The Joshua Victor Theory

              Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen. Our verses today from Paul’s prison letter to the Philippians echo Moses’ farewell speech to the children of Israel. Both Moses and Paul were at the end of their life and ministry. Moses had spoken God’s law one last time to Israel. Then he warns that if they forsake God’s commandments and turn back to other gods, they would no longer be God’s children because they’re blemished—a crooked and twisted generation. Paul echoes these words in his letter to his beloved Philippians: “ Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain .” ...

Sermon Outline: ·          2 weeks ago—Paul’s “farewell speech” in Ephesus. Today in John 16, small section of Jesus’ lengthy farewell discourse to His disciples. Eve of His betrayal, arrest, coming crucifixion. Everything in His ministry had been aiming toward this moment, this hour of His cross. The necessity of God’s plan unfolding, urging Him to that momentous sacrifice. Preparing them; but not a farewell speech of one leaving them behind or never coming back. Rather: remain with them through the Holy Spirit and accessible to them through prayer. ·          Sadness comes with saying goodbye—but Jesus’ departure also brings joy and peace. Jesus recognizes their sorrows; prepares them for the tribulations ahead. Though sorrow would soon overcome them at His crucifixion, inexpressible and untouchable joy would be theirs at His resurrection. Life was about to change radically for them. Nothing could to...