After humbling Himself to the lowest of lows, He was finally raised to the rafters. He has been highly exalted and given a name. This has huge implications for us on how we live, why we worship, and to knowing what God is like. We learn about Jesus this Sunday in His exalted place and why it matters.

Philippians 2:9-11

After calling us to embrace a gospel "mentality" that looks to the interest of others, even at great cost to ourselves, the Spirit now presents us with the archetype of such a mentality: Christ. He who was "very God of very God" humbled Himself to the lowest of lows, looking not to His own interests, but to the interests of others. In this sermon, we watch Christ live out what He calls us to.

Reference: Philippians 2:5-8

Imagine a church culture where every-single-body is as (or more!) concerned with the interests of others as they are of their own? Where there’s no rivalry or conceit or self-interest? Woah. As we move into the “second chapter” of the Spirit’s words to the Christians at Philippi, this is exactly what we hear Paul calling them – and us - to.

Reference: Philippians 2:1-4

As we continue to press in on the letter to the Philippians hearing about how Paul worked during his lockdown, we come to the concept of a citizen. More than mere civic responsibilities, Paul writes about Gospel Citizens. To a church distanced some 4600 miles, Paul explains this concept. We too a church distanced, not by so many miles but still feeling very dispersed, receive the same concept that shapes our understanding of what God is calling us to be in the world together –even during a pandemic.

Philippians 1:27-30

All of us come into Easter 2020 with heavy, heavy hearts. Sorrow, fear, and confusion abound, and rightfully so. Yet it's important to remember that the very first Easter began similarly. Jesus was dead, and everyone who loved and hoped in him thought all was lost. Into that space the Risen Christ showed up, speaking words of comfort and hope. In this sermon, we hear what a life shaped by the truth of His resurrection looks like.

Reference: Philippians 1:18b-26

In this update, we hit on the essentials of how we are going about our mission in this unusual Holy Week.

In this sermon, we continue allowing the words of the Biblical book of Philippians to shape our souls as we live through the Coronavirus crisis. Although Paul was on lockdown, the gospel wasn't, as all kinds of folks filled his shoes and preached gospel. What's odd is that some did it from pure motives, and some not-so-pure. What's even more odd is Paul's response, which will surprise, comfort, and challenge us.

Reference: Philippians 1:15-18 (edited) 

In this sermon, we hear a most paradoxical and encouraging word from the Spirit. "What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." This such an important axiom for us to pound into our souls: God is always at work accomplishing His gospel purposes ... even in apparent setbacks.

Reference: Philippians 1:12-14