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The book of Philippians is full of paradoxes, one of the most profound being how Paul experiences true freedom even while in chains. His confidence, after all, was never in the possibility of God changing his circumstances, but in God sustaining him no matter what. In this week’s message from Philippians 1, Pastor Curtis reveals three more aspects of “the good life,” a life that makes sense only when our perspective is the same as Paul’s: To live is Christ, and to die is gain.

When we consider some of the great missionaries of the past, whether the Apostle Paul himself or people like Adoniram Judson and William Carey, we often wonder how they endured under such difficult circumstances. Not only that, but how could they possibly be joyful in the midst of these trials? In this week’s message from Philippians 1, Pastor Bryan shows us that what these heroes of the faith had in common was a radical perspective: Everything in life is an opportunity to advance the gospel. Whether in the marketplace or overseas, we all have a call to live on mission for God.

You’d think that someone sitting on the cold stone floor of a Roman jail cell would be the least likely to pen a letter overflowing with joy and gratitude—but that’s exactly what the Apostle Paul does with his letter to the church at Philippi. And in this week’s message from Philippians 1, Pastor J.D. explains how gratitude is one of the secrets to the “good life” that Paul illuminates for us. Gratitude, of course, doesn't always come naturally. It isn’t merely a feeling that comes and goes, but a practice that we can—and must—intentionally cultivate.

We’ve all seen shows or movies with unsatisfying endings—the kind that make us question, “Wait, was that really it?” The last chapter of Nehemiah certainly has the potential to make us feel the same way. But as we’ll see, what initially seems like a terribly unsatisfying ending actually paves the way for the greatest finale of all time. In this week’s message from Nehemiah 10–13, Pastor J.D. shows us that though Nehemiah was ultimately not the reformer the people needed, a greater one was still to come—one who would not just compel external conformity but would change the very hearts of his people.

It's one thing to be on the receiving end of gossip or criticism by a coworker or acquaintance, but to be hurt by someone close to us? That's an entirely different kind of pain. And this is precisely why church hurt can cut so deep, because it comes from a completely unexpected place. In this week's message from Psalm 55, Pastor Bryan explores what a godly response to this kind of hurt looks like. It can be tempting to isolate ourselves, but these are the very moments when we need to resist drawing away and instead pursue community with fellow believers.

Of all the things required of those who follow Jesus, confession of sin is probably one of the hardest. True confession requires humility and courage—but what enables you to do it is a desperation for the power and presence of God in your life. In this week’s message from Nehemiah 9, Pastor J.D. takes us through the prayer of the Levites, highlighting four crucial elements of confession. Yes, it’s hard. But it’s so worth it, and ultimately, it brings renewal and revival.

This weekend, Pastor Spence Shelton from Mercy Church (Charlotte) shares a message from Jonah 4.

Depending on which generation you're a part of, the word "revival" may conjure up thoughts of planned, week-long events at church featuring fiery sermons and calls for repentance. But as we'll learn, revival isn't something you can simply put on a calendar. In this week's message from Nehemiah 8, Pastor J.D. takes us through five elements of true revival, some of which we can do and others of which only God can do. And in the end, revival doesn't begin with a brilliant strategy; it begins with a hunger for the Word of God.

Easter is a cause for incredible celebration for many reasons, of course. But one of them is that even as astounding as Jesus' miracles of healing were, ultimately, they were signs that pointed to something greater still. They were mere shadows, and Jesus' resurrection, his resounding victory over sin and death, is the substance. In this weekend's message from John 5, Pastor Bryan shows us the healing and freedom that is found in believing in the resurrection and finding our true identity in Jesus.

It's hardly surprising that Nehemiah faced opposition in rebuilding the wall. But what is particularly unsettling is that the most dangerous opposition came not from outside but from inside. In this week's message from Nehemiah 5, Pastor J.D. shows us how compromise on the inside is a far bigger threat to the work of God than critics on the outside. So how can we guard against such a grave threat? The truth is, the heart of leadership that refuses to bow to compromise is found, first and foremost, in a posture of awe and reverence before God.