When we suffer for the sake of Christ, it can feel like we’re victims. But what if it actually makes us victors? This week, Pastor Jeremy continues our series in Philippians with a look at how followers of Jesus should approach suffering. We are called to be resolute in faith’s suffering, knowing that Christ has redeemed our suffering. When we follow in His steps, we are able to reframe our suffering as an opportunity for fellowship with our Savior and a powerful witness to a dark and broken world. It’s an honor to be counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus.

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Discover how Paul held life and death in healthy tension while imprisoned for the gospel. Learn what it means to live with Christ-centered priorities, number your days with wisdom, and find joy and purpose in faith—even amid life’s struggles.

How can we make the choice to pursue joy in the face of great hardships? This week, Pastor Connor considers that question as we continue our series in Philippians. In Christ, we have the resources to choose joy and embrace the struggle in His strength, for His glory. As we walk through our lives, we find that the biggest struggle is often the best opportunity to grow and to glorify God. Our impact in showing Christ to the world around us depends on the context of our trials, how we conduct ourselves, and how we allow ourselves to change, becoming more like our Lord. Whether we live or die, our aim should always be to rejoice in Christ and trust Him.

This world can be full of pain, heartache, and brokenness. But there’s good news: God’s rescue plan isn’t done yet. This week, Pastor Jason concludes our series, From Garden to City, with a discussion of how Jesus will finish redeeming all things by creating a new Heaven and new earth, where we will join Him. Our bodies and our world will be completely healed, and Christ Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes. In the new Jerusalem, almighty God will dwell among us. Since we have this hope of eternal glory in Jesus, we can live free of fear. Not even death can separate us from our Savior. Our response should be one of joy and celebration! Jesus has already won the ultimate victory, and He will finish the rescue plan that He started. All who believe in Him will join Him, but those who do not believe will be separated from Him. He is coming soon, so today is the day of salvation!

When we come to faith in Christ, we become part of God’s family, but what does that mean? What rights and responsibilities do we have as children of God? This week, Pastor Connor continues our series, From Garden to City, focusing on the idea that God has called us to join His plan to rescue the world from sin and death. Believers in Jesus have a new identity as children of the King, a new mission to spread the Kingdom, and a new family, as people who belong to the Kingdom. God calls each of us to be an ambassador for Christ, regardless of our skills or gifts. He equips us to be brave people who are waiting for future glory, and who reach out to invite others into that same glory. God wants to use you to reach your neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends with the good news of Jesus!

Jesus is the pivot point in God’s big story. Before His birth, prophets foretold His coming. After His ministry on earth, the church continually taught one another about Him and looked forward to His return. This week, Pastor Connor continues our series “From Garden to City” with a look at Jesus and the way that He brings salvation. Jesus is God, the eternally existing creator and sustainer of all things. He became human and dwelt among us, sharing in our sorrows and pain. He is the salvation that was promised to humanity from the very beginning, the sole solution to our problem of sin and death. He bore the penalty for our sin once for all in His body on the cross. Jesus is enough to save us, and we can add nothing to His work on our behalf. Faith in Him is the only way to God. He alone is our path away from the brokenness of sin back into a relationship with God.