Mercy Spokane: Sermons

What are you trusting in to make you acceptable to God?

In Philippians 3:1–11, Paul gives one of the clearest explanations of what the gospel is and what it is not. He warns the church against putting confidence in anything other than Jesus: not religious background, moral performance, spiritual achievements, personal discipline, or an impressive resume.

Paul had every reason to boast. He had the pedigree, the education, the zeal, and the obedience. But once he came to know Christ, he counted it all as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.

In this sermon, we look at why Christianity is not “Jesus plus something,” but Jesus plus nothing. We need a righteousness that comes from outside ourselves, the righteousness of Christ received by faith.

Because of Jesus, believers are not trying to earn a place in God’s family. We are already welcomed, adopted, loved, and made righteous in Him.

Scripture: Philippians 3:1–11
Preacher: Rev. Tommy Allen
Church: Mercy Spokane

Episode Summary

In this message from Philippians 3:1–11, Paul warns the church about anything that obscures the gospel. His warning is not mainly about obvious immorality, but about the subtle danger of trusting in religious credentials, moral effort, or personal achievement. Paul shows that even the best human resume cannot make us righteous before God. Only Christ can. The good news is that through faith, we receive a righteousness not our own, a righteousness from God.

Keywords / Tags

Philippians 3, Philippians sermon, justification by faith, righteousness of Christ, no confidence in the flesh, Jesus plus nothing, gospel of grace, Reformed theology, Mercy Spokane, Christian sermon, knowing Christ, sanctification, adoption in Christ

What does Paul mean when he says, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”?

In this sermon from Philippians 2:12–18, we explore the relationship between God’s sovereignty and our responsibility in the Christian life. Paul calls believers to live out their faith, reject grumbling and division, and shine as lights in a crooked generation.

Using illustrations from rock climbing, airport moving sidewalks, Israel in the wilderness, and even the TV series Scandal, this message shows how selfish ambition and complaining undermine both unity and witness in the church.

In this sermon:

• What “work out your salvation” actually means
• The difference between justification and sanctification
• Why Christians are not “free climbing”
• How grumbling reveals a lack of trust in God
• What it means to shine as lights in the world
• Why Paul rejoices even in suffering

Scripture: Philippians 2:12–18 (ESV)

Preached by Rev. Tommy Allen

Mercy Spokane exists to share Jesus’ mercy in North Spokane by welcoming people home, helping them discover purpose in Christ, and equipping them to live with courage and conviction.

Philippians, Philippians 2, Work Out Your Salvation, Christian Growth, Sanctification, Justification, Reformed Theology, Gospel-Centered Preaching, Christian Living, Paul the Apostle, Fear and Trembling, Mercy Spokane, Bible Sermon, Expository Preaching

What’s stuck in your head is shaping your life.

In this sermon from Philippians 2:1–11, we see how the Apostle Paul addresses a divided church, not with strategy or scolding, but with a song. The early church sang what’s often called the Carmen Christi—the “Song of Christ”—because what we rehearse shapes who we become.

Paul reminds us of three things:

• What we’ve received in Christ
• The real problem behind our division
• The song that can actually change us

At the center is Jesus—who humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and went all the way to the cross… and is now exalted as Lord over all.

The more this gospel gets into us, the more it reshapes how we live with others.

Key Passage: Philippians 2:1–11

Rev. Tommy Allen, Mercy Spokane

What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan?

In Philippians 1:19–30, Paul sits in prison—yet he’s full of joy. Why? Because his life isn’t anchored to his circumstances, but to Christ.

In this passage, we see:

• How God uses prayer and the Spirit in our trials
• What it really means to say, “to live is Christ”
• Why suffering isn’t pointless—and may actually be a gift
• How unity helps us stand firm under pressure

Paul shows us a better way to live: one where every outcome is a win.

If Christ is your life, then even loss can’t take everything.

Rev. Tommy Allen, 4/26/26

What do you do when everything seems to fall apart—and God appears to be sidelining your plans?

In this message from Philippians 1:12–18, we see how Paul reframes what looks like a complete disaster—his imprisonment—as a surprising victory for the gospel. What seems like failure is actually God’s strategy at work.

Through Paul’s example, we discover how God uses setbacks, suffering, and even broken motives to advance His mission in ways we would never choose.

Rev. Tommy Allen, 4/19/26

We’re beginning a new series in Philippians by looking at Paul’s opening words in Philippians 1:1–11. What seems like a simple greeting is actually loaded with meaning—and sets up the whole message of the letter.

In this sermon, we explore how the gospel creates deep partnership among believers, why unity matters for the mission of the church, and how God’s faithfulness gives us confidence to sacrifice and serve.

From Paul’s unlikely church plant in Philippi to his prayer for a divided congregation, we’re reminded that the Christian life isn’t a solo endeavor—it’s a shared mission rooted in grace.

Rev. Tommy Allen, 4/12/26

What do you do when the storm hits—and Jesus seems asleep?

In Mark 4:35–41, Jesus calms the storm with a word. But the real question isn’t about the storm—it’s about Him: “Who then is this?”

We see His authority, the disciples’ fear, and the call to faith. Jesus isn’t just Lord over the storm—He’s the Savior who entered the ultimate storm for us.

If you’re feeling anxious or afraid, this passage invites you to remember God’s faithfulness and trust Him now.

Rev. Tommy Allen, 3/29/26

In this sermon from Mark 4:21–34, we wrestle with an honest question: If Jesus is really King, why doesn’t it feel like it?

Through three parables—the lamp, the growing seed, and the mustard seed—Jesus reveals how His kingdom truly works. What seems hidden is being revealed. What feels slow is actually growing. What looks small will become world-changing.

This message calls us to trust God’s timing, embrace our role in sowing the gospel, and believe that what is now invisible will one day be undeniable.

Rev. Tommy Allen, 3/22/26

In this sermon from Mark 4:1–20, “The Prodigal Sower,” we explore Jesus’ foundational parable about the kingdom of God and the condition of the human heart. Teaching from a boat to a massive crowd, Jesus describes a lavish, almost reckless sower scattering seed everywhere and then explains why his parables both reveal and conceal the truth.

We consider the four soils, the mystery of grace behind true hearing, and the promise that the gospel always bears fruit in those who keep receiving it.

The good news is that no one begins as good soil. Wherever you find yourself today, the Sower is still sowing.

Rev. Tommy Allen, 3/15/26

In this sermon from Mark 3:20–35, we encounter a striking “Markan sandwich”: Jesus’ family tries to restrain him, the scribes accuse him of being empowered by Satan, and Jesus responds by revealing both the source of his authority and the nature of his kingdom. What unfolds is a call to see him rightly. Not as crazy or corrupt, but as the stronger one who has come to bind the strong man and liberate his people.

Along the way, we wrestle with the warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, the wide promise of forgiveness for sinners, and Jesus’ redefinition of family. The invitation is simple and urgent: stop standing on the outside looking in. Come sit at his feet, believe, and belong.

Rev. Tommy Allen

3/8/26