“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:3-6
The apostle Paul wrote these words from prison around the year 60. While physically separated from his Christian brothers and sisters, he nevertheless found a way to maintain a close spiritual connection with these friends in Philippi. As the calendar turns to April, I’m finding Paul’s words from prison particularly poignant this year.
It’s hard to imagine that we might not be able to gather in our Sanctuary to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. So many of you have said the same to me in phone calls, texts, and emails over the past few weeks. We may not be languishing in prison as Paul was, but we certainly understand better now than we used to what it’s like to be separated from our Christian community. The prospect of welcoming the risen Christ from a safe social distance makes that separation seem even more stark.
So, what shall we do? What can we learn from Paul here in Philippians? I detect three specific invitations in these verses: To gratitude, to joy, and to hope. Paul is actively practicing all three of these Christian virtues while in prison. Could we do likewise? If so, how? We’ve got some time between now and Easter. Let’s put it to good use finding ways to make gratitude, joy, and hope part of our daily routines while we are separated from one another. Be intentional about it.
Ask yourself: “What will I do to cultivate gratitude (or joy, or hope) in my life today?”—and then do it. I can think of no better way to prepare our souls for Easter this year. Grateful, joyful, and hopeful Christians always find it easier to recognize the risen Christ when he shows up in unexpected places. Even—and this year, especially—at a distance.
About author
Dr. Christopher “Lee” Canipe was born in Winston-Salem, NC and attended Davidson College where he graduated with honors in History. After earning master’s degrees in History at the University of Virginia and Counseling at Wake Forest University, he felt a calling to the ministry. He pursued his theological education at Duke University where he graduated with his Master of Divinity, summa cum laude. At Duke, he earned the Interpretation Award for Excellence in Biblical and Theological Study.
While working on his degree he also served as youth minister at Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham. After graduation, he worked as a pastoral assistant at First Baptist Church of Savannah, GA. From there he spent a year as a Global Service Corps missionary to Russia. Upon his return to the States, Lee continued his theological education at Baylor University where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies.
Most recently, Lee was awarded an Oxford Foundation Fellowship for independent postdoctoral study at Oxford University in Great Britain. Upon graduation, Lee and his wife Hilary, a primary care physician, were called to serve Murfreesboro Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, NC as senior pastor. Here he has faithfully served for the last 12 years. During his time in Murfreesboro, Lee has led his congregation in a strategic reflection process, two capital campaigns, greater community involvement through service partnerships and other events, and the development of an international missions relationship with a French-Canadian Baptist Church in Quebec.
Lee has also been an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Chowan University for the last 10 years. He has authored two books, “Loyal Dissenters; Reading Scripture and Talking Freedom with the Early English Baptists,” and “A Baptist Democracy: Separating God and Caesar in the Land of the Free,” as well as numerous journal articles and book reviews. He has also written Sunday School and Bible Study materials for Smyth & Helwys.
Lee has been an important part of the Baptist community and his local community. He has strong ties to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship as he served on its Coordinating Council for several years. Lee has also served on the board of Ridgecroft School (Ahoskie, NC), and the Board of Ministers at Chowan University and Campbell University. Lee has been an active volunteer in his community through his involvement with Rotary International as well as coaching numerous athletic teams. His contributions to the community have been recognized through several different awards: Rotarian of the Year, the Chowan Athletics Service Award, and the Sammy Doughtie Community Service Award (given by the Chamber of Commerce).
Lee and Hilary have three children: Helen (14), Watson (12), and Peter (9). His interests include running, travel, reading (especially American history), and college basketball.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, History (Honors) – Davidson College
Master of Arts, History – University of Virginia
Master of Arts in Education, (Counseling) – Wake Forest University
Master of Divinity (summa cum laude) – Duke University
Doctor of Philosophy – Baylor University
