Hiawatha church of Christ

  The book of Philippians has an unusual characteristic. Paul was in prison when this letter was penned. Yet, while his circumstances were less than desirable, his letter was written on the theme of joy. He wrote, “ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Even amid unpleasant surroundings, Paul found a reason to rejoice. The takeaway we gain from this letter is that we too can rejoice always regardless of our outward circumstances. Let us consider some of the reasons we have to rejoice. Christ died for us. The apostle Paul wrote, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Because of what Jesus accomplished for us, we can be set free from the bondage of sin. This is significant when we consider the high price of sin. Jesus stated, “…Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” (John 8:34). Paul also declared, “For the wages of sin is death...

  The church at Corinth had numerous troubles with unity. They were divided by following men rather than after Christ. They were divided over meat offered to idols. They were divided over spiritual gifts and their conduct at the Lord’s Supper. Therefore, Paul wrote to them, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Paul knew the great power that is found in the unity among the brethren. It is for this reason that he spent much of his letter urging the Corinthian brethren to be unified with one another. Even today when the church is unified there is great benefit that results. First, by our unity others will know that Jesus was sent into this world to save sinners. Jesus stated, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their w...

  If you could have the one thing in life you desired the most, what would it be? If you knew that just by asking for it, you would receive it, what would you ask for? While this scenario may seem out of bounds for most of us, it was a legitimate opportunity that one man had. His name was Solomon. “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?’” (1 Kings 3:5) King Solomon could have asked God for anything. He could have asked for great wealth, long life, or the heads of his enemies. Instead, it was wisdom that he desired. He wanted wisdom to judge the people of God and to discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9). God was pleased with the words of Solomon. He granted him wisdom that would exceed all those before him and those that would come after him. God also granted him with riches and honor (vs. 12-13). Wisdom out exceeds all other blessings one may desire. Solomon later wrote, “For wisdom is better than rubies...