Philippians 2:7 says Jesus “emptied Himself.” Here’s what that does not mean: Jesus did not place Himself in demonic powers nor did He empty Himself of His deity. The latter is commonly referred to as the kenosis theory or kenoticism. It comes out in the second stanza of the popular hymn, “And Can it Be.” “Emptied Himself of all but love.” It is best to think of Christ’s “emptying” Himself as a laying aside of the privileges that were His in heaven. Some like to think of it as what Jesus took on. Taking on humanity forced Jesus to often operate within the limitations of humanity. So, He emptied Himself, verse 7 tells by “taking the form of a bond-servant [“doulos” – slave], and being made in the likeness of men.”

Randy Smith

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Meats, Grains, Dairy		Chicken, Rice, Casseroles	6	Servings

INGREDIENTS

2	lb	To 3 lb broiler/fryer chicken, cut up
1/4	c	(to 1/3 cup) flour
2	tb	Oil
1 1/2	c	Long grain rice
1	ts	Poultry seasoning
1	ts	Salt
1/2	ts	Pepper
1	c	Milk
2 1/3	c	Water

INSTRUCTIONS

Chopped fresh parsley
Dredge chicken pieces in flour.  In a skillet, heat oil on medium and brown
chicken on all sides. Meanwhile, combine rice, poultry seasoning, salt,
pepper, milk and water. Pour into a greased 13x9x2" baking pan. Top with
chicken. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or
until rice and chicken are tender. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Serves:  4 From: "Taste of Home Magazine"
From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini

A Message from our Provider:

“God cares”

Gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. The doctrines of grace create a culture of grace, as Jesus Himself touches us through His truths. Without the doctrines, the culture alone is fragile. Without the culture, the doctrines alone appear pointless. For example: The doctrine of regeneration creates a culture of humility (Ephesians 2:1-9). The doctrine of justification creates a culture of inclusion (Galatians 2:11-16). The doctrine of reconciliation creates a culture of peace (Ephesians 2:14-16). The doctrine of sanctification creates a culture of life (Romans 6:20-23). The doctrine of glorification creates a culture of hope (Romans 5:2). The doctrine of God creates a culture of honesty (1 John 1:5-10). And what could be more basic than that? If we want this culture to thrive, we can’t take doctrinal short cuts. If we want this doctrine to be credible, we can’t disregard the culture. But churches where the doctrine and culture converge bear living witness to the power of Jesus.

Ray Ortlund