In this sermon of the Philippians series we read through Philippians 3: 1-11. There is what we call "the good stuff" and then there is garbage. There are also some people who would peddle their trash and sell it as treasure. In the text that we discuss today, Paul explains that this is a very real spiritual threat in churches. In ancient Rome, people added in a "helping" of works into the doctrine of salvation. People who call themselves Christians still do this today. The true treasure is Jesus, and the true Word of God is worth fighting for. As Christians, the one thing that we can be confident in is Jesus.

"Let's be real!" What does that statement actually mean? Can we safely assume that people are not, "being real," many times? As long as we're honest, does that mean we don't have to worry about the repercussions of our words and actions? Or does that mean no one else can guide us, help us, or hold us accountable? In this sermon we discuss how when Jesus walked this earth, He was the ideal human person... He was the model man. We also discuss that "being real" means being honest, open to guidance, open to accountability, and open to help from spiritual fathers, mothers, mentors, and role models.

Should the book reflect the cover or should the cover reflect the book? In this sermon, we discuss that both should be true. We are sometimes judged by our appearance, but our behaviors and actions are what set us apart as Christians. How do we treat other people? How do we talk to people? How do we talk about people in private? Do we maintain integrity during our interactions? Do we own our mistakes and sins or do we shift blame to others? These behaviors speak more loudly than our external appearance, and this is what is transformed by the gospel.

In this sermon of the Philippians series, we read through Philippians 2:1-11 and focus on a hymn written about Christ. This sermon focuses on Christ's story in which he humbled and humiliated himself out of pure love for us. We see that Jesus' motive for incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension was totally pure and benevolent. Because of this, He understands us like no other, He sympathizes with us, and He guides us into His way.

When we find ourselves in a dilemma, how many of us find it difficult to make hard decisions? As followers of Christ, making a decision should be fairly straightforward as long as we're guided by the Spirit and Truth. However, it can be difficult to make hard decisions or to have hard conversations, especially when our emotions are involved. This sermon in the Philippians series encourages us to make decisions based on what we need to do rather than what we want do. How do we do that? As followers of Christ, we can do that by remembering that our citizenship is in heaven and by following Jesus in the midst of difficult situations.

In the second sermon of the Philippians series, we dive into Philippians 1: 12-20. In life, we often follow a set of moral codes, the do's and don'ts of daily life, that is somewhat disconnected from our faith. However, when we start living with Jesus Christ in the center of our lives, everything changes... for the better! Our viewpoints, lifestyle, attitude, and our daily choices are impacted by constantly making Jesus the center of our daily lives.

With the start of a new series in which we start reading through the book of Philippians, we try to answer these questions: What is the difference between joy and happiness? Can joy be held when feelings of happiness are nonexistent? Is it possible for a soul to possess so much joy that even in the midst of adversity, stress, or trials, contented peace remains? How does prayer change things?

Prior to offering communion in remembrance and gratitude of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for us, we encourage baptized believers to examine your hearts by asking yourself the following questions: Do I know Christ? Am I a follower of Christ? What is my story of conversion? Have I privately and publicly committed to Christ? What is my relationship with truth and truth-tellers? What is my relationship with sin? Can I look back and see a pattern of growth in my life? Who am I in the parable of the seed and the sower?

In this sermon of the summer series, we read through Psalm 91 and tackle the topic of identity. People often identify as many different things. By looking at Psalm 91, we discuss Moses' life and how he was also confronted with the problem of identity. This message reminds us that we are more than what we struggle with; instead, we are sons and daughters of God.

Jack Faughn from Hope Church Danville delivers a message on Hebrews 2:1-10. This message reminds us that Jesus is better. Jesus was made like us through suffering so that we could become like Him. Therefore, He can relate to our earthly experiences.