Neighborly Care

"What has happened to me has served to advance the gospel." (Philippians 1:12 NIV)

Paul's story about his imprisonments and the subsequent blessings as a result of these situations are fascinating to read. When he finds himself in chains in a cold prison cell, and knowing he is innocent of the wrong he is accused of, he makes friends with his jailer.  He had time to write the letters which we now read to help us get through our trials and challenges.

"As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." (Philippians 1:13 NIV)

Many years ago, soon after my husband and I began attending church, we became friends with the pastor and his family. We lived a few blocks away from them and would often take an evening walk around the block, right past their house.  Often they were outside and we would stop and talk and laugh together.

This evening walk around the block soon developed into an occurence we looked forward to. In the beginning, Dave and I felt accepted and invited into their life, without being creepy. Over time the relationship grew and it became genuine and honest. They began to outwardly care for us by making our visits seem as important to them as it obviously was to us.

Dave and I grew in our faith and love for Jesus. Eventually that pastor baptized my husband and our youngest daughter. It is this type of story, or testimony, that could help someone else recognize that sharing the love of Jesus can be as easy as walking around the block.

Philippians 1:12-30

Philippians 1:12-30

Philippians 1:14 (NIV)
"Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly." 


Study materials on Philippians 1 tell of two ways the Gospel had been advanced as a result of Paul's imprisonment.  First, Paul made no secret about the fact he was in prison because of his love for Christ.  Because he was a follower of the man they had recently crucified, and he made it known, everyone was aware of Paul's predicament.  Even the soldiers who stood guard over him knew of his loyalty to the man from Galilee.  Instead of falling into self-pity or demanding his own release, Paul took this opportunity to make the Gospel known.

The second way the Gospel was advanced as a result of Paul's circumstances was it made his followers bolder, it helped to convince them they too could tell the world about Jesus and the salvation which He brought to the world.  This is a stunning fact, when you consider that the opposite would be true of most.  Fear would permeate followers of any other god, but disciples of the True God drew courage from Paul's example.

I still wrestle with the question, how would I act?  I am growing more and more confident that I too would be able to withstand the flaming arrows of the evil one.  I have been drawn to Ephesians 6:10-18 for a number of days now.  The message gained from reading about putting on The Armor of God seems to be so relevant to life these days; more so than in the past.  So, you may see more of this in the weeks to come.  The only way to spread the Good News of Jesus is to know it.  The only way to know it is to read, study and practice it.  Then we can, "speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly." 


Read Philippians 1:12-30 here

Listen to Philippians 1:12-30 here

Philippians 1:12-30

It is difficult to imagine not being able to walk into church and participate in a worship service.  I can't quite fathom what it would be like to have to sneak around under the cover of darkness in order to gather as a Body of Believers and share a time of prayer.  It doesn't seem possible, given the freedoms we have and take for granted, that others do not share in this gift.  I don't even know what that might look like.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."  (Philippians 1:20 NIV)

Paul understood persecution as did the followers of Jesus.  I remember when I was in Catholic grade school during religion classes we often were told of these days.  We heard stories of Christians living in underground catacombs, hiding out, in constant fear for their lives. I don't know this type of love and commitment.  I can't comprehend a dedication to Christ that is so strong I would willingly live in an underground cemetery so that I could worship the God of my choosing.

Oh, how I wish I could be confident that I too would have the courage of Paul to stand up to my critics and face them with love and compassion.  I know I have opportunity every day to do this. Today, the persecution we endure may be simply hurtful comments or derogatory remarks, tomorrow we might face imprisonment.

Our future and the future of our children and their children depend upon us today.  Our religious freedom was purchased at a price.  Are we prepared to pay the same price?  The Book of Philippians was, as Jill Briscoe put it, "Jail mail, written by a free man in chains."

Read Philippians 1:12-30 here

Listen to Philippians 1:12-30 here

Philippians 1:12-30

The Roman leaders' plans to keep Paul from sharing his testimony and from testifying about the salvation Jesus gives, has backfired on them.  Their scheming to silence this man, to stop him from spreading the Good News was all in vain. "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." (Philippians 1:12-13)

The opposite effect has been achieved and Paul has become well-known in the prison.  The palace guards and everyone else know that Paul is in chains for Christ. Those watching Paul see something special, courageous even, in this man.  Not only that, but Believers are being encouraged to speak up more freely; to teach fearlessly.  Paul's example has captivated the followers and given them something to live up to.

Who does that for you?  Is there someone whose actions speak so loud?  Is there a faithful follower who is a stellar example of who you long to become?  Throughout my Christian walk there has been one woman after another who has taught and encouraged my journey.  One woman prayed so easily, with everyday words and a heart that was open and vulnerable.  Another woman mentored me in my study of Scripture.  She painted such amazing scenes when she would tell a Bible Story that she made me want to read more.

Then there are the woman who serve others and God diligently, with vigor and determination.  Examples are all around us, we only need to look with open minds.  There are many who are in chains for Christ, but not by way of a prison cell.  They allow themselves to minister to the poor or the hurting because that is what Jesus would do.

Read Philippians 1:12-30 here

Listen to Philippians 1:12-30 here