Strive Together
While in college and for a few years after graduating, I lived with five of my best friends. We lived in a variety of dorm rooms, apartments, and houses. Initially, by deciding to live together, we thought we were signing up for a party. And at first, it was a party! We had people over to watch football on Sundays, had board game nights, threw celebrations, and in general cultivated a fun-loving and fulfilling community. And then our first big fight broke out over the mountain of dishes that weren’t done. Next, we squared off over the piles of undone laundry around the house. Afterward, there was a blow-up over the lack of “quiet hours” for those who needed to get up early for class or work the next morning. How could this be?! We were best friends! Who fights endlessly with their best friends?
The party we thought we’d signed up for turned into a nightmare of our own doing. The people we thought we were turned out to only be the tip of the iceberg. We had a whole host of irresponsible habits, inconsiderate practices, and immature mindsets to work through. The work that we had resisted while in childhood now became everyone else's problem to navigate.
When this became apparent to each of us, we initially despaired! Plans to move out, go our separate ways, or renegotiate our leases began to surface in each of our minds. And yet, we realized even if we were to move on or out of each others’ lives we would always have to work through the issues rising in each of us. Paul admonishes the Philippians in 1:28, “striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” To a community beset on every side with the looming prospect of persecution and likewise threatened from within by warring egos and divisions, Paul exhorts them to strive together. This suggests an ongoing, ever-present struggle, both with one another and with the futility of life. In this life, there will never be an end to the issues we face, the struggles we have with one another, and the evils that seek to undermine the work God would do through us.
May we admit we’re never anything but beginners, and commit to strive together, as imperfectly as we presently are, toward that which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Ryan Lunde
Young Adults
Stand Firm
Recently, my mom underwent a pretty invasive surgery. The doctors estimated a two-month complete recovery. As her oldest daughter, I immediately felt the responsibility of coming up with a game plan.
My mom was going to be off work for two months, which financially meant my dad could only take a few days off. Who was going to drive my brother to and from school? Who was going to give my mom her medicine? Who was going to give my mom her meals so she could take her medicine? What if she needed to get up to use the restroom? She can’t cook, so were they going to eat out for two weeks? That sounds expensive.
I figured out how I could work from home, which would allow me to be her caregiver for the first week. I was juggling full-time work, taking care of my younger brother, cooking for both my mom's household and my husband, and checking in on my grandpa at the hospital. All this while being six months pregnant. My first thought was “Wow God is giving me SO much strength to do this all by myself,” but very quickly he reminded me of the number of times people in our community asked if we needed anything, and said not to hesitate to ask.
I was so grateful that by day two post-op, dinner was lined up and provided for the next ten days for my parents. A neighbor offered to drive my brother to and from school. My grandpa felt well enough to go home.
I was reminded of what Paul says in Philippians 1:27, “I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” God is calling us to stand firm, as we are in the same family, because of the bond we share in the Holy Spirit. God blessed me with a family in Christ, that I can lean on and feel supported by. So thank you to anyone who prayed, provided, or checked in! My prayer is that we may stand firm in unity, as the family we are in Jesus Christ.
Izamar Marquez
Faithkids Director
Whatever Happens
Depending on your translation, Philippians 1:27 might begin in several ways. Most seem to suggest Paul may or may not have been able to visit the church in Phillippi, and some translations summarize that down to "whatever happens."
Whatever happens . . . it will all work out. That's one of those token phrases we've all heard and likely used a time or two.
The reality is when I say "whatever happens," I'm not always okay with the fact anything could happen, and the likelihood is it might not be my preferred plan. So, how do we hold the posture of “whatever happens” in a way that we lean into the call to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ? It is a discipline of trust; a discipline of trusting the gospel message is true.
John Piper summarized the gospel this way:
“God created us for his glory.
Therefore, every human should live for God's glory.
Nevertheless, we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory.
Therefore, we all deserve eternal punishment.
Yet, in his great mercy, God sent his only son Jesus Christ into the world to provide for sinners the way of eternal life.
Therefore, eternal life is a free gift to all who will trust in Christ as Lord and Savior and supreme treasure of their lives."
So, whatever happens. Whatever your child says, whatever your spouse does, whatever your boss assigns, whatever catches your eye, whatever your mind imagines - consider it in light of the Gospel of Jesus, and your conduct will remain worthy.
Can it truly be that simple? Yes - but it doesn't always mean it is easy which is why it is a discipline that must be exercised as often as possible. When honestly comparing our circumstances in light of the gospel, the rightful response will always be one worthy of its message. The harsh reality is we rarely feel the need to compare our circumstances against the gospel therefore, our response is typically not worthy conduct. Today, I invite you to hold yourself to the discipline and standard of considering whatever happens in light of the gospel. I guarantee the evidence of your discipline will be noticed from the result of worthy conduct.
Breann Dixon
Family Ministry Specialist
A Ministry of Presence
Recently, my dear wife and I had the honor of welcoming a beautiful bundle of joy into our household! As first-time parents, we were delighted, proud, and in awe of God's incredible gift to our home in the form of a small and endlessly adorable baby. I could not help but marvel at this incredible example of God's new creation bestowed on our household with all of the intricacies of His design from tiny fingers and toes to a small, delicate nose. The glory of God was on full display in such a tiny, helpless but joy-inducing little one!
As far as we know, the Apostle Paul did not have any biological children, yet his ministry throughout the Mediterranean region brought so many into an intimate relationship with Christ Jesus with Paul as spiritual father! This led Paul to write things such as God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:8) Paul longed to spend as much time with the church of Philippi as possible. He could not get enough of them! Towards the end of the epistle, we will further learn of how the Philippians have entered into a beautiful relationship of partnership with Paul at a time when other churches in their region could not be bothered. (Phil. 4:10, 14-16) What started as a spiritual parent-child relationship flourished into a ministry of mutual encouragement- a ministry of presence that was not limited by geographical separation. Paul and the believers of Philippi enjoyed each other's company, and Paul's desire to spend time with them was ultimately that they "may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again." (Philippians 1:26)
How might you practice and develop a ministry of presence? Perhaps you have a friend who needs to hear a word of encouragement from you today or maybe you have a relative or an elderly neighbor whose day would be brightened up by spending 30 minutes with you this week. Friendships are an incredible gift from God where we can experience and delight in Jesus our source of life. May the Lord bless and allow your friendships to flourish!
Tim Mitchell
Welcome Specialist
I’m Convinced!
Have you ever heard that someone is so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good? Well, Paul was the complete opposite of that! He was so heavenly-minded that it empowered his earthly good! Paul was a man who knew what he wanted. And what he wanted was to be with God in heaven! As I read the text, it almost seems Paul was yearning for death. His yearning was not morbid or dark but motivated by joy and hope. He knew that what lay ahead was going to be amazing! (Especially when you consider all that he had been through!) Yet he was willing to wait to embrace the clear purpose that God had him on earth… to stay and serve the church in Philippi and wherever the Lord took him. He was convinced that is why God sustained his life through many troubling times to “continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:25). He was in it for the long haul as they grew in their knowledge and trust in the Lord. Though a tentmaker by trade, Paul’s earthly good (and full-time job) was to live as an example of a life well lived in service of God and others.
Are you an excellent teacher? A whiz with numbers (bless you!)? A stay-at-home parent who loves and nurtures tiny hearts and souls? Mechanically gifted and keep cars tuned up and running? It’s so easy to get into “work mode” and focus on the tasks at hand focusing on the earthly things with little thought of the heavenly. Consider this . . . God has you right where you are employed in the full-time work of the Gospel. Be convinced! As a teacher, you are to live in service of God and for others. Be convinced! As a parent, you are to live in service of God and for others. Be convinced! As a mechanic, well, you get the point! By living heavenly-minded in every situation, you can be sure you are doing the will of the Lord.
Are you convinced?
Jessica Klootwyk
Groups and Discipleship Director
Stronger Together
Philippians 1:24 “But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.”
Reading through Paul’s ministry, I observed that he had two main focuses. The first was to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, the second was to encourage and love the body of Christ.
In John chapter 13, Jesus commanded his followers to love each other in the same way, He demonstrated His love towards us. Not only this, but Jesus tells us that the love we show to one another, will prove to the world that we are His disciples. Paul understood this and recognized that whoever received the Good News was grafted into God’s family and became his family. It was because of his love and commitment to the Lord and the body of Christ that he visited churches far and wide to bring words of encouragement to them. This wasn’t for his glory or gain, but so they may be strengthened in their faith (Romans 1:12).
One morning I received a text from a friend asking if I wanted to join her for coffee. I said that I was available and that I would love to. When we met at the coffee shop I asked if everything was alright, because to be honest, I was thinking something had to be wrong. Her response was one that I will never forget. She said, “Everything is great. I just wanted to hang out and see how you were doing.” This friend reaching out blessed me so much that I took her example and now use it too. We don’t have to have an agenda or a grand gesture. It can be as simple as meeting for coffee, taking dinner to a family, sharing words of encouragement, or offering a jump start. If your heart and intentions align with God, you strengthen the church.
The selflessness and investment Paul offered to the body of Christ was such a beautiful and strong example. This verse has challenged me and I hope you as well.
Michelle Esparza
Discipleship Administrator
Joy in Fellowship
Paul's love and appreciation for the Philippian believers is evident throughout Philippians 1:21-26. He finds joy and encouragement in their partnership in the gospel and expresses his desire to remain with them to support their progress and joy in the faith. This reflects the deep sense of community and mutual support among the early Christians.
Have you ever felt this same sense of joy in gospel partnership among other believers? Some of the richest experiences I've had in my walk with Christ came from co-laboring in the Gospel within intentional communities. When I was younger, I took a one-year break to attend a local discipleship program. Five days a week, we worshiped together, broke bread and shared meals, studied the Bible, did outreach in the streets of San Diego, shared the Gospel with strangers, encouraged each other, prayed for each other, and supported each other, soaking up the way of Jesus. We did life together and found immense joy in each other's presence and the presence of Jesus. I grew more in that year than in the previous ten years of just attending weekly Sunday services.
After that year, we all went our separate ways to multiply and share what had been poured into us. I found profound joy in the friendships of the community, sharing the love of Jesus, and pouring back the investment that was made in me into others—joy that surpasses any happiness the world could offer.
Surrounding yourself with an intentional community of believers who share your passion for Christ can transform your walk with Him and bring a joy that deepens your faith and enriches your life. I encourage you to seek out such a community - join a life group, start a discipleship group, join an outreach team, or even search for a discipleship school for a season - and experience the profound joy that comes from growing together in Christ.
Karina
Outreach and Discipleship
Fruitful Labor
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. - Philippians 1:21-22a
I love Paul’s passion in this passage! It is both eternal and temporal. His eternal focus bleeds into the temporal and becomes “fruitful labor” for him. Paul’s confidence in where he is going after death compels him to live courageously today. He has no fear of death, and this compels him to live for Jesus as long as he has breath. He is an amazing example for us to follow!
I would go so far as to say that the Apostle Paul’s “fruitful labor” was laser-focused on the most important thing that any human could put their efforts toward … bringing the gospel of Jesus to those who had never heard it before. In Romans 15:20, Paul says, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.”
Why is this the best use of our collective efforts? Well, one reason is that it’s the only thing we can’t do better one day in heaven. Think about it. Some say the most important thing that we can do is worship. Of course, worship is incredibly important and I hope we constantly grow in our worship, I also realize at the moment of death, we will experience the most incredible worship we have ever experienced. Some say fellowship is the purpose of the church. Well, it’s one of them, but the same is true when we stand before the throne of God, alongside every tribe and tongue, we will experience a type of fellowship that is greater than we could ever imagine. We could go on and on. However, there is one thing that we just can’t do in heaven, we won’t be able to introduce people to Jesus. It will be too late for that. For this reason, I think this is the most valuable use of our time and efforts. It is the most fruitful of all labors.
So, who is God calling you to invest “fruitful labor” in? Maybe you can reach out and offer prayer. Maybe you can invite them to church. Whatever it is, I pray that you will take the opportunity to introduce them to Jesus.
Many Blessings,
Josh Rose
Discipleship Pastor
“By Life or by Death”
Dr. Richard Strauss served as Emmanuel Faith’s lead pastor from 1972 to 1993. He had a doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary and was lovingly referred to by many in our congregation as “Doc Strauss” or simply “Doc.” He had a deep passion for the Bible and an exceptional gift for expository preaching. From the very first time my wife and I heard Doc preach, we felt that God was calling us to make Emmanuel Faith our church home. In addition to delivering insightful sermons each week, Doc authored numerous books filled with practical guidance for the Christian life. He was a pastor who loved his flock. We loved him too.
One Sunday in September 1989, Doc Strauss announced from the pulpit that he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Despite extensive medical treatments over the next four years, he continued to preach faithfully to his flock, eventually becoming so weak he had to sit on a stool to preach. One of the most memorable moments for our congregation came when Doc Strauss said “I’ve taught you how to live, now I’m going to teach you how to die.” And that’s truly what he did. Pastor Strauss entered heaven on September 11, 1993. He gave us a real-life example of what the Apostle Paul wrote about in Philippians 1:20, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Philippians 1:20 should inspire each of us to seek to glorify Jesus Christ in our own life, even during the most difficult times in our journey. We might like to think it’s easier to exalt Christ when things are going well in our life, but in reality we can glorify him even during the most difficult of circumstances. The trials in your life may be times when you have the greatest opportunity to exalt Christ, especially if other people can observe peace and joy in your heart as you walk through a trial with the Lord at your side.
I pray that in every stage of your life, and whatever circumstances you may encounter, you will remain steadfast in your faith and filled with inner joy so that your walk will be a witness to others and bring much glory to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Dave Korinek
Courageous Deliverance
Have you ever experienced suffering that seems like it will never end? A time when you longed for deliverance but the end just didn’t seem to be in sight. Webster's tells us that suffering implies, “conscious endurance of pain or distress.” The word endurance indicates the suffering will likely not be over quickly, but will rather require stamina - “the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort”. Scripture frequently uses the literal example of prison to communicate a state of suffering, yet “prison” can come in many shapes and forms.
Some of you may be experiencing an internal prison; daily living with the agony of longing for emotional deliverance, crying out to the Lord for freedom, but waking up in the same cage day after day.
Others live in bodily captivity due to a chronic illness or injury. Your mind works and longs for healing, but your body is trapped with a disability that it can’t control. This prison is often terminal and may never result in physical freedom here on this earth. The only option is to courageously endure.
How about a circumstantial prison? Every day you go to a difficult job with a difficult boss in a difficult setting. Then repeat. You don’t feel heard or valued and the end is simply not in sight. Or maybe the search for the job is what seems endless and every apparent open door slams in your face.
Then there are relational prisons; living daily in relationships that you know are unhealthy but seem impossible to change. You may know what needs to be said, but the fear of being unsafe or misunderstood prevents you from speaking the truth which you know could ultimately produce wholeness and health but just isn’t worth the risk.
The prisons we experience are endless. They are areas in our lives where we long for freedom but for one reason or another, we are trapped and unable to find deliverance.
Paul’s imprisonment was an actual Roman prison. He didn’t know when it would end, but he was confident that it would; whether by life or by death. In Philippians 1:19, Paul says, “For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” Paul is writing to the Church in Philippi asking for prayer because he believes in it! Furthermore, he is confident that God will provide through the Spirit of Jesus Christ. His conclusion? Deliverance.
What prison are you facing today? Who have you asked to pray for you? How is God providing within that prison? How is the Spirit of Jesus helping you to endure? Friend, may you have courage for the journey - your God’s purposes will prevail.
Lynette Fuson
Care & Counseling Director
