In a World of Smoke and Mirrors
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon describes the futility, brevity, and meaningless of what life is like 'under the sun'. He defines life's meaninglessness through several illustrations from the natural world and human nature to reveal that what seems satisfying and what appears to be meaningful isn't. Life tricks you with illusions of significance and satisfaction. Life under the sun exposes whatever you are chasing after is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
Tied to the Treadmill of Life
Does it ever feel like life is like being on a hamster wheel, doing the same things day after day without actually getting anywhere? Does it seem like you toil in vain? Do you ever ponder what really matters in this life? Solomon addresses these familiar contemplations in his book, Ecclesiastes.
Becoming Wise All Over Again
The life of Israel's King Solomon is a study of the highs and lows of a personal walk with God. Solomon gives us an object lesson on what a life can look like when one obeys and follows the commands of a holy God, but also how disobedience and self-focus can derail spiritual growth. Eventually, Solomon comes to the conclusion that a successful life is not wrapped up in what you do or how much you own, but to whom you belong.
The Gambler
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to sit next to a 300-pound pig on an airplane? It happened once--a pig traveling in first class as someone's "therapeutic companion." You can guess how well that turned out. As the pig panicked, passengers scrambled, and chaos took over the cabin. This story serves as a vivid reminder that pride can be just as disruptive--even when it seems justified. Pride often feels like a reasonable companion, something you think you can bring along for the ride without consequence. But like that 300-pound pig, pride will eventually turn restless and disturb everything around it. Paul, in Philippians, contrasts this chaos with the quiet power of humility. After looking at Christ's perfect humility and Timothy's devotion, Paul turns to a lesser-known man named Epaphroditus. Unlike pride, Epaphroditus lived in such a way that he made the journey better for everyone else. He was Paul's "brother," "fellow worker," and "fellow soldier"--titles that speak to a life lived for others and a commitment to advancing the gospel, no matter the personal cost. Epaphroditus didn't get any medals or spotlight moments. In fact, he risked everything, even to the point of almost dying, to serve Paul and the church at Philippi. His story is a testament to humility--to showing up, serving faithfully, and genuinely caring for others. While pride demands attention and disrupts the peace, humility, like Epaphroditus' example, leaves an imprint of love, service, and sacrifice. Today, as you listen to this message, ask yourself: What’s riding with you? Are you letting pride take up space in your first-class cabin, or are you striving to live like Epaphroditus—humble, serving, and selfless? The choice can make all the difference in the journey, both for you and for those around you.
Making Plans in Pencil
Paul planned to visit Rome, but was instead imprisoned by Felix for two years. When he was finally allowed to leave, his ship capsized in Malta. Paul learned early in his ministry that 'the mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
Satisfied with Second Place
Contrary to popular opinion, God's criterion for Church leaders isn't charisma, experience, eloquence, and education; it's humility.
No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets
We'll never live a life without regrets if we aren't committed to living today without regrets. Paul shows us what that commitment looks like in Philippians 2:16-18.
Leaving the State of Discontent
Discontentment is a virus in the Church today. It travels on the winds of gossip, snuffing out joy in every heart it passes through. Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:14-15 why it can have no place in a believer's life. How do we start shining as distinctive lights in our world? Stop grumbling and complaining about life and each other. The world knows how to do that too. And they're watching . . . just how different are you from them?
The Truth About Our Tendencies
We are all different people. We have different tastes, hobbies, ambitions, and convictions. Our diversity is seen from the food we eat to the places we vacation. But in the midst of all this diversity, there are a few tendencies we share in common that hinder our spiritual growth and vitality. In this eye-opening look at Paul's exhortation to Philippian believers, Stephen exposes these tendencies and teaches us how to overcome them.
Jesus Is God
The fact that 11 of Jesus' 12 disciples were martyred for their proclamation of Christ's Divinity should tell you two things: first, that Christ's Divine nature is absolutely foundational to Christianity; and second, that the world doesn't like it.