Podcast: Download (Duration: 33:29 — 30.7MB)
April 13, 2025
- Philippians 3:7-8
- Philippians 3:12-14
- Luke 19:30-31
- Luke 19:41
- Luke 19:42
Pastor Gene begins with a story about a boy born with a limp who, against all odds, climbs a towering mountain. The message is clear: pain can either break us or shape us. Like the boy, we must press on through hardship, drawing a powerful parallel to how Jesus didn’t give up—even when it meant going to the cross.
Main Themes:
1. Pain Has Purpose
- Pain refines us, develops our character, and teaches us how to rise.
- Jesus endured pain for our freedom—we too must endure and not give up.
2. Press On
- Drawing from Philippians 3:7–14, Pastor Gene emphasizes Paul’s resolve to press on toward his divine calling.
- Paul counted all his worldly achievements as “garbage” compared to knowing Christ.
- We’re reminded not to let past pain or present struggles stop us—keep pressing on.
3. Live for an Audience of One
- Too often we live to impress people who don’t ultimately matter.
- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, not a chariot—choosing humility over appearance.
- We should live to please God, not the crowd.
4. Celebrate What’s Important, Not Just What’s Impressive
- The world celebrates success, image, and performance.
- But faithfulness, consistency, and honoring God deserve recognition too—especially in our children and youth.
- Celebrate spiritual growth, regular church attendance, and living with integrity.
5. Holy Week Reflection
- Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the people misunderstood His purpose.
- They wanted a political king; He came to bring spiritual peace.
- The closer Jesus got to the cross, the more people misunderstood and abandoned Him.
- We are invited to reflect, reset, and realign our hearts with God’s purpose this Holy Week.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t quit—press on.
- Don’t live to impress others—live for Jesus.
- Celebrate what matters most: a life aligned with God.
- This Holy Week, take time to reflect, reset, and remember.