Philippians 3:8-21 - Model Core Values

        I like how Paul says here that we are a work in progress (8:12-14).  Ain’t that the truth.

        Every organization has honesty listed as one of its core values.  Good, great actually.  But the reality is there are a lot of spin artists out there.  They say they stand on the inerrancy of Scripture as they flagrantly disobey the law of Christ and the way of Christ.  Embarrassing to say the least.

        Let’s be honest (Proverbs 28:6).  Flattery and backslapping are boring.  Let’s be done with that approach.  Let’s listen to what Paul has to say here.  He says that being a Hebrew of Hebrews, a pure-blooded citizen of Israel, and a member of the tribe of Benjamin with strict obedience to the Jewish law is - wait for it - worthless.  Say that today and you risk being canceled.

        Yet the truth is that God judged Israel and showed it irrevocably on the cross of Jesus Christ, in the resurrection, and in the complete destruction of Jerusalem within a generation of Jesus’ death (see the well-documented destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70).

        The church was not built (and never will be) by wrapping itself in an Israeli flag.  We are not, God forbid, Judaisers.  We are born anew.  Completely new people with a new covenant.  And we are to love all people, Greek, Jew, and Arab alike.  If we adhere to legalism we show at best naivete and at worst that we are enemies of the cross of Christ.

        Value the cross of Christ (3:18) - for what the Messiah, Jesus Christ, completed on His Cross is God’s plan of salvation - our only hope and our confidence.

        Look forward to Christ’s return.  He will judge you and me (2 Corinthians 5:10).  We must have faith in Jesus for eternal life.  That’s the prerequisite.  Your denomination, country, family, flag, political party, or adherence to rules will not do a thing for you.  Worthless, as Paul explains.

        There is infinite value in knowing Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Thank God!  Trust God today and reject the enemies of the cross of Christ.  Let's pray like we have never prayed before for the growth of the church and for peace - peace from God.

        We need wise and knowledgeable leaders now more than ever.  We need leaders to teach, equip, and encourage the Church.  I trust God will bring forth such servants - those who will lead as Jesus says they should.  The first will be the last.  They won’t put themselves in mansions at the expense of the sheep.  They’ll roll up their sleeves and serve.

        Our churches must be transparent - not secret societies hell-bent on concealing their sin.  There is power in the cross of Christ, confessed sin, and lives showing true repentance.

        Thank God for His word.  He makes it clear that the wicked will meet disaster and that His church will flourish.  I believe that and trust God’s timing (Psalm 118:9).

        We have free will and one life to live guided by God.  Let’s build on the progress we have made (3:16).  We must pattern our lives after the Apostles, eagerly awaiting the return of our Saviour.

        Let us think about these things dear Church, you citizens of heaven.  You blessed people of Almighty God.  Amen.

Our five-year-old grandson, Jackson.  Growing up so fast.  He's recently started to lose his baby teeth.