Christ-like Attitude

It is Tuesday, two days since Sunday's message that challenged us to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus; so here is a reminder:
1. Humility--Am I living for self or others?  If I am a follower of Christ, then I will be emptied of self and living for others.  How has that been evidenced in my life Monday and today?
2. Obedience--Am I living my life obedient to the commands of God and the commands of Jesus?  Jesus did not do away with the law, but He did summarize it as loving God supremely and others as or before ourselves.  How are we doing in our love for God and love for others these past few days?
3.  Exaltation--Am I being lifted up by God?  As I carry my burdens to God, as I relinquish the ownership of my heart to God, am I experiencing daily God's lifting up of my spirit and my countenance?
Our Wednesday study of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 hint at these same Christian principles.  Come join us tomorrow evening for dinner between 4:45-6:00 with Bible Study beginning just before 6 pm.
"TO LIVE IS CHRIST TO DIE IS GAIN"
Coach/Pastor John

Reflections

Sunday's prop (being handcuffed to DB) half the morning left me with several impressions worth sharing as the embers still remain and glow...
I am reminded that my circumstances should always lead me to ask, "God, how do you intend the Gospel to advance through this circumstance?"  I have had to ask that several times since Sunday, and I imagine you have as well.  It is the "What then?" question that Paul asks in Philippians 1:18.  So I encourage you to see your day through the lens of Paul's question with his resolve that "all things work together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus."
I also had a couple of takeaways from Paul being shackled to that Roman guard: 
If Paul praised the Lord with hands lifted high, then so must the guard have been shown how to praise the Lord.
As Paul wrote the letters, so did that guard trace those words of love, encouragement and instruction.
As Paul greeted with the holy hug or kiss, the very effort to embrace and reach impacted the posture also of the guard.
Proximity!  Pattern!  Two wonderful discipleship principles to discuss later...may the embers of Sunday continue to set your heart aflame!
See you tonight for Low Country Broil, Fellowship and Bible Study!
Coach/Pastor John

What Then?

What then?  What do I do now?
Ever asked that?  We have all faced situations where with exasperation we raise our fists heavenward asking "What am I supposed to do now?"  Paul gives us a totally new perspective on  our earthly circumstances.  Watching Paul in all of his circumstances gives us a perspective that the gospel is central to his concern, especially in Philippians 1:12-20.  Paul is in prison chained to a Roman soldier and we find his "what then" totally counterculture to what we expect.  He is rejoicing!  He is filled with joy!  I find great encouragement in this passage.  The cause of Christ and the gospel going forward is what is first and foremost on Paul's mind.  Let's make that 2018 Camden for a bit.  I am delayed...What Then!  I will share Christ!  I have been diagnosed with a terminal illness...What Then!  I will use this diagnosis for gospel conversations.  My past has alienated me from my children...What Then!  I will repent.  I will seek relationship.  I will live in grace.  Whatever circumstance in which we find ourselves, to learn from Paul in this passage is to change our attitude from Why to How!  It is not "Why did God...?" to "How will God use me in this...?"
See you Sunday morning for the message BARRIERS TO BRIDGES.  Come join us!
Coach/Pastor John

Filling

My mother used to make the most awesome blackberry cobbler.  If she had time she would create that beautiful lattice top.  I think my mother knew a secret that Paul also knew about us as believers. A great cobbler not only looks good but tastes good.  Mom would make sure that the balance of sugar, butter, berry and water (only needed if the fruit needed some assistance) was just perfect for the inside.  Her lattice work was enhanced by the slices of real butter and abundance of sugar on the top of that crust.  In Philippians 1:11, Paul wraps up a set of verses encouraging us to love each other more and more by means of what is the most important ingredient in a believer--"the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ."  It works as well for a really good cobbler.  This week, I am encouraged and hope that you are as well, to live in such a manner that I will display the beauty of Christ outside because the filling on the inside is the good fruit of the righteousness of Christ Jesus!  Encourage one another with these wonderful truths!

Coach/Pastor John

Amazing Love

John 3:16 is perhaps the most often quoted verse in the Bible.  What is common by our very nature we forget or neglect.  I hope you will come tonight to First Baptist Camden as we study John 3:16 and review it again for memory.  This little verse packs quite a punch!  It is the gospel in a nutshell!  See you for dinner at 5:00 and study at 6:00.  Last week's memory verse is Genesis 1:1.
Coach/Pastor John