November 8th, 2020 | Kyle Brenon

Philippians 2:1-4

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

This week, we continue with our series “Joy, No Matter What,” and our look at Paul's letter to the Philippians. In chapter two, Paul begins with a call to the church for humility, unity, and selflessness, in order to “make his joy complete.” The key to all of this is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ. There is no path to it aside from a true faith rooted in and submitted to Him. Paul follows this call with one of the most concise pictures in all of scripture of who Jesus is from an eternal perspective. He is indeed worthy and it is no wonder why He is the source of our joy!

Philippians 5-11

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

November 1st, 2020 | Kyle Brenon

This week, we continue in our series “Joy, No Matter What” and our look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In Philippians 1:18-26, Paul gives the church in Philippi yet another reason for his joy. He understands that no matter what happens to him, whether he is released or martyred for his faith, his obedience to the Lord will serve his ultimate purpose. That is, the gospel will be proclaimed and Christ will be honored. (In other words, he wins either way!)

Paul then encourages the Church yet again, telling them to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ—to stand strong, side by side, striving for unity IN THE GOSPEL all the more as they suffer for the sake of Jesus.

Philippians 1:18b-30

“Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”

October 25th, 2020 | Kyle Brenon

This week, we continue in our new sermon series “Joy, No Matter What” as we look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

It’s often hard to find joy when things aren’t going the way we want or the way we think they should be—especially when we are trying so hard to honor the Lord and walk in obedience to Him. When we find ourselves in these impossible situations, facing things we never would have chosen on our own, how do we respond? Do we get frustrated? Do we take matters into our own hands? Or do we look to see what God might be doing?

Why does He allow these trials to come to us, and what is His purpose through it?

In Philippians 1:12-18, from his prison cell in Rome, Paul encourages the church by pointing out how the impossible situation he finds himself in is actually serving to further the gospel, and how it is strengthening the faith and boldness of his brothers. Since Paul’s ultimate goal is that the gospel be proclaimed and that Christ’s kingdom be expanded, his prison cell is no reason to lose hope. In fact, He sees the value of this difficulty for the cause of Christ. For this reason Paul finds great joy!

Philippians 1:12-18 (The advance of the gospel)

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

October 18th, 2020 | Kyle Brenon

This week, we begin a new sermon series—"JOY, no matter what”—a look at Paul's letter to the Philippians. With all the stress, tension, and general unknowns surrounding us in nearly every area, joy seems to be an elusive thing these days.

When we think of joy, we often think of an emotion—something that comes and goes like a wave, moment by moment. Our joy is often tied to the way we feel about things, even the way we feel about ourselves.

From a prison cell in Rome, Paul talks about real joy that is independent of any external circumstances or some sense of control he might gain over an impossible situation. What is the source of this joy, and how can we find it? Do we believe it is available to us today?

Philippians 4:11-12

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”