Lessons for Living (Audio)

What is the purpose of the Church universal? Why are we still here on this earth? Why, right after we got saved, didn’t God just whisk us into heaven to praise Him in front of His throne? Jesus gave the answer in His prayer in John 17. Our purpose is to demonstrate the unity that only God can bring about, showing the world the truth of what we believe. Pastor Mark is using Philippians to teach us in a more in-depth manner the necessity of believers to behave like a family. More than merely an organization, we become a living entity, allowing the Spirit of God to work through us to the world around us.

What is the purpose of the Church universal? Why are we still here on this earth? Why, right after we got saved, didn’t God just whisk us into heaven to praise Him in front of His throne? Jesus gave the answer in His prayer in John 17. Our purpose is to demonstrate the unity that only God can bring about, showing the world the truth of what we believe. Pastor Mark is using Philippians to teach us in a more in-depth manner the necessity of believers to behave like a family. More than merely an organization, we become a living entity, allowing the Spirit of God to work through us to the world around us.

Everyone goes through difficulties in life. We’ve all had hard times of one sort or another. One of the most difficult experiences to deal with is that of not having someone to share that burden with. As Pastor Mark is teaching, one of the benefits of being a Christian is that we have the presence of the Holy Spirit within us and with us. The comfort, wisdom and guidance offered provide things the world without Christ can’t fathom. The other thing Christians should offer to each other is to come along side each other, providing support and prayer as necessary.

Everyone goes through difficulties in life. We’ve all had hard times of one sort or another. One of the most difficult experiences to deal with is that of not having someone to share that burden with. As Pastor Mark is teaching, one of the benefits of being a Christian is that we have the presence of the Holy Spirit within us and with us. The comfort, wisdom and guidance offered provide things the world without Christ can’t fathom. The other thing Christians should offer to each other is to come along side each other, providing support and prayer as necessary.

For many people, the idea of talking to someone, especially a friend, about Jesus brings feelings of terror. We worry about rejection, of not looking “cool”, of being thought of as a religious fanatic. Many of these things might happen. Pastor Mark is teaching that we need to remember that there are worse things than what our imagination can conjure up. One is for our friends to go to a Christless grave. He is encouraging us to attack our fear and to be obedient to what Jesus told us to do. We need to love our friends and family enough to share the truth of the Gospel with them.

For many people, the idea of talking to someone, especially a friend, about Jesus brings feelings of terror. We worry about rejection, of not looking “cool”, of being thought of as a religious fanatic. Many of these things might happen. Pastor Mark is teaching that we need to remember that there are worse things than what our imagination can conjure up. One is for our friends to go to a Christless grave. He is encouraging us to attack our fear and to be obedient to what Jesus told us to do. We need to love our friends and family enough to share the truth of the Gospel with them.

Generally speaking, we’re not used to thinking about life in terms of conflict. Our lives are very comfortable and predictable, pretty much like we want them to be. The Bible, however, speaks of the believer’s life in military terms; it’s Jesus and us against Satan and his minions. Pastor Mark reminds us that our focus should be on advancing the kingdom of God on this earth, exposing those around us to the love of God. This will require that we keep our attention on Jesus and what He wants from us and not be distracted by petty squabbles. Instead, we need to work at being unified.

Generally speaking, we’re not used to thinking about life in terms of conflict. Our lives are very comfortable and predictable, pretty much like we want them to be. The Bible, however, speaks of the believer’s life in military terms; it’s Jesus and us against Satan and his minions. Pastor Mark reminds us that our focus should be on advancing the kingdom of God on this earth, exposing those around us to the love of God. This will require that we keep our attention on Jesus and what He wants from us and not be distracted by petty squabbles. Instead, we need to work at being unified.

Everyone wants to feel that they have value, whether to themselves or to others. Oftentimes we feel devalued because we don’t think people recognize our contributions or see our finer qualities, and we end up seeking value in things like bank accounts or professional accomplishments. Pastor Mark is teaching that the most important value we can have is to recognize that God thought enough of us to send Jesus to take our place in punishment so that we could have a renewed relationship with Him. Understanding His value of us will change our lives for the better.

Everyone wants to feel that they have value, whether to themselves or to others. Oftentimes we feel devalued because we don’t think people recognize our contributions or see our finer qualities, and we end up seeking value in things like bank accounts or professional accomplishments. Pastor Mark is teaching that the most important value we can have is to recognize that God thought enough of us to send Jesus to take our place in punishment so that we could have a renewed relationship with Him. Understanding His value of us will change our lives for the better.