Philippians 2:1-11 (HCSB)If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should...  Read More

Walk WorthyThe apostle Paul likely wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi while under house arrest in Rome, around AD 62. Paul led the way in obeying Christ's command to take the gospel to all people groups, establishing churches and teaching them to obey Christ's commands.Study the Word: For the believer, life's purpose is to bring glory to Christ and to point others to Him. Key Truth: B...  Read More

QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK  We are reminded that God does not leave us alone and does not leave us incomplete (Phil1:6). Part of the human experience is that we can feel isolated and broken. How does it make you feel to know that God is with you always and is working to make you complete? 2.  Being in prison must be excruciating – period – much less while innocent of the charges.           Somehow, Pa...  Read More

Galatians 2:19-21(HCSB)19 For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothin...  Read More

Philippians 1:27-30 (HCSB)27 Just one thing: Live your life  in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm  in one  spirit, with one mind,  working side by side for the faith  that comes from the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents.  This is a sign of destruction for them,  but of...  Read More

Philippians 1:18b-26 (HCSB)Yes, and I will rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my deliverance through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. Living Is Christ 21 For me, living is Chri...  Read More

Philippians 1:12-18a (HCSB)Advance of the Gospel12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is in the cause of Christ. 14 Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even mo...  Read More

Happy Autumnal Equinox or Fall, whichever you prefer. It’s that time of year when the leaves begin to change and there is a crispness in the air. Here at Temple it means Upward Football / Cheer and Trunk or Treat. Seriously, it is a beautiful time of year and a great time to slow down a little. That is what nature is doing so maybe we should take a few notes. The next two months in our Bible Readi...  Read More

PhilippiansA Suggested Outline of PhilippiansI. The Single Mind (1)A. The Fellowship of the Gospel (1:1–11)B. The Furtherance of the Gospel (1:12–26)C. The Faith of the Gospel (1:27–30)II. The Submissive Mind (2)A. Example of Christ (2:1–11)B. Example of Paul (2:12–18)C. Example of Timothy (2:19–24)D. Example of Epaphroditus (2:25–30)III. The Spiritual Mind (3)A. The Christian’s Past: Salvation (3...  Read More

Philippians 1:1-11 (HCSB)Greeting 1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving and Prayer 3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your...  Read More

THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GODPaul wrote his letter to the Ephesians while under house arrest in Rome around AD 61 or 62.  In this section of the letter, Paul taught the Ephesians how to stand strong against Satan's attacks.We do not have a flesh and blood enemy.  Christians instead are at war with rulers of darkness and the deception of the Devil.  Because of the spiritual armor God has provided for us, ...  Read More

QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEKWe were once dead men walking (Eph. 6). Once Jesus made us alive, we died to sin. It’s only right we thank God by being His “instrument for righteousness.” We are saved from death and to righteousness. Where have you been enslaved by sin? Where can you enslave your life to Christ – not out of obligation but sheer thankfulness to His work of salvation?Sensory deprivation chamb...  Read More