D-Groups Blog

The humility of Jesus, the Son of Man, is a shocking lowering. From glorious splendor, to a roughly hewn manger, a towel and a basin, a criminal's cross, and a borrowed tomb - Jesus humbled Himself. All for the glory of the Father and the rescue of His people. What selfless love! He is our example in putting others first.

Grace is truly amazing. It enables born-again believers to act in ways that they would never be capable of on their own. By nature sinful, they have the capacity to live righteously. Inclined to selfishness, they are able to humbly put others first. Tuning into the the grace of God brings joy and harmony among believers.

In a broken and hostile world, the church is to function as a safe haven for its flock. This requires unity among the sheep. According to Paul's words to the Philippians, nothing binds the church together more securely than its union with Christ, encounter with the Father's love, and its Spirit-given purpose.

We naturally avoid heartache and pain. Our instinctive response is to turn and run when it comes to suffering. Yet suffering and the gospel are inseparable. We walk in a long line of suffering saints who have trod in the footsteps of the Savior.

Believers are to live a life that is worthy of the gospel. It is to be their aim to live in such a way that their life is "in balance" with its life-changing message and power. A worthy testimony is evidence supporting the transformative power of the good news to a lost world.

In a culture that celebrates the rugged individualist and emphasizes looking out for number one, putting Christ first and serving others sacrificially is a glorious departure from the norm and the great calling for every believer.

God is worthy of unrivaled love and devotion. Yet how can the stone cold hearts of sinful humanity show affection? The only way for our heart to be changed and love to be formed in us is if God first demonstrates His love toward us. He acts for our good and His glory so we might exclaim, "I love the Lord!"

Paul claims that for him , "to live is Christ and to die is gain." A Christian's life is to be spent knowing Christ and making Him known, while death is to be sweet release that finds rest in the presence of Jesus. Yet navigating the tension between these two realities is what we, like Paul, must learn to balance and appreciate.

God has provided every believer talents and gifts for the good of the church and the advancement of the Gospel. Therefore, every believer is necessary and indispensable.

Suffering, others' ill intentions, and the certainty of death - Paul considers all three to be powerless and no match for the gospel. As a matter of fact, they are simply means a sovereign God uses to advance the good news.