God’s Strength and Provision
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is about living the Christian life. In Chapter 4:10-20 specifically, Paul speaks of God’s provision. He thanks the Philippians for their concern, but expresses that it was not needed. Paul has everything he needs when he has Christ. He is content no matter his situation, through Christ who strengthens him.
Do not take the verse out of context. Paul is not saying that God will empower all believers to accomplish anything they desire. God’s strength enables us to endure hardship and persecution, as Paul himself was experiencing at the time. Trust in the Lord’s timing and provision in everything we go through, so we can be content and not be consumed by greed and materialism.
That is Paul’s secret to contentment and the key takeaway from this part of his letter. Trust God, so much so that you can say: “Through Him, I can endure all difficulties no matter how seemingly insurmountable they may seem.”
United in Christ
Design: Joshua Wong
The first 10 verses of Ephesians 4 describe the concept of Christian unity and the importance of working together for God’s glory. All of us are uniquely created and gifted by God to serve him and each other to the best of our abilities.
Even though we may know this, we may sometimes find it difficult to put our knowledge into practice. Believers can come from any culture, any background, all walks of life. Regardless of our differences, we are called to love each and every believer as family.
Ephesians 4:2 is Paul’s instruction on overcoming these differences. We are to approach one another with humility, gentleness and patience. Pride and impatience have no place in the body of Christ and will only cause disharmony and chaos. As 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
A Cheerful Giver
Design by Joshua Wong
Paul is writing to the Corinthians to remind them about their previous commitment. Earlier in 2 Corinthians 9:3-4, Paul mentions that he has told the Macedonians about a gift to be received.
Paul’s point in verse 6 is this: The one who sows less seed can expect to have less grain. The one who plants more seed will have a more bountiful harvest. It is true both in a physical and spiritual sense, the more we can “plant” or give out of a willing heart of love for our spiritual siblings, the more that love will bear crops.
However, those results may not necessarily be in the physical wealth and prosperity that we expect. It is instead in a much greater form; the spiritual lives of the givers and those who receive their gifts. In that sense, money becomes evidence of love given in the name of Christ.
In essence, money and the giving of money becomes evidence of the love the Church has for one another and a testament of Christ’s love on Earth. In this season, do consider giving cheerfully to EAST.
Cru Media Ministry SALE
Beat the Christmas crowd this year! Cru Media Ministry will be holding their 2020 Supporters appreciation sale with up to 35% off storewide from 19th to 25th November.
The store doesn’t just sell books and bibles. The catalogue includes everything from boardgames to kitchenware.
Check out the full catalogue here.
Make full use of this opportunity not just to get some great gifts for yourself and your loved ones, but also support the Cru family this festive season.
There will be limited slots for physical visits to the store at Cru Centre so you will need to book your tickets here, or you can simply access the online shop by clicking here.
Christian Freedom
After Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection, many still held fast to the Old Testament laws. In Galatians chapter 5, Paul is telling his listeners that there is no longer a need to be justified by the law since Jesus’ death is sufficient for our salvation.
This great news, however, does come with new instructions.
EAST Library Catalogue
EAST Populi
National Library Board eResources
The Digital Theological Library
