Episode 1179
Is Your Life the Message You Think It Is?
In this episode, we delve into the profound insights presented in Philippians 1:21-30, as articulated through the lens of progressive Christianity. This passage invites us to contemplate the transformative power of perspective, particularly in the face of suffering, as exemplified by Paul, who, despite his incarceration, asserts, "I can't lose." We reflect on the significant notion that reframing one's circumstances does not equate to denying reality; rather, it embodies a courageous acknowledgment of truth while maintaining faith in the possibility of redemption. Furthermore, we emphasize that our lives themselves serve as the most compelling message of our faith, transcending mere theological assertions. As we engage with these themes, we encourage listeners to adopt a posture of presence and support in the lives of those enduring trials, thereby embodying the essence of Christ's message through our actions.
Takeaways:
- Dr. Brad Miller emphasizes the importance of viewing the Bible from a progressive perspective, enhancing its relevance to contemporary life.
- The podcast invites listeners to reflect on the notion that suffering and faith are intertwined, and that enduring hardship can lead to spiritual growth.
- Listeners are encouraged to embody their faith through action, rather than merely adhering to doctrinal correctness or theological precision.
- The significance of community support is highlighted, as showing up for those in need is portrayed as a vital expression of love and faith.
- The podcast underscores that one's life and conduct serve as the ultimate testament to the message of Christ, transcending mere words or beliefs.
- A call to action is made, urging individuals to connect with others who are facing challenges, as personal presence can provide profound comfort and reassurance.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
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Transcript
Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the Message version relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's today's reading.
Speaker B: verses: Speaker B:I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad or indifferent.
Speaker B:Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed and so I.
Speaker A:Just cheer them on.
Speaker B:I'm going to keep that celebration going because I know how it's going to turn out through your faithful prayers and generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Speaker B:Everything he wants to do in and through me will be done.
Speaker B:I can hardly wait to continue on my course.
Speaker B:I don't expect to be embarrassed in the least.
Speaker B:On the contrary, everything happened to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known regardless of whether.
Speaker A:I live or die.
Speaker A:They didn't shut me up.
Speaker B:They gave me a platform.
Speaker B:Alive I'm Christ's messenger.
Speaker B:Dead I'm his prize life, Life versus even more life.
Speaker A:I can't lose.
Speaker B:As long as I'm alive in this body, there's good work for me to do if I have to choose.
Speaker B:Right now, I hardly know which I choose.
Speaker B:It's a hard choice.
Speaker B:The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful.
Speaker B:Some days I can think of nothing better.
Speaker B:But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here.
Speaker B:So I plan on being around a while companion to you.
Speaker B:As your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues, you can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again.
Speaker B:We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.
Speaker B:Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the message of Christ.
Speaker B:Let nothing in your conduct hang on Whether I come or not, your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or.
Speaker B:Or hear it from a distance.
Speaker B:Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the message, the good News, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition.
Speaker B:Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against.
Speaker B:Defeat for them, victory for you, and both because of God.
Speaker B:There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ.
Speaker B:There's also suffering for him, and the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting.
Speaker B:You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through in which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.
Speaker B:Well, my friends, that's the end of the reading.
Speaker B:I just want to welcome you back here to our conversation here on the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker B:Glad you're here.
Speaker B: out this passage, Philippians: Speaker B:And I was reading it from the message.
Speaker B:This is Eugene Peterson's incredible gift in his translation of making ancient words feel like they were written today for us, because they were.
Speaker B:Paul is writing from a jail cell, and that's an important context to get here.
Speaker B:He's not writing from some comfortable study or library or something or retreat center.
Speaker B:He's in chains.
Speaker B:And what he writes from that place is one of the most counterintuitive things in all of Scripture.
Speaker B:Get this.
Speaker B:Paul isn't changed.
Speaker B:And he says, I can't lose.
Speaker B:And that's a remarkable thing to hear him say.
Speaker B:Paul found reorientation in a jail cell.
Speaker B:And that's where I want to start our conversation today.
Speaker B:Our point to ponder, number one, is this reframing isn't the same as pretending.
Speaker B:Paul's I can't lose attitude is not toxic positivity.
Speaker B:He is not performing happiness.
Speaker B:He says plainly, I'm in jail.
Speaker B:I might die.
Speaker B:And some of the people preaching out there have bad motives.
Speaker B:He sees all of it.
Speaker B:He just refuses to let it have the final word.
Speaker B:On my other podcast I do, it's a weekly one where I talk with people navigating cancer.
Speaker B:I've had the privilege of sitting with some really courageous human beings who I've ever encountered, and the ones who find their way through their situation don't pretend that cancer isn't real.
Speaker B:But somewhere along their journey, many of them find a way to reframe the story.
Speaker B:Not to deny the suffering, but to refuse to let Suffering write the ending and progressive faith understanding of this passage doesn't ask us to perform cheerfulness or paste a smile over genuine pain.
Speaker B:It invites us to an honest reckoning with what's real and stubborn, almost defiant belief that something redemptive is still possible.
Speaker B:That's not naive, that is genuinely brave.
Speaker B:Point to ponder number two.
Speaker B:Your life is the message.
Speaker B:So that's the second thing I want us to sit with.
Speaker B:It's here in verse 27 of this passage.
Speaker B:It says, live in such a way that you are a credit to the message of Christ.
Speaker B:Paul doesn't say make sure your theology is airtight.
Speaker B:He says, make sure your life is worth something.
Speaker B:He's more concerned with whether the Philippians show up for each other, stand together and act with courage than whether they've agreed to the right doctrinal checklist.
Speaker B:And this is where progressive Christianity has always leaned hard, and I think rightly so.
Speaker B:Faith isn't primarily a set of propositions.
Speaker B:We believe it's a way of life.
Speaker B:We embody day to day in ordinary moments.
Speaker B:My two granddaughters will tell you that laughing with those girls is one of the greatest joys, is one of my favorite things on this planet.
Speaker B:And they don't care what theology or any background their grandpa has.
Speaker B:And they just notice how I treat them and how they treat me and that I show up and that it's real.
Speaker B:And I show up when it's hard and when I don't feel good or whatever it is.
Speaker B:And even if I don't feel like it, that's the real message.
Speaker B:My wife and I have been together over 34 years and we've raised three wonderful adult children and we watched them build amazing lives.
Speaker B:That's embodied faith and that's the message that actually reaches people.
Speaker B:And look, I have my issues.
Speaker B:I have one thing I tell terrible bad dad jokes.
Speaker B:My family groans at every time.
Speaker B:But even a bad dad joke has a way of saying I love you enough to embarrass myself for a laugh.
Speaker B:And that counts.
Speaker B:Here's your action step for this week.
Speaker B:Think of a person in your life who's carrying something heavy right now.
Speaker B:Maybe it's a cancer diagnosis or a loss in their life or a season of doubt or financial issues or relationship problems.
Speaker B:Don't try to fix it.
Speaker B:Don't text them a Bible verse and call it done.
Speaker B:Just show up.
Speaker B:A phone call, a walk, a cup of coffee, a visit on the doorstep.
Speaker B:Be the message that is human, most human, ordinary way that you know them.
Speaker B:Paul says, your conduct speaks louder than anything else you could say.
Speaker B:Let's say something good to somebody.
Speaker B:This week I'm going to come back and have a prayer with you.
Speaker B:First, I just want you to know that we have a Bible study resource for you that you can use at home.
Speaker B:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.
Speaker B:You pick it up for free@voiceofgoddaily.com let's pray.
Speaker B:Oh God, we come today to you.
Speaker A:With a lot of different from a.
Speaker B:Lot of different places.
Speaker B:Some of us are having a genuinely good season, laughing and feeling like things are good.
Speaker B:And some of us are in a hard place right now, scared, exhausted, maybe like Paul in that jail cell, wondering about how this whole thing ends.
Speaker B:So God asks you to meet us where we are, not where we think we should be.
Speaker B:Give us the kind of faith that doesn't flinch from our hard stuff, but also doesn't hand the final word over the darkness.
Speaker B:Remind us that our lives, our actual, imperfect, ordinary daily lives, are the clearest message we've got when we're tempted to overthink our theology and underlive our faith.
Speaker B:Nudge us back.
Speaker B:Remind us that sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is just show up for someone who needs it.
Speaker B:And thank you for this community of listeners finding their way through.
Speaker B:May they be a credit to someone worth believing in.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend.
Speaker A:I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to VoiceOfGod daily and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
Speaker B:Sam.
