Spiritual Israel & Its Defining Characteristics

Running for the Prize

The 5/31/26 message by Mike Gowens is #25 in the "Exposition of Philippians" series, and is based on Philippians 3:8-14. Gowens develops Paul's metaphor of the athlete that strains for the goal as a metaphor of the Christian life. The entire passage emphasizes the importance of focus, self-discipline and strenuous effort in living the life of discipleship.

Paul's Ambition to Know Jesus Christ

This 5/24/26 sermon by Michael Gowens is #24 in the Philippian series. It is based on Phi. 3:7-10. Paul's language reveals his personal passion and ambition. Gowens elaborates on the impropriety of ambition if it is self-centered and self-promoting, but argues that when a deeper knowledge of Christ and conformity to Him is the goal, it is not only a proper, but essential personal trait.

Paul's Remarkable Conversion

This 5/17/26 sermon by Michael Gowens is based on Philippians 3:4-8 and is #23 in the Exposition of Philippians series. In one of his characteristic autobiographical paragraphs, Paul draws from his own experience to describe a complete restructuring of his life perspective and outlook on the future. He employs the metaphor of an accountant that revalues his assets for liabilities and vice versa, in order to prompt the Philippians to reassess their priorities in living the Christian life.

The House that God Builds

Brother Gowens sermon from 5/10/26 is based on Psalm 127-128, companion Psalms that paint a lovely portrait of home blessed by God. Before developing the thought of the godly family, however, Gowens considers two other "houses" that God builds: 1) The Entire Family of God; 2) The Household of Faith.

Spiritual Israel & Its Defining Characteristics

This sermon by Michael Gowens, delivered on 4/26/26, focuses on Philippians 3:3. Gowens first develops the New Testament emphasis on "spiritual" Israel, then proceeds to describe the three distinctive traits that mark true worshipers of God. This is message #22 in the expository series on Philippians.