We call Jesus "the Great Physician" because of His power and ability to heal not just the body, but the soul. In John 5, we find the miraculous healing of a paralyzed man laying by the Pool of Bethesda, but Jesus does not seem to be content with merely restoring the body. There are deeper and weightier issues at hand.

"For me, to live is Christ, to die is gain" is one of the most challenging verses in all of the Bible and also a glimpse into how Paul lived his life. This perspective allowed him to be focused on the gospel and gave him the strength to endure suffering. Is this perspective possible for us to have? If so, what difference would it make in us and in our church? Let us be both encouraged and challenged by what we are living for and how we view death.

Suffering is a part of this world. It is not a question of if we will suffer, but when will we have struggles. What is it that is different about how Christians face suffering compared to non-believers. Paul gives a glimpse to the answer in Philippians 1 as he sits suffering in a Roman prison. In our suffering, the gospel can be advanced in the lives of others and is our own lives. May we never miss the opportunity that comes with suffering.

Each month, we take a break from our regular series, invite the elementary kids into the service, and talk about Superheroes of the Bible. This week, we talk about Daniel and the Lion's Den, an amazing story of reliance and trust in God. As we look at the story, it causes us to reflect on our own lives and ask "what is my limit to obeying and trusting God?"

While in prison and facing possible execution, Paul writes to the Philippians praying for their maturity. They are a young church facing disunity and persecution and they are a church that Paul loves deeply. It is fascinating to see what the Apostle Paul prays for a church that he loves. Will we take up the challenge to pray for one another? If so, what will we pray? What Paul prayed serves as a great template for a prayer that gets at what is important. He prays that their love would grow in knowledge and depth of insight and then describes the fruit of that love. An amazing prayer that challenges us to pray and to pray for what is important. It is a gospel centered prayer, may these be the types of prayers that we pray for one another.

As we begin our series in Philippians, we find the Apostle Paul in a prison and facing an uncertain future. From that prison, he writes a letter to the church of Philippi. And from the beginning of the letter, he tells them how much he loves them and how much joy they bring him because they are partners in the gospel. As believers, we are all partners in the gospel in the way that the Philippians were partners with Paul. How committed are we to the gospel? How committed are we to one another? The two are tied together and the offer of deep community is made through the gospel. May that tie us together!

How big is your God may seem like a strange question because the obvious answer is really big. But we often do not live day to day like we believe in a huge, almighty, all powerful, holy God in light of whom we are insignificant and sinful. But when we get that proper view of God, it fuels in us a thankfulness for the gospel, a proper view of ourselves, and the power to live out the mission he has called us to. As we start a new year, consider the question, how big is my God?

Mary and Joseph take the baby Jesus to the temple to fulfill the ceremonies that go with a first born son. While there, they are met by two people, Simeon and Anna, who recognize Jesus for who He is. In their words and reactions to Jesus, we can be reminded and challenged to consider our own passion, devotion, and thankfulness for Jesus. Do not allow the gospel to become common, but this Christmas, be reminded of who Jesus is and what he has done for us and in that thankfulness, tell everyone about him.

Shepherds are the first ones to receive word of Christ's birth. We could see how God might choose to announce the birth of Christ to the Religious leaders of the day or to King Herod, or to the High Priest…but shepherds! This sermon examines their response to the good news that a Savior has been born and calls us to share in their joy.