Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

In these verses, we are told who Jesus is and see the example He set for us. Although He is fully God, he emptied himself for our benefit. Our attitude is the way we are oriented towards a reference. Let us be oriented towards serving others.

The comfort we receive during our suffering is meant not just for ourselves but to help others, also. If we do not pass this blessing on, we stagnate like the Dead Sea: always taking in but never giving back.

Joy as a Christian comes from living as a citizen of heaven, solidly grounded in the fundamentals of the faith. As we learn from the sufferings of Christ and of Paul, such joy may be found even in persecution and we do not need to fear it.

How would most people sum up the essence of life itself in a word? Money? Position? Health? For Paul, the answer was "Christ." If that is to be true in our own lives, it leaves no room for a passive existence. We should live to serve Christ with zeal!

God often uses the circumstances that bind us physically or emotionally to break down spiritual barriers. Such was the case with Paul's imprisonment, where his fearless commitment to the Gospel of Christ advanced his ministry even to the prison guards.

Like Paul, we should take joy in praying for others--both those who give us trouble, and our closest friends in Christ. By praying for others, we are bearing the fruit of righteousness by putting them before ourselves.

As God continues to work in us to shape our character, we are tempted to ask, "Are we there yet?" What is that good work that He promised to complete in us? While we may not know the details, what we do know is that He is making us more like Christ Jesus every day.

God has commanded believers to seek the lost, but how do we know whom we should approach? The apostle Paul tried many doors and was sensitive to God's leading. We should pray for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of the unbelievers we encounter.

One of the most well known proverbs instructs us to trust on the Lord and not in ourselves. Although this is against our nature, it is easy when you consider the character of the person in whom you are putting your trust.

If you find yourself running because you are afraid, hiding in a place where God has not sent you, or resting when you should be doing God's work, then you may find instruction in this message from the life of Elijah.