Of all the churches in the early Bible days after Christ has ascended into Heaven, the church of in Philippi serves as a shining example of what a community of Christians should look like.

What We Can Learn from 1:3-6

In most of his books to the various churches, Paul opens up with greetings that are appropriate for those churches. Usually it's a prayer for grace on them because they've got a lot of work to do. For this church in Philippi his opening is one of thankfulness.

"I thank my God everytime I remember you." As you learn throughout the book, Paul has a special relationship with the people at this church and though he is their teacher, he also considers them his dear friends. He is writing this letter from prison, but this church in Philippi causes a spirit of thankfulness to overflow.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day till now…" This picture is so relevant to us today. We can all relate to a time in our lives where our circumstances were so difficult but just knowing that there was someone out there who, though absent in body, were with us in spirit, bearing the burden with us, serves as such an encouragement.

"…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Part of his encouragement is from the fact that he knows that God is on a mission and that regardless of whether Paul is able to continue to minister… regardless of how things go for him… regardless of what happens, he finds joy in the fact that it is God who is at work and God's work cannot be stopped.

Response

1. Who do you have in your life who encourages you like the church of Philippi encourages Paul?
2. Is there a person or a group of people who have your back and are there for you no matter what the trouble… they say "where you go, I will go." 
3. What do you learn from Paul's words to his dear friends, the Philippians?

Please feel free to leave your comments below.

In our group we are reading Chapter 2. It's titled "You might not finish this chapter," and that title comes from the thought that before we know it our life could be over. I am in my home right now and the reality is that once I get in my car and begin driving today my life could indeed be over.

Why I'm Telling You About This

Reading through the chapter was insightful and challenging, but there is one portion that I really connected with and it just so happened to be a verse from Jesus. While speaking at a friends funeral, Francis opened up the Bible and shared the words from Matthew 10:32-33. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." To me those words are intense. They don't leave room for messing around. You're either in or out.

I think we can relegate that verse to acknowledging God in word only. If someone asks us if we're a Christian in order to adhere to this verse we must say yes. I think that's true, but I think what Jesus was getting at runs deeper than that. We shouldn't limit the power of Jesus' words to only responding in the affirmative when presented with opportunity to acknowledge him, but I think that verse reaches further into our lives. I don't believe it is calling us to be reactive, but pro-active. When combined with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) this is a teaching that ought to propel us to living lives where all we want to do is find opportunities to acknowledge, even confess Jesus before others. 

What does that look like? To pro-actively seek ways to acknowledge Jesus to all men? I think it manifests itself in all different ways and I think to each of us the answer will be different. The essance of the message remains steady, but our tactics will look different as a result of what surrounds us.

God's Throwing A Parade: I'm Invited

I don't want God to be reactionary with me. I don't want him acknowledging me only when asked. Rather I want to be adored by my Heavenly Father. I want to live a life that God is proud to parade. To live a life where he doesn't model a shamed parent… you know that parent in the grocery store who loves their child dearly but has to go around apologizing for the behavior of their kid when she doesn't get lucky charms in the cereal isle. I want God to hold my hand proudly and parade me as a prize. I don't think that's too much to ask… as a matter of fact, I think that's well within the realm of an acceptable desire. Who doesn't want to be adored by their father… earthly or heavenly?

What does this look like for you? How can or do you acknowledge him pro-actively in all areas of our life? Please comment and share from your experience.

Lives on Mission

No one wants to waste their life but unfortunately the majority of lives lived are wasted. Wasted on careers. Wasted on education. Wasted on accomplishments. Our lives are wasted on so many things that are not inherintly bad but become bad when they take the place of Jesus. For the Christian we are called to live lives on mission; lives of purpose. No one said it would be easy, as a matter of fact, Jesus said it would be hard. There is too much at stake to forget that we are on mission for Jesus. There is too much at stake to approach religion as a moralistic therapy. There is too much at stake to mistake good things in life for our lifes purpose. We are called to live lives on mission for the priorities of Jesus.

Lives of Self-Control

One of the shining traits of a Christian following after Jesus is their ability to live lives of self-control and not surprisingly one of the most damaging things a Christian can do to their lives & their credibility is exhibit a life of zero self-control. The choices in life are so clear when you focus on Jesus and surround yourself with a community that loves Jesus. When we begin to stray from biblical community those easy choices suddenly become harder to make. What are areas in our lives where we need to ask Jesus to bring a spirit of self-control?

Generosity

It seems that the younger a believer is the more firmly he holds to his pocket book but the more freely he will be with his time. As the believer ages he is more willing to part with pieces of his pocket book but his time becomes something to hold tight to the chest. Christians should be the most generous, giving people on the face of the planet because unlike the non-believer, we are aware of the great sacrifices that Jesus has made for us. When we fail to be generous men and women of Christ we become more and more like the unmerciful servant. Our lives should be shining examples of demonstrating the genersoity of Christ.

Christians are no exception to having our favorite pets. We have things that bring us comfort & safety as Christians. It would be great if God was always the one bringing us comfort & safety, but sadly we often relegate his relevance to our comfort & safety to the post life (we just want to get into heaven). What do I think is the Christian's favorite means to attain comfort and safety here and now? Legalism.

Gettin' all Legalistic on Your Behind

Stop having sex. Don't drink. Don't swear. Pray. Do a quite time. Give money to church. Volunteer. Go to Sunday services. "You'd better do these things if you want to be loved by God." It seems to me that we, Christians, love to get all legalistic about things. It could be for a variety of reasons. It could be to puff ourselves up. Make ourselves look better than everyone else around us, like the religious leaders in Jesus' day. It could be for reason of not even knowing where to start in trying to live a Christian life... "well, I'm a Christian now. I guess I'll stop drinking." But I think those are just symptoms of a greater problem.

Gettin' all "Jesus" on Your Behind

The heartbeat of legalism is self-help Christianity. This so called self-help Christianity is the brand of faith where you figure out a way to clean yourself up for God. You accumulate a list of all the things you did and didn't do in the name of Jesus and then at the end of that day, week, month, you present your list to God and try and convince him to say "red rover red rover, send insert your name over!" The problem with this brand of faith is that it lacks one fundamental understanding about God: why Jesus came.

Jesus came to set the captive free. He came to fulfill the law, to be a trailblazer. But somehow we still want to earn God's approval. Even on our best days, when we have made all the right choices, done all the right deeds, we are not beyond the need of God's grace. And even on our worst days, when we have sinned greatly and don't feel like we deserve what Jesus did, we are not beyond the reach of God's grace (take from The Discipline of Grace).

We love to be legalistic about things because it is a way we rely upon ourselves and assure ourselves of our salvation. But Isaiah & Paul say:

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." Isaiah 64:6

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ," Philippians 3:7-9

That second verse from Paul is pretty powerful. He had a lot to tack on to his spiritual resume... I mean, he wrote half of the New Testament. I would imagine it would be easy for Paul to get a book deal and be a best selling author in the "Christian Living" section of Barnes & Noble. He could have written books that would make Joel Osteen jealous. But instead he says he counts all his accomplishment as a loss. The only thing that matters to him is that he has Jesus in the end.

Response

What are some of the favorite legalisms Christians tend to hold on to? Obviously sex, drinking and swearing are huge... what are some other legalisms we try to abide by to earn salvation and how does Jesus release us from them?

Each sitting I find myself really drawn to a particular verse each time:

Those three verses alone could give you a clear picture of who Jesus is. In Matthew 6:21 he is a wise teacher who understands the condition of the human heart when it comes to money. No matter how many years have passed, this statement is still true today. We can be found when the trail of our check book is followed. What is it that we love? what is it that we invest in? Our money will testify on our behalf every single time.

JESUS IN ACTION

In Matthew 9:6 he speaks with compassion and authority. He knew the needs of the paralytic were much greater than regaining the ability to walk. With authority he addressed the greater needs first but then with compassion and power he gave the ability to walk. Imagine being a close friend of Jesus in this moment. I am thinking about my buddy Isaac right now… I would say that we’re pretty close and we know pretty much everything about one another. I can’t imagine the two of us hanging out and all of the sudden Isaac forgiving sins of some guy on the street and then giving him the ability to walk. I would think inside my head “I can’t believe what just happened! Seriously, did that just happen?” That’s probably very similar to what the disciples felt every time Jesus did something great. I can’t imagine it getting to a point where they’re like, “yeah, that’s our rabbi. He does stuff like that all the time.” NO WAY! I wouldn’t be able to maintain composure.

And then in Matthew 9:35 we hear what Jesus’ wrap was around town. He’s a guy who goes around to all the neighboring areas, talks about God and “heals ever disease and every affliction.” Now that’s cool. Just stop and think about that……………. he heals ever disease and every affliction. The people surrounding him at the time were seeing him heal physical ailments but his miracles paved the way for humanity to be healed from spiritual depravity. He was doing so much more than what people could see. In the words of Allan, “Jesus Had an Agenda.”

JESUS STANDS ALONE ALONG SIDE US

I would love to have been around when Jesus was walking. I don’t think many people would express the opposite… “I would have hated to be around him.” Even people who don’t believe Jesus is God would want to go back and hang out with Jesus. The reality is that there is none like our God. No other God has had the wrap that Jesus has. No other God has accomplished the things Jesus has accomplished. No other God proclaims the ability to forgive sin. Jesus stands alone on so many fronts and someone who is that set a part would normally be difficult to find. However, through his Word,  God has made himself, Jesus, available to all and even though he isn’t here in physical form, he is here inside our hearts. And we get to hang with him.

VINTAGE JESUS

This Thursday, May 19, is 242 Night and we will be continuing in the Vintage Jesus study. I have been loving this study because Jesus is the center of the Christian's world and it has been incredible to dialogue each week about who Jesus is. Please go to our website and "Like" the page or share it on Facebook.

Info for Vintage Jesus

FRESHMEN WELCOME POOL PARTY

On Saturday, May 21, we are welcoming the incoming Freshmen into 242. This is a very important day for our group as we get to make a first impression on graduating high school seniors. Please do everything you can to join us. Food will be provided, but you'll want to bring your swimsuit and a towel. If you've got someone who you'd like to invite to check out the 242 group, this is a great opportunity in a non-threatening environment... Please be there on Saturday!

Info for the Freshmen Welcome Pool Party

242 LADIES RETREAT

Lastly, the 242 Ladies Retreat is in June and spots are limited on this weekend just for the ladies. It is probably one of the least expensive trips you will ever take! The cost is $50 and includes accommodations, meals and for those carpooling with the group, gas. All ladies between 18-28 are invited to join the gals from 242 for a great weekend of relaxation and community.

Info for the Ladies Retreat

If you're a man and you want to get fired up about being a man in love with Jesus, take 5 minutes and watch this video. Don't just watch it, but watch it and ask, "how does this change me?"

So, you’ve made Mountain Park your new church home. What is it about our community that you really connected with?

I feel like Mountain Park is a place you just can’t get away from… No, that’s not a bad thing in this situation. Other churches I’ve visited have been different because, once I was out the door, my mind told me “Ok, Jordan, on to the next thing…” and I never thought twice about the message or the songs or the people I met. BUT, when I leave Mountain Park, it’s always on my mind. I remember the message I heard at random times during the week, I am always thinking about the next time I’ll get to see the people there, and I’m always excited to go back for more! I’ve never felt that about a church before, and it’s addicting.

It’s been said that you work at ASU. Is that true?

Who told you that? Oh right, I did… Yes, I work in Stadium Control. “But Jordan, Stadiums are usually pretty structurally solid, right?” I get that question every decade. No, my job is basically to make sure people are behaving themselves at sporting events, like football games, volleyball, etc. It’s a pretty easy job, aside from the occasional drunk person. I get to go places that the regular fan doesn’t usually get to go, so it’s kind of like a backstage pass at times, which I think is cool because it’s interesting to see how the whole “College Sporting Event” works on any given saturday.

No, I can’t get you free tickets to sporting events… Sorry guys…

Did I see you online somewhere? Are you a YouTube superstar?

You caught me. I do a little video recording/editing now and again. My video capabilities are limited because I have a PC, which doesn’t do as well as I’d like, sort of how Macs handle that kind of stuff. I also play the guitar and sing, so what better way to let my far-off friends and family know what I’m working on than posting it on youtube, right? As for the superstar bit, I’d have to get at least 2,000 more views before I could actually put that on my business card.

Mac or PC?

As stated above, I use a PC, but would LOOOOOOVE a mac, because it most effectively fulfills my technological needs for video fun! Unfortunately, that dream aint cheap, and I’m not the Monopoly guy.

What were the circumstances surrounding you deciding to follow Jesus and embrace everything it meant to be a Christian?

I’ve always been a “Christian” since I can remember. It wasn’t until some events as recent as last Decemaber that I actually decided to devote all my cares, concerns, strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between to Jesus, and become a follower of him. I have to tell you, life pretty much rocks when you do that, I highly reccommend it. Now, I’m not saying life is all footloose and fancy free, far from it. I’m saying that I really truly understand that passage that says God will never give you more than you can handle, I’ve handled some pretty tough stuff and I can honestly say I’d be a very different person if I didn’t have God on my side!

People have noticed dog tags around your neck. Are you in the military?

Well, the dogtags I wear actually aren’t mine. They’re my dad’s from when he was in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He gave them to me years ago, like when I was 15 or 16, and I’ve worn them just about every day since. I really respect him for doing what he did in service to our country, and have decided that I too will be joining the military by way of the Air Force. I’ll be joining after I gaduate so I can be an officer and hopefully become an airlift pilot! My first big dream in the military is to salute my dads at my basic officer training graduation.

What is your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Well like a lot of other guys, I have an xbox which serves as a conduit to a few of my good buddies that share my affinity for games. That’s my recharge because my friends always cheer me up no matter if I’m sad or already happy! My relaxation happens when I’m alone, just me and the guitar. I’ve spent many, many hours just strumming nonsense because it’s just a theraputic thing to do.

Have you ever participated in a pyramid scheme?

I feel ashamed to admit it but yes… I used to be a part of the mega-ultra-pyramid-scheme-atron known as CUTCO. I got through 5 days and said, this seems to have filled the quota for “job I’ll never list on my employment history.” I’m not bashing the company or the product in any way, I kept all of my sample knives because they rock! But, that job takes a special person, and I don’t care to be it…

What are 3 things that we should know about you but probably would never guess on our own?

Batman is my favorite Superhero, because he’s the only superhero classified as such without having super powers!
I have never had a flying dream
If it’s interesting enough, I can quote a movie pretty well after seeing it 2 or 3 times…

You’re in the backseat of a Ford Astro Van for 12 hours… what would you have taken with you and what would you do during that time?

That all depends on how much room there is. If there is plenty of room I’d probably play my guitar as long as I could, if not so much room, I’d probably take a nice collection of some movies with my laptop and have my own private movie marathon.

Its been said that you’ve had a couple tours at Mountain Park. Share with us your history with the church!

Well my parents used to help with music here back when we met at Mountain Point High School like 18 years ago. So my first ‘tour’ of Mountain Park was pretty much playing Sega Game Gear backstage listening to them sing. The second ‘tour’ started a few years ago when I was asked to start playing guitar for the main service.

So you play guitar… what was your inspiration for picking up the ax for the first time?

My inspiration had to be because I sucked at drums. I had this 70’s Slingerland kit that was red and I was so hyped to get it. After like 3 months of not taking any lessons or getting any better, I put the sticks down. Around that same time we went on the vacation to Colorado with this other family and he showed me some chords and stuff. So went home, sold the drum set and bought a guitar.

I heard that you have a friend that lives with you in your room. Care to introduce us?

Yup, I have a dog named Bella.

Let’s say a light bulb in a Wells Fargo were to go out randomly, would you be able to help fix it?

I could send someone out there to fix. Basically every Wells Fargo in the United States has to call my department for any building maintenance need, which can be something minor like a light bulb or something crazy like a roof leak.

If you had a blank piece of paper set in front of you and had to draw something, what would that something be?

I always draw this same pointy headed guy. I don’t really know why. Maybe just out of habit.

You’ve led worship a couple times for 242 Night. Is that something you do pretty regularly?

Pretty much every week. I’m the music guy for the Student Union and I play in the main service on Sundays that we don’t meet in SU. I love playing with a band and my band right now in Student Union is great. We are making some good music.

What’s one thing about you which no one would know just by looking at you?

That I am a wordsmith. I rarely lose in Scrabble or any other word games.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in your life in the last 3 1/2 years?

Lets see… went to Hawaii, got a dog, went on some roadtrips. I’ll have to go with getting a dog. I just taught her how to speak, that took like a year for her to learn that!

When did you decide that you wanted to make Jesus #1 and serve him? What were those circumstances?

It was really more Jesus choosing me. The way everything worked out was that my dad had lunch with Jonathan Foster (interim worship pastor before Marsh Hall) and my dad said that I played guitar and gave him my number. So Jonathan Foster called me up and I played that week and pretty much every week after. I made an early decision to not turn down any invitations to play because I knew that there was a reason I was there. Then they started growing me into different roles within the church and I couldn’t be happier with where I am now.

Would you share a bit about your history at Mountain Park?

I’ve been coming to Mountain Park since I was in fourth grade when my now step-dad started bringing me. I grew up through Hot Church, and started singing in the worship band. It’s been a long and emotional journey through many leadership changes and transitions, but God has certainly grown and changed me through the process. I have been in leadership for several years, from leading worship around the church, being a student leader, leading small groups, and helping keep the student ministry program alive and well. God has certainly found many ways to use me at Mountain Park over the years!

So I’ve noticed different hair colors over the past few months… care to share insight into your creativity?

Honestly, I get bored, and I’m excessively creative. It’s a dangerous combination. Let’s see, I’ve gone through blonde, dark brown, light brown, auburn, purple (not my fault), brown with red streaks, orange (also not on purpose), platinum, and of course, hot pink. But I’m trying to take a break and make sure my hair doesn’t fall out, so I’m getting it done professionally now.

There is a rumor that you own a rat. Is this metaphoric or do you really own a rat?

Unfortunately for some, it’s not at all metaphoric. I actually own two rats, and have owned 6 all together (RIP). You could say I’m a die-hard animal lover. I also have 2 dogs and 3 cats at home, and our house feels pretty empty right now. The coolest pets I’ve had would have to be my Mali Uromastyx (basically a tiny dinosaur), and my Veiled Chameleon. I’ve worked with animals for a few years now, from pet care and sales at PetSmart to being a certified dog trainer. I’m currently working on becoming a certified dog groomer.

It seems that anyone you knows you, knows that music is a big part of your life. Why is that?

Music is my passion and the greatest gift that God has given me. I’ve learned more about myself and God’s infinite grace through music, and my biggest dream is to bring people to Him through my voice.

Who has had the biggest influence on your walk with Christ?

I can’t say there’s one specific person who gets this award, although my mom definitely deserves a big mention for helping keep me on a good path through life! But God has a way of putting very influential people in my life for short periods of time to teach me exactly what I need to learn at that time. God is awesome like that!

What is the greatest thing you’ve learned over the past year about our God?

He’s A LOT smarter than me. I’ve tried in the past to control my own path and have failed miserably. I’ve learned that when I let go and let God take over, he blesses me with more than I could ever imagine!

If there is one thing that everyone must know about you (besides what you’ve already shared), what would that be?

I love art and crafts of any sort! I knit, sew, cross-stitch, bake, scrapbook, and make jewelry, along with other various projects I find. I have my own jewelry line with products made from real gummy bears, and I make lots of other accessories as well! I’m at peace when I’m making something with my hands.

What is one factoid about you that doesn’t really serve a purpose but is fun to know?

I never grew up, and I’m still obsessed with Pokemon!

How long have you been in the Phoenix area and what brought you here?

I have been here since June 2008. I moved here with my parents because we had sold our family business back in the Midwest. We moved here because of the beautiful weather, except for the 120 degree days 

How did you hear about MP and twoFORTYtwo?

Two friends of mine, Lauren and Jeremy, introduced me to the church.

I think I’ve seen you in war gear somewhere on the internet, can you shed some light on this?

My dad and I started a leadership development company called Character Quest. Our company utilizes U.S. Army Ranger based missions to teach our clients about team, leadership and character development. During their four-day training session they learn how to orienteer and build team cohesion. They are then introduced to an enemy team that provides a layer of adversity via paintballing. My role is to lead the enemy faction. This would explain my army gear 

Here is a link to the Character Quest Youtube Channel.

What is one thing you enjoy in life that no one would ever guess about you?

I love filming. I recently started a Youtube channel and I enjoy taking my video camera with me and capturing life. I will only live one life, so I figure why not record it!

Ok, so you’re on a deserted island, what are 3 books you would bring and 3 movies you’d bring?

Books: Stephen King Dark Tower 7, Bible, Malcolm Gladwell Blink

Movies: LOST dvds, Star Wars Episode 3, 300

Are you a Mac or a PC?

Mac!!!!!

What’s the most important thing people should know about you?

I am working on getting my PhD. in Leadership to be a professor and consultant. I hope to be completed within the next 3 years. I am very excited!

Tell us something about your relationship with the Lord.

I believe God works in amazing ways. He has led me down many paths that I have grown ethically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I am excited to see what God has in store for my life in the years to come.