3rd Sunday of Advent: Phil. 4:4-7
There’s a lot going on in this letter to the Philippians. I think it’s worth a brief overview, because some of the issues being addressed here are universal. If we cherrypick the nice sounding verses, we miss the depth of what Paul’s asking this church to do.
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13th Sun after Pentecost: Ephesians 6:10-20
This Biblical passage is quoted often. This encouragement has inspired many sermons, children’s costumes, and for some a prayer practice of mentally putting on the armor. It seems like we gravitate to these instructions in America, because they imply a sentiment of war or striking back. The individual-centric picture of putting on armor is attractive to independent people.
I feel like the imagery of this text is often remembered out of context. This has fueled a false picture of Christianity as one where throughout history we have justified warring against unbelievers (and believers who disagree with us)—a dangerous premise that has cost the lives of many people whom God also loves. Continue reading
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, NASB
Sometimes it’s tempting to use the Bible like a “Christianity for Dummies” with step by step instructions on how to do Christianity. We can’t do Christianity that way. The Bible is more like a really long letter from a person who’s rescuing us and who loves us. When people use the Bible like a car manual, this is a favorite verse because its so plain and there are clear instructions that are so easy to foll…… Wait a minute—this is one of the most difficult instructions in the Bible to actually follow (aside from “be perfect like my heavenly father is perfect”). Continue reading