In the incarnation, Jesus became fully human, made like us in in every way, which means that He would experience our full humanity, including death. But Jesus did not just humble Himself to the point of death. He humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. His death had a purpose, but what was that purpose? (Philippians 2.8) December 15, 2024

What does it mean to say that Jesus was (and is) fully God and fully human? Why has the church defended this orthodox understanding of the incarnation when it passes all reason? What practical difference does it make that Jesus was, and continues to be, fully God and fully human? (Philippians 2.7-8) December 8, 2024

The story of Christmas begins long before the manger. In the beginning, Jesus was with God and Jesus was God, the Second Person of the eternal triune God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The incredible mystery of this story begins with God, the only God who is at the Father’s side, becoming flesh and dwelling among us. (Philippians 2.6) December 1, 2024

The apostle Paul challenges the saints in Philippi to live out their citizenship in heaven as citizens of Philippi in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. He emphasizes standing firm in the one Holy Spirit and striving together for the gospel with the one mind of Christ. As Jesus prayed in John 17, the unity of the church proclaims to a lost world that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior. (Philippians 1.27-30) November 24, 2024.

For me, Christ is gain both in living and in death. Paul’s conviction that life for him was Christ and that eternal life was guaranteed for him through Christ, enabled him to desire for Christ to be honored in his body, whether that resulted in life or death. This martyr’s prayer challenges even those of us who may never be called to be martyred to live a life worthy of the gospel. (Philippians 1.19-26) November 17, 2024

The apostle Paul was confident that he would be delivered not only through the work of the Holy Spirit but also through the prayers of the saints. The way in which God exercises His sovereign rule over creation through the prayers of His people is a manifold mystery, indeed. But given the way the apostle Paul speaks about prayer, our neglect of striving prayer not only limits God’s divine activity in this world but also silently participates with the rebellion against His sovereign rule over creation. (Philippians 1.19) November 10, 2024

Paul wanted the saints in Philippi to know about a unique situation: some fellow Christians were preaching Christ from jealousy and selfish ambition, actually hoping to cause Paul more pain and turmoil in prison. This disturbing story challenges us to ask the Holy Spirit to convict us of any jealousy and selfish ambition so that we do not reap the fruit of disorder and every evil thing. (Philippians 1.15-18) November 3, 2024.

The apostle Paul wanted the saints in Philippi to know that what had happened to him, from his many imprisonments and beatings to the various near death experiences, had really served to advance the gospel. As a result, the gospel had reached the halls of power in the Roman Empire, and many of them had become believers. His testimony is challenging to us today who really want Jesus to make our life better and easier. What must take place within our own hearts to ask the Lord to use our circumstances to advance the gospel, regardless of how difficult they may be? (Philippians 1.12-14) October 27, 2024

The apostle Paul had fond memories of the church in Philippi, and he prayed for them often. His prayers began with thanksgiving that flowed into intercession. He was thankful for, and asked God for more of, their abounding love, their spiritual wisdom, the fruit of their righteousness in Christ, their hope in the full gospel, and their desire to bring glory to God. On the 20th anniversary of my tenure as Pastor of FBC Benbrook, I take the opportunity to give my thanks to God for His manifold grace upon this church and to lead the church to pray for more and more of His grace. (Philippians 1.12-14) October 20, 2024.

In today's sermon, we are reminded of the importance of guarding our faith and the challenges we face in a world where many are deconstructing their beliefs. We recognize that the term "deconstruction" has gained popularity, often leading individuals away from the orthodox Christian Gospel and towards a rejection of faith altogether. We are called to defend and confirm our faith, understanding that questions and doubts are a normal part of our spiritual journey, but we must seek deep answers rather than settle for shallow ones. As we prepare for the spiritual battles that lie ahead, we are encouraged to engage with the core issues of the Gospel, knowing that it is through Christ that we find true life and purpose. Ultimately, we affirm that the Gospel is worth defending and sharing, as it brings abundant life to all who believe. (Philippians 1.7) October 13, 2024.