Forgetting. Some of us can accomplish that task with minimal effort!

In Philippians 3, Paul chose to no longer allow the past to influence his future. By forgetting the past, he was able to strain forward to what was ahead. And that decision changed his day to day life.

To what degree does God's promise influence our decisions today? Should it? Let's open God's word and dig a little deeper.

Paul had everything! He worked and studied hard. He achieved much. He earned the respect of man.

Paul later assessed his life and came to the conclusion that it was all rubbish. Why? For the sake of Christ. He was joyfully losing everything.

That may sound like an oxymoron, but with a true assessment of the things of life, we will understand what that means in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, let's dig a little deeper.

I don't know about you, but it can be discouraging looking at how God uses other people. One problem with that is that we settle to be "all that we can be" instead of becoming all that God said we are.

In Philippians 2, we are introduced to two disciples who were great servants of the Lord. Nothing special about them, except they were fully committed to living out the mind of Christ.

It begs the question - what am I allowing God to accomplish through me?

Do EVERYTHING without grumbling or disputing.

Seriously? Everything?

According to Scripture, the answer is - YES!

For what reasons must we avoid grumbling and disputing and how can we actually do it? Let's dig a little deeper and find out!

What does it mean to work out your own salvation? What does it NOT mean?

As we prayerfully study God's Word, we will understand the intent of this passage and the help we receive to accomplish it.

Now, let's dig a little deeper...

What does it mean to act with selfish ambition or conceit? Will it promote unity? To answer that (loaded) question, watch the news or Facebook to see how it plays out.

In Philippians 2:3-11, we are to be humble toward each other - following the attitude of Christ. In doing so, you will glorify God and live with joy. Join me as we dig a little deeper...

If you have spent any time on social media or watched the news cycle - you need to hear this message! The church has a responsibility, but it may not be what you think. Join me as we open up to Philippians 2 and dig a little deeper.

The Lord's church must be characterized by unity. We have been given a single mission for which we must strive side by side. But what if some do not strive in this way? The effectiveness of the church is diminished.

We are all challenged today to be soldiers in defense of the Gospel and unified athletes moving toward a single goal.

Questions to consider:

Am I on the team?

Am I pursuing Christ's mission, or doing my own thing?

Am I contributing to the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the Lord's church?

No matter the circumstance, whether freed from prison or martyred for his faith, Paul intended to glorify Christ. Having the same salvation, Spirit, Savior and Gospel - we, too, have a choice. No matter the interruption, circumstance, illness or hardship we can choose to glorify Christ! Now, let's dig a little deeper...

While chained to an imperial guard 24 hours per day, Paul did not see himself as a prisoner of Rome, but a prisoner FOR Christ. He believed this all happened for the advancement of the Gospel!

What is your perspective? Let's dig a little deeper...