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The Good Life

Recipe For The Good Life

The Good Life // By The Grace of God

July 28, 2024 • Hebrews 13:9, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Acts 17:28, John 15:5, Acts 4:33

The Good Life // By The Grace of God Philippians 4:23 (NIV) “ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV) “by the grace of God I am what I am…” Quote from Timothy Keller “The Bible’s purpose is not so much to show you how to live a good life. The Bible’s purpose is to show you how God’s grace breaks into your life against your will and saves you from the sin and brokenness otherwise you would never be able to overcome… religion is ‘if you obey, then you will be accepted’. But the Gospel is Grace is, ‘if you are absolutely accepted, and sure you’re accepted, only then will you ever begin to obey’. Those are two utterly different things. Every page of the Bible shows the difference.” (Tim Keller) God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense Acts 17:28 (NIV) “For in him we live and move and have our being.” 1 Peter 1:2 (ESV) “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” John 15:5 (ESV) “apart from me you can do nothing.” “Grace is a system of living whereby God blesses us because we are in Jesus Christ, and for no other reason at all.” (Steve McVey - Author of Grace Walk) Philippians 4:19 (ESV) “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Acts 4:33 (ESV) “with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them” Acts 6:8 (ESV) “Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (ESV) “a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Hebrews 13:9 (ESV) “it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace”

The Good Life // The Rare Jewel of Contentment

July 21, 2024 • Jason King • 1 Corinthians 4:11–12, 2 Corinthians 11:25–27, Proverbs 30:7–9, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:10–15

The Good Life // The Rare Jewel of Contentment Philippians 4:10-15 (NIV) “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only” 1. Christian contentment is not determined by your circumstances. 2. Christian contentment is learned. Philippians 4:11 (NIV) “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” 1 Corinthians 4:11-12 (ESV) “To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands.” 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 (ESV) “…by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger…” 2 Corinthians 11:25-27 (NIV) “Three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.” Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV) “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” 3. The source of true contentment is found in our union with and dependence on Christ. Philippians 4:12 (NIV) “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV) “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

The Good Life // A Recipe for Practicing a Good Life

July 14, 2024 • Philippians 4:9, Philippians 4:4, Matthew 24:37–44, Matthew 6:27–34, Philippians 4:8

A Recipe for Practicing a Good Life Philippians 4-9 (NLT) “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4-9 (MSG) “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:4 (NLT) “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:5 (NLT) “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” Matthew 24:37-44 (NLT) “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT) “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Matthew 6:27-34 (NLT) “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Philippians 4:7 (NLT) “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (MSG) “Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT) “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” James 1:22 (NLT) “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” Philippians 4:9 (NLT) “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” A recipe for practicing a good life: 1. Celebrate, be joyful, and revel in the goodness of God daily! 2. Look for intentional ways to add value to people around you daily. 3. Live with urgency about the return of Jesus daily. 4. Instead of worrying, talk with and listen to Jesus daily. 5. Practice gratitude daily. 6. Resist the urge to fixate on negativity and think about good things instead... you guessed it... daily.

The Good Life // Living For Something Greater

July 7, 2024 • 1 Peter 2:9–11, 1 John 3:2–3, Philippians 3:20–21, John 18:35–36, Matthew 6:9–10

Living For Something Greater Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV) “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” John 18:35-36 (ESV) “’Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.’” John 17:14-16 (ESV) “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” Matthew 6:9-10 (KJV) “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” 1 Peter 1:1 (ESV) “To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion…” 1 Peter 2:9-11 (NASB) “But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers” Hebrews 11:13 (NASB) “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” Hebrews 11:10 (NASB) “for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV) “we are ambassadors for Christ” Philippians 3:20 (NASB) “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” 1 John 3:2-3 (NASB) “we know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

The Good Life // Which is Better, Life With or Without Jesus?

June 30, 2024 • Ephesians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:8, Romans 3:22

Good Life // Which is Better, Life With or Without Jesus? Which is better, life with or without Jesus? “Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But being a Christian, that's a tough call. That's real rebellion. Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll is easy. True Christianity … that’s rebellion.” - Alice Cooper Philippians 3:1-14 (ESV) “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order 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 comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Why is life with Jesus worth it? 1. You personally know Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:8 (ESV) “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” 2. Your standing before God is based on Christ, not you. Romans 3:22 (NIV) “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” Philippians 2:12 (NIV) “Just as if I had always obeyed” Faith + Works = justification Grace + Merit = justification Christ + My inherent righteousness = justification (Could you please put a red X over (Works, Merit, My inherent righteousness?) Faith + Works = justification Grace + Merit = justification Christ + My inherent righteousness = justification Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ alone = justification Ephesians 2:8 (ESV) “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 3. Your purpose is greater than earthly comforts. Philippians 3:10, 13 (NKJV) “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Matthew 16:26 (NIV) “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

The Good Life // Becoming Like Christ

June 23, 2024 • Jason King • Philippians 2:19–30, Hebrews 12:1–2, Philippians 2:5–7, Philippians 2:12–18, Daniel 12:3

The Good Life // Becoming Like Christ Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV) “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:12-18 (ESV) “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” The Good Life 1. Living like Jesus shows the way to Jesus. 2. Living like Jesus looks different than those who don’t know Him yet. Daniel 12:3 (ESV) “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” 3. Living like Jesus is an example for other believers to follow. Philippians 2:19-30 (NIV) “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” 4. When you fix your eyes on Jesus your life will become more and more like his. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The Good Life // How To Live The Good Life

June 16, 2024 • Jason King • Philippians 2:1–11

How To Live The Good Life Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV) “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 1. Look to Jesus’ example. · Surrendered his divine form. (v.6) · He emptied himself and any rights. (v.7) · Became a man. (v.7) · Became a servant. (v.7) · Obedient even unto death. (v.8) · Embraced the shameful death on a cross. (v.8) 2. The more you focus on Jesus, the less you focus on yourself and the more you see the needs of others. (v.2-5) “…being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”

The Good Life // God’s Perspective is Everything

June 9, 2024 • Acts 16:20–23, Philippians 1:12–30, 2 Corinthians 11:23–28, Philippians 1:20–24, Matthew 16:25

The Good Life – God’s Perspective is Everything Acts 16:20-23 (NIV) “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” Philippians 1:12-30 (NIV) “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 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. 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. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” God’s perspective is everything. 1. When Christ is at the center, He changes our perspective toward difficult circumstances. 2. When Christ is the center, it frees us from our preoccupation with what others think about us. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (NIV) “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” 3. When Christ is at the center, He alleviates our fears about ourselves and the future. Philippians 1:20-24 (NIV) “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. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Matthew 16:25 (NIV) “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 20:26-28 (NLT) “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Good Life // A Call to Cruciformity

June 2, 2024 • Jason King • Philippians 1:1–11, Philippians 1:6

The Good Life – A Call to Cruciformity Philippians 1:1-11 (NIV) “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace Grace Philippians 1:6 (NIV) “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.” To bring forth the fruit of Christ through your life to those around you.