Element Christian Church of Santa Maria

2025, like most years, hasn’t been easy. Yet God remains at work—we may have been “roughed up,” but in His hands, we are neither forgotten nor abandoned.

Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned in conditions of unspeakable horror: overcrowded prisons with suffocating air, sleepless nights in chains, underground chambers devoid of light, corroding iron shackles, and appalling filth. Yet Paul wasn’t deterred by these devastating ci...

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David Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that Philippians 1:6 may very well be described as the fundamental (or key) verse to all of Paul’s letter to the church in Phillipi. He said it’s one of those “magnificent, fundamental, profound statements which lead us into the very depths of Christian doctrine and Christian theology.” In this verse we have a window into the Biblical teaching of salvation; the whole doctrine of salvation kind of ...

In today’s verses Paul shows a dramatic shift in how he viewed his credentials and accomplishments. Paul lists his “resume” of religious qualifications (his pure Jewish lineage, strict Pharisaical adherence to the law, and zealous persecution of the church), but then declares all of these achievements as “rubbish.” Rubbish is a polite translation of a crude Greek term. Our most fundamental need is righteousness, but our righteousne...

In Philippians 3:1-3, Paul continues his message about unity and humility in Christ while warning believers to “watch out” for those who would add requirements to salvation. Paul will speak about the issue of circumcision to address deeper questions of identity and belonging in God’s family. Paul says that there are schemes from people that want to detract us from the work of the Gospel. These people are described as:

• Dogs – Thi...

Paul presents Timothy and Epaphroditus as living examples of the Christian humility he has been teaching. After discussing concepts like humility, unity, and pouring out our lives for Christ, Paul now provides concrete examples of what these principles look like in action.

• Timothy demonstrates genuine concern for others’ welfare rather than self-interest.

• Epaphroditus literally risked his life in service to Paul and the Gospe...

Mothers are a gift! Thank you, mothers, for the care and support you provide to your children. Your time, encouragement, wisdom, and prayer for your kids is a blessing – whether you receive a ‘thank you’ or not! May God give you peace and joy today.

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