In the second week of our series, Philippians: A Call to Counterintuitive Living, Lead Pastor Bartley Sawatsky explores the challenging idea that suffering is a privilege and that the path to true exaltation lies in humility. Drawing from Paul's teachings, Pastor Bartley examines how embracing hardship and putting others first can lead to a deeper connection with Christ and a more authentic Christian life. This message invites us to rethink our approach to suffering and exaltation, showing that the way forward may not be what we expect.

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.