Skip to main content

growth

Philippians 1:1&2
"1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

We were in the book of Acts where Paul and Lydia first meet outside of Philippi. Paul went against social conventions by talking to the women there. Turns out Lydia was a GREAT early leader in the church. Her location was fortunate, in this thriving part of the Roman Empire. Her occupation, "a seller of purple," would have been like owning a Mercedes dealership. She knew all the important people, the rich people, and they would want to know her. She was a Jewish convert and knew the Messianic prophecies. The Holy Ghost opened her heart to Jesus being the Son of God. And, gave her a divine appointment with Paul. The two are together in the right place at the right time.

Today we turn to Paul's letter to the Philippians. He opens with a greeting, "...to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the BISHOPS and DEACONS:" This church has GROWN! Paul planted the seeds and God used Lydia for it to grow.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

to be taller

Matthew 6:27 "27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" Jesus has questions... Beginning our study this week with "Why Do You Worry?" Questions have always been a cornerstone of education, used to assess students’ knowledge, promote comprehension, and stimulate critical thinking. Well-crafted questions lead to new insights, generate discussion, and promote the comprehensive exploration of the subject. It makes sense that GOD would use questions VERY effectively. In yesterday's verses, Jesus asked "Are you not MUCH BETTER than birds?" His questions do not end there. In today's verse we read another one, "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" This is a sentence our culture needs to learn. No anxiety, no thinking, no wanting will alter our bodily height, or any other condition of our life that is fixed by God’s laws. We often wish things were different than they are, but our "wo...
Post a Comment
Read more

we also...

Romans 6:3&4 "3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." In our studies we are striving to understand God’s love and care. God's unconditional love for His followers, appreciating that we are part of GOD’S family! God is with us from cradle to grave. His divine presence is always giving us purpose and guidance. One of the most important milestones in the life of a Christian is baptism. When we are baptized, an indelible mark is made on our soul. This mark signifies a permanent transformation and dedication of the individual to God. The act of Baptism involves water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity. This ritual is seen as a symbolic washing away of original sin and a new birth into the life of Christ. Baptism is a foundational s...
Post a Comment
Read more

praise Him

Luke 1:51-53 "51 He hath shewed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." This is Mary's Magnificat. Beginning with verse forty-six Mary's responds to Elizabeth’s blessing is EPIC! In this poem Mary praises GOD for His blessing to her and His faithfulness to Israel.  Mary's Magnificat also highlights a series of reversals in which the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted! Which we read in today's verses; "He hath shewed STRENGTH with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and EXALTED them of low degree. He hath FILLED the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away." We should marvel at GOD'S choice of this poor young girl to be the m...
Post a Comment
Read more