In the third installment of our series, "Philippians: A Call to Counterintuitive Living," Lead Pastor Bartley Sawatsky explores the profound truths found in Philippians 2:12-3:11. Titled "It’s a Joy to Sacrifice Your Life. Worldly Loss is Spiritual Gain," this message delves into the paradoxical nature of Christian living. Pastor Bartley challenges contemporary believers to embrace the tension between seemingly contradictory truths: the divine gift of salvation and the call to actively participate in our spiritual growth. Using vivid illustrations and personal anecdotes, he unpacks the joy found in self-sacrifice and the spiritual gains that come from relinquishing worldly identities to fully embrace Christ. Join us in discovering how living out these counterintuitive principles can transform our faith journey and bring deeper joy and fulfillment.

The book of Philippians challenges us to live in ways that run against our natural instincts and the values of our culture. This five-week series highlights Paul’s counterintuitive teachings that call believers to embrace suffering as privilege, place others above themselves, find joy in sacrifice, and see loss as gain. We will discover how the gospel advances through hardship, how true greatness is found in humility, and how our citizenship in heaven reshapes our identity and priorities. Each week explores a fresh perspective: God completes our sanctification, the way up is down, worldly loss brings spiritual gain, and contentment is rooted in Christ rather than circumstances. As Paul reminds us, prayer, service, and generosity are not burdens but the pathway to joy and peace. This series invites us to follow Christ in ways that may seem upside down, but in reality lead to life, freedom, and lasting hope.