Here's the Point from CrossPoint Christian Church in Whittier, CA

Paul worked with others as fervent as he in order to spread the Gospel. As he was away from the believers in Philippi, he remained in contact and sought to send workers like Timothy and Epaphroditus to further encourage them. Timothy, as Paul described in Philippians 2:20, was one of a kind when it came to showing genuine concern for the welfare of others. Epaphroditus had been ill and upon hearing that the believers in Philippi were worried about his brush with death, he became distressed because of their worry! Paul obviously trusted Timothy and Epaphroditus and commended these two men to the believers of Philippi—encouraging them to welcome and honor these “soldiers” of the Gospel.

Paul continues his message to the believers in Philippi—encouraging them to be serious about salvation—whether in his presence or not. He understood human nature and reinforced that they should be mindful about their own salvation while knowing that God was working through them even in the midst of a broken world. Paul stressed continued obedience, innocence and perseverance in these verses that encouraged the readers to hold on firmly. Has your light burned low or even gone out? Are you concerned about salvation? If your light has burned a little low, persevere—hold firmly to the word. It is a Christian’s privilege and obligation to be a light in this world. Philippians 2:12-16

What time is Christmas? Most will say...”of course—it is December 25,” and while the date is widely observed to commemorate Jesus’ birth, popular American culture tends to focus on a gift-giving holiday filled with toys, shopping, eating and decorations. However, remembering Jesus’ birth means much, much more. Christians remember that at the right time, God sent his Son to save us, help release our fears, rebuild relationships and renew our faith. Some of the early witnesses to Jesus’ birth were terrified and amazed, and others had to be reassured that his birth did indeed bring good news to a people in hope a savior. The events that unfolded over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem made salvation possible for us, so the time for Christmas is your time to turn to Jesus.

When the apostle Paul was in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols which the residents considered divine. Paul told those who would listen that they should not think that the divine was like gold, silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. As Paul continued to talk about Jesus' resurrection, some mocked and derided him, but others wanted to hear more. Read the rest of the story in Acts 17:16-34.

What does it mean to be “like-minded?” Today’s Christians can learn much from this epistle as Paul encouraged those in Philippi to have the same mindset as Christ—the same love, one spirit and one mind in humility—putting aside selfish ambition or vain conceit--valuing others above themselves and looking to the interests of the others. No, it’s not always easy to be like-minded because we come from different worlds, but in Christ, we must strive to be one with his mindset. By way of this epistle, Paul impressed on the believers in Philippi that they should be encouraged by their unity in Christ, having comfort in the knowledge of his love and share a common spirit. He doesn’t provide all of the details as to what was happening in this city in eastern Macedonia, but clearly he felt the need to comfort and reassure them although he was imprisoned at the time of this writing. Philippians 2:1-8 (NIV)

Philippians 1:21While imprisoned Paul continued his letter to the believers in Philippi and probably surprised them by his courage and willingness to die for his beliefs. He realized that by living he could continue to proclaim Christ and encourage them in the faith, but in death he would gain eternal life. He said “Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” He knew that the believers would be encouraged by his testimony and not hesitate to share his story with others. Paul’s story is still being shared and serves to encourage believers all over the world!

In Psalm 100, the psalmist conveys the ways that one should come before the Lord--with grateful praise—with gladness, shouting for joy—with thanksgiving and praise. How do you come before the Lord? Do you remember the enduring love, faithfulness and goodness of God even in the midst of a “life storm?” Even when we are broken, there is reason to give thanks and praise His name! “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (v. 5 – NIV)

When Paul and his companions were in Thessalonica and proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, some were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, but others were jealous; so they formed a mob and started a riot in the city, accusing the believers of defying Caesar’s decrees. They went to search for Paul and Silas but they did not find them. Paul had managed to escape and went on to Berea, but “when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. The message upset a few and challenged what they thought they knew—this message turned their world upside down and they were not happy! Have you ever been in a place when what you thought you knew was challenged? Acts 17:1-17

In Paul's letter to the believers in Philippi, he reassured them that his situation had actually served to advance the gospel instead of stop it. Even in imprisonment, it was clear what he stood for to those around him and his “misfortune” encouraged other believers to become “more confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Paul goes on to say that while some preach Christ out of envy, rivalry, and to glorify themselves in order to discredit him, it doesn’t matter because the important thing is that Christ is preached—even in the face of these things. The task of the church that God uses is to boldly proclaim the gospel in all types of circumstances.

Philippians 1:12-20

(What God Can Do Through Noah &You) Throughout the Bible one can read about how God used people who were plagued by insecurities and self-doubt—and who even faced ridicule from those close to them. Noah was one of those individuals. Scriptures say that “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.” Genesis 6:9. Imagine his astonishment when God said to him “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth” (Genesis 6:13). Now, just imagine the curiosity of neighbors as Noah went about building the ark. He was probably thought of as “that guy down the block with that huge boat in the front yard.” “By faith, Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear, built an ark to save his family and by faith he condemned the world and became the heir of righteousness that comes by faith." Hebrews 11:7 The Hebrew writer recounts this story for early believers to illustrate yet another example of the deep faith needed to please God. Read Hebrews 11 to get the full impact of this lesson about how God used a simple, unassuming soul to fulfill his plan. Can God use you?