FAI Central

"Instead He emptied Himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when He had come as a man...."

Sit with us in Philippians 2:7 this week. These are the depths of the depths.

"....Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God...."

These are the words we meditate on this week, a simple phrase inviting us into the depths of Jesus. What does it mean that the "Word became flesh," in whom "it pleased God" that the "fullness of the Godhead would dwell in bodily form"—and "pleased God to crush"? How were (and are) the Father, Son, and Spirit—the plural Godhead—united in the work of the Cross? Was it, as some have supposed, "cosmic child abuse"? Or is there more to the mystery to reveal the Beautiful God?

Join Jeff & Steph this week as we discuss these questions, and wade into the waters of this early church hymn to find the Answer to Every Question: "Christ, and Him crucified."

In this episode, IAI director and IDF Lt. Col. Marco Moreno (Res.) discusses the transition of power in the Israeli parliament from Benyamin Netanyahu's government to a new coalition government, what it means for Israel, and how Wire listeners can make a difference for Israel in 2021.

We pitched our tent in Philippians 2:5 this week: "Have this mind in you also, which is yours in Christ Jesus." How do we become so conformed into the image of Jesus that we literally begin to think like He thinks? How does this affect our ability to "love the Lord our God with all our mind"?

Meditate with us on this incredible hymn of the early church this season as we stare in wonder at THE BETTER SURRENDER.

Devon reads her latest special report for the FAI Wire, delving into the historical backdrop for the recent Israel-Gaza conflict, and broadening our perspective to include the regional actors who are fueling the aggression of Hamas behind the scenes.

'The Better Beautiful' returns for Season 3 with a meditation on Philippians 2:5-11. Consider this likely hymn of the early discipleship communities:

"Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
Instead He emptied Himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when He had come as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."

We're excited to swim through this incredible passage this season. Thank you for joining us as we explore the answer to every question: Jesus, the Better Beautiful.