Mercy Spokane: Sermons

Welcomed by God | Romans 15:1-7

What does biblical hospitality really mean? In Romans 15:1–7, Paul calls the church to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Hospitality is more than entertaining friends or hosting people who are already like us. It is the gospel-shaped practice of welcoming the stranger, bearing with the weak, and making room for those who are different. Because Christ welcomed us when we were strangers and sinners, we now welcome others with patience, love, and hope. This kind of hospitality builds up the church, displays the power of the gospel, and teaches a divided world to sing with one voice to the glory of God. Scripture: Romans 15:1–7 Preacher: Rev. Dr. Tommy Allen Church: Mercy Spokane

The Secret of Contentment | Philippians 4:10-20

What does it mean to be truly content? In Philippians 4:10–20, Paul writes from prison and explains that contentment is not something found on the other side of better circumstances. It is something learned in the middle of every circumstance. In this sermon, we look at Paul’s “secret” of contentment: not self-sufficiency, but Christ-sufficiency. Because believers are in Christ, they can endure both abundance and need, plenty and hunger, highs and lows. That same gospel contentment also frees us to live with boldness, take risks for the kingdom, and practice generous, sacrificial giving. Paul reminds the Philippians that their generosity was more than financial support. It was partnership in the gospel, fruit credited to their account, and a fragrant offering pleasing to God. And behind all of this stands the promise that God will supply every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Preached by: Rev Tommy Allen Date: 6/7/26 Episode Tags / Keywords Philippians, Philippians 4, contentment, Christian contentment, generosity, giving, gospel partnership, Christ-sufficiency, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:19, stewardship, Christian sermon, Mercy Spokane, Reformed sermon, Presbyterian sermon

The Antidote to Anxiety | Philippians 4:1-9

How is anxiety like a disease? It spreads. In Philippians 4:1–9, Paul addresses conflict in the church at Philippi and shows us how the gospel speaks directly to anxiety, control, disagreement, and peace. Rather than avoiding the conflict between Euodia and Syntyche, Paul names it, reminds them of their shared purpose in the gospel, and calls the church to help. From there, he teaches that the antidote to anxiety is not control, but prayer, supplication, thanksgiving, and trust in the sovereignty of God. Paul does not promise that life will become easy or that we will regain control. He promises something better: the peace of God will guard us, and the God of peace will be with us. Rev. Tommy Allen 5/31/26 Philippians, Anxiety, Peace of God, Prayer, Christian Conflict, Church Unity, Gospel, Mercy Spokane, Sermon, Reformed Theology

Are We There Yet? | Philippians 3:12–21

What does the Christian life look like after we have been made right with God by faith in Jesus? In Philippians 3:12–21, Paul reminds us that we are not home yet, but we are not lost. Because Christ has already made us his own, we press on toward the goal. In this sermon, we look at two spiritual dangers: thinking we have already arrived, and thinking grace means we no longer need to grow. Paul calls us instead to run the race, follow faithful examples, and remember that our true citizenship is in heaven. One day, Jesus will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. Until then, we press on, not to earn his embrace, but because he has already embraced us. Scripture: Philippians 3:12–21 Preacher: Rev. Dr. Tommy Allen Church: Mercy Spokane Episode Highlights: Paul’s reminder that we are “not there yet” Why grace does not eliminate effort, but enables it The difference between justification and sanctification How to leave behind both past sins and past successes Why Christian growth happens in community What it means that our citizenship is in heaven The hope that one day Jesus will make all our struggles untrue Keywords: Philippians, Philippians 3, Christian life, sanctification, justification by faith, grace, heaven, citizenship in heaven, spiritual growth, Mercy Spokane, sermon, Reformed theology, Presbyterian sermon

When Your Resume Can't Save You | Philippians 3:1–11

What are you trusting in to make you acceptable to God? In Philippians 3:1–11, Paul gives one of the clearest explanations of what the gospel is and what it is not. He warns the church against putting confidence in anything other than Jesus: not religious background, moral performance, spiritual achievements, personal discipline, or an impressive resume. Paul had every reason to boast. He had the pedigree, the education, the zeal, and the obedience. But once he came to know Christ, he counted it all as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. In this sermon, we look at why Christianity is not “Jesus plus something,” but Jesus plus nothing. We need a righteousness that comes from outside ourselves, the righteousness of Christ received by faith. Because of Jesus, believers are not trying to earn a place in God’s family. We are already welcomed, adopted, loved, and made righteous in Him. Scripture: Philippians 3:1–11 Preacher: Rev. Tommy Allen Church: Mercy Spokane Episode Summary In this message from Philippians 3:1–11, Paul warns the church about anything that obscures the gospel. His warning is not mainly about obvious immorality, but about the subtle danger of trusting in religious credentials, moral effort, or personal achievement. Paul shows that even the best human resume cannot make us righteous before God. Only Christ can. The good news is that through faith, we receive a righteousness not our own, a righteousness from God. Keywords / Tags Philippians 3, Philippians sermon, justification by faith, righteousness of Christ, no confidence in the flesh, Jesus plus nothing, gospel of grace, Reformed theology, Mercy Spokane, Christian sermon, knowing Christ, sanctification, adoption in Christ