Rod Beenleigh

To have a knowledge of Christ goes beyond head knowledge it requires forming a relationship which will become more intimate over time and maturity. We put our our faith in Christ then our relationship begins. No, personal relationship and faith goes hand in hand. Have not progressed as much as I would like. I have to learn to talk to Christ more often and surrender to Him.

Righteousness obtained by law observance required an unobtainable standard of sinlessness where as righteousness by faith,belief,trust is the core of the Christian way. Jesus Christ died for our sins so we could become of 'right standing" with God through faith, belief, trust. The concept of justification by faith is difficult to understand because we find it so incredible that someone, let alone God, would take our sins upon Himself. To take our punishment.

His credentials are based on man's standards, so are empty, not satisfying the deep yearnings of the heart, I want to know Christ!! So Paul wanted to discard anything that stood in the way.To know Christ is worth giving up everything. Many years ago I was duped by a religious sect/cult and am now sensitive about the introduction and acceptance of pagan tradition in the church.

There are a few who are "empire building" together with some who try to introduce religious practises from their former denominations. Yes, witnessing from door to door, trying to do this in my own strength. Of course I failed '

The Philippians have not yet taken on the full role of Christian followers. They are immature. They haven't grasped the full significance of ' humility of mind,' regard one another as more important than themselves.

" Absolute surrender"which covers, I think, the Greek word 'douleous' what a goal!! Where do we find someone with those traits? to act or conduct as one in total service to another, perform the duties of a slave, serve and obey. What a wonderful character credit Paul was giving Timothy. Serving Him as a preference? This individual is acting out his/her service under their own strength and will falter and despair eventually. My quality of service needs to be vastly improved.

I had the privilege of being taught and encouraged by a retired minister. The potential leaders in our church are being mentored by the deacons.

Timothy had that rare quality of being genuinely concerned with others welfare. Timothy was a "kindred spirit" in that his focus was the same as Paul's i.e .thoughts, feelings, and spirit for the church. My flaws are still surfacing.

To depart/ be out of the body is to be with Christ/ at home with the Lord. This comforts me in asmuch that there will be no waiting for the second coming but to be with Jesus straight away. This removes the fear of death and afterlife from me.

God is in control in all situations and the result will always be a victory. This fact gives us the ability to rejoice.

When one has experienced struggles, stress and problems, one can relate first hand of the emotions, thoughts, actions and results. Paul's witness was so powerful because of the experiences he had had,visitations, blindness, floggings, shipwrecks, accusations, threats of life and limb together with personal strife with Judaisers and disgruntled followers. What personal struggles? I feel i am in the early stages of dementia. How to handle life situations that this condition will bring, but that being "in Christ" is all that I will need.

Because of their loving generousity they would become prey to 'wolves in sheep's clothing'. Expressive love guarded with truth. Selfishness feds the "me" and inward looking distorts the ability to determine genuiousness. We should use God's measure of importance not what we are comfortable with.

Because of their loving generousity they would become prey to 'wolves in sheep's clothing'. Expressive love guarded with truth. Selfishness feds the "me" and inward looking distorts the ability to determine genuiousness. We should use God's measure of importance not what we are comfortable with.

God began a good work in the Philippians and will carry it on toward completion. Our salvation and eternal destiny depends on God Himself. Once God has begun a work in man , the latter by no means remains passive. God never does anything by halves.

When we give financial support to church or missionary we become sharers in that activity Other kinds of support may include encouragement to the Pastor, elders, deacons and all the support teams (behind the scene) contributing to the needs of others. Volunteering for cleaning, gardening, building maintenance, even singing in the choir.