The CMBC Podcast

Pastor Jim Davis at Calvary Monument Bible Church

Pastor Chris Lenhart at Calvary Monument Bible Church

Pastor Chris Lenhart at Calvary Monument Bible Church

Pastor Emeritus Bob Reid at Calvary Monument Bible Church for the 2nd Sunday of Advent

1st Sunday of Advent

As we close Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi we are invited into a tension. Paul has been blessed and is thankful to be supported by the Christian community, yet he desires for them to know that regardless of the material support he receives, he already has all his needs supplied in Christ Jesus. Paul has found the secret of contentment, and as he closes his letter, he will share his secret with us! Join us as we conclude Philippians, looking at chapter 4:10-23 and reflecting on Glorious Contentment.

This week we begin to unpack the final portion of Paul’s letter to the people of God in Philippi. What does it look like to stand firm in the Lord? Or how might we identify communities and/or individuals whose lives embody the ideals of, “standing firm?” Join us as we explore and breakdown Paul’s thoughts in Philippians 4:1-9. If you haven’t already downloaded the CMBC App, go to the App Store and search “CMBC.” On our app you will find note guides, and plenty of other resources for discipleship and spiritual formation.

Paul’s life had been utterly reshaped by his experience with the risen Lord. Jesus had wholly become Paul’s ideal standard for thought and life here on earth. In his continuing communication with the church in Philippi, Paul encourages that he desires to see them conformed to the image of Christ as well. It is the power of God alive and active within the Christian community that allows us to shine as our energies are redirected and repurposed in line with Jesus’ example. In Philippians 3:12-21, Paul continues to explore what this reforming way of life looks and sounds like both for the Christian community, and for the individuals who are a part of it. What does mature life and thinking look and sound like within the Christian community? As Christians, how should we rightly prioritize our citizenship? And what does this all mean for those desiring to share in the mind and attitude of Christ today? Join us online, or in the building as we continue to explore and unpack Paul’s words to the fledgling congregation in Philippi.

As we walk through Philippians together, we begin chapter 3 this week by exploring how Paul followed in the example of Jesus. In chapter 2, Paul laid out for the Christian community a marvelous picture of the mind and attitude of Christ. He then gave the church some tangible applications of how to practice the attitude of Christ, ultimately revealing how two converts to Christianity (Timothy & Epaphroditus) were shining examples of a Christ-shaped life. Now at the dawning of chapter 3, Paul reminisces on his own privilege and ability to be named among the religious elite. But rather then grasping at the confidence of his own credentials, he instead grabs hold of the faithfulness of Christ and uses it to call the church to embrace the immeasurable value of life as submitted to Jesus. Join us online or in the building as we navigate Philippians 3:1-11, considering the patterns and postures of a Spirit-led life, one that exults Christ and his faithfulness above our own.