Current Series
Sunday, January 4th ~ Preparing for a New Year
Sermon Notes:
A New Year means new opportunities, a new start and a new beginning. It's a time to reflect, refine, renew, revive, and relaunch. And, it's also a time to replace, remove, rethink, and reclaim. It's a time to take inbentory of our lives, our goals, our successes and failures. It's about getting our focus back on the right things and having enough courage, resolve and determination to do what is required to see with your eyes what you hope in your heart.
Our church vision is to win people to Christ because people are important and valuable to God. It is to build the Kingdom of God because we are required to be fruitful. It is to store up treasures in heaven because our fruit must remain.
This will not be difficut task if we all work together, pray together and stand together. It will take faith, cooperation and partnership. 2009 can be a year of harvest if we will do three simple things.
Three Simple Words For Success in 2009
1. Align. Ephesians 2:19-22
Instead of treating symptoms let's solve problems. Anything out of life becomes dysfunctional over time.
2. Adjust. John 15:1-8
Hard times call for hard decisions and firm leadership. To have more fruit - PRUNE.
3. Adapt. 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Don't focus on what you don't have, instead use what you do have. Whe you lose sight of your vision and goals you lose sight of your priorities.
Sunday, December 28th ~ Wisdom for a New Year
Sermon Notes:
Proverbs 4:5-13
Have you ever thought that with all the incredible knowledge that mankind now possesses that there are even more wars, more disputes, more family problems, and more economic and financial woes than ever. It doesn't seem like knowledge alone is solving any of these issues. It's frightening to consider how little wisdom now governs the world.
What each of us needs is not just knowledge but wisdom coupled with knowledge. The Bible commands us to "get wisdom" but we seem to think that knowledge is wisdom. But "knowledge" is simply facts or the condition of having information. "Wisdom" is the ability to discern, have good judgement, insight, and to know the right course of action.
Knowledge alone is not enough for a New Year. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. Years can make us old but not necessarily wise. Wisdom is a gift from God, all you have to do is ask for it.
Nuggets or Wisdom for a New Year
1. A path without an obstacle doesn't lead anywhere. James 1:2-4
You'll never find your "Promised Land" without working your way through the wilderness.
2. Failure doesn't mean you are a failure. Luke 22:61-62
God is as committed to teaching you through failure as much as He is forgiving you because of it.
3. When God is all you have, God is all you need. Psalm 91
God can never be first in your life if you've made Him second.
4. If you want to walk on water don't ask those in the boat. Matthew 14:25-26
When you ask others to do what they don't want to do they will always tell you not to do it.
5. Trust God more. Proverbs 3:5-6
Most everyone believes "in God" but not many "believe God".
Sunday, December 21st ~ "Jesus"
Sermon Notes:
You Matter to God - Does He Matter to You?
Luke 1:31-33 NKJV
"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."
The "Nativity" is trully about the birth of Christ and the birth of Christ in your heart and life. When you look at the cast of people God assembled for the Nativity you get a very clear picture of all human-kind. Those that He told, those that He invited and those that came represented all of humanity - they were Joseph and Mary (the unknowns), Shepherds (the outcast), and the Wise Men (those far away). When it comes to meeting and knowing Jesus, God didn't want to leave anyone out. From the common to the accomplished, all are invited.
The entire focus of the "Nativity" isn't just about Jesus - IT'S ABOUT YOU! When you read about the birth of Christ, you'll discover that it's not all about Him, it's about all those that found Him. It tells me that God's focus is on you! The Christmas message - the Nativity story is simply that God sent Jesus to the earth to let you know that you matter to God. But, the big question this Christmas is, "Does God matter to you?". If He is a God for all people, is He a God for you?
Who Is Jesus To You?
1. He will be great. Philippiansans 2:10
Is Jesus just good or is He great in your life?
2. He shall be be called the Son of the Highest. Hebrews 7:25-26
Are you also the "Son of the Highest" or the son of the lowest?
3. God will give Him the throne of His father David. Psalm 18:2-3
To what "father" have you given your throne?
4. He will reign over the House of Jacob. John 18:37
Who rules over your "house"?
5. Of His kingdom there will be no end. Psalm 146:10
Is it the end or beginning of His Kingdom in your life?
Sunday, December 14th ~ "The Wise Men"
Sermon Notes:
Matthew 2:1-12 NKJV
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him'....When they saw the star, the rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
God not only invited shepherds to find Jesus, but He also invited the Wise Men. These mysterious men made a long and arduous journey to find this child to bring Him gifts, to honor Him as royalty, and to worship Him in humility. They were the privileged, the honored, the advantaged, the favored, the entitled, and the blessed. They were the complete opposites of the shepherds.
Why would God invite them? Because God never intended that any man, woman or child be left behind. He didn't want any person, regardless of background, status, or position to miss the opportunity to find Jesus. So, God invited the castoff and privileged, the common and accomplished, the unknown and the notable, and the uneducated and intellectual. No matter who you are, God will never leave you out! You're invited to find Jesus, too - even today!
Wise Men Do Three Things
1. They seek for the truth. Matthew 2:1-2
When you search for Him with all of your heart, you will find Him.
2. They respond to a sign. Matthew 2:10
God will use many different instruments to get your attention.
3. They recognized the gift. Matthew 2:11
When Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave gifts unto men.
Sunday, December 7th ~ "The Shepherds" - God is a God for Everyday People
Sermon Notes:
Luke 2:8-20
"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.'" NKJV
The first people who visited Jesus were not religious leaders, they were not royalty, they were not political figures. The very first people God invited to see Jesus were plain, simple, lowly and lonely "zeros," the nobodies, the outcasts, the rejected, the excluded and the undesirables. They were the common and ordinary shepherds.
God came to declare His Son Jesus to the common, plain, ordinary people of that day - the shepherds. Why? Because God is a God for everyday people. Why? Because you matter to God. Why? Because He didn't want anyone left out or excluded. Why? Because what Jesus would do, He would do for all people, even the ordinary and common nobody. Coming to the shepherds first is proof that we are valuable to God!
Five Ways God Chose The Ordinary For The Extraordinary
1. They were the first to hear. Luke 2:8-14
2. They were the first to go. Luke 2:15-16
3. They were the first to see. Luke 2:17
4. They were the first to tell. Luke 2:17-18
5. They were the first to worship. Luke 2:20
Sunday, November 30th ~ "Angels" - A message from an Angel to You
Sermon Notes:
Luke 2:8-14
Definitions:
1. Glory = Rare splendor; weight, but in a good way; blinding righteousness.
We have seen this before in scripture.
2. Sore Afraid = Mega phobia; exceedingly, to the greatest possible extent; frightened, alarmed; simultaneously awe-struck with reverence.
Together - mega-phobia: awe-struck to the point of near death. More than the human body can sustain.
3. Joy = Exceeding delight; cheerfulness; a Christmas gift for all.
4. All People = Isaiah 60:3 "Nations will come to your light."
The angel is speaking to you today.
5. City of David = Micah 5:2 "But you Bethlehem . . .out of you will come for me the one who will be ruler over Israel."
Fulfillment of prophecy.
6. Christ = Messiah; son of God; Immanuel; Announcing the King.
7. Peace = Quietness, rest; to become once again, restored; wholeness; unshakable calm.
What God offers, and the world lacks.
8. Well Pleased - Keeping the Law vs. Saved by grace through faith.
Sunday, November 23rd ~ "Joseph and Mary" - Partnering with God
Sermon Notes:
"Then Mary said, 'Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her." Luke 1:38
"Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife." Matthew 1:24
Everything God does He does through people. We are the earthen vessels the Lord chooses to accomplish and fulfill His divine plans. Continuously, He is tapping each of us on the shoulder, calling on us to say "yes" to His plan and our purpose. God did not create you to live for yourself but for Him.
Christ came into the world because two people, Mary and Joseph, chose to partner with God. We all want to be partners with God. We even declare we are, but where is the proof? How do we know we are filled with God's plans and purposes? Have you chosen to partner with God? If you are uncertain, here are seven irrefutable symptoms to prove you are pregnant with God's plan.
How To Know If You Have Partnered With God
1. You will feel different.
2. Your appetite will change.
3. Your attitude will change.
4. You will experience morning sickness.
5. You will develop aches, pains and swelling.
6. You can't get comfortable.
7. You don't look the same as you once did.
Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branchces. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." "My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father." John 15:5, 8
Sunday, November 16th ~ Change You Can Believe In
Sermon Notes:
Luke 3:8
Your lifestyle show what's really going on in your heart.
What is the evidence that you've given your life to Jesus?
Your behavior shows what you truly believe, regardless of what you say.
With your lifestyle, speech, thoughts, attitudes, habits, etc. what kind of bride are you to Jesus?
Revelation 2:1-7 - Return to your first love.
God wants your heart more than your works.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
There are things and people in this life that you can love too much, but you can never love Jesus too much.
Where is He on your list of priorities?
Daniel 9 - "Give us an undivided heart, that we may fear your name - no other gods, no other loves before You."
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Sundays in October, Victory Church presents, The Truth About Eternity - Heaven & Hell - Fact or Fiction.
There are no sermon notes for this series. Listen to the messages under our media center and take some notes. You decide what the truth about eternity is - fact or fiction?
Sunday, September 28th ~ Dry Bones Live
Sermon Notes:
Ezekiel 37:1-14
It's hard to believe but it is true that we can call ourselves Christians but be dry, passionless, lifeless and not realize it. This was a fact that God revealed to Ezekiel in a vision. Ezekiel saw a huge valley filled and littered with dry, parched, and dehydrated bones. Those deep piles of bones were human remains. Those bones once represented life, passion and purpose but now they lay scattered and shattered across that valley floor.
Then God revealed His heart and desire for those whose bones had become dry, lifeless, passionless and dehydrated. When He asked Ezekiel, "Can these bones live?", He was really asking, "Can dry lifeless, passionless, purposeless people live and thrive again?" The answer is an astounding, "YES!" But how? In this story God reveals two simple secrets to restoring and resurrecting your vitality, strength, passion and purpose. Here are two things that might be missing in your life.
How Dry Bones Live Again
1. God's Word. Ezekiel 37:4
- If you want the cure, identify the ailment.
- If you want the solution, find the problem.
- Disobedience creates distance that creates dryness.
- Your distance to the Son affects your temperature.
2. God's Spirit. Ezekiel 37:14
- God's Word alone doesn' t remove dryness.
- There is a difference between being alive and living.
- You can't march out of a dry valley without life.
- Don't get stuck in "Do-It-Yourself Christianity".
Sunday, September 21st ~Stirring Up My Passion
Sermon Notes:
Revelation 2:1-7 Psalm 42:1-3
Passion is the fuel that ignites the gifts, that produces the fruit, that gives meaning to the purpose of God for our life. Passion is the secret ingredient that propels everything we do in life. When passion fades so do the gifts that produce the fruits.
What is passion? Passion is what brings fire to love and causes love to respond and express itself. It's an excitement of the mind creating love and desire. If your Christian life and walk is simply acts without feelings then you lack passion. Passion gives "purpose" a reason to live. It stirs our insignificance and it irritates the meaninglessness in our life.
If your spiritual passion has faded, it's time to find a path back to God. What you have a passion for you have faith for. God wants your passion for Him ignited again so your faith will once again sizzle and burn!
Three Ways To Get Your Passion Back
1. Get reacquainted with Him again.
Four requirements: discipline, priority, sacrifice, denial.
2. Have more than good intentions.
It's not your acts that draw you close to God, but your heart.
3. Remove every barrier between me and God.
Sin is when we omit to do what God's Word requires or doing what it forbids.
Sunday, September 14th ~ An Awesome Place - "Presence, Purpose, Passion"
Sermon Notes:
Genesis 28:10-22
God doesn't give you a gift just so you'll have it, He gives you a gift so you'll have purpose. That gift is proof that you are valuable, significant, you matter to God and what you do with your life is vital. In other words, discovering, developing and using your gift is what creates purpose in your life.
If you don't know your "gift" that creates your purpose, you'll never have passion to bring forth fruit. The question that is asked is, "How do I know for sure what I'm supposed to do, what my gift and purpose is?" It's a hard question but an easy answer. God wants to show you! Jesus said in Matthew 4, "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God". The Apostle Paul declared, "God has made known the mystery of His will".
Here are three simple things that might help you grasp how God will take your "certain place" and turn it into an "awesome place".
Turning A Certain Place Into An Awesome Place
1. Finding the presence of God. Genesis 28:13
When you know God is standing beside you, everything will change.
2. Finding the purpose of God. Genesis 28:13-14
The presence of God comes with greater revelation about your life.
3. Finding the passion for God. Genesis 28:18-19
You'll never see God-given fruit in your life without a radical appetite.
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Sunday, August 31st ~ Holy Spirit - "The Holy Spirit and The Fruits"
Sermon Notes:
Acts 7
Ephesians 4:7 says, "But to each one of us grace (charis) has been given as Christ apportioned it". Everyone of us has a divine enablement, a "charis". That means that each of us has a "thing", that if you did it, you would be really good at it. When you find, develop and use your divine enablement (charis) then something unique, lasting, rewarding, satisfying and spiritual happens. Fruit begins to pop up everywhere in your life. It begins to blossom and grow. You don't have to work for it or strive, it comes naturally. It's called the "Fruit of the Spirit".
Fruits are the character of God in human form. It proves and demonstrates the nature of God to others. As Jesus said, "You are know by your fruits". God's divine enablement (charis) produces two things. It produces gifts for the Believer. There are many "Gifts of the Spirit" and there are also many "Fruits of the Spirit". You can find them in Ephesians 5, Philippians 1, Colossians 3, Titus 3, James 3 and so many other places. Here is the most famous list of the "Fruits of the Spirit" in Galatians 5.
The Fruits of the Spirit
1. The gift of love. 1 Timothy 1:14
2. The gift of joy. Acts 20:22-24
3. The gift of peace. Romans 16:20
4. The gift of longsuffering. 2 Corinthians 6:1-6
5. The gift of kindness. Ephesians 2:7
6. The gift of goodness. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
7. The gift of faithfulness. 1 Timothy 1:14-15
8. The gift of meekness. 1 Peter 5:5
9. The gift of self-control. 1 Peter 1:2-8
Sunday, August 25th ~ Holy Spirit - "The Holy Spirit and The Gifts"
Acts 6
There are two definitions for "gifts" in the Bible. First, a "gift" is something that someone gives you. They pay for it and they give it to you, like a birthday gift. You don't pay for it, it's free, it's a gift. God gives you gifts like salvation, the Holy Spirit and faith. God makes those gifts available for everyone.
But there is another kind of gift. "Gift" also means someone that has a special ability. You might have a special ability in sports, music, or as an artist. It is a unique function, skill, or talent that you may possess. Ephesians 4:7 says, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." If I have the Holy Spirit do I have any gifts? Yes, here are some listed in the Bible.
The Many Gifts From The Holy Spirit
1. The gift of prophecy.
2. The gift of service.
3. The gift of teaching.
4. The gift of exhortation.
5. The gift of giving.
6. The gift of leadership.
7. The gift of mercy.
8. The gift of wisdom.
9. The gift of knowledge.
10. The gift of faith.
11. The gift of healing.
12. The gift of miracles.
13. The gift of the discerning of spirits.
14. The gift of tongues.
15. The gift of the interpretation of tongues.
16. The gift of the apostle.
17. The gift of helps.
18. The gift of administration.
19. The gift of an evangelist.
20. The gift of a pastor.
21. The gift of celibacy.
22. The gift of voluntary poverty.
23. The gift of martyrdom.
24. The gift of hospitality.
25. The gift of a missionary.
Sunday, August 17th ~ Holy Spirit - "The Holy Spirit and Holiness"
Sermon Notes:
Acts 5
There are many people going through the motions of Christianity instead of being a Christian. It's not that we don't love the Lord, it's that we aren't really hungry for God. We've lost our zeal, passion, joy, excitement, and fizz. You might say that we've become dull, not as people, but as Christians.
God never intended for you to struggle like that. He knew you would need supernatural power to live in this world. The problem is that we can't manufacture that power or maintain our Christian zeal alone. We need God's gift of the Holy Spirit.
But sometimes that power gets interrupted and things come to a halt. We want more but we get less. What we deserve, we get. It's all because we have missed something that is essential to experiencing the ongoing supernatural power of the Holy Spirit - HOLINESS.
Six Reasons Why We Aren't Holy
1. We live loosely. 1 Peter 1:15-16
You can't live any old way and expect grace, mercy, favor or power. The Holy Spirit doesn't partner with unrighteousness.
2. We deliberately keep on sinning. Hebrews 10:26-27
True repentance gets God's attention. An unbroken heart and spirit can only expect God's judgement.
3. We aren't sanctified. Romans 8:3-8
If you stay pliable and soft the Holy Spirit will work through you. Your salvation must be worked out with fear and trembling.
4. We have no fear of God. Hebrews 10:30-31
It's a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of a living God. A person who stays on his face can never fall very far.
5. We quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20
You can extinguish the fire and purity of the Holy Spirit in your life. Don't camp or park yourself at your last experience.
6. We don't avoid evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
You can't live near the edge, it's too dangerous. It's dangerous to ask, "How far can I go and God not be grieved?".
Sunday, August 10th ~ Holy Spirit - "The Holy Spirit and Prayer"
Sermon Notes:
Some of the things of God are easy to grasp and understand but there are some things we just won't accept. The reason why is that God isn't like you. We want to bring God down to our level, to what we can contain and to what we can control. But God doesn't fit into our box. He will do things that will mess with your traditions, your doctrines, your ideas, thoughts and ways.
Christian life is not a mental thing, it's a spiritual thing. But we've made it mental by trying to figure it all out and by trying to get God to fit into our belief system. Would you unfold your arms, lay aside your traditions, put away your doctrines and just connect the dots in the Bible about the Holy Spirit? If you do, your life will be changed forever. I believe God wants you to be a next level Believer. Let's decide that we are not going to stay at a level that is attainable or comfortable. Let's take another step to discover that "there is more - the Holy Spirit".
Three Things That Characterizes Spirit-Filled Prayer
1. It is united. Acts 4:24
True New Testament Spirit-filled prayer is where all raise their voices. It is audible, loud, and it's together. When we are in one accord the "wind" of the Holy Spirit comes.
2. It is scriptural. Acts 4:24-26
Spirit-filled prayer is when we use the Word of God when we pray. The secret of power-filled prayer is to remind God of His promises. Prayer isn't to get God to change His mind but His direction.
3. It is bold. Acts 4:29
Spirit-filled and Spirit-powered prayer is not passive prayer. The devil like weak, quiet, subdued and passive praying. There is a time to be still before the Lord and a tme to be fervent too.
What is characterizing your prayer life? If you will pray using these three ways, you will discover three areas you can focus on to find the supernatural for your life.
Sunday, August 3rd ~ Holy Spirit - "Power, Miracles, and the Supernatural of the Holy Spirit"
Sermon Notes:
Mark 16 Acts 3
Anything God has done, is doing, or will do will not happen because we are clever, crafty, skilled, gifted, bright, brilliant, or talented. Everything God will do happens because God has power. God spoke to Zerubbabel saying, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord". (Zechariah 4:6-7) God has given all His power to His Spirit. But get this, Jesus has given to us God's Spirit. He said, "You shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you".
What is that power for? To revive your soul, to ignite your heart, to empower your works, to restore your zeal and to invigorate your passion. That power is to help you live this life well, to connect to God, to find and fulfill your purpose, to hear the voice of the Lord, to help others and to defeat every attack of the devil. You can experience the power, miracles and the supernatural of the Holy Spirit.
Five Ways To Connect To The Supernatural
1. You must be an agent of the Holy Spirit. Acts 3:1
If you want to see the supernatural you have to be willing and moving. It's never about your methods but it's always about your movement.
2. You must have a lifestyle prayer. Acts 3:2
No place in the Bible was prayer a "quiet time". We've gotten so lazy in our prayer that we let others do it for us.
3. You must get the vision of the miracle. Acts 3:4
You must get a revelation of something happening in the supernatural. Before you get the supernatural you've got to see it with eyes of faith.
4. You must speak the command of faith. Acts 3:5-6
God will use you to speak a prophetic word and command. The supernatural comes when we speak it not jst pray for it.
5. You must release the captive from their bondage. Acts 3:7-8
Satan has no right to hold people for something Jesus already paid for. It's okay to be a "name dropper" - use the name of Jesus.
Sunday, July 27th ~ Holy Spirit - "The Language of Wonder"
Sermon Notes:
Acts 2 1 Corinthians 2
The Holy Spirit wants to do something powerful and meaningful in your life. He wants to take you to another level. He wants to demonstrate His power, make life worthwhile, fill you with truth, and give meaning to your life. When the Holy Spirit begins to reveal the mysteries of God to you, your Christian life will never be boring again. Does it seem that something is missing in your Christian life? Is the spark gone? Have you lost your fizz? You don't have to live a lifeless Christian life, you can live an empowered Christian life. Christ wants to reveal the Holy Spirit to you.
The Language of the Holy Spirit
1. It's a language of wonder. 1 Corinthians 14:1-2
We should speak not just with our mind but with our spirit. The language of the Spirit is a mysterious connection with God.
2. It' s a language of work. Jude 20
Praying in the Spirit builds faith. The language of the Spirit proclaims and exclaims the wonders of God.
3. It's a language of worship. John 4:24
We don't always speak to men but also to angels. The language of the Spirit proclaims and exclaims the wonders of God.
4. It's a language of warfare. Ephesians 6:12
We don't fight with people but with spirits. The language of the Spirit destroys the works and weapons of evil.
5. It's a language of weakness. Romans 8:26-28
There are times when we don't know how we should pray. The language of the Spirit will pray through us the perfect will of God.
How to Receive the Holy Spirit
1. Remove all barriers.
2. Request the Holy Spirit.
3. Receive Him.
4. Release your prayer language.
Sunday, July 20th ~ Holy Spirit - "Is There Really More?"
Sermon Notes:
Acts 1, 2, 19
When we have a genuine salvation experience with Christ we are filled with anticipation, joy and hope. But over the months and years, somehow, it seems unseasoned. Sometimes its just seems routine and flat. Has that happened to you? Do you ever feel like something is missing? Have you ever asked yourself, "Is this all there is....there has to be something more". There is something missing and there is something more - it's the HOLY SPIRIT.
Many people have a true conversion experience with Christ but never experience the fullness of His Spirit. Most never give any thought to the Holy Spirit. We don't really know Him, His purpose, plan, or role. So, we end up on a roller coaster ride of Christian life filled with unpredictable ups and downs!
Well, there is more and if you open your heart to God's scriptures you will have a transforming experience that will balance our your Christian life and bring you power to live in an uncertain world. With the Holy Spirit you don't have to live a lifeless Christian life. You can live an empowered Christian life.
Hindrances To Discovering the Holy Spirit
1. Ignorance.
We have erroneous belief systems built on hearsay, ideas, doctrines because most never look in the Bible to see what God says.
2. Fear.
Fear comes from anything you don't understand or can't personally control.
3. Doctrianal differences.
Many have a belief system without a true experience, knowledge without genuine wisdom and success without real spiritual power.
Sunday, July 13 ~ The Price of Success - Guest Speaker, Billy Hornsby
Sermon Notes:
Galatians 4:4-5
God has paid for our victory, our success with the blood of Jesus.
Paul uses the word redeemed in Galatians. Definition: to do something that compensates for poor past performance and behavior.
Breaking the Failure Cycle:
1. Stop listening to the voices of discouragement and failure.
2. Stop blaming others - take responsibility for your state.
3. Get a picture of what success looks like.
4. Thank God daily for wisdom and success. (Joshua 1:8 - have good success)
5. Make a list of things that you have to do everyday that brings you closer to success. (i.e.: training, reading, working, prayer, etc.)
6. Do the list.
God's Promises to us for Success:
Romans 8:31, Galatians 3:13
Christ paid too great a price for us to concede to constant failure...here are some rules for success:
8 Life Lessons
1. Success is synonymous with action. Never quitting, never giving up. "The Law of Positive Action".
2. Success is dedication, hard work and devotion to the things you want to see happen.
3. Never wait for someone else to make you successful. Christ has already done that.
4. True success always enjoys the journey.
5. Life is not about fairness...it's about dealing with whatever comes your way, good or bad.
6. Life is not hard on its own; you make it hard for yourself.
7. The world owes you nothing; you owe yourself and your family something.
8. Quit complaining.
4 Things We Must do to Succeed
1. Embrace the reality of what Christ did for us on the cross. He stooped down to die for us and forgive us to give us victory.
2. Listen to the voices of encouragement and success.
3. Embrace the discomfort and the hard work of becoming successful.
4. Enter into the arena of action to do God's work. If we take care of God's stuff, He'll take care of our stuff.
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Sunday, June 15th ~ Jesus - My Healer - "Will He Really Heal Me?" Part 3
Sermon Notes:
Many Christians are confused about healing. They've heard and seen so many different things that uncertainty has paralyzed their faith. So we say, "I know Jesus is my Healer but will He really heal me?". Christ went to the cross not just to take away the sins of man and restore him to fellowship with God but also to relieve him from all his frailities, afflictions, weaknesses and sicknesses. Until you know what the benefits of Calvary and the Cross are you won't have any faith to receive them. The power of God can only be claimed where the will of God is known. But settle it in your heart today that it is God's will to cleanse you from your sins and to heal you from your sicknesses!
We sometimes ask, "Why do some get healed and others don't?". No one has all the answers but there are certainly some obstacles that can get in the way of our healing. Here are some practical and Biblical reasons why we aren't healed. Remove them from your life and give Christ an opportunity to compassionately touch you. Below are some of the scriptures that will be used today.
Matthew 8:16-17 1 John 3:8 Psalm 103:3 Mark 16:18 John 4:52-53 Luke 18:1 1 Kings 18:41-45 Daniel 10:10-12 James 5:14-15 1 John 5:14-15 Mark 6:5-6 Matthew 9:22 Matthew 15:28 Mark 10:52 Luke 17:19 1 Corinthians 2:5 Matthew 15:3, 6 Mark 1:40-41 Romans 4:21 1 Corinthians 16:19-20 Psalm 66:18 Proverbs 28:13 Matthew 6:15 Deuteronomy 28 Malachi 3:8-12 Matthew 6:33
8 Reasons Why We Don't Get Healed
1. Ignorance.
2. A lack of prayer.
3. Unbelief.
4. The traditions of men.
5. It's not God's will to heal me.
Sunday, June 8th ~ Jesus - My Healer - "Will He Really Heal Me?" Part 2
Sermon Notes:
So many Christians are confused about healing. We've heard and seen so many different things that unceretainty has paralyzed our faith. Many are uncertain about what to believe or how to approach healing. When we are sick or have some kind of emotional, physical or mental need, self-doubt creeps into our mind then we ask. "Is it God's will to heal me?"
The truth to finding healing in your spirit, soul and body is not a mystery. In fact, it's very simple to receive both healing in your soul for sin and healing in your body for sickness. Today, you will discover that Jesus knows every source of sickness and that He chooses to reach out to touch you and heal you. Whether the source of your sickness or affliction is from sin, lack of faith or from the devil, if you will come to Christ, He will heal you.
Here are the simple steps to finding the tender healing mercies of our Lord.
John 6:38 John 4:34 Luke 10:8-9 Matthew 10:1 1 John 3:8 John 5:6 Matthew 17:18 John 9:2-3 Matthew 15:23-28 Psalm 145:8-9 Hebrews 13:8 1 John 1:9 Exodus 23:25-26 Matthew 8:17 Psalm 107:20 Proverbs 4:22 Psalm 66:16 Proverbs 15:9 John 9:31 Psalm 34:15 1 Peter 3:12 2 Chronicles 16:9 James 4:7 Psalm 37:4 Deuteronomy 7:15 Psalm 84:11 Matthew 6:33 Psalm 91:14 Deuteronomy 7:9 3 John 2
Three Simple Steps To Receive Healing
1. I must know that it is God's will to heal me.
2. I must know that I am right with God.
3. I must move before God will move.
Sunday, June 1st ~ Jesus - My Healer - "Will He Really Heal me?"
Sermon Notes:
The great barrier to receiving healing in your life is the uncertainty in your mind of whether it's God's will to heal all. We know that Jesus is our Healer, but will He reall heal me? It's impossible to boldly claim God's blessing if we aren't sure what He offers. The power of God can be claimed only where the will of God is known. When it comes to healing, our true faith is quickly revelaed when we say, "If it be your will". But God's will is to cancel your "if" and replace it with His "will". He is the God, "Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases."
If you genuinely need Christ to heal your mind, body, or emotions, please open up your heart, come humbly before Him, and allow His Word to bring healing light into your soul. Take some notes today, let any seed of faith you have take root in your soul and let Christ demonstrate His loving compassion and care for you.
Here are a few scripures that will help you on your journey to healing.
Psalm 119:21 Proverbs 16:5 James 4:6 Mark 6:5 Matthew 14:14 Matthew 12:15 Matthew 15:30 Luke 8:11 John 8:32 Psalm 107:20 Matthew 8:14-17 Psalm 103:1-6 Proverbs 4:20-22 John 6:63 Galatians 3:13 Deuteronomy 28:15-62 Romans 5:12 Isaiah 53:4-5 Matthew 11:17
Will He Really Heal Me?
1. The Word of God is the seed for my healing.
2. As forgiveness of sins is tied to the Cross, so is my healing.
Sunday, May 25th ~ Who R U? - Slave
Sermon Notes:
If you've placed your faith in Jesus as your only hope of getting to heaven, you're His slave.
Everyone is a slave. 2 Peter 2:19
You're either a slave to sin, or a slave to righteousness.
Titus 1:1 James 1:1 2 Peter 1:1 Jude 1:1
It's not, "Are you a slave?" It's "whose slave are you?"
Romans 6:16-23
Sin is no longer your master; Jesus is.
You don't have to sin any more because Jesus has set you free. He defeated sin and death on the cross.
Being a slave to sin can be tricky because sin can look so good.
Sin always leads to death - every time.
Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.
John 8:34
If you choose to be a slave to sin, you end up dead.
If you choose to be a slave to God/righteousness, it brings the ultimate freedom.
In Christ we have the "freedom" to become slaves.
Romans 6:19-23
You deserve death; He blessed you with forgiveness and eternal life in heaven instead.
Sunday, May 18th ~ Who R U? - The Masterpiece
Sermon Notes:
Proverbs 29:18
So many Christians struggle at living out their faith because they don't have vision/purpose. The don't understand their destiny.
God-given vision will stir/motivate you to do things other people only dream of.
Quit dreaming small and get a God-sized dream for your life.
John 1:19-23
They asked him two questions: "Who are you" and "What are you saying about yourself?"
Your destiny, as well as the destinies of an entire generation, hang on the answer of those two questions.
Who you are will determine what you do, achieve and accomplish. What you say about yourself will determine who you are.
Proverbs 23:7
Psalms 139:13-14 (NKJV) - You are a masterpiece.
Romans 4:17
You might not be a masterpiece yet, but God believes in you so much, He is already calling you what you are on credit.
Luke 5:1-11
No matter who you are, what you look like on the outside, or where you've come from, God has a purpose for you.
You are a masterpiece in progress.
What is God's purpose for your life?
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Sunday, May 4 ~ Running the Race of Life - "Relays - Together To The Finish"
Sermon Notes:
Of all the track and field events, the relay is the most exciting. It is the only track event that requires a team effort. The success of each individual is tied to the strength, speed, abilities and effort of each team member. If one fails they all fail, if one is disqualified they are all disqualified. If the last runner crosses the finish they all celebrate in the victory. Each one contributes to the other, supplies the other, adds to the other, strengthens the other and relies on the other. When you look at the relay you get a clearer picture of how we must run in life - we can't always do it alone, we need others.
How to Lose A Relay Race
1. Drop the baton. 2 Peter 1:3-4
Life Application - Your birth is proof that it's time for your race.
2. Trip or Fall but not finish. Micah 7:8
Life Application - If you fall, don't drop the baton.
3. Drop out of the race. James 1:13-15
Life Application - God will never make you an offer to quit the race.
4. Run without the baton. 2 Timothy 2:5
Life Application - God's race requires God's baton.
5. Carry a fake baton. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
Life Application - Check to see whose baton you are running with.
How To Win A Relay Race
1. Its not a race of one. Ephesians 4:16
Life Application - God didn't design you to run your race alone.
2. It requires teamwork. Ecclesiastes 4:9
Life Application - One is too small a number to win the relay.
3. Its knowing who to pass the baton to. Luke 6:12-13
Life Application - Dissolve your life into the coming generation.
Sunday, April 27 ~ Running the Race of Life - "Marathon - Determined To The End"
Sermon Notes:
The race of life has often been called a marathon and rightly so, it's a long race that takes a lot of energy, determination and patience to finish. Sprints are easy to start but a marathon is hard to finish. The marathon is not a race that can be run haphazardly or casually. There has to be planning, continuous training with preparation, patience, and strategy.
Success in this race of life isn't about how far you've gotten but the distance you've traveled from where you started. Some run to see who is the fastest but you also must run to see if you have guts. In a marathon (life's race) you sometimes must run with pain then push harder. Just because your muscles protest doesn't mean you have to listen. Remember, anything worthwhile never comes easy. Too often we impose our own limits - don't set any, God doesn't have any! If you want to win something run a sprint, if you want to experience something run a marathon.
How To Run The Marathon And Finish
Preparation. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
The will to finish is worhtless if you don't have the will to prepare.
Life Application - By failing to prepare you are preparaing to fail.
Pace. 1 Corinthians 15:58
It always takes years to become an overnight success.
Life Application - The secret of a steady pace is steady patience.
Perseverance. Galatians 6:9
Perseverance isn't a long race, it is many short races one after another.
Life Application - Most never run far enough on their first wind to discover their second.
Sunday, April 20 ~ Running the Race of Life - "Hurdles - Overcoming Every Obstacle"
Sermon Notes:
Life is a marathon made up of many different kinds of races. One of those races is a hurdle. What is a hurdle? A hurdle is simply a sprint with obstacels. In life we are faced with many obstacles that try to hinder our race. Hurdles are in our path to stop us, trip us, discourage us, and hopefully defeat us. To win the race of life we must learn to navigate the hurdles of life. The only way to do that is to overcome them!
Jesus said, "To him who overcomes I will give the tree of life,... will eat of the hidden manna,... will have the power over nations, will be clothed with white garments,... will not have his name blotted out of the Book of LIfe,... will be a pillar in the house of the Lord... and will sit with Me on my throne." These are the many blessings and rewards of overcoming the hurdles of life. Here are some of the obstacles we must overcome in the race of life to receive the prize.
Clearing the Hurdles
Hurt. Mark 11:26
Many hurts come from unfulfilled expectations.
Life Application - To clear this hurdle - forgive.
Unbelief. Psalm 5:3
Doubt will always cause you to stumble.
Life Application - To clear this hurdle - look up.
Relationships. 2 Corinthians 6:14
Your closest friends ought to be ones closest to God.
Life Application - To clear this hurdle - choose friends wisely.
Discouragement. Proverbs 3:5-6
Courage is knowing what not to fear.
Life Application - To clear this hurdle - trust God.
Lust. Galatians 5:15
You are incapable of eradicating affections but you can set them.
Life Application - To clear this hurdle - walk in the Spirit.
Envy. James 4:1-8
It's better to want what you have than to have what you want.
Life Application - To clear this hurdle - focus on your own lane.
Sunday, April 13 ~ Running the Race of Life - "Sprints - Lean on the Tape"
Sermon Notes:
The Bible characterizes life as a race. It feels like a race, it's rough, it's fast paced, and many times tiring and overwhelming. Too often it is easier to give up, quit, slow down, take what comes, or simply not finish. Remember, all races have one thing in common, a finish line. Nothing matters in the race of life without a finish. Finishing is the key to any race.
The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Notice that Paul said that we must "run in such a way" to win. Since life is a race of many different kinds of races, we must learn to run each unique race a certain way to finish and win. See, life is truly a marathon laced with hurdles, relays, and sprints. Regardless of whether you are running through the hurdles of life or setting a steady pace for the marathon of life, we must "run in such a way" so we can finish our race. One of the unique races we must run in this life is called, "The Sprint".
Four Essentials For Running A Sprint
1. Start fast. Psalm 119:60
Every sprint is won or lost at the start.
Life Application - In life there are opportunities to seize, don't wait.
2. Don't look back. Philippians 3:13-14
A sprint requires determined focus.
Life Application - Without confidence you'll always find a way not to win.
3. Stay in your lane. Proverbs 4:25-27
Sprints are different than other kinds of races, you must run between the lines.
Life Application - To run in the wrong lane disqualifies you from the race.
4. You are known by your finish. Acts 20:24
Anybody can start a race, but can you finish one?
Life Application - Your life won't be defined by your start but by your finish.
