Mercy Spokane: Sermons

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

Work Out Your Salvation | Philippians 2:12-18

What does Paul mean when he says, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”? In this sermon from Philippians 2:12–18, we explore the relationship between God’s sovereignty and our responsibility in the Christian life. Paul calls believers to live out their faith, reject grumbling and division, and shine as lights in a crooked generation. Using illustrations from rock climbing, airport moving sidewalks, Israel in the wilderness, and even the TV series Scandal, this message shows how selfish ambition and complaining undermine both unity and witness in the church. In this sermon: * What “work out your salvation” actually means * The difference between justification and sanctification * Why Christians are not “free climbing” * How grumbling reveals a lack of trust in God * What it means to shine as lights in the world * Why Paul rejoices even in suffering Scripture: Philippians 2:12–18 (ESV) Preached by Rev. Tommy Allen Mercy Spokane exists to share Jesus’ mercy in North Spokane by welcoming people home, helping them discover purpose in Christ, and equipping them to live with courage and conviction. Philippians, Philippians 2, Work Out Your Salvation, Christian Growth, Sanctification, Justification, Reformed Theology, Gospel-Centered Preaching, Christian Living, Paul the Apostle, Fear and Trembling, Mercy Spokane, Bible Sermon, Expository Preaching

The Song of Jesus

What’s stuck in your head is shaping your life. In this sermon from Philippians 2:1–11, we see how the Apostle Paul addresses a divided church, not with strategy or scolding, but with a song. The early church sang what’s often called the Carmen Christi—the “Song of Christ”—because what we rehearse shapes who we become. Paul reminds us of three things: * What we’ve received in Christ * The real problem behind our division * The song that can actually change us At the center is Jesus—who humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and went all the way to the cross… and is now exalted as Lord over all. The more this gospel gets into us, the more it reshapes how we live with others. Key Passage: Philippians 2:1–11 Rev. Tommy Allen, Mercy Spokane

To Live Is Christ (Phil 1:19-30)

What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan? In Philippians 1:19–30, Paul sits in prison—yet he’s full of joy. Why? Because his life isn’t anchored to his circumstances, but to Christ. In this passage, we see: * How God uses prayer and the Spirit in our trials * What it really means to say, “to live is Christ” * Why suffering isn’t pointless—and may actually be a gift * How unity helps us stand firm under pressure Paul shows us a better way to live: one where every outcome is a win. If Christ is your life, then even loss can’t take everything. Rev. Tommy Allen, 4/26/26