Just as stars shine brightly against the backdrop of the night sky, Paul exhorts believers to shine for Jesus Christ in the midst of the darkness of a world that is deeply marred by sin. We are called to "work out" the implications of our salvation in front of a watching world, knowing that it is God who empowers us to live for him.

In Philippians 2:5-11 Paul calls us to contemplate, and then copy the mind of Christ. Jesus set aside His position of privilege to minister to our needs and trusted the Father to exalt Him in proper time. We must do the same!

In this passage, Paul exhorts the Philippian church towards unity and towards looking out for the interests of others. This unity is based the work of Jesus Christ and the relationship that Christ-followers have with each other on that basis. We are called to humility in our relationships, and towards unity in the church that is not based on sameness but on the work of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Fear can easily be an obstacle in our Christian life. This week's message talks about how we move from fear to hope. As Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he could very easily have focused on the fears that accompanied his circumstances. Instead, he rejoices in the expectation that, no matter how his circumstances turned out, he would not be ashamed of the gospel and that Christ would be exalted whether he lived or died. We can have hope no matter the circumstances because of Jesus Christ.

When Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians, he was imprisoned, facing a trial that could mean his death. Yet, rather than focusing on the misery of his circumstances, his focus was on serving God and turning his circumstances into an opportunity to do so. How do we gain that kind of perspective? Making the opportunity to serve God an ultimate priority, even when hardships come, do we allow ourselves to be used of Him?

Partnering in faith, love, and prayer in your believer community. People will come and go in and out of our lives as we share in the partnership of the gospel. Our journey with them begins the moment they believe and it continues throughout not only our time on this earth, but throughout eternity. As we reflect on this passage it raises a question. Who do you seek to influence for Christ? Who have you invested your time, passion, and commitment to in seeing to the spiritual growth of others? All of us can have the joy of being used by God to help others along in their spiritual journey. When someone finds Christ they become a part of our fellowship in the gospel. We share a common faith and a common connection because of our spiritual union with Jesus Christ. We are partners in the gospel!

Isn’t it easy to formulate our own plans and stubbornly hold on to them no matter what comes our way? We are to plan, but we are to accept changes in our plan when God leads us in a different direction. At times we are privileged to have God bring us across the paths of those who are seeking to find the truth about God. We need to be obedient to go where He sends us.

God wants us to know that we have eternal life, that we can approach Him boldly in prayer, but that we should strive toward living holy lives in gratitude for all He’s done for us. Believers aren’t to compromise by adopting the attitudes and actions of the world around them. They aren’t to blend in to the society to where there isn’t an observable difference between them and the lost. As we live in this world we need to remember that while we are in this world, we aren’t to be of it.

Many attempt to redefine Jesus and put in to question who he is and in doing so, attempt to rob the gospel of its power which at its core is about Jesus. We know the truth!Jesus is God who came in the flesh and died for us to bring forgiveness and eternal life. He is who the scripture presents Him to be and because of this we can come into a relationship with the almighty God and have the hope of eternity!

True Faith in Jesus brings true life - By believing and receiving Jesus we become children of God. True Life demonstates itself in True Love - By abiding in God and loving one another and keeping His commandments. He abides in us by the Spirit He has given us. True Love is empowered by True Victory - Who do we need to share God's love with? In the way that God has shown us. And how? God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!