Reflections from Philippians: Press On!

By Dr. Brian Simmons

I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me… forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us.” (3:12-14). And, the people whose lives Paul touched gave him GREAT joy and produced for him a great reward in heaven.

We saw the place where Paul was imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16). We also saw the first convert to a Christianity, Lydia’s, house. This was a turning point in all of history!

The key passage, the Gospel, was written by Paul in 2:4 ff. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Who being in very nature God thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death. Even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father!”

What matters most in life? At 65 years old, Bonnie and I decided to take a Greek Island cruise. Tomorrow we will be in ancient Philippi. What did Paul write to the believers in Philippi? He encouraged them not to dwell on the past but instead to remember God’s blessings. He encouraged them to faithfully live and serve God as faithful stewards by loving and serving others. He encouraged them to finish strong and do all that God called them to do! As they lived in this way their lives were filled with joy!

Remember God’s blessings. Name them one by one. The most precious gifts God has entrusted to my care have names! These precious gifts given to me by God bring me GREAT joy!

Brian Scott Simmons was born to Gene and Loretta Simmons March 21, 1960. I accepted

Christ as my Savior July 15, 1975, at the Wilds Camp in North Carolina. I attended EBCS and God used my two years there to turn me around and deepen my faith. Following high school, I attended Cornerstone University and met Bonnie. We were married before our senior year. It was at CU that God confirmed my gifts of teaching and leadership. Following college, we returned together to Elkhart and taught at EBCS. I was the first graduate who returned to teach.

Bonnie and I have been married 44 years! She is my best friend and love of my life!

We were blessed with 4 children in Elkhart: Jared Scott, Drew, Lindi Sue, and Aubrey. They married and we were blessed with four more children: Mary Claire, Stefanie, Matt and Zach.

We have 15 precious grandchildren! Teigan Scott, Evelyn, Anderson, Shiloh, Elias, Luca, Lainey, James, Elizabeth, Samantha, and ____, Adeline, Cohen, Isla, and Emelie. Our prayer is that they will all grow to become thoroughly prepared and devoted followers of Jesus Christ!

Thank you, Lord! I love my family SO much and pray every day that my faith in Christ will lead all of them to follow Christ too!

I served at EBCS, HCS, IWU, ACSI, CIU, KRCS, ACS and LCA. Also, NGOS, College Park Church, Ben Lippen and Center for Steward Leader Studies. Lord, thank you for allowing me to touch lives and help each of these organizations grow and change during times of founding and times of significant transition. It seems my assignments in each place were very similar, and in each you enabled me to use my gifts for my good and your glory.

I am blessed with SO many dear friends. Bonnie, my best friend. Phil, Sam, EBCS and FBC students and families. Brian Dougherty. Mitch. Henry. Steve Valinet. Marion and Kate. Brad and Renee. Jason. Tony. Barry. Ben. Doctoral students. Mary Beth. Scott. Howard. Bill Allen. Al. Britt Stone. Joe Todd. Kenyon. James. Sam and Diane. And so many more!

So, Brian, it is not over until it is over. Work hard to show the results of your salvation. Do this especially by investing your life in the lives of others as this brings the greatest joy in life. God is working in me giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Live a quiet, innocent life shining like a bright light in the world. He who began a good work in me will continue His work until it is done. Stay true to the Lord, live your life focused on brining honor to Christ, love and serve God by loving and serving others, press on and finish strong!