not sure if that's all that God wants from me, so I'll have to wait and see what comes up...case by case. "Lord, give me the strength to be a bold witness for you."

I often focus on my own situation, and I often mess it up. If I don't remember that God is in Control, then I really get scared. I know that I don't have the skills and abilities to make it in this very competitive world, and I know that I wouldn't be able to save myself or my marriage or my relationships with kids or other families. I am a total screw-up. But --- when I get into trouble, and remember that God is in control, I also believe that he can make something positive out of the screwed up world that I have created for myself. It gives me some level of comfort and joy knowing that no matter how bad it gets, He's always there to make it better. Praise God@

There are many ways of sharing in ministry. For example, someone could look after kids while the parents (who might not be able to afford sitters) take out some time for R&R. Or invite them on a vacation with your family. Or send them on a retreat. All ways to help share the burden of ministry without actually doing what God may not have called you to do ... i.e. get your hands dirty. Face it ... we are each given talents and work to do, and for some of us, that involves making a lot of money ... or at least, more than we need. We can share in the ministry of others by taking some of the sting out of always living on the edge. I know of one family that opens their bed and breakfast facility in the off-season to people who have committed their lives to full-time ministry. They give them the full treatment - all the service - free of charge. In my case, I live on a small property - one acre - and it's not much - but people that we know from the city love to come out and enjoy the sights and sounds of the country. In our case, we have the opportunity to share in ministry by providing a break from the fast lane and a chance to enjoy fellowship in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Maybe I'm deluding myself, but from what we have shared with others so far, it seems to be a good idea. What do we receive? Those in ministry are also the best people to get to know personally because they can speak into our lives in ways that others cannot. They also provide a positive example of what it means to live simply, and to be good stewards of what God has given to us. And they have the deep sense of what it more important which helps us to redouble our efforts to clean up the junk in our lives. Of course, none of the above takes away from the need to pray for and financially support those in full-time ministry.

Servants are separated from the rest of society, given a task, and expected to obey. Saints are consecrated, set aside for service and are therefore destined to follow their new identity and calling.