Phil continues our mini-series "Surrendering Self." In this final sermon, Phil will explore the concept of freedom in Galatians 5. Every kind of freedom carries with it certain limitations; no one is free in the sense of having absolutely no constraints or boundaries. We choose our limitations whether they be desires on the inside or rules on the outside. Paul puts forth the Holy Spirit as a compelling version of freedom for the disciple.

Phil continues our new series, "Surrendering Self." In this message, Phil will explore the foundations of Christian ethics. What makes a behavior harmful or helpful? What are we to make of the popular mantra, “Do whatever you want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone?” Phil will explore 1 Corinthians 6 and point out some of the reasons Paul urges his readers to honor God with their bodies.

Phil began a new series called Surrendering Self. This series will be the first of several geared toward our second section of the year, "Practice His Teaching." As a reminder, we are studying our overall theme Follow Me through three angles – Adopt His Rhythms, Practice His Teaching, and Share His Mission. In this series, Phil will explore Jesus’ call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. He will highlight the radical contrast between what Jesus asks us to do with ourselves, versus what our culture asks us to do with ourselves, and emphasize the point that self-denial is the pathway to living out the will of God.

Andy Lashley concludes our "Pray Like Jesus" series. In John 17, just before his arrest, Jesus prays a remarkable prayer for what is to come. Not merely for what he will soon endure, but for what it means for the world. He prays for all who will hear his story and come to believe that Jesus is the way to eternal life, and he prays for those he is sending out to deliver that message. It is a prayer of harvest, delivered on the cusp of history’s most important event. In this message, we’ll consider our own prayer lives and how they might better align with the matters and the mission most pressing to our Savior.

Phil continued our mini-series “Pray Like Jesus.” In this message, Phil focused on Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane. He explored the role prayer plays within God’s overall purposes in the world, and how Jesus’ submission to the will of God can be a model for us all.

Phil kicked off our next practice of Jesus with a lesson called "Pray Like Jesus: Ground Rules." Prayer was one of the most important rhythms of Jesus’ life. Jesus’ prayers empowered his ministry, gave him wisdom, and kept him anchored in God’s call on his life. Phil explored how Jesus prayed and give us practical ways to follow his example.

Phil finished off our subseries on Pace with a sermon titled Healthy Work, Healthy Rest. He talked about the relationship between these two important biblical concepts. Resting shouldn’t preclude us from working, and working shouldn’t preclude us from resting. Both activities find their origin in the heart of God and can be practiced in everyday life.

Phil presented a lesson called "The Illusion of More." He talked about Jesus’ temptation scene, specifically when the devil tempts him with the authority and splendor of the kingdoms of the world. Phil talked about what this temptation is, how it played out in the story of Israel, and what it looks like in our lives today. The allure for extravagance is still a powerful tool of Satan against God’s people, and Jesus offers us a pattern of resistance.

Phil looked at a new angle in our study of Jesus’ daily rhythms. Phil explored the themes of hurry and busyness as they relate to our culture today and Jesus’ example in scripture.

Phil continued our sub series “Adopt His Rhythms” with a message out of Philippians 2 about conversation. Paul has a great deal to say about how we talk and listen to each other, and he roots these relational practices in the story of Jesus.  Phil explored why good conversation is hard to come by these days and how the way of Jesus can pave the way for new ground in this area.