The Highest Peak

Theologians identify certain sections of Scripture as being some of “mountaintop passages” in the Bible.” The Lord’s Prayer would be one of these, as would the 23rd Psalm, as well as John 3:16. This Sunday as we continue our Unstoppable series, we will be looking at what some refer to as the “highest peak” of any of the mountaintop passages. The passage of which we speak is Philippians 2:5-11, which reads;

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Not only does this section of Scripture make a clear claim to the divinity of Christ, even more, but amazing is also the fact that this One who existed with God before time began, emptied Himself of this exalted status and came to earth as a man. The implications of this as it relates to our salvation are enormous. But equally amazing is that we are instructed to “let this mind” be in us; that is we are to have the same mind-set as the Son of God who took on the form of a servant and allowed Himself to die a shameful death.

While few of us relish the idea of suffering shame, all of us would like to share in the glorious resurrection of Christ and experience the glories that are His in heaven. This is what is promised to those who truly “let this mind” be in them, that adopts the mentality of a servant and take the humble road, the road that includes a cross, instead of the road of self-service and self-exaltation.

Be sure to join us this Sunday as we discuss what this means in everyday life because when we truly learn to have the mind of Christ, we become unstoppable Christians.

See you Sunday!

Unstoppable

October 5, 2019

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that life is a series of challenges. Some challenges are not so horrific, like a pop-quiz in Biology, or forgetting that you had a homework assignment due. Other challenges, on the other hand, can be quite difficult. And being a Christ-follower certainly does not exempt us from life’s myriad of challenges. If anything, being Christian increases the challenges we face because we are swimming against the cultural current that condones certain practices the Bible calls “sin.” In fact, the Bible identifies three specific areas from which challenges can arise. These challenge-sources include the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

Now that I’ve depressed you by reminding you about how hard life can be, let me encourage you with these words; God has made it possible for us to overcome every challenge we face, and in fact, to be unstoppable in life. This message comes through in various places in Scripture. Consider these few verses from the Bible that support the idea that we can be unstoppable in the world.

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

1 John 4:4

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him
who loved us.”

Romans 8:37

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

These verses remind us that we don’t need to fear or be overwhelmed by what comes our way. Whatever we face, Christ within us is greater and more powerful than any challenge or obstacle in our way.

Being an unstoppable Christian will be the topic of a new sermon series we are kicking-off this Sunday at The Bridge. Be sure to join us and be prepared to be encouraged!

See you on Sundays in October!