VerseD: Matthew 5:10

Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Matthew 5:10, HCSB

In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, we join in Christ’s redemptive work knowing we may treated the same way He was. Faithfulness to Christ amidst violence and hatred may draw them to Him.

Pray for the Philippines

I found out about a 7.8 earthquake on Sunday on the southern end of the Philippines when I noticed a major dip in my blog views. I have a large audience from that area, so their inability to get online and subsequent absence from my views alerted me to look up the area.

If you have not seen the destruction from buildings collapsing and tsunami damage, they are in pretty bad shape.

Let us lift up the entire region, that they may recover quickly, mourn those lost well, and find comfort in Christ and His Church during this time. Pray for those searching for missing people, strength to endure, and help to come quickly.

Sermon: The Joy of Church, Pt. 1 – Philippians 1:1-6

I preached again!

We are continuing the series in Philippians, tackling the first six verses. As usual, my PowerPoint in included below the video.

The Joy of Church, Part 1
Philippians 1:1-6

VerseD: Matthew 5:9

The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9, HCSB

In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, God calls us to bring His peace which was given to us by the Son through the cross.

VerseD: Matthew 5:8

The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God.

Matthew 5:8, HCSB

In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, those who seek the goodness and justice of God combat these things with His love and grace shown through the cross and delivered by the Holy Spirit.

This Sunday: Enjoy Communion at Church Today

Our congregation currently has communion on second Sundays each month (though I would like to begin moving toward more often), so I will wait a week on following this advice.

Also, it is good advice, for we remember that this ordinance is a connection to our Lord and Savior who has called us to fellowship with Himself.

Daniel

This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: This Sunday: Enjoy Communion at Church Today.

This Sunday: Enjoy Communion at Church Today

VerseD: Matthew 5:7

The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:7, HCSB

In a world of pain, violence, and oppression, God came to show His mercy and grace, and those who believe in Christ are called to the same mercy and grace toward others.

VerseD: Matthew 5:6

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled.

Matthew 5:6, HCSB

God’s heart is for the oppressed, and He gives His righteousness through Christ to those who draw near to Him for wisdom and righteousness and freedom from the oppression of sin.

VerseD: Matthew 5:5

The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5, HCSB

God’s heart is for the oppressed, and we join in His love fornthe lost when we are kind and gentle with unbelievers, knowing they are still under the oppression of sin and in desperate need of the freedom of the gospel, needing the same help we receive from God.

Sermon: The Joyful Life: An Overview of Philippians

I preqched again!

This is the beginning of our next series through the Letter to the Philippians, giving a quick overview of the epistle of Paul.

As usual, velow are the video and my PowerPoint.

The Joyful Life: An Overciew of the Letter to the Philippians