Lessons From The Church In Philippi – Part Two

Lessons From The Church In Philippi – Part Two  Yesterday, we shared the tragedy in the Nuba Mountain region of Sudan and how Open Doors’ training and presence brought hope and encouragement. Today, read about some of the key lessons learned by the students from the Church in Philippi:  • Prayer is important. Prayer will strengthen our relationship with God. Prayer is our weapon. If we do not pray we will not focus on God and on His Word. If we pray we will cooperate with God and do His will. Through prayer we will face all the challenges before us. Through prayer in difficulties – the Christian comes out stronger. God hears our prayers. • We must accept suffering because of Christ. We must accept suffering that comes to us because of our association with Christ. It comes to every Christian. We must depend on God. Suffering does not mean God has forgotten us. We still need to fulfill the Great Command of Jesus Christ in our suffering. God teaches us to be strong in faith. We cannot escape from suffering. Be bold and courageous and don’t be discouraged by suffering. • Unity is important. Humility in Jesus Christ is important for the unity of all Christians. We belong to each other and we are growing as one body. Unity and love lead to a strong Church and bring an end to divisions. Being in unity makes us stronger. It enables us to share our needs and to share in our provisions. Suffering brings Christians together with one vision and causes us to move together and love each other. • We must not fear. We all know fear. But if we fear we will not be able to stand firm and accomplish the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. In fear, the Church will not move forward. We must continue, like Paul, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ despite the many challenges. One With Them Within the confines of prison walls, Paul tells us to “rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Ph 4:4). He wraps up his encouragement by telling to think about “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable” (Ph 4:8). Thankful for God’s Word and how it supplies all we need for every situation in life. We can take His truth and His promises to His Throne through prayer. We can stand One With Them for all God’s family suffering for His Son’s sake. Please join with believers around the world today. One With Them CHALLENGE With the Bible on our phone, tablet, laptop, and any number of hard copy translations sitting on the shelves, it is hard to believe that some believers still don’t have a single copy of the Bible. Not one, in any translation. The encouragement, direction, and inspiration that we get from a daily Bible reading is not available to them. For just $12 you can provide a Bible or discipleship materials in DVD, CD or digital formats for a small isolated band of precious Christians. Please prayerfully consider giving this gift, then click here. 2013.07.07 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many… walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ... (Philippians 3:17-20)