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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
