Renaissance Church

Philippians 4:10-13

The pervasive sense of discontentment with what we have almost fuels the culture around us, but God intends us to live a life characterized by peace and contentment. In this message we unpack what the apostle Paul might mean when he says he has learnt the secret to being content in all circumstances. We discover that the strength to endure anything, both good and bad, comes only through Jesus and by believing and practicing the way of life that Paul has laid out for the church at Philippi throughout his letter. We specifically consider how to cultivate greater contentment through four practices: knowing Jesus, expressing gratitude, living simply and serving others.

Philippians 4:8,9

Mark explains that when Paul begins with “finally” in the Epistle to the Philippians, he is offering a concluding encouragement for believers to focus their minds on what is true, noble, and pure. He reminds us that how we think shapes how we live, which is why the Christian life involves continually renewing our minds through God’s Word. Mark also encourages listeners not to fall into discouragement or perfectionism, but to pursue faithful living with confidence that the God of peace is with us.

Philippians 4:4-7

Scott reflects on Paul’s encouragement to rejoice in the Lord and bring every worry to God in prayer. He acknowledges that anxiety is a real struggle for many people, but reminds us that God invites us to place our concerns in His hands with gratitude and trust. The peace God promises isn’t a trouble free life but a steady confidence in Him that guards our hearts and minds even in difficult circumstances. As we continually turn to God in prayer and keep our focus on Him, His presence gives us the strength to stand firm.

A small portion of Scott’s sermon was unfortunately not recorded, so the audio begins partway through his message.

Scott reflects on what it means to live as citizens of heaven while following Christ in the present world. He encourages believers to stay rooted in the gospel, stand firm in their faith, and keep their focus on the hope and transformation that Jesus promises.

Philippians 4: 2,3

Whether trivial or more serious, most of us have experienced differences of opinion among people in the churches we have attended. Sometimes we may even find that we are the ones caught up in disagreements. How should we handle these moments when they arise?

In just two verses, through both what he does and doesn't do, Paul provides a masterclass in handling conflict within the church as he responds to the dispute between fellow believers, Euodia and Syntyche, in Philippi. In this message we examine how Paul addresses the issue directly instead of avoiding it; how he entreats rather than orders or commands; how he focuses on similarities instead of differences; how he provides practical support instead of isolating; and how he affirms instead of condemning.

Philippians 3:17-4:1

In this message from the letter to the Philippians, Mark Skillin explains that the cross not only cleanses believers from sin but also calls them to a life of following Jesus through sacrifice and perseverance. He contrasts genuine discipleship with those who claim faith but live focused only on earthly comfort. Mark reminds us that taking up the cross means enduring suffering with patience and hope, trusting that God is working through it. Even in hardship, Christians live with the confidence that their true citizenship is in heaven and that Christ will one day bring the final victory.

Philippians 3:1-11

In this sermon on Philippians 3:1–11, Mark Skillin explains how Paul could tell believers to rejoice even while he was in prison. Paul warns against putting confidence in religious status, background, or good works, since he once had all of those things but came to see them as nothing compared to knowing Christ. Because Jesus fulfilled the law, God’s people are now defined by faith in Him and the new life given through the Spirit. Mark also highlights that following Jesus may bring suffering, but it becomes part of sharing in Christ’s life and trusting in the hope of resurrection.

Philippians 2:19-30

In this sermon we look at Philippians 2:19–30, where Paul highlights Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of genuine Christian leadership. Writing from prison, Paul addresses the ongoing challenge of discerning trustworthy spiritual leaders and contrasts outwardly impressive leadership with true servant-hearted ministry. Through these two men, we see that genuine leaders are marked by humility, proven character, sincere concern for others, and a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Christ and his people. The passage encourages believers to develop discernment in who they follow and to honor leaders who reflect the selfless love of Jesus.

In this pastoral talk on “2026 Aims", Pastor Scott encourages us not to shy away from resolutions but to see them as meaningful goals that help us live intentionally for God. Reflecting on the quiet of winter as a time for evaluation, he challenges believers to consider how they use their limited capacity of time, energy, and resources, urging them to “declutter” their lives so there is room for what matters most. He then shares ten spiritual aims for the year: being filled with Scripture, deepening devotion to prayer, praying with others, practicing regular fasting, reading spiritually rich books, growing in generosity, showing greater hospitality, living missionally by loving and serving others, committing deeply to the local church, and continually remembering with gratitude what Christ has done. Through these goals, he calls Christians to aim high in their spiritual lives, trusting that through the Holy Spirit God has already given them everything needed for a life of faithfulness.

In this interactive Christmas sermon, Vicky Griffiths invites the children gathered at the front of the church to help open a table full of wrapped gifts, each one revealing a deeper truth about the Christmas story. As the eight gifts are opened, such as a a scroll of prophecy or a light-up star, Vicky reflects on how God’s plan unfolded through real history, unlikely people, and humble circumstances. Each object points to who Jesus is: the promised Messiah, the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the world, and a King whose peace stands in contrast to the power of empires. The sermon culminates in the realization that these gifts are not meant for one character in the story, but for all of us. “For unto us a child is born” (Isaiah 9:6).