Finding Joy in Church Conflict | Philippians 2:1-4

Christianity will almost always be at variance with the culture that surrounds it.
However, the dangers posed by our differences with society may not be nearly as
threatening to the life of the church as the dangers posed by the differences that can
and do arise between members of the church. Actually, Paul taught the believers at
Philippi how to find release from the squabbles and clashes that weighted them down
as a congregation. Your church can find relief as well.

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Finding Joy in a Culture Hostile to Christianity | Philippians 1:27-30

The at large citizens of Philippi, along with the chamber of commerce and authorities from City Hall, went out of their way to treat Christians harshly. So, Paul addressed this conflict forced upon the Philippian believers by the society in which they lived. He wrote, not because he wanted his readers to pity themselves, but because he wanted to help them find joy in a culture that held venomous hostility toward Christ and His followers. How did he make that happen? However he made it happen, it can happen for you as well.

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Inquiry, Intrigue, and Insult | Genesis 25:22-34

Smooth sailing? That’s not how it worked out for Rebekah, and it’s not likely to work out that way for you and me. She faced trouble, trial and anxiety, finding herself engulfed by overwhelming circumstances though in the center of God’s will and work. What should she do? Complain? Take things into her own hands? Fortunately, she followed the example of her husband, but what about the rest of the family, especially Jacob? He was cool and calculating, crafty and subtle. He seems to be an unworthy and contemptible choice as an instrument of God. And yet . . .

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Delay, Delay, Delay | Genesis 25:12-25

Do you think Isaac wondered at the workings (or non-workings) of God? He may have cried out to God asking why his brother, Ishmael, should prosper so abundantly while he continued childless. Ishmael was not the son of promise. No doubt, Isaac experienced great disappointment. Why the delay? Why has God seemingly made delays in your own life with your own dreams?

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