In this series, we are covering who we are and what we believe at Vertical. When it comes to church, are you trying to preserve what is familiar to you? Or are you believing in faith that God is going to do a new thing in His Church? God brings new people through the doors of the church that may look differently, dress differently, bring hurt and brokenness. And we believe He is going to move in and through their lives.

Emotional health is not the same thing as spiritual health. You can be fervent and strong in your relationship and connection with the Lord, but be drained emotionally. This week, Pastor Phil shows us warning signs for poor emotional health and gives us ways to strengthen our emotional health. To show Christ in all capacities of our lives, we need to be emotionally ready, and we need to be able to identify Truth.

Emotional health is not the same thing as spiritual health. You can be fervent and strong in your relationship and connection with the Lord, but be drained emotionally. This week, Pastor Phil shows us warning signs for poor emotional health and gives us ways to strengthen our emotional health. To show Christ in all capacities of our lives, we need to be emotionally ready, and we need to be able to identify Truth.

Is there hope for your mental health? YES. In this sermon series we’re discussing the importance of having Living Hope in all areas of life, including mentally. Pastor Toby encouraged us that things like Christian counseling, medication, etc. are things created by God for you to be healthy to hear and receive Truth. Freedom isn't the absence of struggle. Freedom is the presence of God and the reliance on God in the midst of the struggle.

In this sermon series we’re discussing the importance of having Living Hope in all areas of life. This week we talked about keeping our focus on Jesus in regard to physical health. We often turn to food for comfort or celebration, when He is the only One who offers true hope and comfort!

GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU OR HIS PROMISES TO YOU. This past year, have you been feeling forgotten or unseen? God may not do things in the time we want Him to, but He is always on time with His actions and promises. God will use everything you have walked through in a much greater purpose than you can imagine. Check out Guest Speaker Caleb John's message to hear how to practically walk in this Truth in 2024.

Are you maximizing the gifts God has given you? This week, Pastor Phil talks through why it is vital that we dig up those gifts we buried and use them to glorify the Lord. Yes, use your gift even when you're feeling unworthy. Yes, use your gift even when you know someone is better at it than you are. And YES, you do have a gift. Phil teaches on how it's important for us to use our gifts and to point out the gifts of others when they can't see them.

Is God fair? This week we discussed whether God's character is fair. When we look at what others have, we often get jealous. When we stay focused on the Father, we see more of His generosity toward us. The Lord isn't fair in human terms, and thank goodness. Check out this week's message to learn more about the generous heart of the king.

How do you view forgiveness? Do you see it as a must, an option, a feeling? This week we define forgiveness according to the Bible. Jesus teaches us that we are to forgive every. single. time. It's a choice, not a feeling. Check out Pastor Phil's "Forgiving Like a King" message to see how we can choose to view forgiveness through the lens of Jesus.

"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13. This week, Pastor Phil taught on this verse, and how we are called to lead by serving others in love. Are you guarding all that the Lord has entrusted you with in your leadership and your relationships?