Imitating Christs Humility

Humblly Serving As Christians "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthyl of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firmm in the one Spirit,e striving togethern as one for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27) The Apostle Paul often makes an appeal to Christians for unity in the congregation of the Saints.(Philippians 1:27) When Paul wrote Philipians, he was writung from prison, and he wrote from what he himself had been experiencing which was factions within the church and persecution outside the church. He said, “What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (v. 12). He was saying God was using his imprisonment to spreading the gospel, in a different way then Paul had expected, but just the same Paul was excited that it was going forth into the world around him.. He said some people were sharing the gospel, to look good, or to line their own pockets,(selfish ambition)(17) He noted that some were “[preaching] Christ out of selfish ambition” (v. 17). And he also knew his own life was in danger. (v. 20), he also never hesitated to warn those he was writing to. Telling them, they too needed to prepare to face opposition and persicution.(vv. 27-28). I would think because of his conection with his readers, that he kind of knew the people and that they would make a stand “standing firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (v. 27). As believers, they had to look different from the world around them, the behaviour of the world was motivated by pridful hearts. (2:3). Paul was saying that the persicution they would face would be a tool that would only cause them to draw closer together and they would endure the suffering that would come. Infact it wold enhance their unity, and set a good example of the faith they had. Such faith would show the strength and courage God gave to come together in unity that could only happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. Friends it is the Holy Spirit that came to guide us and to help us in these tough times. Even in tough times we can grow closer to God and closer to each other. Our felowship with each other should become sweeter and sweeter. I believe that in our world today, there are many who are searching for a church that will provided what they need to make them feel at home within the body. Also there are many others who are seaching for a church and pastor who will just ticklt their ears and tell them what they want to hear, so they can go on living just as they are and not have to change. I am wondering what ball park you fall into, do you want a church and pastor that will teach the truth from the word of God, and tell you as it is, or will you fall into the one that is looking for a pastor and church, that will make you feel good and a little fuzzy every Sunday, and you can go home a do what you have always done until next Sunday. My pray for you is this, that you will crave to belong to a Spirit-led church family where the word of God is taught daily in whatever activity or church function is happening. Where their goal is always to disciple and preach the word, both within the walls of the church and out in the community around. Paul tells us what makes a church a community: He says it is the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Writing from prison, Paul points out the importance of a connection the believers should have to the church at Philippi. They were encouraged and I am doing the same to day, that our HOPE, is that you would be encouraged to seek spiritual unity in a congregation that has been formed out of a formed loved for the word of God and its truths. “Stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one,” Paul urged (Philippians 1:27). He added, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, . . . then make my joy complete by being like-minded” (2:1-2). MY FB Friends, I stand with Paul today, in challenging you to not be selfish, he said, Do “not be looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (vv. 3-4). These are wise words and they can guide all church congregations into a closer relationship with God and with each other if it is heeded. This can happen by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we can see our congregations coming together to serve Jesus, become His hands and His feet in our church communities. And it can be done in harmony and in fellowship with each other. I believe God is the all powerful God and He can do it, in and through each of us, who is willing to submit our wills to His. My prayer is that you will sense the workings of the Holy spirit in your life today, as you allow God's spirit to help you live according to His will and the Holy Spirit to help you grow with in the fellowship of believers He has called you to be a part of. If the church you are attending does not teach the word of God, and the word of God only, I do encourage you to seek one that does. We are in the time and age where we need to return to the word, and away from the perseved church doctorines that do not line up with the word of God. Dear God, HELP, we are in a sometimes very unloving world, where the enemy is controlling the mouths and actions of your children. Lord, things I see said on face book is very cruel and unloving coming from and evil place in the world. Lord, I ask you today, to enspire me and all who claim to be your children to follow Your Holy Spirit’s leading to live in unity andto desire to help build churches and communities that desire the pure milk of the word of God and want to in all way reflect who you are in the word of God and in our lives. It is in your name I pray AMEN