In Philippians 2, Paul tells the believers there to "work out your salvation." Knowing that Paul fully believes that salvation is not received based on our works, what does this mean? How do we do it? Today our study helps us to understand how believers truly work out their salvation with humility and joy. It is the Creator of the Universe, the Name above all Names who is exalted above all that works inside of believers. He works in you, you work out!

There is a verse in Philippians 2 that has been used since the first century to deny the nature of Jesus Christ. In this study we look at the hypostatic union, both the divine and human nature of Christ and what it means when Paul said that Jesus "emptied" himself. It is not only an amazing mystery that the God of all creation would lower himself to the poorest of humanity to show His love for us, it is also a perfect example of humility. This is where we find our joy. In humbling ourselves before others, in response to His humbling himself for us.

Being of one mind in the Body of Christ and counting others before ourselves. The foundation for Christian humility is how we love each other in the Church. When we love like this and the world sees us, they know that we are his. Join us as we begin the second chapter in Philippians as Paul begins to teach us about the ultimate expression of humility in our Savior Jesus. 

Finishing Philippians 1 brings a strong message of hope from Paul. It is about accountability and encouraging one another in the truth. It is about finding joy in striving side by side with people who care about your soul. It is about fellowship with people who care about your kids and where they will spend eternity. We are to remind each other to not become discouraged, to not fear and to stand firm. We should spend time with those who will love us enough to remind us to not just become better versions of ourselves but become more and more like Jesus Christ. We encourage each other in this as Paul said in Corinthians to be imitators of him as he is of Christ. 

The prosperity Gospel of the contemporary church has us all so blinded by the comforts and blessings of the modern world that our joy becomes like a loose sail flapping in the wind and no longer taking up the power of the Holy Spirit that drives us to labor for Christ.

Our joy is in this... That we get to partner with our Creator in praying for our friends and spreading the good news. That we get to raise up a generation of young believers who rely totally on His promises. That we get to spend our lives in service of the one who came to serve. And when our mission here is done, He brings us home.... Home to the Father. Home to Glory. Home to paradise. That is our joy.

This Mother's day, we are thankful and prayerful for our Moms... But society has unleashed an all out war against motherhood. There is no abortion debate. We stand on the side of protecting the helpless lives of those in the womb. No matter that public discourse, or the times we think we are losing to a Godless mob, we can be reminded that The King still has another move. 

Paul was well aware of his prison situation in Rome. Yet he took advantage of his situation to minister to everyone who would listen, even his guards. Paul knew that no matter his position, he was there because of Christ and that The King still had another move. 

Join us today, as we discuss Philippians 1:12-18 and how we can find joy in knowing that the King of all creation is not done working. In that truth, we shall rejoice!

Today we begin our journey into Paul's letter to the believers at Philippi. Based on our joy, being aware of God's grace and favor in our lives, are we thankful for other believers in our lives? Do we have confidence in our salvation based on that joy? Do we study the Word of God and reach others for the Gospel based on our joy? Are we filled with the fruit of righteousness? Paul's letter help us to understand what true joy is, in the partnership of the Gospel. 

This introduction to Paul's letter to the Philippians will reveal some very interesting history about this city. But underneath that history we see that Paul may have revealed a theme for his letter. Paul's love for the believers in Philippi and his encouragement for them in the midst of their persecution shows us that Paul wanted them to know what real joy is. Joy, not happiness, joy, not health, wealth or prosperity, but real joy. Joy that grows out of God's favor and grace for us, His people. 

Christian... what do you need to see to believe? What words do you need to hear? What miracle needs to happen? How can you be convinced that the Bible is true? What stumbling block needs to be removed for you to believe in Jesus so convincingly that it pours out of you into the people around you?

Join us as we follow John as he goes into the tomb to find the linen left behind by our Lord after His resurrection! 

He Has Risen!

It is a common study to hear. Put on the "Whole armor of God." But, why? What does it mean? How do we do it? When? 

Satan is real! Spiritual warfare is real! What is most important to remember is that God's love is incorruptible, immortal and indestructible. No matter how you feel, how bad life gets or how hard the enemy fights, His love wins. His love fights against evil with ferocious power. And still is able to comfort us when we are weak and do not have the words to pray. His love consoles in our losses and rejoices in our victories. For this reason, we can stand strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.