Show Notes
In this second week of Advent, Case reflects on Paul’s gratitude towards the Philippians for their partnership (Philippians 1:3-11), and encourages those in the marketing industry to celebrate their partnerships and strive to reflect the values of Christ in their work.
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Episode Transcript
The Advent season deepens our longing for the coming of Christ, who brings light into a world shrouded in darkness. Reformed theology emphasizes the doctrine of total depravity, acknowledging the pervasive effects of sin in our lives and in society. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we confess our need for a savior and eagerly anticipate the transformative power of His grace.
A reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 1, verses 3 through 11:
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
In the Reformed theological tradition, the concept of covenant and community resonates deeply with the themes found in Philippians 1. Paul expresses gratitude for his partnership with the Philippians, emphasizing their shared mission in the gospel. Today, we turn our focus to those in the public square leading in the marketing industry and communications.
In this arena, partnerships, whether between brands, agencies, institutions, constituents, or consumers, partnerships are crucial. Just as Paul celebrates the community’s role in advancing the gospel, marketers thrive on building strong relationships that foster collaboration and shared values. This approach not only enhances brand loyalty, but also creates a sense of purpose that resonates with consumers seeking authenticity. Moreover, Paul’s confidence in the good work that God initiates and completes can be paralleled to the long-term vision essential in marketing strategies. In a fast-paced environment where trends come and go, the assurance of growth and completion underscores the importance of a brand’s mission and values.
Marketers must cultivate a vision for the right, the true, and the good that not only addresses immediate goals, but also anticipates future developments, aligning with their audiences’ evolving needs. Finally, the goal of being filled with the fruit of righteousness serves as a powerful reminder for marketers about the impact of their work.
Marketing strategies should strive to reflect the values of Christ that promote well-being and integrity, resonating with a broader purpose beyond profit. In the reformed tradition, this aligns with the idea of living out one’s faith in all aspects of life, including business practices. By focusing on ethical marketing and genuine engagement, brands can cultivate not only a loyal customer base, but also contribute positively to society, glorifying God through their work.
The Gospel of Luke chapter 1 beginning in verse 68, the Song of Zechariah:
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
A prayer for the marketplace leader.
Heavenly Father, guide my business decisions so that they align with your will. Grant me the wisdom to understand my customers’ needs and attract those who will benefit most from my offerings. I ask for your blessing. May my efforts be fruitful and may my products and services reach those in need. Let my business be a beacon of light.
Grant me the grace to find favor in the eyes of my customers and create a loyal client base that sustains my business. Open doors of opportunity. Lord, inspire me with innovative ideas that meet the needs of my customers. Help me to stand out in the marketplace and attract those who seek something unique and valuable. Amen.
God’s Word from Malachi chapter 3, verses 1 through 4:
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.
