Bay Area Community Church

Are you stressed out? Do you lack joy? Are you worried about the future, finances or relationships? Paul has the answer, found in Philippians 4:1-9, and this week we have special guest Pastor Dr. Ken Boa, who will unlock the truths of how to overcome anxiety. Ken is an apologist and friend of Bay Area who has authored dozens of books and leads Reflections Ministries.

I remember being is a hotel lobby in the summer of 2008 when I watched the best finish of any race I had ever seen. Michael Phelps was trailing behind the leader in an olympic 100M butterfly, and somehow he ended up touching the wall first. It was not until the slow motion replayed that you could actually see what happened. If we were to put a slow motion camera on the race we are running for the upward call of knowing Jesus, I wonder what it would show? Paul calls out every believer to a new level of faith and to run a new race with everything we’ve got.

Who wouldn’t want a perfect scorecard these days? A great scouting report, straight A’s on the test, top of the class, first in the draft. Even when it comes to good morals, right living or good doctrine, why not shoot to be the best? This week, we will be looking at a religious man who was at the top of his class and came to the realization that all of his accomplishments in the end amounted to nothing. And in losing everything, he gained everything. In this message, we look at Philippians 3:1-11 and continue our journey into “Joy in the Prison.”

Have you ever wondered what Paul meant when he told the Philippians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling? This definitely sounds odd coming from Paul, who wrote so clearly about the relationship between salvation and works. But when you get to the bottom of this meaning, there lies an incredibly powerful and timely truth for so many believers today. In this message, we explore the power and promises of God when it comes to working out our salvation, and what in the world that looks like in everyday life.

Pride is the greatest enemy you and I will ever face. God hates and opposes pride. In contrast, humility is the greatest virtue we can have. A humble person doesn’t show preferential treatment, is quick to forgive, is not jealous or filled with envy, is always learning, refuses to gossip or slander, is able to persevere under trial, and much more. Most importantly, the humble are exalted by God. The question is – How do we grow in humility? In this message, we learn about humility from the embodiment of humility, our Lord Jesus.

We live in a world that is filled with self-exaltation. Many athletes strut around like arrogant peacocks. It’s easy for politicians to fill the room with ego. More than a few celebrities allow their lauding fans to puff them up. But guess what? In reality, you and I are just like them. We too struggle living out Paul’s command to “regard others as more important than yourselves.” In this message, we deal with the root problem that constantly seeks to destroy us.

All of us are hit with unforeseen challenges and circumstances: cancer, death, job loss, wayward children, loneliness, financial crisis, marriage difficulties, miscarriages, estranged relationships with friends, coworkers, family members – you name it. These things can wreck us. As we continue in our study of Philippians, we see how the Apostle Paul sets an example of how we can not only endure our greatest challenges, but also flourish in them. This is called the prison perspective, and having this can help us enter into any situation we are facing with courage and ensure that God gets the glory.

This week we launch a new series in the book of Philippians. Paul finds himself confined in Rome awaiting trial, yet he is filled with joy! In the midst of his joy, he shares with us how to truly love those we love. Perhaps you are familiar with the love languages: words of encouragement, quality time, acts of service, gifts and physical touch. These are certainly great ways to express love. Yet Paul shows us something even greater. In fact, it is really the highest and best way we can love others. In this message, we explore the opening verses of the epistle of joy and learn how to love those we truly love.

Some people are mountain people. Others love the beach. As for me, I’m all about the beach. There is something about the pounding of wave after wave that draws me into the awesomeness and greatness of God. As a church, we are riding the wave of God’s Spirit. He is blowing across the water of our lives. At our gatherings this weekend, you will be inspired, encouraged and challenged to hear where the wind of God’s Spirit is taking us. It is God-sized, faith-stretching, worthy of His greatness, and exciting for every one of us who calls Bay Area home.

Have you ever considered that you play a part in God‘s sovereign plan to reach all people, everywhere? Since Genesis 3, God has been rolling out this plan - calling, preparing and sending every generation to carry the gospel forward. Not only are you and I a part of God’s plan today, but we are a part of His plan to reach the future generations - your kids' and grandkids’ generations. This week, we wrap up our series on Elijah. Before taking him home, the Lord instructs Elijah to invest in and prepare one person, Elisha, who will become one of the most revered prophets in all of scripture.