Christ Insight

Based On: Philippians 2:9-13

Did you know that the New Testament name, Jesus, and the Old Testament name, Joshua, are really the same name?  They both come from the Hebrew word, Yeshua.  The reason they sound different is that words are often pronounced differently when they move from one language to another and the name “Jesus” has gone from Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English.  But however you pronounce it, the personal name of our Savior means, “The LORD saves”.

Based on: Philippians 4:4-7

Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is coming – two times when family and friends like to get together.  Are there people you look forward to seeing?  People who bring a little joy to the gathering?  I remember as a kid I looked forward to seeing my Uncle Joe.  His gregarious smile and humorous wit added to the joy of the occasion.  We looked forward to seeing him.  I even remember some of the things he said.  For example, as he was leaving sometimes he would say, “I'm glad you got to see me.”  He was just teasing us – I think.

Based on: Philippians 4:10-20

First, I need to explain the theme printed in the bulletin, “It is good to be content . . . with friends.”  I do not mean to say that with you need to be content with the friends you have even if they are a little less than desirable.  No, what I mean is that we can be content no matter what we have and while we are content God gives us our fellow Christians with whom we can enjoy our contentedness. 

Based on: Philippians 2:5-11

We know the story well.  We heard it again earlier, that story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.  Perhaps it is not the most magnificent or spectacular entry that Jesus could have made.  Just think how Jesus could have miraculously rolled out a plush red carpet right through the gates of Jerusalem, or how he could have arrived in his own limousine or Rolls Royce or even his own private jet.  But no, he rides a donkey through the gates of Jerusalem.  A donkey, cheaper and less expensive to maintain that a horse, it was the Chevrolet or the Ford of Middle Eastern travel in that day.