But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil 3:20 NIV)

We are now in week 6 of our study in Philippians. This past Sunday, we spent time digging in Philippians 3:17 - 4:1. With two feet on the ground, you can stand firm. Paul mentions another group to be aware of. He calls them the "Enemies of the Cross" and he warns the Philippians not to be anything like them. Scholars refer to this group as the "Antinomians", perhaps because they claimed to be Christians but did not have any rules or laws that they lived by. They lived with no standards. They were almost the opposite of the Judiazers of Paul's time, and there were most likely some in the midst of the Philippians Church.

Paul is pointing out that we need to be different. Because of Christ and because of the joy we have, our behavior should not be like that of someone of this earth. We cannot claim to be Christians and cling to self-induced rules. Neither can we claim to be Christians without being different from non-christians.

If Aliens were to come to Earth, knowing nothing about our planet, and they asked who you looked or acted like, who would you choose?

A.) like a pop star
B.) like a movie star
C.) like a celebrity
D.) like Jesus

Hopefully you picked D. Think upon an area where you need to stand firm. Perhaps you are spiritually propped up on only one foot, but Satan is pushing you over again and again. Pray silently that you can stand firm this week.

We should stand firm because our citizenship is heaven. We are not native to this Earth. We belong elsewhere, and Paul says we should act like it. He says we should stand firm, so that someday we can go home. For people who STAND FIRM in Christ, there's a great reward awaiting us.

Disneyland :: September 26, 2009

Jr. High Ministry is going to Disneyland on Saturday, Sep 26, 2009.

I need to know who's going by sending me an email directly at mnguyen@metrochurch.org by Saturday, Sep 19, 2009 so I can make the proper arrangements.

The plan is to leave Los Angeles by 8am.