What is the goal of Lenten fasting? Toward what end do we choose to abstain from certain things during this season.

In this reflection, based on Isaiah 58:6-7, Andrew considers the fast of God's choosing, and addresses the ways that fasting, if it is patterned around the life of Jesus, ought to orient us toward the needs of others.

Does the observance of Lent contradict the teachings of Jesus? How can Jesus' instruction about fasting frame how we participate in this season?

In this reflection, based on Matthew 6:16-18, Andrew addresses some temptations in the present day to make Lenten observance about ourselves and not God, and considers how Christians can live this season with integrity.

What is Lent? What does it mean when God calls us to "return to me?" How does a season like Lent prepare us for Easter?

In this reflection, based on Joel 2:12-13, Andrew discusses how God's call to "return to me," applies to any setting, and considers how entering into a season of repentance is the necessary precursor to celebrating the resurrection.

This week's, and the next several weeks', content is taken from Andrew's little book, Making a Right Beginning: A Trinity Baptist Church Lenten Devotional. You can find that booklet for purchase here:

https://www.amazon.com/Making-Right-Beginning-Trinity-Devotional/dp/B08VM1KMV5/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3N4A34JBRS61A&keywords=making+a+right+beginning&qid=1646840165&sprefix=making+a+right+beginning%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-2

How is God calling his people to be a sign of his promised renewal? 

In this reflection, "Cosmic Revitalization," Andrew discusses Paul's admonition to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling," considering the ways that Christians can exist as lights of the world whose life together anticipates the coming day of Christ. 

Enjoy!

Philippians 2:5-11 is one of the most powerful depictions of Christ in Scripture, but why does Paul include these words in his letter to the Philippians? What point is he trying to make? 

In this reflection, "The Humility of Christ," Andrew looks at Philippians 2:3-11, and considers how humility is the foundational posture of Christian spirituality.

What is a life "worthy of the gospel of Christ," and how does it cut against the grain of modern assumptions?

In this reflection, "A Gospel-Worthy Life," Andrew discusses Paul's call to Christian unity, and how such a life is a compelling witness to Christ Jesus.

If you are interested John Barclay's Paul and the Gift, you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Gift-John-M-Barclay/dp/0802875327/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

There is also a popular version of the book titled Paul and the Power of Grace. This version is a much more concise version of the larger work. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802874614/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=wUnJ8&pf_rd_p=9aa30bae-d685-4626-879d-c38f81e830a3&pf_rd_r=T2V4Q0Y4BXRVAKZM7RS0&pd_rd_r=86106159-f73a-4f6f-b0d6-70e57da2352b&pd_rd_wg=Psf0u&ref_=bd_tags_dp_rec

What is "the power of prayer"? What is a sacrament, and how does Philippians 1:18-20 invite Christians to recognize prayer as "sacramental"?

In this reflection, "Sacramental Prayer," Andrew discusses Paul's belief that the Spirit of Jesus Christ ministers through (not as a result of) prayer, and reflects on the necessity of intercessory prayer in Christian spirituality.

Article on "sacrament" - https://corechristianity.com/resource-library/articles/what-is-a-sacrament/

What is the "stewardship of pain"? How does the Apostle Paul, in conjunction with the likes of Joseph, the woman of Samaria, and Jesus Christ, locate his pain within the redemptive purposes of God?

In this reflection, "The Stewardship of Pain," Andrew looks at Philippians 1:12-14, and considers the way that God shows power over pain by working it together for healing and good.

If you would like to read the entire sermon by Frederick Buechner, you may do so here: https://searchingforfaith.blogs.com/on_a_pilgrimage/2005/02/stewardship-of-pain-frederick-buechner.html

How has God empowered the Church to represent him to others? What were the hallmarks of the Philippian congregation, and how do they emulate the life of God?

In this reflection, "For You Have Been My Help," Andrew describes the Philippian congregation's ministry of presence, prayer, and generosity, and summarizes how such a ministry bears a powerful witness to the Triune God.

How is Jesus' made known after Christmas? How does the doctrine of the Trinity both inform how Christ is present today and enlist his disciples to be a part of that process?

In this reflection, "After Advent," Andrew returns to the Farewell Discourse in the Gospel of John, discussing Jesus' prayer to the Father that we would be the people in and through whom he continues to be present.