Calvary Church | Messages

“The life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us.” The life that is found in Jesus has been revealed to us. That is why we celebrate the wonder of Christmas.

“Light and Life to all he brings . . .” The light of the world brings His life to the world. It’s the story of Christmas and all are invited to receive Him. All can then shine His light and live His life for all the world to see. Today we begin our Christmas series by telling His story of “Light and Life.”

It should be no surprise that Paul concludes his letter by rejoicing greatly! He is grateful for the partnership in ministry he shares with the Philippian church and he shares how he has learned to be content . . . No Matter What!

Paul encourages believers to stand firm together by rejoicing in the Lord, treating everyone with gentleness, not being anxious but instead presenting our requests to God, thinking about what is excellent and praise-worthy and then putting that into practice...No Matter What!

Paul is now filled with urgency as he boldly says press on, forget what’s behind, strain forward for the prize, hold true, imitate me and eagerly await the return of Christ! Let’s take Paul at his word and Pursue Life in Christ together!

Paul boldly and clearly contrasts his previous works-oriented approach to God with what it now means to be found in Him through faith.

Paul has encouraged the Philippians to take on the same attitude that we see in Jesus Christ. In today’s passage, he commends Timothy and Epaphroditus as two men who are doing just that.

Following last week’s description of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done, this week we will be challenged how to live as lights in the world.

Today we come to a description of who Jesus is and what Jesus did that is not only central to our understanding of Philippians, but is central to our understanding of the One Story of the Bible.

After helping us to see how his circumstances have helped to advance the Gospel, Paul now gives his encouragement for how we are to live a life worthy of the Gospel.

After giving thanks and praying for the church in Philippi, Paul now gives them an update on his personal situation and ministry. His focus is clearly on the advancement of the Gospel and the glory of Jesus Christ.

After laying out the theme of his letter to the Philippians in his initial greeting, Paul allows us to listen in on his prayer for them that abounds with gratitude, joy, affection, longing and love. Let’s be challenged to do the same... No Matter What!

No matter what we might be facing, no matter how we might be feeling, no matter what might be happening in the world around us, Paul encourages and inspires us in his letter to the Philippians with what is true of us in Christ and how we are to then live as a result.

As we finish looking at our biblical values in order to be reminded of what is most important, we look today at Going Into God’s World.

As we continue to look at our biblical values in order to be reminded of what is most important, we look today at an individual’s discipleship journey and how we can take also, take intentional next steps.

We are all good forgetters, so the Bible is filled with examples of God reminding His people of who He is and what He has done. By looking to Calvary’s biblical values, let’s be reminded of what is most needed and most important.

We need to choose our words intentionally in order to build up not tear down. We need to choose our words slowly by being quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. Today, we learn that we must choose our words cautiously because our tongues are untamable. Is that even possible? Let’s discover together...

Last week, we saw from Ephesians 4:29 that we should Choose Our Words intentionally in order to build others up. This week, we will see that another way to build others up is by not saying anything at all. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is listen.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This little rhyme couldn’t be further from the truth. Words are so powerful. They can be life-giving and build up, or they can be destructive and tear down. We must all choose our words . . . intentionally.

As we conclude the series today we are given the opportunity to actively participate in God’s transforming work in the world and to be a part of His story of proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the Earth.

Last week, we learned that once you place your faith in Jesus, at the center of following Him is Loving God and Loving Others. As we continue this week, we will be challenged with three questions and a command that will further clarify and challenge us to Love God and Love Others.

There are many aspects of the church we have been missing lately. But even as we look to regather next week, we need to make sure nothing is missing in our understanding of the church. We continue that journey today by looking at us, His people that make up His church.

There are many aspects of the church we have been missing lately. But during this series we are digging into what we might be missing in our understanding of the church. We continue that journey today by looking at Jesus’ priority for His church.

There are so many aspects of the church we have been missing lately. But as we are missing “our church,” could we be missing what "The Church" is all about? Today we start a brand-new sermon series where we will look biblically at what the church is . . . and isn’t!