This week’s featured article by Mike Riccardi is perfectly paired with a good reading through Philippians. Philippians is chalk-full of great material and a heartfelt message from Paul to the church.

When I began to preach the book of Philippians a couple years ago, I noticed that Paul immediately identifies himself and Timothy as slaves of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:1). Now, most of the English versions have “servants” or “bond-servants” there, but the Greek word is doulos, which is properly rendered “slave.”

In identifying himself as a slave of Christ at the very beginning of the letter, Paul intended that the Philippians—who had been struggling with issues of steadfastness amidst conflict (Phil 1:27–30; 4:1), unity among believers (Phil 2:1–2; 4:2–3), humility (Phil 2:3–9), and joy amidst persecution (Phil 2:17–18; 3:1; 4:4)—would be reminded that they too are slaves of Christ Jesus, and that that identity would inform their responses to those situations.

You can read the full article here.

Every person who calls on the name Jesus Christ, is invited into an entirely new way of doing life. A brand new Kingdom that Christ is building called the church. That Kingdom has a mission which requires workers. The mission of the Kingdom being to make disciples that will make disciples.

Paul in the New Testament speaks to one of those he had discipled, Timothy, and encourages him in his Kingdom work.

Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. [2 Timothy 2:15 CSB]

We are called to be Kingdom workers. Not just to work, but to be diligent and work hard. So what are the distinguishing factors of a Kingdom worker? What do they look like anyway? There are 5 key distinguishing factors that point out a Kingdom worker, a disciple who is making more disciples.

Know God’s Will

Obey God’s Will

Conquer Yourself

Hard Work

Hold Firm

See the full article here.

If current events have left you with more worry and fear, they may have also left you with more time for prayer and reading, and more space for faith.

This articles summarizes five classic stories in the Bible centered around faith.

Bible Stories About Faith: 5 Great Scripture Summaries

Read more: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-stories-about-faith-5-great-scripture-summaries/#ixzz6GuaqHbMs