What do you tend to think about? Do you think GOOD THOUGHTS, or BAD ONES? Do you focus on GOOD THINGS, or BAD THINGS? The focus of your thoughts will direct your future. That is the Apostle Paul's warning in today's text in Philippians 4.

Will you STAND TALL if you face OPPOSITION? Standing is easy when there are no forces acting against you. It is harder when you are being pushed or pulled contrary to your will. Click to listen to Week 8 in our study of Philippians.

This world is NOT your home. You may think it is - but in the larger scheme of things, it is absolutely not. It is a short stay. It is a temporary pit-stop on an eternal highway. Click to listen to this reminder that the Christian's "citizenship" is in Heaven.

Your future IS better than your past. There IS hope on the horizon. That's the message of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3, when he talks about "pressing on" toward an encouraging future - no matter how bad your past has been. Click to listen to our latest study in the Book of Philippians.

What does it mean to WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION? Why did Paul use those words? What kind of "work" was he talking about, and why is it done "with fear and trembling?" Click to learn more in our study of the second half of Philippians 2."Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." - Philippians 2:12-13

Jesus can relate to what you're going through. Philippians 2 says that He took on our nature and likeness, and experienced our hurts and pains. We refer to this as the "humility" or "condescension" of Christ. However, Philippians not only says that Jesus was humbled, it also says that He was exalted. Click to learn more in Week 3 of our study."Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:5-11

What is YOUR PURPOSE in life? Do you even know? If you have a Creator, does He have a say in what you're supposed to be doing? The Apostle Paul certainly believed this. To him, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Click to learn more in Week 2 of our new series on Philippians."21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me." - Philippians 1:21-26

Paul was in prison. His situation was TERRIBLE. Death awaited. And yet, it was here that Paul wrote the most joyous letter in all of the Bible. How can this be? Join us for the first week in our study on the Book of Philippians."1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:1-6