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Sunday, August 28th ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 10

Sermon Notes:

Exodus 20:17, "You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor." (NLT)

Coveting: to long for, take pleasure in or desire something that doesn't belong to us or that we have no right to. Desires that cause us to seek fulfillment and happiness from sources other than God.

1. At its core, covetousness is discontentment, and this is the root of all sin!

Genesis 3:1-7

3 Problems with coveting:

1. What you covet won't last.
2. What you covet can become a burden to you.
3. What you covet can ultimately destroy you.

1 Kings 21:1-19

Have you believed the lie?

2. The antidote to coveting is learning to be content.

Philippians 4:11-13, 19

3. The essence of contentment is trusting God to supply all your needs.

Matthew 6:25-34

Sunday, August 21st ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 9

Sermon Notes:

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."

"No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar." - Abraham Lincoln

Genesis 3:1-2

How Satan started lying to the human race:

1. The lie of doubting God's Word.
    Vs. 1 "Has God really said?"

2. The lie of disbelief in God's Word.
    Vs. 3 "You will not surely die."

Truths about Lies:
     - Lies originated with Satan. The first lie in scripture was an attack on the trustworthiness
       of God's Words.
    - Lying is a major part of our fallen sin nature.
             - Genesis 3:12, "Then the man said, 'The woman who You gave [to be] with me, she
               gave me of the tree, and I ate.'"
             - Genesis 4:9, "Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Where [is] Abel your brother?' He said,
               'I do not know. [Am] I my brother's keeper?'"
    - Only Jesus Christ has overcome the fallen sin nature of mankind, which separates us
      from God.  1 Peter 2:22
    - God delights in truthful people.  Proverbs 12:22

Ephesians 6:13-14

How to overcome the habit of lying:

1. Make truth your top priority.
    - "putting on"

2. Keep truth at the center of your life.
    - "the belt of truth"

3. Become a defender of the truth of Jesus Christ.
    - Philippians 1:7-17

Sunday, August 14th ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 8

Sermon Notes:

There are so many people that believe the Ten Commandments are old and outdated. They see the New Testament as the replacement of the Old Testament. They believe the Old Testament and its commands are the old law and that Jesus came to fulfill the law. They no longer see themselves under the constraints of God's instructions, directions but living under the grace of Jesus. But all of the instructions, directions and commands God gave us there are only ten that are written stone! They were the everlasting, never-changing commands from God. Did you get that? These Ten Commandments were written in stone as God's permanent commands. So when it comes to these Ten Commandments, some things never go out of style!

Psalm 11:3 says, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" If we ignore, reject, dismiss or neglect God's commands, we destroy the foundations of God's blessings. Again, the Ten Commandments are the foundations from which ever promise of God is fulfilled.

What does it mean when the eighth commandment says, "You shall not steal?" You might say, "I've never done anything bad like holding up a bank, robbing anyone of their cash at gunpoint or stealing a car. Could I possibly be a thief or a robber? I may have 'borrowed' some software to load on my computer, taken some pencils from work or an old rusty tool, they were not valuable or being used. Nobody said I couldn't take them; everybody else was doing it; it's not that big of a deal. I don't think I'm a thief. Am I breaking the 8th Commandment?"

"You Shall Not Steal"
Two Places We Steal That Make us a Thief

1. We steal from others.  1 John 3:8
    - Stealing means taking what is not yours whether by force, secretly, deceptively or by
      being underhanded.
    - If you withhold your rent, don't pay your bills or pay your taxes, or you lie to the insurance
      company, or charge on your credit card knowing that you can't pay for it, you are a thief.

2. We steal from God.  John 10:1
    - Many are practical atheists; they live like God doesn't exist.
    - When you try to get God's blessings by some other means than what God says, you are
      a thief.
    - When you take what belongs to God and use it for yourself, you are a thief.

Sunday, August 7th ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 7

Sermon Notes:

Exodus 20:1-17

The Ten Commandments are the foundations from which every promise of God is fulfilled. Without a right foundation we will build on anything, believe on anything, fall for anything and live for anything. These commandments become the core spiritual foundation for our lives. Without them we really can't live for God, be godly, pure, holy and have His strength and power.

You will find these commandments of God in the Old Testament but that doesn't mean they are old, archaic or outdated. As a matter of fact, they are still the basic foundation that keeps us from sliding and shifting in a sliding and shifting world. Some things never go out of style!

What does it mean when the sixth commandment says, "You shall not kill?" It actually mean, "you shall not murder." Perhaps we think we are exempt from this commandment because we haven't actually taken the life of another person. But the term "murder" can take on many different meanings. What is murder? What does this sixth commandment really mean? Could I be guilty of breaking this commandment even if I never actually killed anyone?

"You Shall Not Kill"
Three Areas of "Murder" That Causes Us To
Break This Commandment

1. Murder by anger.  Matthew 5:21-22
    - The devil knows how to stir and exploit anger.
    - We are guilty of murder because of what is in our heart.
    - Anger comes when we get hurt by someone or something.
    - Anger comes when we get in a hurry or get impatient.

2. Murder by hatred.  1 John 3:15
    - We are murderers in heart if we hate our brother in Christ.
    - Hate means to love less, unjustified feelings toward someone.
    - We murder by having a grudge, envy, resentment or spite.

3. Murder by words.  Proverbs 18:21
    - Our words have creative and destructive power.
    - The tongue has the power to kill or assassinate another person.
    - Anything we say that destroys or shortens another person's life is forbidden and God
    considers it murder.

Sunday, July 31st ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 6

Sermon Notes:

Exodus 20:1-17

The Ten Commandments are the greatest guidelines for our moral and spiritual life. They are the foundation from which our spiritual life must be built. Without these ten divine tenets to guide us, it's impossible to build a life that is pleasing to God. They are the foundations from which every promise of God is fulfilled. They bring order and accountability into our lives. There are a lot of things that go out of style but the Ten Commandments never do. They are relevant and personal.

The Ten Commandments are God's truth for our lives. Truth isn't a polite tap on the shoulder. It stands bold and brash against all compromise. Unfortunately, truth is sometimes hard to swallow. Many people today find truth too strong a medicine to swallow without it being diluted.

God loves us so much that He made a list of restrictions to protect us from that which would be destructive to our lives and the lives of others. One of those restrictions or commandments is adultery and fornication. This command warns against yielding to the dictatorship of the body. What is adultery? What is the root of adultery? Is it something I've done secretly in my heart? How do you close the door to adultery? What must I do to keep this command?

"You Shall Not Commit Adultery"
Steps to Adultery

1. A selfishness of will.  2 Timothy 3:1-2, 5-7

2. A separation of the heart.  1 Corinthians 7:32, 34 & Matthew 15:19

3. A separation of the body.

Protecting Yourself Against Adultery

1. Guard against the loss of attraction.

2. Build a secure sexual relationship in marriage.

3. Teach your children.

 

Sunday, July 24th ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 5

Sermon Notes:

Exodus 20:1-17

The Ten Commandments are God's basic guidelines for our moral and spiritual life. Just because they are found in the Old Testament doesn't mean they are out of date or antiquated. They weren't just for those people in that time. It wasn't something given that had an expiration date on them. In fact, they are still timely, relevant and powerful. They are the foundation from which every promise of God is fulfilled. So, when it comes to the Ten Commandments, some things never go out of style.

The fourth Commandment is, "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy." For many people the notion of a "Sabbath Day" seems like a quaint idea from history, something from "Little House On The Prairie" or "The Waltons." It doesn't fit with our 24/7 culture. We're busy, we have commitments, our schedules are full, we have emails, text messages, phone calls to return, 200 cable channels to surf along with the Internet. We don't have time for a "Sabbath."

What is the "Sabbath?" What does it mean? Why is it so special? Why should I have one considering how busy I am? When you and I observe a "Sabbath", three gifts arrive on our doorstep. Here are those three gifts.

"Remember The Sabbath To Keep It Holy"

1. The 1st Sabbath gift is the gift of rhythm.
    - Everything in life has a rhythm - the sun rises and sets, there is light then darkness, we
    are born, there is childhood, puberty, adulthood, old age and death.

2. The 2nd Sabbath gift is the gift of refreshment.
    - Refreshment comes from the presence of the Lord.
    - The Bible says, "In the presence of the Lord is fullness of joy."
    - There are two kinds of refreshment - rest and recreation.

3. The 3rd Sabbath gift is the gift of reverence.
    - The Sabbath causes us to stop and look up.
    - The Sabbath is about honoring God first.
    - Thanksgiving is an act of the Sabbath.
    - Seven days without a Sabbath makes one "weak."
    - God deserves to be honored and a Sabbath is essential.

Sunday, July 17th ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 4

Special Guest Speaker, Pastor Greg DeVries

 

Sermon Notes:

Exodus 20:1-17

For many generations the Ten Commandments have been considered a standard part of education. Most children could quote them even before they started school. A poem helped them to remember the commandments.

"Thou no gods shall have but Me,
Before no idol bend the knee,
Take not the name of God in vain,
Dare not the Sabbath to profane,
Give both thy parents honor due,
Take heed that thou no murder do,
Abstain from all that is unclean,
Steal not though thou be poor or mean,
Make not a willful lie nor love it,
What is thy neighbor's do not covet."

We must know God to keep the commandments of God. What is the 5th Commandment of God? Why is it important? What does it mean?

"Honor Your Father And Mother"

What is the meaning of honor? It is the exact opposite of thoughtlessness and neglect. It conveys a sense of enormous importance to the thing to which it is given. It is an expression of great value and worth.

The Hebrews had a highly developed code of honor. This came directly from the teaching of the Scripture. The Scriptures bestowed a great importance on human relationships particularly on the duty of children to their parents. Just look at these verses - Leviticus 19:3, Deuteronomy 27:16, Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 20:20, Proverbs 30:17. This attitude was infused into the New Testament - 1 Timothy 5:4, Matthew 15:4, Ephesians 6:2. Honoring your mother and father is a commandment without expiration or exception.

Thoughts For Parents

Find out who you want your children to be and become that person.
Procrastination for the moment is your best friend and will soon become your worst enemy.
The difference between a good child and a great child in a good child does what they are told to do, and a great child does what is in the parent's heart for them to do without being told.

 

Sunday, July 10th ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 3

Sermon Notes:

 Exodus 20:1-17

God gave the Ten Commandments to mankind as the standard for moral, civil and spiritual behavior. But, we don't like commands. We don't like anyone telling us what we can and can't do. Unfortunately, the Ten Commandments have been trashed for a more convenient and easier set of standards. Many prefer something more flexible, bendable and easier to follow. Most don't want anything too rigid or structured. Our culture has chosen to ignore God's rule for right and wrong. Today, we make up our own rules.

The Lord meant for the Ten Commandments to be a foundation to build our lives on. They are not archaic, outdated or need to be revised. God hasn't changed His mind! God gave us these commands so that when we come to the intersections of life we would know how to proceed without disaster. Like a smile, a hug, compassion and love, these commandments never go out of style.

What is the 3rd Commandment all about? What does it mean? Why did God give us an entire commandment that just deals with taking His name in vain? Here are a few ways we profane the name of the Lord.

"Don't Take God's Name In Vain"

1. We take His name in vain by casual prayer.
    - Using the name of Jesus in prayer without conviction is taking God's name in vain.
    - Attaching God's name to something so we can be or sound spiritual is taking His name in
      vain.

2. We take His name in vain by hypocrisy.
    - If we make a promise to God and then don't do it we have taken His name in vain.
    - When you use God's name to back up your word you are putting your name and God's
      reputation at stake.

3. We take His name in vain when we use it lightly.
    - To attach God's name to something He didn't say to do causes us to use His name in
      vain.
    - If we fail or if it fails then God gets the blame.
    - If we don't take His name seriously with respect, fear and honor, others will not respect or
      fear His name either.

Sunday, July 3rd ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 2

Sermon Notes:

Exodus 20:1-17

The Ten Commandments are the ten basic foundations to guide and to regulate our behavior. They bring order, accountability, and responsibility into our lives. They are the basic standards that bring order into our lives and into society. You might say that these Ten Commandments are a standardized list of foundations for humanity to live by. They are not archaic or outdated. They don't need to be amended, changed or replaced. They are God's changing rules for life.

Unfortunately, our world has forgotten what God has so lovingly provided to guide our lives. Current polls show that 80% of Americans claim to believe in the Ten Commandments but 67% don't believe in moral absolutes and 62% of professing Christians say there is no absolute standard of right or wrong! Wow, people are confused, blinded to truth and messed up.

The Ten Commandments don't need to be replaced; they need to be embraced. They may seem outdated but like a good pair of jeans, they never go out of style. What is the 2nd Commandment all about? What does it mean? Why did God give us this command?

"No Graven Images"

1. Our carnality always wants something to see, touch, hear and feel. Romans 1:21-23
    - We want to worship with our senses.
    - God wants us to worship in the spirit.

2. God hates and resists idolatry.  Ezekiel 14:2-6
    - Idolatry destroys our relationship and communication with God.
    - Idols are objects and obstacles between us and God.

3. God won't listen to those that have idols in their heart.  Exodus 20:5
    - God will not compete with the idols in your heart or life.
    - An idol is anything that gets more attention or affection than God.

4. God punishes idolatry by "visiting their iniquity."
    - There is a severe penalty for having idols in our lives.
    - God sees idolatrs as haters of Him.

Sunday, June 26th ~ The Ten Commandments
Some Things Never go out of Style - Part 1

Sermon Notes:

Exodus 20:1-17

The Ten Commandments are the capstone of our Christian faith and the cornerstone of a civilized society. In a recent survey less than 10% of Americans could name more than four Commandments. Some of the things named were not commandments at all. Sadly, most Christians can't name them either.

To the majority of people today, including many Christians, the Ten Commandments are obsolete, old and outdated. Think about these statistics, 67% of Americans don't believe in moral absolutes and 62% of professing Christians said there was no absolute standard of right and wrong! Oh, how we have fallen.

God's Word and His principles, guidelines, promises and commandments remain unchanged regardless of societies standards. They are not outdated nor have they been superceded by something newer or more modern. They haven't been replaced but simply ignored! You might say, "Some things never go out of style." What are these foundational piers that guide our spiritual and moral behavior?

"You Shall Have No Other God's Before You"

1. This first commandment is about relationship.
    - God created all of humanity with the ability and desire to worship, but mankind doesn't
    always worship God the Creator.
    - Anything we serve with our heart, mind or soul whether it is people, places, possessions
    or positions is another "god."

2. You can't worship two gods.
    - To worship God is to have one supreme loyalty to obey and worship only Him.
    - You don't have the capacity to love two gods, because you'll love one and hate the other
    or despise one and be loyal to the other.

3. He wants to be your God.
    - There are three things that happen when you have "no other gods" in your life but the
    one and true living God.
    1. It will change destructive worry and anxiety in your mind.
    2. Your life becomes His responsibility.
    3. It makes an impact on people around you.

 

Sunday, June 19th ~ Insight to the Blessed Life
"The Principle of Multiplication"

Sermon Notes:

Luke 9:12-17

What would you do if God multiplied your finances? Most of us understand addition when it comes to our finances, and we really understand subtraction when it comes to our finances. But, can you imagine what it would be like if God multiplied your resources so you could help more people?

It is in God's heart to multiply, not divide or subtract from your life and resources. There are all kinds of stories in the Bible about multiplication. One of the great multiplication stories in the Bible is where Jesus multiplies the five loaves and two fish that were given. What are the principles that Jesus was teaching from this story? How can I apply them to my life to experience God's multiplication?

Principles of Multiplication

1. It has to be blessed before it can multiply.
    - You must give the first portion to God to be blessed.
    - It's the first portion that is blessed that blesses the rest.
    - They gave Jesus the loaves and fishes; He blessed them and gave them back and they
      multiplied.
    - What is not blessed cannot multiply.

2. It has to be given away before it can multiply.
    - What Jesus blessed could have been eaten, but it would never have multiplied.
    - Instead of full stomachs, they had 12 baskets of leftovers.
    - It's hard to give something back that doesn't belong to you.
    - You can't give what doesn't belong to you; it can only be returned.

How to Get Your Finances in Order

1. Get out of debt.
2. Don't manipulate.
3. Give.

Sunday, June 12th ~ Insight to the Blessed Life
"Is it Need, Greed or Seed?"

Sermon Notes:

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Isaiah 1:19 says, "If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land." The "good of the land" refers to living a blessed life. It's a place in life where there is increase, nothing will devour it, God will protect it, the calamity upon your life and finances is removed and the curse that comes to steal is blocked. But Isaiah 1:20 says this, "If you refuse and rebel you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." If we choose to be obstinate toward or abandon God's principles that are designed to bless your life then the devourer will enter into your life and consume your increase. The destiny of God's blessing in your life will be in response to your actions.

The blessed life is all about the heart. The blessed life is all about making the right choices and doing the right thing. When it comes to giving we are always tested in the area of our need and greed. What are the truths I need to know to live a blessed life?

Other Truths About the Blessed Life

1. We are tested in the area of need and greed.  2 Corinthians 9:6-8
    - The blessed life is an outgrowth of cheerful giving.
    - At any level of abundance, we are always tested.
    - It's always a need test, greed test or seed test.

2. The highest use of money is seed.  2 Corinthians 9:6
    - It is possible for God to provide for your needs without money.
    - God is committed to meeting your needs.
    - God doesn't supply seed to the "keeper" but to the "sower".

Three Fundamental Principles of Seed

1. You reap what you sow.  Genesis 1:10-11
    - Things multiply after their kind.

2. You reap after you sow.  Mark 4:26-29
    - There is always seedtime before there is harvest time.

3. You reap more than you sow.  Psalm 126:5-6
    - God turns seed into sheaves.

 

Sunday, June 5th ~ Insight to the Blessed Life
"Am I Generous?"

Sermon Notes:

John 12:1-8        Mark 14:3-9

Today's message is, "Am I Generous?" The title of this message is in the first person for a reason. If anyone asked you this week what the sermon was about don't say, "Are you generous?" It's not about someone else's generosity but about yours.

The blessed life has everything to do with your heart. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is there will be your heart also." Nothing displays your heart more clearly to the Lord than your generosity or selfishness. Anything that has to do with giving reveals your heart. To discover the blessed life, you must truthfully answer this question, "Am I generous?" Where you have generosity, you will always have selfishness battling for control. Am I generous or selfish? Which one controls my heart and life?

Three Truths About Generosity

1. The enemy of generosity.  John 12:1-8
    - Everyone is born selfish; it's the great enemy of a blessed life.
    - Selfishness cares about nothing and no one but self.
    - Selfishness is a stronghold on your heart.
    - The enemy of generosity is selfishness.

2. The extravagance of generosity.  2 Corinthians 8:3-5
    - True generosity never does what is normal or reasonable.
    - There are three kinds of giving in the Bible: tithes, offerings and extravagant giving.
    - A grateful heart is always a generous heart.

3. The reward of generosity.  Mark 14:3-9
    - True generosity doesn't give expecting anything in return, but generosity is always
    rewarded by God.
    - God is a person who will give you what's due and then extravagantly give your more
    than what you deserve.

Sunday, May 29th ~ Insight to the Blessed Life
"Breaking the Spirit of Mammon"

Sermon Notes:

Luke 16:9-15

Everyone wants to be blessed, right? There are certain non-negotiable keys that create open doors for God's blessing in your life. No one is exempt from these basic principles. They can't be renegotiated, and God won't make any exceptions. They are God's unbroken and unchanged principles. Jesus made it very clear that, "You cannot serve God and mammon." In other words, money can become your master because money can control your world, your thinking, and your life.

The word "mammon" appears four times in the Bible. Unfortunately most people really don't know its true meaning. Why didn't Jesus just say, "You can't serve God and money"? Because Jesus wasn't just speaking about money but about the spirit of money. Mammon is an Aramaic word that doesn't just refer to riches but to the "god of riches". It's that controlling spirit that can rob you of God's true riches. Unless you are willing to break the spirit of mammon over your life, you will never experience the blessed life. How do you do it?

Three Key Questions You Must Answer To Live The Blessed Life

1. What is mammon?
    - "Mammon" says you don't need God; you need more money.
    - Mammon tries to replace God with things.
    - All money has a spirit on it - spirit of mammon or Spirit of God.
    - God protects money that has the Spirit of God on it.

2. Is money evil?
    - Money isn't evil; it's neutral.
    - Money is a tool that can be used for good or evil.
    - Money takes on the personality of the person who has it.
    - If you can't handle money right, you'll never receive true riches.

3. What should I do with money?
    - God is looking for true stewards.
    - God is testing you with little to see if He can give you much.
    - God channels His blessings through givers.
    - Good stewards get more; bad stewards don't get any more.

Sunday, May 22nd ~ Insight to the Blessed Life
"Who's On First?"

Sermon Notes:

Exodus 13:1-2

One aspect of our Victory Vision 2015 is for every person at Victory to experience the fulfillment of lifestyle stewardship. We want everyone here to live a blessed life. For that to happen, each of us must develop stewardship as a lifestyle. The Bible provides many stewardship principles that, if adopted, would totally change every area of your life. These principles are the cure for fear, worry, stress and cares.

As Isaiah 1:19 says, "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land." Everyone is willing to be blessed, but not all of us are willing to be obedient to be blessed. You'll never live a blessed life by just being willing; you must be obedient. God will keep His Word and fulfill His promises to you if you are both willing and obedient. What are the principles of a blessed life? What must I be willing to do and obey? What does God require of me? What is the question I need to ask myself everyday?

Who Is On First?

1. The firstborn must be sacrificed or redeemed.
    - Whatever is unclean must be redeemed.
    - Whatever is clean must be sacrificed.
    - God gave Jesus (clean) to be sacrificed to redeem us (unclean).
    - Give God the first and the rest is redeemed.

2. The first fruits must be brought or offered.
    - The blessed life begins by bringing your first fruits to God.
    - God accepts whatever is brought first.
    - If you keep what belongs to God, it is cursed.
    - Keeping what is holy to God makes it cursed to you.

3. The tithe must be brought first.
    - God never uses the word "give" when we tithe.
    - The tithe is not an offering; you don't give it, you bring it.
    - You can't give what is not yours.
    - You can only bring to someone what is theirs.
    - When you tithe, you bring to God what already belongs to Him.

Sunday, May 15th ~ Insight to the Blessed Life (Part 2)

Sermon Notes:

Blessed: supernatural power working for you.
Cursed: supernatural power working against you.

Malachi 3:6-12

1. Tithing is a test.

Myths about tithing:

1. "I don't have to tithe, because it's not in the New Testament."
2. "I can't be cursed, because I'm a believer."
3. "Tithing was part of the law; I'm under grace."

Matthew 5:17-20

2. Tithing is a biblical principle.

Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:1-8 (Abraham & Melchizedek) - Jesus receives our tithes in heaven!

Genesis 28:22 (Jacob) - Tithing comes from a grateful heart.

Leviticus 27:30 - God considers the tithe "holy" and "set apart."

Deuteronomy 26:1-2; 13-15 - Be faithful to bring your tithe to God's house.

Matthew 23:23 - Jesus affirms the practice of tithing.

3. Tithing is a benefit.

2 Chronicles 31:4-10

Tithing creates blessing for God's people.
Tithing creates blessing for God's house.

Sunday, May 8th ~ Insight to the Blessed Life
"It's all About the Heart"

Sermon Notes:

Matthew 7:1-2     Luke 6:37-38

Stewardship is a sacred trust and gift between you and God. One day you will stand before the Lord to account for your life, your money, time and talent and how you handled it and managed it. Stewardship is not an option. One of the important components of the Victory Vision 2015 is for every person at Victory to experience the fulfillment of lifestyle stewardship. That means we must develop stewardship as a lifestyle.

Jesus said, "I have come to give you life and life more abundantly." It is God's desire to bless your life. But what is required? What must we do to receive the blessings Christ promised? Isaiah 1:19 says, "If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land." What does God ask of us that, "if we obey", puts us in a place to receive God's blessings? The first place we must look is at our heart. Every blessing from God hinges on the disposition of our heart. Is your heart willing and obedient to the principles of God's blessings? Or have you hardened your heart toward the guidelines of God's blessings?

What Kind of Heart Must I Have?

1. Deal with a selfish heart.  Deuteronomy 15:9
    - We are all born selfish.
    - God calls selfishness wickedness.
    - Selfishness whispers, "You'll never have enough."

2. Deal with a grieving heart.  Deuteronomy 15:10
    - Selfishness attacks us before we give and grief attacks us after we give.
    - We aren't the owner of money, just the steward of it.

3. Develop a generous heart.  Deuteronomy 15:14
    - It's never about giving enough; it's about being generous.
    - Your treasure doesn't follow your heart, but your heart will follow your treasure.
    - Where are you putting your treasure?

4. Develop a grateful heart.  Deuteronomy 15:15
    - You will never be generous until you have gratitude.
    - Gratitude produces generosity.
    - You don't give to get, you give because there is no way you could ever repay God for all
      He has done for you.

Sunday, May 1st ~ Connecting

Sermon Notes:

Ephesians 4:16

From Genesis to Revelation, the entire Bible paints a picture of connection - connecting to God, His Word and to each other. Paul said, "Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Every person is valuable, needed and wanted. We need each other for support, encouragement and strength to endure the trials of life.

The great revelation we need to grasp is this. God doesn't breath on anything that is not connected. The Bible is filled with examples such as those who gathered in the upper room waiting for the promise of the Father - the Holy Spirit. After ten days they were finally in "one accord" or connected in heart and spirit. That's when the Holy Spirit breathed on them, filled them and empowered them. The breath of God is the life of God. We need Him to breath on us! It comes through connection.

Why Do We Need To Connect?

1. Connecting is about community.  1 John 4:11, 20-21 NIV
    - When we are connected there is common identity, goals, vision and fellowship.
    - Christianity is the only religion that teaches that its people are a "body."
    - Connecting as Christians is called "being part of the Body."

2. Connecting is about lasting relationships.  John 15:1 NKJV
    - Jesus always sent them out by "two's" because He knew that they could not survive,
      plant, reap or harvest alone.
    - God never called you to be alone but to be joined together.
    - You are not created to walk through your Christian life detached, disconnected or
    disengaged.

3. Connecting is about being complete.  Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
    - You are only a part of the Body of Christ and you must be joined with the other parts to
      function properly.
    - You can't be complete or fulfilled without others.
    - Connecting with others fills, completes and empowers you.

Sunday, April 24th ~ The Crucifixion and Resurrection

Sermon Notes:

Mark 15:11-14, 20 NLT         John 18:38-40 NLT

We have been on a journey with Jesus to the Cross and learning the incredible lessons He taught during those final days. Now, He is in the final hours of His life. They have taken Jesus, mocked and beaten Him. Then something strange happens. The crowd now begins crying out, "Crucify Him and give us Barabbas." An unknown man named Barabbas enters the picture and interrupts the story. There is no history on who he is or anything about his life or family except he was very wicked. He was a robber, murderer, criminal who was convicted of treason, and he was going to pay his debt with his life.

But what does Barabbas have to do with this story? Why is he mentioned? Seems like an interruption, but his part of this story is no accident. "Barabbas" means "the son of a father." He could be the son of anybody. In fact, Barabbas represents anybody and everyone. He is a type of all people. We are all the sons and daughter of a father. Like Barabbas, out life is filled with sin that should convict us, condemn us and imprison us. In the eyes of God we are guilty and judged to receive death. We can't free ourselves, can't pay the debt or reverse anything we've done. We have been judged to die for our sins.

Barabbas was to be crucified for his wickedness. To be free, Barabbas needed someone to trade or to take his place. Jesus did! They freed Barabbas and crucified Jesus. In the last hours of His life, Jesus did three things for Barabbas and for you.

Jesus Did Three Things For Me

1. He took my place.  Isaiah 53:5
    - He made a trade, He bore all my sin, guilt and shame.
    - You could live ten lifetimes but you could never work to pay the interest on the debt of sin
      you owe.

2. He gave me life.  Romans 5:6-8  Ephesians 2:5
    - We all live a passion-filled life and pride-controlled life.
    - Jesus gave us life by giving up His life.

3. He made me clean.  Colossians 2:13-15
    - With all our scrubbing some stains just won't come out.
    - Jesus blotted out every stain we've created.

Sunday, April 17th ~ The Passover Meal

Sermon Notes:

Mark 15:13-16 NASB           Exodus 12:3-14 NKJV

Jesus is in Jerusalem and is only a few hours away from being taken to be tortured and crucified. As the final preparations are being made for those last steps to the Cross, the scriptures intentionally say "Jesus ate the Passover with His disciples." Yet we casually read that verse never knowing fully the depth, types and richness of what it really meant to eat the Passover meal. To the modern western Christian it just sounds like a meal with a religious title, but to a Jew, it was one of the most meaningful events of the year and to their life.

Some of the greatest lessons in the Bible we're taught by Jesus during the final days of His life. One of the greatest of these lessons is about the Passover meal. The Passover meal had been observed annually by the Jews for 1,500 years. So why would this have any significance now? Why is it included in the last steps of Christ? Why is it part of the journey to the Cross? What is the Passover? What is it about? Why is it so important? What is the meaning of it, and why do we care?

The Meaning of the Passover Meal

1. The house was cleansed.  1 Corinthians 5:6-8
    - Passover was designed to prepare God's people for freedom.
    - It was the reminder of how they were to obtain deliverance.
    - All leaven was to be removed from the house.
    - You can't bring your old life and lifestyle to God and expect to become free.

2. The bread was broken.  Isaiah 53:3-12
    - Bread has always stood for God's provision for His people.
    - Jesus is referred to in the Bible as the "Bread of Life."
    - Bread is an emblem of Christ's body.
    - The breaking of the bread represents the marring, mutilating and scourging of Jesus' body.

3. The cup was served.  Exodus 6:6-8
    - The cup was the emblem of Christ's blood representing death.
    - The five cups of the Passover are the cup of sanctification, deliverance, redemption,
      praise, and Elijah's cup.
    - In sacrifice there is death, in death there is blood and in blood there is life.

Sunday, April 10th ~ Journey to Jerusalem

Sermon Notes:

Mark 10:46-52          Mark 14:3-9

Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem. He is just a few days away from His crucifixion and death. He is taking His final steps on the journey to the Cross. It's during these last days of Christ that we learn some of the greatest lessons. As Jesus came into Jericho, we learned that it's important to perceive people who are spiritually hungry. We must build a relationship with them if we are to guide them to Christ and repentance. We saw where Jesus found Zaccheus and Zaccheus found a Savior. Now, Christ continues on toward Jerusalem and the Cross.

Along that winding road to Jerusalem there are other lessons to learn. Today, there are three illustrations or stories that highlight these last steps of Christ. They are lessons in discipleship. Discipleship is truly the road to the Cross. Discipleship is progressive and ongoing maturity. It is like the lessons you learn along the way. On His final journey Jesus guides and teaches us more. Here are three simple lessons you can learn from His journey.

Journey in Discipleship

1. It's a journey of faith.  Mark 10:46-52
    - Anyone can walk in doubt.
    - Any skeptic can deny the reality of God.
    - Growing in maturity and discipleship has three elements.
          1. Faith calls upon the Lord.
          2. Faith will always have opposition.
          3. Faith keeps crying out until Jesus stops.

2. It's a journey of worship.  Mark 11:1-2, Luke 19:37-39
    - Whatever you need in this life will be waiting for you when you get there.
    - Someone said, "We who are the object of His mercy ought to become trumpets of His
      praise."
    - Jesus pulled you out of the mire and put you in His choir.

3. It's a journey of generosity. Mark 14:3-9
    - True discipleship and maturity will cost you something.
    - True maturity is when you are no longer the "Prince of Stingy" or the "Kin of Cheap".
    - Maturity is when Jesus begins to continuously carry with Him the fragrance of your
      generosity.

Sunday, April 3rd ~ Finding Zaccheus

Sermon Notes:

Easter is three weeks away. It is the greatest opportunity we have to invite our lost or uncommitted friends. Many of them have heard the resurrection story over and over but they have never experienced spiritual resurrection for themselves. Many just want to add Jesus and church to their life like they would a Rockies game. They don't want to fully commit. They might not know how. How do you reach them?

Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. He was taking His final steps on the journey to the Cross. But on this final journey, Jesus passed through the little town of Jericho and found a man sitting in a tree named Zaccheus, and He stopped. Zaccheus was a Jew and a citizen of Israel but was working for the Roman government collecting taxes. He was the chief tax collector, hated and despised by most. He was greedy, self-centered, and arrogant, and many saw him as a little tyrant. But when he heard that Jesus was coming, he climbed up a sycamore tree. Why was he sitting on a limb in a sycamore tree? What did Jesus do when He saw him in that tree? How did Jesus reach out to him? What did Zaccheus do?

Finding Your Zaccheus

1. People are spiritually hungry.  Luke 19:1-4
    - Some people aren't interested or curious about God.
    - But inside some people there is a spiritual hunger.
    - Jesus could perceive when he saw a man in the tree that there was curiosity and a
    hunger for more of God.
    - When you run into "Zaccheus" don't miss him!

2. You must build a relationship.  Luke 19:5-7
    - To win someone to the Lord we must perceive openness.
    - Here are four things about building relationship:
            1. You've got to stop.
            2. You need to learn their name.
            3. Show a genuine interest in knowing them.
            4. It's probably going to cost you something.

3. There has to be repentance.  Luke 19:8-10
    - When Zaccheus called Jesus "Lord" something changed in him.
    - True repentance is an act of your will and a surrendering of your will to God.
    - Someone who has truly repented wants to make everything right and correct every wrong.

Sunday, March 20th ~ Stewardship

Sermon Notes:

The Victory Vision 2015 can never be fulfilled without the faithful stewardship of every person. In fact, every Christian is required to be a faithful steward. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:2, "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful." Every one of us is required to be a steward of the things of God and the things He gives us. It is our responsibility to manage God's work, God's vision and God's gifts. Our goal is for every person to experience the fulfillment of lifestyle stewardship. What is stewardship? Stewardship is the management of another person's property, finances or household affairs. It is a sacred trust.

Everyone has talents, skills, abilities, time, and treasures. God wants you to be responsible, accountable and trustworthy with them. Faithfully serving God and His vision with things makes you a steward. How can I learn to do that? How can I become a better steward? We learn to do these things in God's house or His church. It's where we can learn and demonstrate a lifestyle of stewardship.

Lifestyle Stewardship is Found at Church

1. It's a place where sinners are welcomed.  Genesis 28:11
    - The church is not a museum to display perfect people.

2. It's a place where heaven is real.  Genesis 28:12
    - The church helps sinners see that heaven is real.

3. It's where God reveals Himself as a giver.  Genesis 28:13
    - The church is where God's message is not just preached but shared.

4. It's a place where generations grow.  Genesis 28:14
    - The church is where you find there are no limits to God.

5. It's where you find the I will's of God.  Genesis 28:15
    - The church is the place to find God's promises and see them fulfilled.

Seven Reasons for Financial Stewardship

Tithing and giving is God's plan for:

1. Wisdom and living.  Malachi 3:10-12
2. To finance the vision.  Deuteronomy 8:18
3. To bless His people.  Luke 6:38
4. To keep Him first.  Matthew 6:33
5. To keep your eyes on heaven.  Matthew 6:19-21
6. To help you lay up treasures.  Matthew 19:21
7. To enlist your support to reach others for Him.  Acts 20:35

Sunday, March 13th ~ Worship

Sermon Notes:

One of the most important components of our Victory Vision 2015 is the aspect of worship. Our intentional praise and worship clearly defines who we are, who we adore and to whom we are devoted. Praise and worship is not something God wants us to approach flippantly or casually. Our authentic worship and praise is the most sacred thing we can do to demonstrate our genuine love to God. Who do you really adore? Who do you really love? What do you really worship? How do you demonstrate that adoration and love? If you truly love the Lord, what is the evidence and exhibition of your praise?

Three Important Truths About Worship

1. The level of your worship is determined by the level of your thanksgiving.
    Luke 7:36-47 NKJV
    - Worship flows freely when you know forgiveness is freely given.
    - Acts of genuine worship flow from genuine love and gratitude.

2. God wants to restore true worship with true worshipers. 
    John 4:23-24 NLT
    - Techniques, technology and talents are only small components of true worship.
    - True worship requires "you".

3. True worshipers worship truthfully. 
    Isaiah 29:13 NIV
    - We don't worship God on our terms but His.
    - Counterfeit worship is not heartfelt devotion.

Our Vision for Worship

1. Experience God.  Matthew 18:20 NKJV & 1 Kings 8:10-11 NLT
    - You can't experience God from a distance.

2. Develop al lifestyle of worship.  Romans 12:1 NLT
    - A life wholly surrendered to God is the beginning of a lifestyle of worship.

Sunday, March 6th ~ Leadership

Sermon Notes:

Philemon           1 Chronicles 11, 12

To build the Kingdom of God and move forward in our Victory Vision 2015, we must identify, train and equip spiritual leaders. They are the little hinges that swing the big doors. Leadership development is crucial to the future of our church. It's impossible to think about the vision God has given us without the leaders it will require. We can't be satisfied with ourselves; we must grow, progress, develop, expand, expect and believe. We need to raise up great leaders that can guide, help, coach, encourage others and build the Kingdom of God. We need leaders that will model integrity, purity and Jesus. Leaders must be spiritually mature, practically wise and able to take what they learn and share it with others.

What does it take to be a leader? What are the qualifications? How do I become a "fellow-soldier" in the army of God?

Four Qualities of a Leader

1. A leader doesn't order but appeals to his fellow-soldiers.
    - When it comes to leadership, you can't be heavy-handed.
    - Philemon 8-9, 14

2. A leader believes in the long-term usefulness of others.
    - Leaders never give up on people.
    - Philemon 11-12

3. A leader gives his heart away to his fellow-soldiers.
    - Leadership is about duplicating your heart in others.
    - Philemon 12

4. A leader uses his influence to guard the back of others.
    - Leaders guard, protect, forgive and cover others.
    - Philemon 18

Seven Qualities of a Fellow-Soldier

1. Initiative.  1 Chronicles 11:6
2. Sacrifice.  1 Chronicles 11:8
3. Skillfulness.  1 Chronicles 12:2
4. Fearlessness.  1 Chronicles 12:8
5. Loyalty.  1 Chronicles 12:18
6. Wisdom.  1 Chronicles 12:32
7. Focus.  1 Chronicles 12:33

Sunday, February 27th ~ Student Ministries

Sermon Notes:

One of the most valuable commodities isn't gold, silver, diamonds, oil or money. The most valuable asset we have are children. They will be the ones who will carry God's values to the next generation and reflect Christ to the world. They will be the bearers of hope, faith and light of God. They will stand in the gates of humanity with God's authority and power.

David said in Psalm 127:3-5, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate." Children are God's inheritance to us. With that inheritance comes an expectation. Can God use young people? What is our vision for our children? What is my responsibility?

How God Uses Young People

1. To save God's people in time of famine.  Genesis 37:2
2. To deliver God's people from their enemies.  1 Samuel 17:33
3. To lead God's people to their greatest heights. 1 Kings 3:7
4. To restore Godly worship that was lost.  2 Chronicles 34:1-3
5. To prophesy to the nations.  Jeremiah 1:4-10
6. To reveal God's power over the nations.  Daniel 1:3-5
7. To bring the Savior into the world.  Luke 1:26-33
8. To proclaim the Gospel to the lost.  Acts 16:1-6

Who Is Qualified To Be Used?

1. Those willing to flee immorality.  Genesis 39:7-12
2. Those willing to trust God.  1 Samuel 17:37, 45-47
3. Those willing to seek first things first.  1 Kings 3:5-9
4. Those willing to seek God with humility.  2 Chronicles 34:26-28
5. Those willing to boldly do God's will.  Jeremiah 1:6-8
6. Those willing to be true to their convictions.  Daniel 1:8-9
7. Those willing to humbly submit to God's will.  Luke 1:34-37
8. Those willing to be an example to others.  1 Timothy 4:12-16

What Is My Responsibility?

1. We must receive them.  Matthew 18:5, 19:14
2. We must not place stumbling blocks in their way.  Matthew 18:6-7
3. We must encourage them.  1 Corinthians 16:10
4. We must not despise them.  1 Corinthians 16:11

 

Sunday, February 20th ~ Serving and Volunteering

Sermon Notes:

Vision gives your life purpose; it drives your decisions, and it pushes you toward an intentional destination. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do good things he planned for us long ago." God has created a vision and a plan for His people and church, but the requirement to fulfill that plan depends on one person - YOU! The vision of God is the call of God. We are compelled to answer the call of God by serving with our gifts, skills, abilities, time, talents and treasures.

Jesus was called a servant. Matthew 10:25 says, "The student shares the teachers fate." As a disciple of Christ, we are servants also! It's impossible to fulfill any vision unless we grasp in our hearts that we are servants, we do our part and we serve the vision of the Lord. Our service is our ministry. But how can I serve, volunteer, use my talents and abilities? What do I need to do?

Four Reasons Why Am I Here?

1. I am created to serve God.
2. I am saved to serve God.
3. I am called to serve God.
4. I am commanded to serve God.

Three Requirements to Serve

1. I must be available.  Philippians 2:4
    - Quit expecting others to do what you are commissioned to do.
    - There are three common barriers that can stop you.
          1. Self-centeredness.
          2. Perfection.
          3. Materialism.

2. I must be grateful.  Psalm 100:2
    - Our service to God and others is an honor.
    - You can't serve effectively until you are thankful.

3. I must be faithful.  John 17:4
    - Don't quit in the middle of your assignment.
    - There are three things that motivate you to stay faithful.
          1. You will be rewarded.
          2. What you do really matters.
          3. What you do can change the life of others forever.

Sunday, February 13th ~ Missions

Sermon Notes:

Jesus declared that we are to be "witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." For all those who would call themselves Christians, we should be a living testimony to others everywhere. We are to be the salt and light in the world. We are to be His witnesses throughout the earth. That was the clarion call of Christ. We are saved and filled with His Spirit to go, share, testify, and be a witness of who Jesus is. We call that "missions."

One of the major components of our Victory Vision 2015 is our strategic mission endeavors to reach people with the life-giving message of Jesus locally and globally. That would make each of us a "world-Christian". To be a "world-Christian" we would have to know something about being a Christian and about being in the world. God wants you to have a "ministry" in the Body of Christ and a "mission" in the world. Your "ministry" is your service to Believers and your "mission" is your service to unbelievers. What will it take to be "world-Christians"? What do we need to do to reach our world with God's assignment?

How To Become A World-Christian

1. Become "others-centered" not "self-centered".
    1 Corinthians 14:20 NIV
    - Our mission is to figure out where people are in their spiritual journey and then do
    whatever we can to bring them a step closer to knowing Christ.

2. Have a "global" not just "local thinking".
    1 Timothy 2:4 NKJV
    - God thinks about the entire earth, all people and every person.
    - Pray for a specific country.
    - Watch and read the news with "Great Commission Eyes".
    - Be willing to go.

3. Get "then and there" not "here and now" thinking.
    2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
    - We must have eternal perspective in all we do.
    - Temporary things will torment you, but eternal things will elevate you.

4. Shift your thinking from "excuses" to "examples".
    Matthew 19:26 NKJV
    - If you are willing, there is always a way!
    - Doing what God designed you to do requires no special calling.

Sunday, February 6th ~ Evangelism

Sermon Notes:

Jesus gives us four basic commands. He said to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you..." We are commanded to "go, make disciples, baptize and teach."

One of the components of our Victory Vision 2015 is "Evangelism". To make disciples for Christ we have to reach them for Christ. Simply put, to evangelize is to tell someone about the life-giving message of Christ. It's not as scary as it sounds. To do that we must first start  by seeing the harvest. Ruth 2:9 said, "Let your eyes be on the field which they reap..." We must get our eyes on people. This is the major thrust of the Victory Vision 2015 - people! To reach them we must become fishers of men. How do we do that? How can we reach people? Jesus made it very clear. Matthew 9:35 says, "Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people."

Three Things Jesus Did To Reach People

1. He went about preaching.  Acts 26:16-18
    - We are commissioned to announce the Good News.
    - We are called to proclaim openly something that has been done.
    - We are not called to explain the Gospel but to proclaim it.

2. He went about teaching.  Mark 6:5-6
    - People don't just need inspiration, they need information.
    - Deep trusting faith comes in the hearts of people from teaching.
    - People need to know what God says beyond what they can see.

3. He went about healing every sickness and disease. Acts 3:1-20
    - People are moved when there is care and compassion.
    - We don't have to have answers; we just need to have love.
    - We must see the need and give God the opportunity to touch people.

Sunday, January 30th ~ Discipleship

Sermon Notes:

The number one component of our Victory Vision 2015 is "Spiritual Growth." More than anything, we want you to know the Bible, God's principles, to experience and encounter God and His Spirit. We want you to grow deeper in your faith and with an unwavering trust in the Lord. Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you." Without a deeper knowledge of God, His principles, nature, character and His Word we are destroyed. "Destroyed" means to be silent, dumb, to cease or perish. We need enough knowledge, understanding, and spiritual depth to say "no" when sin knocks on our doors or to say "yes" when Jesus does.

Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:19 to "go therefore and make disciples." Disciples aren't made accidently but intentionally. To become a disciple of Christ requires a lifelong commitment. There is no honor in being incomplete. God has called us to become fully devoted believers who are spiritually mature. Why become a disciple of Christ?

Three Reasons To Become A Disciple

1. The devil wants you ignorant.  2 Corinthians 4:3-4
    - Satan blinds your mind so you never see God's truth.
    - He wants your mind in darkness so your life will be in darkness.
    - The devil can't keep the light of the Gospel out of the world, so he keeps it out of your
      mind.

2. Your life is built on solid ground.  Mathew 7:24-27
    - We get strength by what we know.
    - When we know God, His nature, character, Spirit and His Word, we know that nothing is
      impossible.
    - When you know the truth, you start acting like, talking like, living like God told you the
      truth - that's called faith.

3. It's the truth you know that sets you free.  John 8:32
    - Knowing truth sets you free from myths, misunderstandings, misconceptions and
      deceptions.
    - When you have no drive to discover truth, you have no reason to challenge error.
    - Ignorance is not bliss - the devil made that up.

Sunday, January 23rd ~ The Power of Allegiance

Sermon Notes:

There is no way we can ever exercise dominion or move in the vision of God has called us to unless there is an allegiance. The dictionary defines "allegiance" as loyalty and commitment to a superior, an individual, or a group or cause. It refers to the character of an individual of being faithful and true. We must have an allegiance to God, to His vision and to each other. We must become God's army. There are certain things that happen that forge us into soldiers in the army of God. One of the first concepts we must learn if we are going to accomplish the vision of God is the loyalty. Loyalty is closely related to being faithful but there is a difference. "Faithful" is what you do, "loyal" is what you are. Loyalty is your heart and faithful is your acts. Jesus said, "A kingdom divided against itself won't stand." Fulfilling God's vision will require the power of allegiance.  1 Chronicles 12:38     1 Samuel 22:1-2

The Purpose of Allegiance

1. It's the principle qualification of every leader.
    - You can only count on someone you think is loyal.

2. It qualifies us for covenant.
    - Don't connect yourself with the double-minded, ambiguous or confused - it will be a
    lifestyle of analysis with paralysis.

3. Without it you can't wage spiritual war effectively.
    - You can't go into battle with people you can't count on.

4. You can't release important things to others.
    - God can't use those whose loyalty is questioned.

5. Allegiance expands our influence.
    - You can't run a kingdom on disloyalty.

6. It allows us to impact cities and regions.
    - We need large and healthy ministries.

7. It provides a full reward.
    - If you have a heart and we have a vision, nothing can stop us.

How To Know If You Are Loyal

1. A loyal person will not be neutral when crisis hits.
2. A loyal person will stand with you on your worse day.
3. A loyal person doesn't waver in a challenge.

Sunday, January 16th ~ Victory Vision 2015 Part 2

Sermon Notes:

Having a clear vision of where you are going is one of the most important things in life. Vision gives your life purpose and makes it meaningful. Without vision we live insignificantly and without expectation. Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision the people perish." Without Godly vision we wander and allow other things to fill our heart and create our future. Without vision we are impetuous, impulsive, and impatient. We live aimlessly and carelessly without vision.

Vision from the Lord is what directs your destiny. Our church has a vision and destiny. But vision and destiny can be lost through neglect and apathy. God is calling us to rise up together with a common goal, with common values, with a common vision to fulfill our destiny. The Lord has given us a clear vision with defined objectives. He is asking each of us to partner and to pursue His goals with great passion.

Whatever God gives us to do, if we obey, if we work together, if we contribute our skills and abilities, He will empower us to succeed. What is the vision God has given Victory Church? Where does God want us to be in the next five years? What does He want us to focus our hearts and lives on? Here are the other objectives of our 2015 Victory Vision.

Victory Vision 2015

1. God expects us to grow spiritually. Hosea 4:6
2. God expects us to grow numerically.  Mark 16:15
3. God expects us to disciple people.  2 Timothy 3:15-17
4. God expects us to develop leaders.  Ephesians 4:12-13
5. God expects us to grow adult ministries.  Matthew 6:31-33
6. God expects us to expand our worship.  John 4:24
7. God expects us to become stewards.  1 Corinthians 4:2
8. God expects us to reach our world.  Acts 1:8
9. God expects us to invest in the youth.  John 17:17
10. God expects us to pursue Him in prayer.  Luke 18:1

Sunday, January 9th ~ Victory Vision 2015

Sermon Notes:

God gives us vision to give us purpose. Without purpose, we live insignificantly and unexpectantly. All we have is activity with no movement. Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision the people perish." Without Godly vision, we wander and allow other things to fill our hearts and create our futures. Seeing the future with the eyes of God clothes us with divine purpose.

What is vision? It is simply a God-inspired plan that takes us from where we are today to where God wants us to be tomorrow. Without clear vision you only repeat what you've done. If you repeat what you've done, you'll repeat what you get. Old maps don't lead to new places.

The key to vision is focus. The failure of every vision is connected to the failure of the focus. Satan always targets your walk with God before he targets your work for God. Whatever God gives us to do, if we obey, if we work together, if we contribute our skills and abilities, He will empower us to succeed. What is the vision God has given Victory Church? Where does God want us to be in the next five years? What does He want us to focus our hearts, lives, energy and resources on?

Victory Vision 2015

1. God expects us to grow spiritually.  Hosea 4:6
    - God envisions His church to be a growing organism to reach the lost, unreached and
    unchurched with open arms.
    - We must be discipled to know the Bible and God's principles.
    - We must awaken ourselves to the elementary truths of the Bible.
    - Christians without real knowledge of God and His Word are doomed to fear, unbelief and
    hopelessness.

2. God expects us to grow numerically.  Mark 16:15
    - Healthy churches impact cities, regions and nations.
    - God expects us to grow His church and build His kingdom.
    - When God 's church grows, His Kingdom grows.
    - God is an accountant; He counts everything.
    - It's all about reaching the lost, not shifting the saved.
    - Our simple strategy - "Each one reach one."
    - Our 5-year goal is for 25% of our adults to see one person form a sustainable
    relationship with Christ and connect them to a life-giving church like Victory Church.

Sunday, January 2nd ~ Belonging to a Church Family

Sermon Notes:

If somebody asked you, "Why do you go to church?", what would you say? Do you really know why you go to church? Each week millions of people attend church but many really don't know why. Some go because they feel it's their duty, others go because they feel guilty if they don't and others attend out of habit. But why do you attend? Why are you part of a church family?

1 Peter 1:3 (TLB) says, "God has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God's own family." When you become a believer in Christ, you become a member of a family. And, that family is called "the church". The Bible says that the church is a family. It is the support and foundation of the truth. Christian life isn't just believing, it's belonging. A Christian without a church family is an orphan. The church is not the place you go to, it's the family you belong to. God made the church to benefit you five different ways.

Five Benefits of Belonging To A Church

1. It helps me focus on God.  Matthew 22:37-38
    - Church is the place to be encouraged, challenged, motivated, and stirred to get
    perspective on life, to find forgiveness and build your faith.

2. It helps me face life's problems. 1 Peter 3:8
    - God never meant for you to go through life all by yourself.

3. It helps me fortify my faith.  Hebrews 6:1
    - Church helps you clarify your values, set your priorities, and it helps you develop your
    character, conviction and integrity.

4. It helps me find my ministry.  Ephesians 2:10
    - You weren't put on earth to take up space; God expects you to give something back.
    - A non-ministering Christian is a contradiction.

5. It helps me fulfill my life's mission.  Acts 20:24
    - You have a mission, a destiny and a purpose.
    - Who have you cared enough about to tell about Christ?

 

Sunday, December 19th ~ Christmas Traditions

Sermon Notes:

Everyone has special Christmas traditions. For some it's decorating the tree, stringing the lights, baking tons of cookies and sending out Christmas cards to everyone you know and love. Traditions keep us from forgetting what is important to us. They remind us of who and what we are. Those traditions give meaning and value to our lives.

As we have certain Christmas traditions, so does God. How do you think God does Christmas? What do you think are His traditions? We know from last week that God has the traditions of "giving gifts." And, He also has the tradition of "gathering people." Think about this, if God had a Christmas party who would He invite?

Who Did God Invite To His Christmas Party

1. He would gather the average and ordinary.  Matthew 1:18-28
    - God would have the overlooked and undervalued come.
    - God would invite the common, doubtful and fearful to come.

2. He would gather the lonely and outcast.  Luke 2:8-20
    - God would have the shunned, despised, unwelcomed come.
    - God would invite the rejected, dirty, and lonely to come.

3. He would gather those far away.  Matthew 2:1-12
    - God would have the accomplished and privileged come.
    - God would invite the wealthy, notable and intelligent to come.

4. He would gather every people.

Sunday, December 12th ~ Christmas Traditions

Sermon Notes:

Christmas is filled with so many traditions. Many of those have been handed down from generation to generation. From decorating the Christmas tree to making a special Christmas dinner, it's those traditions that make Christmas so special. Like us, God has some Christmas traditions too. How do you think God does Christmas? What are His traditions? I believe He does three things - He gives gifts; He gathers people, and then sends them forth.

Today, we are going to talk about "Giving Gifts." The question today is this, "If God had a Christmas tree what gifts would He put under His tree for us?"

The Gifts Under God's Tree Just For You

1. A gift of hope.  Luke 2:11
    - God has given you the gift of a Savior.
    - A "savior" is one who saves, assists, protects, fights for you against your enemies, is your
    redeemer, deliverer and preserver.

2. A gift of peace.  Luke 2:14
    - Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the ability to rest in the middle of it.
    - We can have peace with God, within ourselves, and with others.

3. A gift of joy.  Luke 2:8-12
    - The fullness of joy comes from the presence of the Lord.
    - When we lose our joy, it's probably because we have momentarily stepped out of God's
    presence into the presence of the world.

 

Sunday, November 28th ~ Commands of Christ - The Lifestyle of a Witness

Sermon Notes:

To Witness: to testify, confirm, verify, prove, or give evidence.

Luke 5:27-32
(Levi: family name, Matthew: common name)

1. Witnesses act when they are called.
    Vs. 28 "So he left all, rose up, and followed Him."

    Our achievements are completely determined by our level of obedience to His Word and
    His Spirit!

2. Witnesses spend their own time and money to honor the king.
    Vs. 29 "Levi (Matthew) gave him a great feast."

    Martin Luther, the great reformer said, "Three conversions are needed, the head, the
    heart, and the purse."

    A Christian's chief concern should be "Honoring the King".

    Westminster Confession:
    What is the chief end (purpose) of mankind?
    "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

3. Witnesses let Jesus into all areas of their lives.
    Vs. 29 "...in his own house."

    "A truly discipled believer is God's greatest evangelistic tool." - Larry Stockstill

4. Witnesses use their resources to bring the sick to the Great Physician (Jesus).
    Vs. 29 "...and there were a great number..."

 

Sunday, November 21st ~ Commands of Christ

Sermon Notes:

Christ has given us some core commands for the expressed purpose of helping us become authentic Christians. They are the foundations on which we should build our lives. When these commands are lived as a lifestyle, we become biblical Christians. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." One of the commands Christ gave us was to give generously. He was commanding us to be generous is our giving when He said, "It is more blessed to give them to receive." How do we become generous givers?

The Command To Give Generously

1. We must overcome a selfish heart.  Deuteronomy 15:9
    - We were all born selfish.
    - God calls selfishness wickedness.
    - Selfishness will always whisper, "You'll never have enough."

2. We must overcome a grieving heart.  Deuteronomy 15:10
    - The devil always says, "You shouldn't give like that." "Don't you wish you had that money
    back?"
    - Many have "givers remorse."
    - You have to guard your heart before and after you give.

3. We must develop a generous heart.  Deuteronomy 15:14
    - We were born selfish but "born again" generous.
    - It's not about giving just enough; it's about being generous.
    - If you want your heart to be in the Kingdom, put your treasure there.

Sunday, November 14th ~ Commands of Christ

Sermon Notes:

Jesus gives us core commands for our daily life. In fact, these core commands create the foundation and basis of a genuine Christian life. They are non-negotiable; we don't change them, and there are no exceptions. When the commands of Jesus become our lifestyle, we become biblical Christians. When we live them together in community, we become a biblical church. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." So what are the commands of Jesus? Jesus commanded us to be baptized.

What Are The Implications Of Baptism?

1. Sins aren't washed away with water but with blood.
    - Washing doesn't regenerate but regeneration washes.
    - You must clothe yourself with the nature, character and spirit of Christ.
    Revelations 1:5    1 Timothy 6:11-14

2. Baptism isn't about getting wet but putting on Jesus.
    - Baptism is the demonstration that a covenant has been made.
    - We must "live out" the implications of baptism daily.
    - It's not about the water but about the walk.
    Galatians 3:26-27

3. Baptism is leaving your past behind.
    - The devil will use every trick he can to get you back.
    - In the waters of baptism the scent of all that you once were, the scent of your guilt,
    shame and sin are gone.
    1 Corinthians 10:1-2

What Are The Conditions Of Baptism?

1. You must believe that Jesus is God's Son.  Romans 8:9
    - We must trust, rely, obey and be totally committed to Christ.

2. You must repent from dead works and sin.  Acts 2:28
    - We must renounce our former life and step into our new life.

3. You must become a disciple of Christ.  Matthew 16:24
    - We must emulate, replicate and duplicate Christ in all we do.

Sunday, November 7th ~ Commands of Christ

Sermon Notes:

When you ask Christ into your heart you are asking Him to be the "Commander and Chief" of your life. If God is your commander, then remember this - commanders give commands. Commands are simply divine rules the Lord gives us. Jesus gives us some core commands to develop and form our Christian life. When those commands are lived as a lifestyle we become biblical Christians. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." So what are the commands of Jesus?

The Command To Love God

 

The Command To Love Others

1. Compassion is based on need.  Luke 10:30
    - Jesus showed compassion regardless of race, color, creed or status.
    - Compassion is not shown because someone is worthy.

2. Compassion feels something.  Luke 10:33
    - "Compassion" means sympathy, kindness, affection, or benevolence.
    - It's a word that refers to the intestines or bowels - a gut feeling.

3. Compassion does something.  Luke 10:34
    - Compassion doesn't move you away but moves you closer.
    - Compassion is practical, timely and unselfish.

4. Compassion costs something.  Luke 10:35
    - Compassion has a price.
    - There is a difference between compassion and pity.

5. Compassion demonstrates our relationship to God.  Luke 10:36-37
    - Compassion happens when we show mercy as God would.
    - Jesus said, "God and do likewise."

 

Sunday, October 31st ~ Commands of Christ

Sermon Notes:

Many define a Christian by their own terms, but Jesus gave us core commands that are the foundation and basis of a genuine Christian life. To be considered a biblical Christian, the core commands of Jesus must be lived as a lifestyle. These commands deal with eternal life, spiritual life, prayer life, daily life, a generous life, a relationship life, and sharing your life. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." So what are the commands of Jesus?

The Command To Pray

1. Jesus teaches us to pray.  Matthew 6:5-15
    - We believe prayer is about telling God what we think He should do or what we want Him
    to do.
    - Even the Son of God had to pray.

2. Prayer is about individual sacrifice.  Luke 6:12
    - Jesus prayed all night.
    - Prayer is about never giving up but pressing in.
    - When we have alternatives, options, or needs that are not beyond our reach or ability,
    we don't usually sacrifice to pray.

3. Prayer is about praying together.  Matthew 18:19-20
    - When we pray alone we can only exercise individual faith.
    - It only takes two or more who are agreeing together in prayer to release God's promises
    and power.

Sunday, October 24th ~ Commands of Christ - Connect

Sermon Notes:

Relationships - We are dedicated to investing our lives into authentic friendships, valuing a community of people and building mutual trust while experiencing life together.

John 15:12-17

Jesus is calling us to live in authentic relationships with other believers. He demonstrated how to do this in His friendships when He was on earth. He was connected to other people, and we will do will to learn from His example and apply it to our lives.

John 11:1-44: the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus

1. Jesus' friends know they are loved.

2. Jesus is not ashamed of His friends.

3. Jesus is not inconvenienced by His friends.

4. Jesus is willing to put Himself at risk to be there for His friends.

5. Jesus empathizes with His friends.

6. Jesus points His friends toward God.

Sunday, October 17th ~ Commands of Christ

Sermon Notes:

Throughout the Bible we find that God gives us commands. He does it so we can experience ultimate joy, peace and life. His commands aren't options, suggestions, alternatives or preferences. To be considered a biblical Christian, the core commands of Jesus must be lived as a lifestyle. To be considered a biblical church, we must live out these commands together. Unfortunately, we don't like commands. Commandment-keeping is not popular and seems like legalism. But Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." So what are the commands of Jesus?

It All Begins With An Encounter With God

1. Repent.  2 Corinthians 7:10
    - We are called to repent before we are called to believe.
    - Some people use mighty thin thread to mend their ways.
    - Many want to add Christ to their life without subtracting sin.

2. Trust God.  Proverbs 3:5-6
    - Following God's lead is not as difficult as allowing God to lead.
    - You are free to choose what you surrender to but, you are not free from the
    consequences of what you have chosen.

3. Receive the Holy Spirit.  Acts 1:4-5
    - Many receive the "breath of God" but not the "wind of God."
    - You alone can never fight the spiritual forces of evil that are continuously trying to pull
    you back to what you were.

 

Sunday, October 10th ~ (((Listen))) - Tuning In To The Voice Of God

Sermon Notes:

God does speak to us; He has a voice, and we can hear. But to know God's voice we must train ourselves to hear it. Jesus said, "sheep know the voice of the shepherd." Interestingly, Jesus wasn't just speaking about hearing a voice but hearing the "tone" of the voice. God's people, His sheep, will recognize and respond to the authority of that voice. God doesn't speak in riddles, make it confusing or play games. He is clear with His intent, with His words and with His voice.

There are three things we are supposed to do when we hear His voice. First, know the tone and authority of His voice - recognize. Second, hear His voice - respond. Third, obey His voice - react. How do I hear His voice? What are the many ways He can or will speak?

Six Ways God Can Speak To You

1. He speaks to us through His Word.  2 Timothy 3:16-17
    - You don't have to hear the voice of God to hear from God.
    - What you need to hear from God has already been spoken.

2. He speaks to us with an inward witness.  Romans 8:16
    - God guides us through our spirit not through our mind.
    - Your conscience is the voice of the Holy Spirit.

3. Train your spirit to know the yes's and no's of God.
    - The Holy Spirit bears witness to the truth or lack of it.
    - When you don't have a "witness in your spirit" you have a check.

4. He speaks to us with an inward voice.  1 Samuel 3:1-11
    - There are times God speaks, but we don't hear with our ears.
    - He speaks with an audible voice, but we hear inside us.

5. He speaks to us with an audible voice.  Acts 9:3-7
    - There are some occasions where God speaks for all to hear.
    - He sometimes sends angels, but when He speaks, it's frightening.

6. He speaks to us through dreams and visions.  Acts 2:17
    - If God gives you a dream, you don't need others to interpret it.
    - In the Bible, only those who didn't know God needed interpretation.

 

Sunday, October 3rd ~ (((Listen))) - Tuning In To The Voice Of God

Sermon Notes:

The Burning Bush

1 Peter 2:9
2 Corinthians 4:7-10

1. To hear God's voice you must change your position.
    - "I will now turn aside."
    - When Moses did this, then God said...

2. To listen to God's voice we must understand who He is.
    - "Moses, Moses"

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." - A.W. Tozer

If we as Christians do not understand the character, holiness, justice, grace, mercy and love of God, everything is our lives will be off!

God sees; God hears; God knows and most importantly God does.

3. We must talk to God with a goal of obedience.
    - "Here I am."

4. His voice is heard in a heart of submission and reverence.
    - "Take off your sandals."
    Isaiah 57:15 - There is a direct relationship to humility and hearing God's voice!

Mistakes we make because of confusion about who God is:
    - We take action before we are sent (this is a major problem in the area of relationships).
    - We retreat after our failure.
    - We resist when we are called.

 

Sunday, September 26th ~ (((Listen))) - Tuning In To The Voice Of God

Sermon Notes:

Christianity is the only religion that offers a personal relationship with the Creator. Jesus even said that we can, "know Him and hear His voice." Unfortunately, many Christians have lost their ability to know and hear His voice. They have become deaf to His gentle urgings and still small voice. We have come to rely on our own abilities, information and knowledge for our decisions, direction and answers.

Jesus declared, "The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27 AMP) Another translation says, "My sheep recognize my voice."

Why would Jesus make such a brash statement saying we could "listen, know, recognize and hear His voice?" He wanted us to know that we could follow Him and know His will and direction for our life.

Preparing Ourselves To Hear God's Voice

1. Listening to God is a learning process.
    - You have to train yourself to hear.
    - Not every thought or every word we hear is automatically God speaking to us.

2. God doesn't speak to our minds but our spirits.
    - Our minds don't always think like God thinks.
    - Our minds don't always hear what God says.
    - When you trust your "insides" you will discover His voice.

3. It's not about how God speaks but where God speaks.
    - God doesn't talk to your brain but to your spirit.
    - The devil is the one who works through your mind and thoughts.
    - God doesn't want you led by the head but by the spirit.

4. No matter what you do, where you go, what decisions you make, be sure you are lead by your spirit.
    - Don't consult your mind when you have a witness in your spirit.
    - Your mind might talk you out of God's will and direction.
    - You don't have to be led by "hunches" or guesses.

 

Sunday, September 19th ~ (((Listen))) - Tuning In To The Voice Of God

Sermon Notes:

Knowing and hearing God's voice is one of the most basic and critical areas for any Christian. Unfortunately, we are flooded with so much information and knowledge it confuses us or replaces God's voice. We tend to rely on that knowledge and information for our direction rather than the voice of the Lord.

Hearing God's voice is not abnormal or unusual. God is speaking, but we are not hearing and here's why - we aren't tuned in. God doesn't speak intermittently, we just hear intermittently. Jesus made it clear, "the sheep hear his voice and come to him...they follow him because they recognize his voice." Sheep can hear and know the voice of the shepherd.

Guidelines To Hearing God's Voice

1. Avoid distractions.
    - Commotion, anxiety, pressure, and uncertainties are loud.
    - God doesn't compete or shout over the noise.

2. Make appointments with God.
    - We have to make an effort to hear from God.
    - To hear from God break up your routine, do something different.

3. Pray about one thing at a time.
    - It's hard to hear from God when you "unload" with a long list.
    - Give God a chance to answer each request.

4. Be convinced that God wants to speak to you.
    - Prayer is a two-way conversation.
    - Think about this ratio - God gave you one mouth and two ears.

5. Don't come to God with your mind already made up.
    - God isn't in the business to persuade you but guide you.
    - God gives instructions not choices.

6. Don't demand that God be sensational in how He speaks.
    - God mostly speaks with the sound of a gentle whisper.
    - God isn't loud when He speaks.

7. Trust your first impressions.
    - The mind of man is quick to defile the mind of the Lord.
    - It's easy to reason yourself out of the voice of God.

 

Sunday, September 5th ~ The "How To" Guide for Life

Sermon Notes:

Our highest calling is to discover the thrilling plan God has ordained for our lives. But fulfilling our destiny is not automatic. The fulfillment of God's master plan depends on our willingness to break out of the "comfort zone" and move toward the "end zone".

God is calling us to live on the edge, but we love the comfortable, the convenient and the casual. By being overly cautious or careful we become bored; we lose interest in serving God; our faith becomes dull, and prayer is a duty. We would rather live in the middle than on the edge. We want miracles and breakthroughs by living safely.

The Lord wants us to live a "wreckless" life...a life without wrecks. But to do that requires us to live recklessly. Here are five areas we need to begin living recklessly so we can have a "wreckless" life.

How To Live a "Wreckless" Life For Jesus

1. Live with reckless confidence.  Hebrews 10:35
    - Your confidence is cloaked in reward.

2. Live with reckless boldness.  Acts 4:23-33
    - Boldness will shake fear out of you and faith into you.

3. Live with reckless prayer.  1 Kings 18:20-24, 37
    - Passive prayer will get passive results.

4. Live with reckless worship and praise.  Psalm 149
    - How you praise and worship is an indicator of what you praise and worship.

5. Live with reckless faith.  Hebrews 11:1-40
    - If you are using all of your faith for yourself, it is no longer reckless faith but reckless
    selfishness.

 

Sunday, August 29th ~ The "How To" Guide for Life

Sermon Notes:

Life is comprised of ups and downs, mountains and valleys, good and bad, joy and sorrow. Those experiences can make us weak or strong, bitter or better, encouraged or discouraged. A spirit of discouragement doesn't wait for permission to lean on you. It can come on you suddenly and quickly.

It must have been a shock when the Lord told Joshua that Moses was dead. Then, it had to be discouraging to know that their leader was not there to lead them. But God told Joshua, "I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and of good courage." Many lose courage because they don't think God is with them. But no matter what you are facing in this life, you are not alone. As God said to Joshua, He is saying to you, "I am with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and of good courage."

When it feels like a dark cloud is hanging over you, when things aren't going as you planned, when circumstances seem to overwhelm you and discouragement is creeping in, what do you do? Here are some simple things that will help you conquer discouragement.

How To Conquer Discouragement

1. Guard your words.  Numbers 21:4-6
    - When you are down you don't see things the way "they are" but the way "you are".
    - When you see negative things you speak negative things.

2. Get out your Bible to see that God is with you.  Matthew 11:2-5
    - There can be discouragement and trouble in the will of God.
    - The devil fights people that are in the will of God.
    - You'll get all the courage you need from God's Word.

3. Encourage yourself in the Lord.  1 Samuel 30:6
    - When no one is around to encourage you, you can.
    - Your faith will supply you with strength, comfort, and energy.
    - Apostle Paul said, "I can...I can...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Sunday, August 22nd ~ The "How To" Guide for Life

Sermon Notes:

If you've ever faced the impossible, it's easy to conclude that the impossible will always remain impossible. Why? Because with all our human efforts nothing seems to change and everything still looks impossible. But the Bible says, "with God all things are possible." He is the God of possibilities. He can create something out of nothing. It's His specialty.

There is one essential thing we need and must have to turn the impossible around. It is truly a deep spiritual thing. It's called faith. We must truly believe in our hearts that God is, "able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think." Then, really live and breathe like it's true. How do we see the impossible turned into the possible? Here are some encouraging words and some "how-to-steps" to get a breakthrough.

Five Encouraging Thoughts For The Possible

1. God does the impossible in tragedy.
2. God does the impossible when you lose all hope.
3. God does the impossible when you don't have the ability.
4. God does the impossible against all odds.
5. God does the impossible when you have a need.

 

Five Steps To Receive The Impossible

1. Get out of the way.  1 Peter 5:6-7
    - Don't let your head get in the way of a miracle.

2. Keep your eyes on Jesus and His word.  Romans 4:19-22
    - Never gauge your progress by what you see or where you are.

3. Hold on to the miracle, don't let it go.  Matthew 6:30-34
    - Little faith will steal the "possible" from you.

4. Pray in the Spirit.  Romans 8:26-28
    - It's your "most holy faith" that breaks through the natural.

5. Watch what you say. Romans 10:8-10
    - Confession can be "made unto" your breakthrough.

 

Sunday, August 15th ~ The "How To" Guide for Life
How To Thrive Under Authority

Sermon Notes:

Romans 13:1-7

Daniel was dealt a bad hand in life, and was forced to serve unfair, unreasonable and wicked leaders. No one had more reason to be bitter, rebellious and non-compliant than Daniel. His story is an example for us of how to not just submit, but actually thrive under authority.

Daniel 1-6

1. Treat authority with respect. (Daniel 1:8-15, 2:14-16)

By showing respect, you can gain favor with authority and even influence their decisions.

2. Understand that God is sovereign, and all authority comes from Him. (Daniel 2:19-23)

No one is in authority unless God put them there! They aren't there by chance or accident.

3. Leave it in God's hands. (Daniel 2:46-3:6)

When you really believe God is sovereign, you can trust Him with the outcome of your situation.

4. Be content with where God has you. (Daniel 5:10-17)

Don't worry about the opportunities you don't have; be faithful with the opportunities you do have!

5. Stay steady and consistent. (Daniel 6:10)

If you can stay steady and consistent in your attitude, actions and words over the long haul, you'll earn the respect of people in authority and thrive under their leadership.

Sunday, August 8th ~ The "How To" Guide for Life

Sermon Notes:

So many Christians live with unanswered prayers. When we pray, fast, call out to God but no answer comes, why does that happen? Why don't we get answers to prayer? Is that normal?

God doesn't withhold answers from us to toy with our emotions or to make us His puppets. Sometimes, our prayers ask God to do what His own Word says He cannot do. God will not bless what has been cursed until the curse is reversed. God doesn't reverse it, you do. One of the reasons we don't get answers to prayer is because we want God to touch and approve of things we are not willing to change. Throughout the Bible, unanswered prayer is always a red flag that something is wrong. What are some tips that will help us to get to our prayer?

How To Get Answers To Prayer

1. Have the right motives.  James 4:3 NLT
    - Selfish desires, ambitions and agendas create powerless prayers.
    - Answers to prayer should always bring glory to God first.
    - God loves you too much to indulge you.
    - To answer a selfish prayer is to approve of it.

2. Be honest about your sin.  Isaiah 59:1-2, 12 NLT
    - It's too easy to blame God for unanswered prayer when the problem is most likely us.
    - We must let God put His finger on the things that displease Him.
    - How you live may rob the power of prayer in your life.

3. Obey His voice.  Proverbs 1:24-32 NLT
    - Many prayers fall to the ground because we didn't do what God asked us to do.
    - Whatever God tells or shows you to do, do it without question.
    - You don't have to pray about what God already told you to do.

4. Remove the idols from your life.  Ezekiel 14:3 NLT
    - God commands us to have "no other gods before us."
    - If something gets more attention, respect, or affection than the Lord, it will stop the
    answers to your prayers.
    - Allowing anything to get between you and God will allow anything to get between you
    and the answer to your prayer.

Sunday, August 1st ~ The "How To" Guide for Life

Sermon Notes:

When changes in life come more quickly than our ability to cope, it seems that everything in our world falls apart. Emotions are torn, our future seems uncertain and our life becomes broken. There are times in our lives when carelessness, foolishness, and our own stupidity have broken things. Sometimes it's hard to put together what is broken.

What is broken in your life? Do you have broken pledges, vows and promises? Have you broken God's Word? Is there something shattered, smashed or crushed in your life that you can't fix?

God can fix anything in your life that is broken. He says, "I am the God that heals you." He declares, "I will restore to you the years that the locust, cankerworm, caterpillar and palmerworm has eaten." Let's learn how the Lord will fix what is broken in your life.

Facts About Things That Are Broken

1. Broken things don't go very far.
2. Broken things that are not fixed are usually replaced.
3. Broken things collect dust.
4. Broken things are not very useful.
5. Broken things can hurt you.

How To Fix A Broken Life

1. Jesus already knows what is broken.  John 5:5-6
    - Jesus sees your condition, your hurt, your pain and your sin.

2. Recognize that you don't know how to be fixed.  John 5:7
    - Don't waste another day of your life by being bound to something God never intended.
    - There are some things in life you just can't fix on your own.

3. Admit that you need Jesus to help you.  John 5:7-9
    - Many are in an unsuccessful cycle of trying to fix themselves.
    - Jesus will touch, heal and repair anything broken in your life if you will allow Him.

Sunday, July 25th ~ The "How To" Guide for Life

Sermon Notes:

The disciples asked Jesus, "What are the signs of the end of the age?" The first thing He talked about was deception not signs. Jesus answered, "Take heed that no man deceive you." In fact, thee different times He challenged them to beware of deception. He knew that the signs were not as important as the deception. He knew that the signs wouldn't deceive you but false teachers, ideas and doctrines would.

The number one problem with deception is that you don't know you've been deceived. Deception comes when you have no drive to discover truth. When you are unwilling to discover truth, you'll have no reason to challenge error. Without God's truth, you will fall for any deception. Unless you know truth more than someone else knows error, his or her error will appear real. So, how do you overcome deception? How do you keep yourself from being deceived? Here are five ways to guard against deception.

How To Stay Out Of Deception

1. Be a man and a woman of the word.  2 Timothy 3:1-4, 16-17
    - When you know the Bible you can discern truth.
    - Unless you know more truth than someone else knows error, their error will seem real.

2. Be part of a local church and be faithful.  Ephesians 4:16
    - People that are deceived float from place to place.
    - It's easier to be deceived if you are a spiritual vagabond.

3. Stay full of the Holy Spirit.  Luke 4:1
    - The Holy Spirit will show you things.
    - The Spirit of God gives you the gift of discernment.

4. Live by the law of love!  1 Peter 4:8
    - Love never fails.
    - If your heart is hard, resentful, bitter and unforgiving, you open yourself up to deception.

5. Obey the Great Commission.  Mark 16:15
    - If you lose your missionary vision, you are deceived.
    - When you do what Jesus commands, you won't be deceived.

Sunday, July 4th ~ The "How To" Guide for Life

Sermon Notes:

Failure is an event, not a person. The problem is that we sometimes feel like we are the event. Failures are something each of us face. For some, a failure is simply not living up to certain expectations. It could be a breakdown in our lives, a disappointment, a mistake or a moral or personal failure. May be you feel like a failure because you tried to succeed but didn't, or you never attempted to succeed and still feel like you've failed.

Failure doesn't mean you have blown everything; it means you have some hard lessons to learn. It doesn't mean you are a permanent loser; it means you aren't as smart as you thought. It doesn't mean you should give up, it means you need the Lord to show you the next step. It doesn't mean God has abandoned you; it means that God has a better plan for you.

How to Overcome Failure

1. Let God recycle your failur;, get up!  Joshua 7:1-13
    - If you will deal with the sin, God will give you the victory.

2. Make Jesus a partner in all you do.  Psalm 18:1-24
    - It's easier to fail when you act alone or on your own.

3. What is circumstantial can become providential.  1 Peter 1:6-7
    - What you think is meant to destroy you is designed to bless you.

Three Great Tips to Overcome Failure

1. See God if you have sinned.  Romans 8:1

2. Learn from your mistakes.  Galatians 6:16-17

3. Don't ever give up.  Matthew 17:20

 

Sunday, June 27th ~ The "How To" Guide for Life

Sermon Notes:

The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 7:5-6, "For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side.  Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.  Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus."

It's so amazing that this great man of God would admit that he had troubles.  We won't admit to having troubles and fears, but we have them. Paul said that he was, "troubled on every side."  That could be your testimony.  In fact, trouble may have you, but the good news is that you don't have to have trouble.  God created you with spiritual grit.  You can hold steady through every circumstance, situation and problem.

We live in a shaky, scary and uncertain world.  How can we face things that shake us, stir us, concern us and worry us? Here are four tips that will help you stay stable in a shaky world.

How To Stay Stable In A Shaky World

1. God plus you is a majority.  Matthew 28:20
    - You don't need a hundred friends in a trial; you only need Jesus.
    - Every shaky thing you face can move out of the way with God.

2. God provides everything necessary for you.  Philippians 4:19
    - God doesn't hold things back from you to teach you a lesson.
    - It's God's utmost desire to bless you and your life.

3. Keep your own vineyard.  Song of Solomon 1:6
    - Only you are responsible to guard and keep your personal life.
    - If something is draining your spiritual life, leave it.

4. Depend on the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  John 16:13
    - God never speaks your mind; He speaks to your conscience.
    - The Holy Spirit will never lead you wrong; listen to Him.

Sunday, June 20th ~ The "How To" Guide for ife

Sermon Notes:

We could face all our problems in life with confidence if we only knew how. Everybody needs some "how-to" advice and instructions for life. Fortunately, God has given us a wonderful "how-to" manual called the Bible. In it, you'll find some hand-on instruction from the Lord on tackling many issues of life.

One of the issues that we constantly battle is staying positive in a negative world. We are surrounded with the negative, cynical, dreadful, sad, terrible and uncertain every day. It's so easy to be negative and so hard to be positive. So how do you stay positive when you are bombarded with the negative? Here are six "how-to" tips that will help you stay positive in a negative world.

How To Be Positive In A Negative World

1. Your attitude defines the negative or positive.  Philippians 2:5
    - Life is what your attitudes make it.
    - What are you doing with the lemons of life?

2. Don't maintain the status quo.  Proverbs 26:11
    - Only fools and dead men never change.
    - Fools won't, dead men can't.

3. Conquer the temptation to give up.  2 Corinthians 4:1, 8-10, 16
    - Don't fall before you are pushed.
    - If pushed, get up.

4. Give yourself a face-lift.  Proverbs 17:22
    - A smile won't break your face, it will break the negative.
    - Piles of smiles will take you miles.

5. Say goodbye to your past.  Philippians 3:13
    - Dump your past because most of it is a dump.
    - Why do you keep bringing up something God has forgotten?

6. Know where negative thoughts come from.  Philippians 4:8
    - Don't give a negative thought a second thought.
    - If you hear a lie long enough, you'll begin believing it is the truth.

 

Sunday, June 13th ~ The "How To" Guide for Life

Sermon Notes:

Welcome to "FAQ - The 'How To' Guide for Life". Almost everyday we are faced with problems or issues that require some kind of "how to" solution. Unfortunately, when it comes to facing the challenges of life we don't know everything. Everybody needs some "how to" advice, instruction for life and how to live it well.  Throughout the summer, we are going to tackle many different issues, problems and topics with a "How To Guide".

Do you ever get up in the morning and feel like somebody has pinned a target on your back? Do the words "kick me" mean anything to you? Do you feel as if you were born with a bullseye painted on you? If so, you might have discovered something very significant - you are the target of the devil. He wants to pick on you! When that happens, what do you do? How do you handle those attacks and distractions? How do you overcome?

How To Whoop The Devil

1. Don't overreact.  Numbers 20:8-12
    - It's easy to lose your cool when you are hot under the collar.
    - Jumping to conclusions wastes energy, time and causes worry.

2. Discover and identify the enemy.  Genesis 3:1-11
    - Strip away anything that may be hiding your enemy.
    - Every time the enemy attacks you, he gives himself away.

3. Don't let the devil steal your harvest.  Joshua 3:15
    - Planting is the only way to overcome spiritual attacks.
    - Planting redirects your focus on increase, not decrease.
    - Plan a harvest, have a goal, plant something, do something.

4. Quit listening to him.  John 14:30
    - The devil has a voice; so does God.
    - You will start thinking like the voice you listen to.
    - If you start thinking like God thinks, you can have faith for the things God is thinking.

5. Use your mouth to change everything.  1 Peter 3:10
    - Your words create mountains that faith has to move.
    - You can lose everything by saying nothing.

 

Sunday, June 6th ~A Night In The Lions Inn

Sermon Notes:

The Word of God is filled with stories about animals. Of all the animals mentioned in the Bible, it is the lion that is used to describe the actions of Satan. Peter said, "Be sober and vigilant because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour."

Have you ever had a glorious day? You woke up, you felt great, the day started off wonderfully, you connected to God, everything was grand, but suddenly you get caught up in traffic, you're late for work, the boss gets mad at you, you left your wallet, no money for lunch and at the end of the day, you go to your car and discover a flat tire. Suddenly you hate life, you're sick of people, you're mad at the world and the glorious day disappeared. Guess what? You just found yourself in the "lions den".

What Do You Do To Survive A Night In The Lions Inn

1. Decide that God's Word is true.  Jeremiah 1:12
Never base the truth of God's word on your circumstances.

2. You are not a failure.  Romans 8:1
Your situation may have nothing to do with sin but with Satan.

3. Men can't get you out.  Daniel 6:14-16
People are sometimes helpless to get you out of the lion's den.

4. Fight to keep an excellent spirit.  Daniel 6:3
Your whole world is painted by your attitude.

5. Hang on to your faith - remain faithful.  Daniel 6:4
There is no fruitfulness until there is faithfulness.

6. When you feel pressure, keep praying.  Daniel 6:10
God says, "Seek me early while I may be found."

7. Give glory to God.  Daniel 6:20-22
Worshiping God keeps your mind fixed on Him.

 

Sunday, May 30th ~ Family Matters
"Blended Families"

Sermon Notes:

What is a "blended family"? It's a family that's formed by a combination of two or more families followed by remarriage. Some have defined it as a family that includes children from a previous marriage of one or both spouses. There are many ways to define a "blended family".

When I think of a "blended family", I think of what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:28, "But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you." The part of that verse that says, "you will have trouble in the flesh" is such a real part of a blended family. Blended families can be complicated and filled with challenges. They aren't perfect, they take a lot of work and it's not easy. But finding happiness in a blended family is not impossible.

Developing A Successful Blended Family

1. Clarify expectations.  Proverbs 3:13-15

2. Build a team.  Philippians 2:1-2

3. Strengthen your marriage.  Ephesians 5:21-33

4. Help the children heal.  Matthew 18:1-6

5. Work hard at resolving conflicts.  Ephesians 4:26-27

6. Agree on discipline.  Colossians 3:20-21

7. Build a strong relationship with God.  Romans 8:31-32

8. Practice love and forgiveness.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

9. Don't be in a hurry.  Philippians 4:6

 

Sunday, May 23rd ~ Family Matters
"Raising Greatness"

Sermon Notes:

If you would do what the Bible says, the odds are great that you'd have an incredible family, awesome marriage and amazing children.

Judges 17:6 and 21:25

Parents, you're a bigger deal than you think.

While they're growing up, your role isn't so much that of a friend - you're a parent - a trainer.

Proverbs 22:6

Four Tips to Raising Greatness:

1. Be an example of Jesus. What kind of Jesus do they see, hear and feel from you?

Live what you say you believe. If you don't live it, you don't really believe it.

Revelation 3:16

2. Speak life into your children.   Proverbs 18:21

Your kids will become what you speak into them and expect from them - good or bad.

Isaiah 57:19

What you reward gets repeated.

3. Discipline well.  Proverbs 29:15

Make sure you do it in love, not anger.

Proverbs 13:24, 22:15, 23:14

Be consistent.

4. Don't give your children the emotional leftovers.

Your family is your #1 ministry, so make sure they realize that and it's backed up with action.

What kind of legacy are you going to leave to your children?

 

Sunday, May 16th ~ Family Matters
"Single Life"

Sermon Notes:

If you are single, you aren't irrelevant or unimportant because everyone in life is single at some time. It's not God's perfect will for everyone to remain single. God wants you to find the right person that will compliment your life. You can go all the way back to Genesis 2:18 where God made it clear that, "It is not good that man should be alone." There is something spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally healthy about sharing your life with a spouse. But remember, not all singles are created alike.

Three Reasons Why People Are Single

1. Some people are called to be single.

2. Some people make a choice to be single.

3. Some people are single because of circumstances.

Three Lies Singles Believe

1. Marriage is the key to happiness.  Colossians 2:9-10

2. Something must be wrong with me.  1 Corinthians 7:32-34, 38

3. I have many to choose from to marry.  James 1:17

 

  

Sunday, May 9th ~ Family Matters

Sermon Notes:

Family life is not always easy. Each of us deals with multiple family matters. It could be your marriage, raising children, living the single life, or dealing with the complex issues of being a blended family. No matter who you are or where you are - family matters!

What does God say about "family"? What does He say about being single or living the single life? When it comes to blended families or being remarried is it really blended, blinded or beautiful? What does the Bible say about raising children? And, how do you create a happy marriage? What is necessary to keep a marriage on track?

There are hundreds of things you can do to have a great marriage and family, but six are essential because, to God, family matters.

Six Secrets For A Happy Marriage

1. It takes communication.  Proverbs 13:17 TLB
    Just because it's quiet in the house doesn't mean there is peace.
    You can work it out if you are willing to talk it out.

2. It takes consideration.  Ephesians 4:2 NLT
    Paying attention, showing common courtesy and treating each other with respect creates
    the foundation for a strong family.

3. It takes compromise.  1 Corinthians 13:5 TLB
    Many marriages die because of inflexibility.
    Love doesn't demand its own way.

4. It takes courtship.  Proverbs 5:19 NLT
    If there was more courting in marriage, there would be fewer marriages in court.

5. It takes commitment.  Malachi 2:16 NLT
    As long as divorce is a possibility in your mind, you will always have a shaky foundation -
    family won't matter anymore.

6. It takes Christ.  Philippians 4:13 NKJV
    If your family really matters then Jesus matters.

 

Sunday, May 2nd ~ I Am Second

Sermon Notes:

Psalm 23:4

No one will escape disappointments or the unexpected. But what those things do for our lives is something we never think about or expect - it brings us to a place of decision. It brings us to a place to really see who is first in our life. David, the King of Israel said, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." In the dark valleys of life, David had a strong confidence that God was with him. How did he know that? Because he had made a decision by saying, "My name is David, and I am second."

Five Important Things About Dark Days

1. Disappointments are inevitable.  John 16:33
2. The unexpected is unpredictable.  Jeremiah 4:20
3. Dark days are impartial.  Matthew 5:45
4. They are all temporary.  2 Corinthians 4:17-18
5. Good can come from bad.  Romans 8:28

How To Get Through The Unexpected

1. Refuse to be discouraged.  Colossians 1:11
    Discouragement is a decision.

2. Remember that God is with you.  Isaiah 43:2
    When in a valley, don't talk about God, talk to God.  Psalm 23:4

3. Rely on God's protection and guidance.  Psalm 23:4
    You're never alone in a valley; you have God's rod and staff.

If you make Jesus first, He will give you strength, hope, rest and peace to overcome any disappointment and face anything unexpected. Declare today, "My name is ______, and I am second."

Sunday, April 25th ~ I Am Second

Sermon Notes:

Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus said, "If you refuse to forgive others your Father will not forgive your sins." Nothing does more damage to us personally, physically, psychologically, emotionally or spiritually than when we are unforgiving. Unless we recognize how much we have been forgiven it is impossible to forgive others. In fact, forgiving others is not possible until we surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. You'll never be able to forgive others until you discover the forgiveness of Christ for all your wrongs. That can only happen when you declare, "I am second."

Three Reasons Why You Should Forgive

1. Because God has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4:32
    - You'll never have to forgive anybody more than God has forgiven you

2. Because resentment doesn't work.  Mark 11:25
    - No matter how bitter you are towards someone it is not going to change the past.

3. Because you must forgive.  Matthew 6:14-15
    - When you are unforgiving you are setting yourself up to be unforgiven.

Three Things To Help You Forgive

1. Recognize that all are imperfect.  Eccl. 7:20
2. Quit trying to get even.  Romans 12:18
3. Respond to evil with good.  Luke 6:27-28

Sunday, April 18th ~ I Am Second

Sermon Notes:
Luke 15:1-24

The Bible is a series of stories filled with wisdom that weave one common thought - God wants to find what is lost. Those stories point to one simple thing - God's constant effort to draw people to Him. When you think about every story, every character, every act of God, it's always about His love for people.

God loves lost things and lost people. Jesus said, "I have come to seek and to save that which is lost." Lost people are so valuable to God that He is willing to do anything to find them. He is willing to exchange what was loved most for what was lost most. God has a deep and unending love for you.

Three Stories of God's Love

1. The parable of a LOST SHEEP.  Luke 15:1-7
    - Like sheep, people sometimes wander away.
    - God will leave the 99 sheep to find one lost sheep.

2. The parable of a LOST COIN.  Luke 15:8-10
    -  Like a coin, you are valuable but might be lost in the dirt.
    - God will get in the dirt to find you.

3. The parable of a LOST SON.  Luke 15:11-24
    - Like the lost son, we willfully walk away from the father.
    - God is forever looking and waiting for you to come home.

The sheep are wandering, the coin is lost, and the son is perishing. God loves you so much that He is looking for you, diligently seeking you, and is ready to forgive you.

Sunday, April 11th ~ I Am Second
"The Double Life"

Sermon Notes:

Matthew 6:24
Judges 16

Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other."

What is the "double-life"? Some define is as an alter ego, a second self, a second personality or persona. One dictionary describes it as someone that has two identities or two lives but where one is secret or hidden. Usually one is good and one is bad. Both are demanding that you follow them.

If you are living a double-life, living behind secret or hiding your guilt, you'll never be happy and you'll never be free. You will be mastered by the life that draws you. You will always live in a vicious cycle of love and hate for your life until you surrender to Jesus and declare, "I am second."

What Does The Double-Life Do To You?

1. It makes you a shrewd liar.
    - To hide your double-life you will lie to yourself and others.
    - One lie leads to another.

2. It makes you a shrewd deceiver.
    - You will live a camouflaged life.
    - You hide behind the fear of being discovered.

3. It makes you a shrewd believer.
    - You are good at faking your Christianity.
    - You make yourself believe you are right with God.

 

Sunday, April 4th ~ I Am Second

Sermon Notes:

Luke 23:32-33, 39-43

One of the most fascinating things about the Easter message is that God chose to share that moment with two others. The spotlight wasn't just on Jesus. On that fateful day there were three crosses. Those crosses represented decisions. The real message behind the story of the death and resurrection of Christ is the decision that every person will be required to make of what He did on that cross.

I am convinced that the horrible torture of Christ, the barbaric act of His crucifixion, His painful and agonizing death, His burial and His resurrection is about one thing - YOU. It's a story about a decision. It's a message about who is going to be first in your life. God has given you the power to choose; to make a decision. The question you must ask yourself is, "Am I willing to be second?"

What It Takes To Make A Right Decision To Be "Second"

1. It takes courage.  Luke 23:40
 - Courage to honestly look at your life.
 - Courage to trust in the Lord.

2. It takes confession.  Luke 23:41
 - Confession of your sins.
 - Confession that Jesus is the Savior.

3. It takes confidence.  Luke 23:42
 - Confidence that when you ask, God will hear.
 - Confidence that Christ will forgive you and save your soul.

 

Sunday, March 28th ~ Identity: Seven Values - Servanthood, Generosity, Sharing Faith

Sermon Notes:

Jesus made you a promise saying, "I have come to give you life and life more abundantly." Not only did that promise include eternal life, but it also included a promise to live comfortably, plentifully, and cheerfully. He came to give us life with advantage. It is a "value added" life. What a great promise! But that promise requires that each of us become fully devoted to Him.

To become fully devoted to Christ requires that you embrace some basic core values. Your values shape everything you do in life. You are what you believe. These values create your identity.

Seven Values That Give You Identity

1. Loving God.
2. Community.
3. Purpose.
4. Personal Growth.

5. The values of servanthood.  Mark 10:43-44
     "Surrender" is what describes this value.
     Real surrender begins when the Lord sees your sin and you discover His pardon.

6. The value of generosity.  Psalm 84:14
     "Release" is what describes this value.
     God doesn't bless giving; He blesses givers.
     Each of us has a "generosity gene."

7. The value of sharing faith.  Matthew 28:18-20
     "Being wise" is what describes this value.
     Proverbs 11:30 says, "He that wins souls is wise."
     Use everything you are, everything you have and everything you can be to reach others
     for Jesus.

 

Sunday, March 21st ~ Identity: Seven Values - Community, Purpose, Personal Growth

Sermon Notes:

To become fully devoted to Christ requires that you embrace some basic core values. Your values shape everything you do in life. What you believe you become. You are what you believe. The kind of person you are is based on the things you've chosen to value. The convictions in your life determine your conduct, your conduct determines your character, and your character determines your destiny. The values you embrace are important to your identity.

Three Values That Give You Identity

1. The values of community.  Luke 10:27-28 NLT
     "Connection" is what describes this value.
     God doesn't breathe on anything not connected.
     Without connection, you have abundant loss, not life.

2. The values of purpose.  Psalm 139:14
     "Destiny" is what describes this value.
     All destiny is determined by decisions.
     Your purpose is tied to your destiny.

3. The value of personal growth.  Luke 2:40
     "Finishing" is what describes this value.
     It's never how you start; it's always how you finish.
     The outside always reflects the inside.

 

Sunday, March 14th ~ Identity: Seven Values - Loving God

Sermon Notes:

In John 10:10 Jesus said, "I have come to give you life and life more abundantly." This "abundant life" is not only life as good as it can be, but also life beyond what we can imagine! So, how do we get this abundant life? The answer, we must become fully devoted believers. The next question is, how do we become fully devoted believers? Simple, we must embrace values that will lead us to the heart, will and abundance of the Lord.

Three Truths About Values

1. Something has to be absolute authority.
    Without core values you are unstable.

2. Never protect values that don't produce anything.
    Be willing to say "no" to the good thing so you can say "yes" to the right thing.

3. When you have no drive to discover truth, you have no reason to challenge error.
    Real truth will irritate you long before it liberates you.

The Value of "Loving God"

Mark 12:30

It begins with trust.

Trust in God is simply surrender.

No one can become a fully devoted believer on his or her own terms.

God will change what's in you before He changes what's around you.

God's motivation for changing you is the destination of where He is taking you.

Sunday, March 7th ~ Identity: Guiding Principles - Excellence

Sermon Notes:

Excellence - We strengthen each other's service with the goal of consistently offering our very best "as unto the Lord." We hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality, because we believe God deserves our finest efforts at all times.

Why does excellence matter?

- Excellence is one of God's character traits.
Genesis 1; Mark 7:37

- God expects us to be excellent.
Ephesians 5:1; Colossians 3:23-24

How can we be excellent?

1. Develop your skills.
Proverbs 22:29

2. Be committed and consistent.
Daniel 6:3

3. Don't give up.
Hebrews 10:35-36; Galatians 6:9

What should we be excellent in?

- pursuit of God
- relationships
- career
- gifts/skills
- church involvement

1 Corinthians 9:24

 

Sunday, February 28th ~ Identity: Guiding Principles - Servant Leadership

Sermon Notes:

The idea of Christian leadership is different in a world where power, position, rights, and titles rule. Our authority, influence and power come when we willingly serve others. The type of leadership Jesus requires is to lead others by serving others. The guiding principle of "Servant Leadership" says, "We aspire to follow Jesus' example by focusing on others, promoting and preferring them over ourselves. We seek to lead with an attitude of humility and empower others to realize their potential and fulfill their purpose."

Seven Things Jesus Teaches

1. Serve God and you will serve people.
2. Be "others" focused.
3. Be willing to serve everyone.
4. Serve without complaining.
5. Be humble.
6. Be observant and alert.
7. Be faithful.

Marks of a Servant Leader

1. They make themselves available to serve.   2 Timothy 2:4
       He does what is needed not what he is gifted in.

2. They pay attention to needs.   Galatians 6:10
       He will seize the moment to help others.

3. They do their best.   Ecclesiastes 11:4
       It's about a perfect heart, not a perfect performance.

4. They are equally dedicated.   Colossians 3:23
       God never exempts us from the menial or mundane.

5. They are faithful to the end.   Matthew 25:23
       They lead by serving as long as they are alive.

 

Sunday, February 14th ~ Identity: Guiding Principles - Relationships

Sermon Notes:

Choosing your friends is like choosing your destiny. Friends can lead you to your godly destiny or away from it. The guiding principle of "Relationship" says, "We are dedicated to investing our lives into authentic friendships, mutual trust while experiencing life together." At Victory, we value people and know that godly relationships shape our values, beliefs and life.

Why Relationships Are Important

1. Life's greatest experiences involve others.
2. You will enjoy life more if you like people.
3. You'll get farther in life if people like you.

Building Godly Relationships

1. Always go up.

       1. Some add to life - enjoy them.
       2. Some subtract from life - tolerate them.
       3. Some multiply to life - value them.
       4. Some divide from life - avoid them.

2. Everybody is a ten.

       1. Disappointment in a few people shouldn't stop us from believing in many people.
       2. A trusting heart is emotionally healthy.
       3. We behave in light of our beliefs.
       4. A healthy relationship is built on high expectations.

Sunday, January 31st ~ Identity: Guiding Principles - Integrity

Sermon Notes:

Integrity: We strive to exemplify the highest levels of godly character and ethics in all areas so that we are "above reproach and blameless," resulting in spiritual, moral and personal accountability.

Psalm 119:1; Psalm 25:21

Pillars of Integrity

1. Tell the truth.
         Proverbs 6:16-19

2. Be faithful to your spouse.
         Malachi 2:15

3. Be a faithful friend.
         Proverbs 17:17

4. Manage your finances.
         Luke 16:10-12

5. Be committed to your church.
         Acts 2:42-47

6. Be a blessing to your children.
         Proverbs 13:22

Integrity can be lost, but it can also be gained and restored. Follow David's example of taking responsibility, repenting, and growing in your integrity. It's a life-long journey.

 

Sunday, January 24th ~ Identity: Guiding Principles - Spiritual Maturity

Sermon Notes:

"We are a family of believers, pursuing God and changing our world." This is our identity; it's who we are; it's why we exist; it's our purpose. But how do we become what we say we are? How do we really become a family of believers, how do we pursue God with continued passion, and how do we really change our world?

We have Seven Guiding Principles that define our behavior, our actions, and our standards for life and ministry. Those principles guide our decisions, goals, objectives, strategies and vision. They ensure that we are moving forward in a predictable manner that represents Christ and God's Word. The first guiding principle is "Spiritual Maturity".

Four Myths of Spiritual Maturity

1. Spiritual growth is automatic.
         Spiritual growth has to be intentional.  Hebrews 5:12

2. Spiritual maturity is only for a few.
         Spiritual maturity is a practical thing.  1 Timothy 2:4

3. Spiritual maturity is finding the right key.
         Spiritual maturity takes time.  Philippians 3:12-14

4. Spiritual maturity is measured by what you know.
         Spiritual maturity is demonstrated more by behavior than belief.  Matthew 7:24-28

Several Demonstrations of Spiritual Maturity

1. Thoughts
2. Words
3. Actions
4. Attitudes
5. Reactions
6. Desires
7. Relationships

Sunday, January 17th ~ Identity

Sermon Notes:

Who are we, why do we exist, what is our purpose? Those are questions many people ask about themselves. They have an identity crisis. Many churches have an identity crisis too. They try to be everything to everyone or nothing to anyone.

At Victory Church we don't have an identity crisis. We have the fingerprint of God on us. We have the DNA of God in us. We have a unique and divine imprint that identifies us before the Lord.

We don't exist by accident but by design - God's design. And, it's important for each of us to know what that identity is. We need to know it, quote it and embrace it.

Who are we? "We are a family of believers, pursuing God and changing our world." That is our "identity statement". What does that mean?

We Are Three Distinct Things

1. We are a family of believers.
We are a group of diverse people who come together under one name - Jesus.
Ephesians 4:1-8; Acts 2:42-47

2. We are pursuing God.
Truth is where God has been; revelation is where God is.
Matthew 7:7-8; 2 Peter 3:9

3. We are changing our world.
We can't change THE world, but we can change OUR world.
1 Peter 2:9; Romans 12:2

 

Sunday, January 10th ~ Prayer and Fasting

Sermon Notes:

Isaiah 66:8

A New Year is a wonderful time to reset our spiritual compass, seek for God's strength and find divine wisdom. To accomplish these things, we must begin living intentionally by dedicating ourselves to a season of prayer and fasting.

Did you know that you don't change God in prayer; God changes you because of prayer. Prayer activates the promises of God. Did you know that fasting doesn't move God; it moves you. It puts you in a position to be moved by God.

So, what is prayer and fasting? Why do we need to pray and fast?

Why Do We Pray?

1. Prayer opens heaven's windows. Luke 3:21-22

2. Prayer transforms your life. Luke 9:28-29

3. Prayer gets results. Acts 4:31

Why Do We Fast?

1. We receive guidance. Acts 13:1-3

2. We receive courage. Esther 4:16

3. We receive power. Luke 4:13-14

Join us for 21 days of fasting and prayer beginning Monday, January 11th through Sunday, January 31st. Let's seek God together for His strength, wisdom, guidance and to reset our spiritual compasses. Nightly prayer will be from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Sunday, January 3rd ~ Never Lose Hope

Sermon Notes:

Jeremiah 29:11

The single most important word for this New Year will be "hope." When someone has hope, they can face anything in life. With hope you can endure anything, do anything, and believe for anything. You can stand, fight, hold on, and trust. Hope lets you face an uncertain future with certainty.

Hope is the essential ingredient that makes faith work. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for." When hope is gone there is no substance to make faith work. Hope gives faith substance. When we lose hope that a mountain can move then faith loses the substance required to move the mountain.

What happens when we have hope? What are the benefits of hope? What will hope do for me?

How To Have Hope

1. Turn your focus to your all-powerful God.
What you dwell on you magnify, enlarge and empower.
The bigger you make God, the smaller you make your problems.

Three Things Hope Will Do For You

1. If I have hope I can move on.  Isaiah 40:31
Hope keeps me believing and trusting God.
If I lose hope I am paralyzed and stagnant.

2. If I have hope I can hang on.  2 Corinthians 1:9-10
When you hope in God's promises you'll never waver.
If you believe that "God can", you'll make it.

3. If I have hope I can go on.  1 Corinthians 2:9
Hope lets you see God's promises before they are seen.
Hope is about the future - it sees what is not yet seen.