Sermon Notes

Be Prepared! (Part 2)

6 ways to be prepared for 2024

Stay Full of the Holy Spirit!

12.3.2023

Review (Last week – 11.26.2023)

Philippians 3:13-14 (HCSB)

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Have you changed since last year this time?

What will you be like next year this time?

The days of Casual Christianity are over. Don’t ride the fence.

Ephesians 5:8-21 (NKJV)

Walk in light, in the light of the Word of God, and refuse to walk in darkness.

Don’t be a sleepy believer, unaware of your surroundings or of the time we’re living in…

Romans 13:11-14 (NKJV)

It’s a good day to give ourselves regular spiritual checkups.

Socrates – The unexamined life is not worth living.

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NKJV)

6 ways to be prepared for 2024

1. Stay Full of the Word.

Four levels of Growth in the Word

Where are you with the Word?

Convert

Epistle

Disciple

Minister

2. Stay full of the Holy Ghost!

2 Corinthians 13:13 (HCSB)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

We are born of the Holy Spirit and indwelt by Him in the New Birth.

John 4:13-14 (NKJV)

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NKJV)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

We are baptized With the Holy Spirit by the Lord Jesus!

With this experience comes a boldness, a hunger, a personal understanding of the Word, and a new way to pray.

The baptism with the Holy Spirit opens you up to be more aware of spiritual things. There is a heightened awareness of all things spiritual.

Luke 3:16 (NKJV)

John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Acts 1:4-5 (NKJV)

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

This is just the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Holy Spirit that transforms and guides us.

There is one in dwelling of the Holy Spirit when you are born again, and one baptism with the Holy Spirit. But we must be filled with the Holy Spirit over and over again!

We must also stay full of the Holy Spirit!

Ephesians 5:18-19 (NLT)

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.

Ephesians 5:18 (Wuest – The New Testament: An Expanded Translation)

And stop being intoxicated with wine, in which state of intoxication there is profligacy. But be constantly controlled by the Spirit,

To be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Spirit!

Romans 12:11 (NKJV)

Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

Romans 12:11 (AMP)

Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11 (PHILLIPS)

Let us not allow slackness to spoil our work and let us keep the fires of the spirit burning, as we do our work for God.

Romans 12:11 (MSG)

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master,

Romans 12:11 (TPT)

Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him.

Romans 12:11 (CEV)

Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord.

2 Timothy 1:6 (AMP)

That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].

Be Careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

We grieve Him by disobedience, by yielding to the flesh, by not listening to Him, and by not staying close to the Word.

John 16:13-15 (NKJV)

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Way to foster the freshness of the Holy Spirit in your life:

1. Take time every day to read the Word and then meditate it.

2. Keep scripture in your mind when you have idle mental time.

3. Sing and worship before you pray.

4. Pray both with your mind and with your spirit by praying in the spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:13-15 (AMP)

13 Therefore, the person who speaks in an [unknown] tongue should pray [for the power] to interpret and explain what he says.

14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit [by the Holy Spirit within me] prays, but my mind is unproductive [it bears no fruit and helps nobody].

15 Then what am I to do? I will pray with my spirit [by theHoly Spirit that is within me], but I will also pray [intelligently] with my mind and understanding; I will sing with my spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me], but I will sing [intelligently] with my mind and understanding also.

5. Forgive every offense.

6. Walk in love.

3. Stay close to family.

Colossians 3:17-21 (NKJV)

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

The closest person to you in this life is your spouse.

Keep your marriage top priority.

1 Peter 3:1-7 (PHILLIPS)

In the same spirit you married women should adapt yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they do not obey the Word of God they may be won to God without any word being spoken, simply by seeing the pure and reverent behavior of you, their wives. Your beauty should not be dependent on an elaborate coiffure, or on the wearing of jewelry or fine clothes, but on the inner personality—the unfading loveliness of a calm and gentle spirit, a thing very precious in the eyes of God. This was the secret of the beauty of the holy women of ancient times who trusted in God and were submissive to their husbands. Sara, you will remember, obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. And you have become, as it were, her true descendants today as long as you too live good lives and do not give way to hysterical fears. 7 Similarly, you husbands should try to understand the wives you live with, honoring them as physically weaker yet equally heirs with you of the grace of eternal life. If you don’t do this, you will find it impossible to pray properly.

Take time to talk.

Have a date night weekly.

Keep your intimate life strong.

Stay in touch with your children!

4. Keep love in the center of how you relate to others.

Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Matthew 24:12 (MSG)

For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.

My life was transformed when I learned to let love rule my actions, words, and responses to people.

John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Hebrews 13:1-2 (AMP)

LET LOVE for your fellow believers continue and be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail]. 2 Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.

1 Peter 4:8 (AMP)

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].

(Dake Study Bible Notes)

Nine Ingredients of Divine Love:

1. Patience–love passive: no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things (1Cor. 13:4,7).

2. Kindness–love in action: never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud (1Cor. 13:4).

3. Generosity–love in competition: not envious or jealous (1Cor. 13:4).

4. Humility–love in hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires (1Cor. 13:4).

5. Courtesy–love in society: does not behave unseemly; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous (1Cor. 13:5).

6. Unselfishness–love in essence: never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge (1Cor. 13:5).

7. Good temper–love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful (1Cor. 13:5).

8. Righteousness–love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring (1Cor. 13:6-7).

9. Sincerity–love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present.

Action Points:

1. Are you seeking to stay full of the Holy Spirit every single day?

2. Are you actively cultivating your relationship with your spouse and children?

3. Are you seeking to let love be the motivation in your relationships?

Conversations with Pastor questions

11.29.2023

You can always contact me:

[email protected]

I want to start tonight and talk about Christmas trees, decorations, and such.

Should we have a tree in our home during the Christmas season?

Is it practicing pagan rituals to decorate for Christmas?

What about Easter? Eggs? Bunnies? Easter baskets?

Let me say right up front that I have always had a Christmas tree in my home. We decorate for Christmas. We exchange gifts among the family.

We never told our kids that Santa was real. We are just really honest, and we want, as much as possible, for our children to enjoy living and to partake of what they can in cultural traditions.

For Halloween, we have usually had a fall festival of some kind for the sake of the children and for fellowship. This year, with finishing the new building and starting the school, we chose to wait until next year for a fall festival of some kind. For years we spent 7-10,000.00 on all sorts of games, blow-up games and such for people to come, but it became people going from church to church for the free stuff, and these events added nothing to our vision of Helping People Become Who God Created Them To Be.

So, you may be here or are listening online, and you are challenged with Christmas decorations as a Christian. I just want to give you something to think about.

We have had people stay away from church as long as we have a Christmas tree on campus. And maybe you are here and are challenged.

The first century Christians had to deal with similar things, so here are two passages that I believe relate to the issue of conscience and cultural issues.

Romans 14 (NLT)

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.

5 In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable.

1 Corinthians 8 (NLT)

At Christmas, I thank God that the birth of Christ is celebrated and sung about during this season, and that there is a consciousness of Jesus worldwide. I know that Jesus was not born in December, and that there are pagan gods celebrated during this time.

The months of the year are named after pagan gods. Do I name them something different because it is offensive to me? Of course not.

I try to blend in with culture where I can so I can reach them.

So with Christmas and Easter, I’ll decorate a tree. I have yet to have a devil show up at my house over it. I will celebrate Easter and enjoy as much as I can while I look to the resurrection of Jesus.

I insulate myself from harmful things by knowing who I am in Jesus. I do not want to isolate myself because of my convictions because it would not help me reach people for Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (MSG)

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!

QUESTIONS:

I have a friend who I have shared my faith with and at times I think he has wanted to accept Jesus as his savior but he has never followed through because his deceased father was an atheist. He told me that If he believes what the Word teaches us about salvation then he will have to believe that his deceased father is in hell and he cannot accept that as true. What comfort can we give to people who have loved ones who passed away without knowing Jesus and how can we lead them to Christ?

We all individually stand before God. We are a fallen sinful race, deserving of death and hell. We should not base our eternity on what did or did not happen to another person.

Yes, it is hurtful to think that someone we know and love and died may be in hell. For that, we must ask God for His grace and mercy to help us deal with the pain and loss we experience from knowing a person may be in hell.

Luke 16:19

The Sabbath, the 7th day we know as Saturday, was established at creation which clearly predates the law. Why do we no longer practice this Sabboth as God commanded we should do forever in Exodus 31:16-17?

After the resurrection of Christ, Christians began practicing a first day of the week sabbath, in honor and memory of our Messiah who was raised from the dead on Sunday!

1 Corinthians 16:2 (NLT)

On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

(Dake Study Bible Notes) Notes For Verse 2

[Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store] Collections were to be taken up on the first day of the week (Sunday), the day all early Christians observed as their day of rest and worship (Jn. 20:1,19,26; Acts 20:7)

What does 2 Corinthians 10:6 mean?

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NKJV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Verse 6 is addressing false doctrine that can creep in and hinder truth.

(Dake Study Bible Notes) Having in readiness to avenge all disobedience–We stand at all times ready, so to speak, to court-martial any opposing the Gospel of Christ, after separating ourselves from them (2 Cor. 10:6). The whole picture here is that of a strong fortified city where the enemy makes his last stand; entrenching himself about the walls; raising towers and preparing engines of defense and offense upon the walls to insure victory. The fortifications, walls, towers, and castles are taken by the Gospel and the whole opposition is destroyed and taken captive.

From the human perspective it seems that certain prayers take a “lifetime” to be answered. How do I know what I pray on is in God’s plan for my life and when to stop praying on what isn’t?

Prayer should always be based on God’s Word. God’s Word is God’s will for us.

Colossians 1:9 (NKJV)

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Your word is your “will.” God’s Word is His will.

We know it is God’s will to save, heal, free, deliver, to walk in faith, in love, to forgive, to marry a believer only, for others to know Christ, etc. SO, as much as we know it, we should pray God’s will or mention His word back to Him.

John 15:7

Isaiah 55:11

Jeremiah 1:12

Matthew 24:35

In (2 Peter 3:9) God doesn’t want anyone to perish. Why doesn’t God reveal himself like He did for Paul, but different in each person’s life?

God has revealed Himself to us in His Word first and foremost! We do not need for Him to reveal Himself in a spectacular way when we have His Word and we have the Holy Spirit as GUIDE.

God chooses whom He reveals Himself to in a spectacular way. We should not seek these things. See first the Kingdom of God through the Word!

(Zacharias – John the Baptist’s father), Mary, Peter (Acts 10, Paul Acts 9)

In (2 Corinthians 6:17) God said “Come out from among them and be separate.” So where does a person belong if they don’t feel fully accepted in the church too?

This verse is talking about the need for us as believers to separate ourselves from the sinful deeds of our culture.

See 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 2 Cor. 7:1

Some people struggle with feelings of rejection and inferiority and that is a different matter. What we feel and what others think are often two different things. I had to deal with this as a young person.

1 Cor. 4:3 – JB Phillips.

“Just so you know these (#7 & #8) are not questions that I personally have but are questions a friend has asked us in their searching out of God. We are searching scripture as well but would love pastor’s take on these. My questions are:”

How can Christians reconcile that the scriptures were Holy Spirit inspired and not written by man (as in not written from men’s hearts but by the Holy Spirit’s)?

2 Timothy 3:16

2 Peter 1:21

(Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Study Bible Notes) The New Testament (NT) contains four biographies of Jesus (the Gospels), one history book of the early church (Acts), twenty-one letters (Romans to Jude), and an apocalypse (Revelation). While the letters and the apocalypse contain references to historical events, the Gospels and Acts are written as straightforward historical narratives. These are the NT books about which it makes particularly good sense to ask the question, “Are they historically reliable?” Twelve lines of evidence converge to suggest strongly that the answer is “yes.”

First, we have over 5,700 Greek manuscripts representing all, or part, of the NT. By examining these manuscripts, over 99 percent of the original text can be reconstructed beyond reasonable doubt. We also discover that no Christian doctrine or ethic depends solely on one of the doubted texts. These facts do not prove that the NT is true, but it does mean we know what the original writers wrote. Without this assurance, the question of historical reliability is pointless.

Second, the authors of the Gospels and Acts were in an excellent position to report reliable information. Matthew and John were among the twelve disciples Jesus Himself chose; Mark was a close companion of Peter and Luke (who also wrote Acts) and traveled extensively with Paul. Even critical scholars who doubt the traditional attributions of authorship agree that these five books were written by followers of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which still puts them in a good place to tell the stories accurately.

Third, these five books were almost certainly written in the first century, within sixty to seventy years of Jesus’ death (most likely in A.D. 30). Conservatives typically date Matthew, Mark, and Luke-Acts to the 60s and John to the 80s or 90s. Liberals suggest slightly later dates, typically placing Mark in the 60s or 70s, Matthew and Luke-Acts in the 80s, and John in the 90s. Even if one accepts the later dates, the amount of time separating the historical events and the composition of the five books is very short as compared to most ancient historical and biographical accounts, where many centuries could intervene between events and the books that narrated them.

Fourth, ancient Jews and Greeks meticulously cultivated the art of memorization, committing complex oral traditions to memory. Even before the Gospels or any other written sources about Jesus were compiled, Jesus’ followers were carefully passing on accounts of His teachings and mighty works by word of mouth. This kept the historical events alive until the time they were written down.

Fifth, the ancient memorization and transference of sacred tradition allowed for some freedoms in retelling the stories. Guardians of the tradition could abbreviate, paraphrase, prioritize, and provide commentary on the subject matter as long as they were true to the gist or meaning of the accounts they passed on. This goes a long way to explaining both the similarities and the differences among the four Gospels. All four authors were true to the gist of Jesus’ life, yet they exercised reasonable freedom to shape the accounts in ways they saw fit.

Sixth, the fact that these writers had distinct ideological or theological emphases does not mean they distorted history, as is often alleged. Oftentimes the very cause that a historian or biographer supports requires them to write their accounts accurately, for they know that their cause will be undermined if they are charged with bias or distortion. The first Christians had the uphill battle of promoting a crucified Messiah and His bodily resurrection. Had they been known to have falsified the details of their accounts to any significant degree, their movement would have been squelched from the outset.

Seventh, Luke’s prologue (Lk 1:1-4) closely parallels the form and content of other works of generally reliable historians and biographers of antiquity, most notably Josephus, Herodotus, and Thucydides. The Gospel writers clearly believed that they were writing historically accurate works, not fiction or embellished history.

Eighth, the so-called hard sayings of Jesus support their authenticity. If the Gospel writers felt free to distort what Jesus originally said in order to increase the attractiveness of Christianity, why would they preserve unmodified His difficult and easily misunderstood teachings about hating family members (Lk 14:26) or not knowing when He would return (Mk 13:32)? The fact that they let these teachings stand indicates their faithfulness to recount true history.

Ninth, the fact that the NT does not record Jesus speaking about many of the topics that arose after His earthly life, during the time of the early church, supports its historical accuracy. For instance, early Christians were divided over how or whether the laws of Moses applied to Gentile converts (Ac 15). The easiest way to settle the controversy would be to cite Jesus’ teachings on the matter, but the Gospels record no such teachings. This silence suggests that the Gospel writers did not feel free to play fast and loose with history by putting on the lips of Jesus teachings that could solve early church controversies.

Tenth, the testimony of non-Christian writers supports the details of the Gospels and Acts. About a dozen ancient Jewish, Greek, and Roman writers mention Jesus. Taken together, their writings attest to the basic contours of Jesus’ life. Many names of people and places, as well as the exploits of first-century political and religious leaders, are attested in other writings of the day.

Eleventh, archaeology regularly confirms details about geography, topography, customs, artifacts, buildings, tombs, inscriptions, and graffiti that are mentioned in NT—the Gospels and Acts in particular.

Twelfth, the portions of the NT that were written before the completion of the Gospels and Acts confirm the historicity of these five books. For instance, Paul, James, and Peter show multiple signs of quoting or alluding to teachings and actions of Jesus in letters they wrote before the Gospels were written. Their quotes and allusions agree with what we find in the Gospels. This indicates that the Gospels are in tune with the very earliest writings about Jesus—the NT epistles. These earliest writings were in turn dependent on the authoritative oral traditions that were passed on by eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life. Paul expresses this in 1Co 15:3-8, where he lists the beliefs he had “received” from these eyewitnesses when he became a Christian no more than two years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. These are no late, slowly developing legends he is reporting!

How is it that Christ was raised from the dead? And what purpose did the resurrection serve?

1 Cor. 15:12-25

The resurrection of Christ dealt with the issue of sin, all rebellion to God’s ultimate will, the curse on the earth, and guarantees all of humanity that we can experience a New birth and relationship with God once again, that we can overcome death and live in eternity with God in a glorified human body, that Satan and all enemies of God will be judged and rewarded for their rebellion to God with eternal punishment in the lake of fire, that the earth will once again be free from the curse and will along with heaven and the New Jerusalem, be the eternal home of believers (see Revelation 21 and 22).

What happens, after death, to people around the world that have not had the opportunity to learn about our God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit?

They will perish in hell without Jesus Christ and personally experiencing the New Birth. That is the reason that we preach the gospel and send missionaries to foreign lands.

Romans 2:12-16 (NLT)

When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. 13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. 14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. 16 And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.

(Dake Study Bible Notes)

In cases where men have not had the law or the gospel, God will judge them on the basis of the light they have had and according to their living up to the conscience (Rom. 2:12-16).

Follow up: what about those in antiquity (before our Lord Jesus Christ) was born and established the new covenant with God and mankind?

Those prior to Christ’s birth who entered into the Old Covenant God that gave His people went to the righteous side of hell to await the coming of the Messiah, who preached to them in hell and brought them out of hell when He resurrected! See Luke 16/Matthew 27:51-53/ 1 Peter 4:6)

What are your thoughts on the new earth vs. the old earth issue? I have been reading and watching the series “Is Genesis History” and it has confirmed many of my apprehensions concerning both Darwinian evolution AND the old earth view.

There is a theory, not a doctrine called the “gap” theory, which postulates that there is a gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 of an undetermined period of time. And the theory postulates that there was another social order on earth during that time consisting of both human-like beings and another social order of animals with dinosaurs, etc.

This creation was destroyed by a flood. And, this theory postulates that the Genesis account of creation is actually a recreation and setting in order of the chaos created with the “pre-Adam flood.

As to the earth’s future, I have extensive notes on this subject in my Revelation series on our website.

I have extensive notes on this subject in my Revelation series on our website.

After the millennial reign of Christ, the earth will be renovated by fire (Revelation 21 -22), the curse will be removed, and it will once again be the perfect earth God created before sin entered.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one, why don’t we say Praise the Holy Spirit, like we do with Jesus and the Father?

The Holy Spirit’s role is to make Jesus real to us. He does not speak of Himself. He speak what He hears from Jesus.

John 14:26 (NKJV)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

John 16:13-15 (NKJV)

Be an Owner, not just a Member or Attender!

10.25.2023

11.8.2023

The local church is a breeding ground for spiritual growth!

Are you making the most of your life with God?

Matthew 16:13-18 (NKJV)

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

The local church is a miniature example of the universal church all over the world.

God’s plan is that every believer not just attend, but be actively involved in the ministry of a local church!

Ephesians 4:7-16 (NKJV)

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” 9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:12-16 (BBE)

For the training of the saints as servants in the church, for the building up of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come to the harmony of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to full growth, to the full measure of Christ: 14 So that we may be no longer children, sent this way and that, turned about by every wind of teaching, by the twisting and tricks of men, by the deceits of error; 15 But saying true words in love, may come to full growth in him, who is the head, even Christ; 16 Through whom all the body, being rightly formed and united together, by the full working of every part, is increased to the building up of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:12-16 (GW)

Their purpose is to prepare God’s people to serve and to build up the body of Christ. 13 This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God’s Son, until we become mature, until we measure up to Christ, who is the standard. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray. 15 Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head. 16 He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:12-16 (NLT)

Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit 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.

Be an owner, not just a member or attender.

What part do you play here at Victory Church?

What are you called to do?

Don’t just coast, but be involved in the area of your giftings!

Victory Pathway can help you find your place and become involved.

Matthew 22:14 (NKJV)

For many are called, but few are chosen.

When you are born again, God’s plan is that you grow and find your place in the body of Christ!

You find that place by being faithful in small things!

Romans 1:1 (NKJV)

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.

Paul was called to be an apostle of the Gentiles from birth, but only entered into that call as he was faithful.

Faithfulness enables you to enter into God’s place for you.

The test of God’s purpose for your life is the test of faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 4:2 (AMPC)

Moreover it is essentially required in stewards that a man be found faithful – proving himself worthy of trust.

Proverbs 28:20 (NKJV)

A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.

Rotherham:

Grateful am I to Him that empowered me.

Henry Alford:

I give thanks to Him who puts strength in me.

New English Bible:

And I thank Christ Jesus my Lord, who has made me equal to the task.

2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)

And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Big Things Have Little Beginnings!

Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV)

For who has despised the day of small things?

Matthew 25:21,23 (NKJV)

…Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter the joy of your Lord.

I am in ministry today because God saw my faithful heart.

God will start in a place of ministry you may not care for, just so you can prove faithful.

Same way with a church.

I started in ministry as a janitor. It was a great place of testing faithfulness. My attitude and motivations were tested in fire!

I became a pastoral staff member in 1984 for Bob Yandian at Grace Church in Tulsa.

I was tested in my loyalty, in wanting to do things differently from him, in wondering why he did or didn’t do this or that!

God wanted to see if I would be faithful when I disagreed!

I became an associate to Carl Morris in 1993. It was a great test of faithfulness in my life because I so did not do life the way he did in ministry.

The Lord challenged me: “Who are you to judge another man’s servant? To me he rises or falls.” That changed my life. I learned to do what I do to Jesus, whether I agreed or disagreed. And God rewards faithful hearts.

I pastored another man’s church for 1 year before I came here. God was testing my faithfulness. People told me I was a better preacher, and I said, “Be quiet! Never say that again!” I refused to record my messages because I refused to draw disciples to myself. God was testing my faithfulness.

I built his church up and then gave it back a year later when he came home from the mission field.

And that year of serving another man’s vision opened up my place here at Victory for the past 29 years!

You can likewise find your place in the body of Christ by choosing to be faithful!

Are you faithful or self-serving?

Our current generation and national mindset value comfort and entertainment over future rewards.

The “What’s in it for me?” attitude often rules instead of the attitude that says, “What can I do to be a blessing to others?”

Doing Jesus’ work as a volunteer with an unfaithful attitude:

Late to commitments
Last-minute calls to cancel commitment
Not showing up when you’re scheduled to help
Slackness in local church commitments, such as attending services, fellowship opportunities in Small Groups, and prayer times
My commitment to God is not as important as other things in life.

Doing Jesus’ work as a volunteer with a faithful attitude includes:

Being just as committed to what we do for Jesus as we are to our jobs! No such thing as NOT showing up unless we call and let someone know what’s up.
Arriving early to a commitment because we’re excited to see lives impacted and changed by Jesus through the Word!
Enthused, excited, and involved in your local church services, fellowship opportunities, and in inviting others to come with you!
My volunteer work for Jesus is one of the most important things in my life.

We need balance in life, but not to the extreme of leaving God and His work out!

I’m just a volunteer!

NO! You’re a son or daughter of an Almighty God, and you have a mission to change lives!

Our motive for serving as a volunteer should be:

Love for God

Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV)

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the Prophets.

Love for people

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (Phillips)

We look at it like this: if one died for all men, then, in a sense, they all died, and His purpose in dying for them is that their lives should now no longer be lived for themselves but for Him who died and was raised to life for them.

Romans 15: 1-2 (MSG)

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status.

What do my present life and works tell God about what is important to me?

Luke 16:10,12 (NKJV)

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much… 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?

Regardless of what we do, if we are faithful, we ALL get the same pay…

Matthew 20:1-16 (NLT)

For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work. 3 At nine o’clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. 4 So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. 5 So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o’clock he did the same thing. 6 At five o’clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, “Why haven’t you been working today?” 7 They replied, “Because no one hired us.” The landowner told them, “Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.” 8 That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. 9 When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage. 10 When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage. 11 When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, 12 “Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.” 13 He answered one of them, “Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? 14 Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. 15 Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?” 16 So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.

Action Points:

Are you a part of the volunteer Serve Team, helping your church obey God’s plan for it?
What should be your motivation for helping in your local church?
Do you do the small, unnoticed thing with as much heart as something you do that everyone sees?

Be Prepared!

Six ways to be prepared for 2024

Four levels of Growth

11.26.2023

Introduction

I want to talk to you today about things that we need to cultivate in our lives to prepare for the stormy times ahead.

We should be preparing to be used by God!

When the next crisis arrives, instead of running in retreat, God wants us to advance His Kingdom and influence others!

The days of Casual Christianity are over. Don’t ride the fence.

Ephesians 5:8-21 (NKJV)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” 15 See then that you walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation (reckless living); but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Don’t be a sleepy believer, unaware of your surroundings or of the time we’re living in…

Romans 13:11-14 (NKJV)

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Romans 13:11-14 (NLT)

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NKJV)

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (NKJV)

For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (AMPC)

For if we searchingly examined ourselves [detecting our shortcomings and recognizing our own condition], we should not be judged and penalty decreed [by the divine judgment].

32 But when we [fall short and] are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined and chastened, so that we may not [finally] be condemned [to eternal punishment along] with the world.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (AMPC)

For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing].

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Six ways to be prepared for 2024

1. Stay Full of the Word.

Covid was a wakeup call! Lots and LOTs of believers have a facade of the Word, but have not yet applied the Word of God to the details of how they live, how they respond to others, what they do in their relationships, how they manage their time, their money, their bodies, and their family relationships.

Psalms 119:130 (NKJV)

The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

Psalms 119:105 (NKJV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalms 19:7-11 (NKJV)

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalms 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

John 8:31-32 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Abide

meno – to remain. Has the idea of permanency. The Word becomes central to how you approach God, how you deal with Satan and his ilk, how you think of yourself, and how you respond to others.

It’s not just hearing the Word it on Sundays, but making a choice to live it out every day.

2 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NKJV)

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? 2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

Is the Word in your heart?

The Word of God that I practice is what is in my heart. Nothing else. Only what you practice!

Do others see the Word in how you live your life? In how you dress, in what you post online, in how you relate to the opposite sex?

Do others see the Word in how you treat your spouse?

Do others see the Word in how you treat your children?

Do others see the Word in what you post on social media?

Where are you with the Word? Is it working in you, or is it just something you read in the morning for a little bit, and then go your way thinking little about it!

James 1:22-25 (NLT)

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

What I do with the word in the current atmosphere will determine how the current world events affect me!

At his conference for pastors that I attended, Mark Barclay mentioned 4 levels of growth in the lives of believers. All of us here are in one of these stages.

Where are you with the Word?

Convert –

You have come to Jesus and have been filled with the Holy Ghost and all of this is fresh and new to you.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

(Life Application Study Bible NLT- Study Bible Notes)

Christians are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, and they are not the same anymore. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated—we are re-created (new creations), living in vital union with Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). At conversion we do not merely turn over a new leaf; we begin a new life under a new Master.

While this newness is true individually, Paul is saying much more. Not only are believers changed from within, but a whole new order of creative energy began with Christ. There is a new covenant, a new perspective, a new body, a new church. All of creation is being renewed. So take notice. This is not a superficial change that will be quickly superseded by another novelty. This is an entirely new order of all creation under Christ’s authority. It requires a new way of looking at all people and all of creation. Does your life reflect this new perspective?

1 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV)

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Epistle –

You are reading and memorizing scripture and seeking to apply it to your daily lifestyle. You are getting serious with the Word and your life!

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NKJV)

You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

1 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)

But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

Before I came to Jesus, I lived the way I wanted to live. As long as I obeyed civil law, I remained free and pretty much did as I pleased.

But, when I came to Jesus, that changed! It was no longer me living by myself. Now, Jesus in the person of the Holy Spirit and through the Word is living in me! I now live in the light of my fellowship with Him! He has something to say about how I think, how I talk, how I relate to others, how I relate to Susan my wife, how I relate to my children and grandchildren, what I do with my time, the attitudes that I have toward life in general and towards other people, how I do my work, how I relate to authorities, what I do with my body, what I do with my inward motivations, what I eat, when I rest, what I do with my leisure time, etc.

His Word becomes a living letter inside of you!

Ephesians 5:18-19 (NLT)

Colossians 3:16-17 (NKJV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

John 6:63 (NKJV)

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

But He answered and said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Are you becoming an epistle, a letter from God for others to read?

The Lord challenged me in March of 1983 to get up earlier and have a time with Him first thing every day.

I was meditating on Matthew 6:33…

This revolutionized how I live.

Disciple –

Are you a disciple?

Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV)

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Not all Christians allow themselves to be disciples! Some refuse to discipline themself by getting in the Word and submitting their thoughts and desires to the Lord.

Matthew 10:37-39 (NKJV)

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

Matthew 16:24-27 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Mark 8:34 JB PHILLIPS

Then he called his disciples and the people around him, and said to them, “If anyone wants to follow in my footsteps, he must give up all right to himself, take up his cross and follow me. The man who tries to save his life will lose it; it is the man who loses his life for my sake and the Gospel’s who will save it.

Luke 14:25-33 (NLT)

A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’

31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

John 12:24-26 (NLT)

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

— The Gospel of John, Volume Two (The New Daily Study Bible) by William Barclay

https://a.co/9ruGPSM

There was a famous evangelist called Christmas Evans who was always on the move preaching for Christ. His friends begged him to take things easier, but his answer was always: ‘It is better to burn out than to rust out.’ When Joan of Arc knew that her enemies were strong and her time was short, she prayed to God: ‘I shall only last a year, use me as you can.’ Again and again, Jesus laid down this law (Mark 8: 35; Matthew 16: 25; Luke 9: 24; Matthew 10: 39; Luke 17: 33). We have only to think of what this world would have lost if there had not been men and women prepared to forget their personal safety, security, selfish gain and selfish advancement. The world owes everything to people who recklessly spent their strength and gave themselves to God and to others. No doubt we will exist longer if we take things easily, if we avoid all strain, if we sit at the fire and cosset life, if we look after ourselves as hypochondriacs look after their health. No doubt we will exist longer–but we will never live.”

When you are willing to change your plans at a moment’s notice, and when you are willing to put what you want to do aside and choose to obey what you see from God’s Word, you have become a disciple!

Minister –

Are you a person that can put your needs aside and help others.

Can God use you at any time to be an encouragement to someone?

Are you allowing God to use you in the volunteer ministry of your church, like here at Victory on our Victory Serve Team?

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (NLT)

And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

Is the Great Commission your life Mission?

Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

So, really, where are you?

Are you a Convert, an Epistle, a Disciple, or have you taken the last step, and are you as minister, an Ambassador for Jesus?

Action Points:

Are you putting Jesus first place in how you live life?
Can the people who know you recognize the difference in you, or do you just blend in with whatever crowd you are with?
Can you see progress in your life spiritually? Can you tell that you are on the growth path from Convert, to Epistle, to Disciple, and then to a person God can trust to be a Minister to others?

A Lifestyle of Thanksgiving!

11.21.2023

Thanks – Definition

An expression of gratitude: acknowledgement especially by words of a benefit received from or offered by another.

Thanksgiving – Definition

A public acknowledgement or celebration of Divine goodness and mercies.

Deuteronomy 8:10-17 (NKJV)

When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you. 11 Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest — when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end — 17 then you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.”

Deuteronomy 8:10-18 (NLT)

When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. 12 For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, 13 and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! 14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. 15 Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock!16 He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. 17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

A thankless heart is a breeding ground for corruption!

Romans 1:18-21 (ESV)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Do you pause regularly to thank God for answering your prayers and for being faithful to you in so many ways?

Psalm 50:14

Offer to God thanksgiving,

And pay your vows to the Most High.

Psalm 92:1

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;

Psalm 100:4

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Psalm 105:1

Oh, give thanks to the LORD!

Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!

Psalm 107:1-2

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,

Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God

Colossians 1:12

Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Colossians 2:6-7

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Colossians 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (AMPC)

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].

Hebrews 13:15

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

A Life on Fire

Joshua Davis

11.19.2023

Every relationship needs cultivation. It requires intentionality to have a strong walk with the Lord. There are four things that I believe should be a part of every Christian’s daily life to have a strong personal relationship with the Lord. These are 4 things that I use in my personal life everyday. As a result they have sustained the passion, love, and zeal that I have for the Lord.

The Secret Place

The secret place needs to be your favorite place if you’re going to have a strong relationship with the Lord.

Matthew 6:6 (AMPC)

But when you pray, go into your [most] private room, and, closing the door, pray to your Father, Who is in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.

4336 proseúxomai (from 4314 /prós, “towards, exchange” and 2172/euxomai, “to wish, pray”) – properly, to exchange wishes; pray – literally, to interact with the Lord by switching human wishes (ideas) for His wishes as He imparts faith (“divine persuasion“). Accordingly, praying (4336/proseuxomai) is closely inter-connected with 4102 /pístis (“faith”) in the NT.

Luke 10:38-42 (AMPC)

Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house.³⁹And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching.⁴⁰But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!⁴¹But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;⁴²There is need of only one or but ^[^a^]a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [^[^b^]that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.

John 15:7 (AMPC)

If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.

Reading, prayer, and worship are all a part of my daily time with the Lord. I begin my sitting with the Lord and adoring Him. Next, I read so that His words are in me. I often pray what the Holy Spirit highlights to me. In the Secret Place, it’s about the Father and His Will; (“Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”)

What comes to mind when you think of prayer? “Our Father” should be the preeminent and dominant thought. We’re seeking Him to get His heart and will. In this place, I have found that worries, fears, anxieties melt away when I’m with Him. He’s a Father, and He cares about you.

Psalm 91 also teaches that remaining/abiding has its benefits.

Friends

Luke 24:32 (AMPC)

And they said to one another, Were not our hearts greatly moved and burning within us while He was talking with us on the road and as He opened and explained to us [the sense of] the Scriptures?

1 John 1:1 (AMPC)

[We are writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands.

Malachi 3:16 (AMPC)

Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name.

Proverbs 27:17 (AMPC)

Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].

Amos 3:3 (KJV)

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Friendship built on and around Jesus will last forever. Distance can’t stop these relationships. Real encounters with the Lord change you and leave you desiring Him. Encountering the Lord with friends binds you together! When I worship, pray, talk about Jesus and the Word with my friends, it causes me to want to seek Him. Be friends with people who want to chase Jesus too!

Ex: The Stirring, table talks about the Word, exchanging revelation in the hallway.

Ministry to the Lord

It’s more than merely serving, it’s ministry to Him.

Mark 12:30-33 (AMPC)

And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment.

³¹The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.

³²And the scribe said to Him, Excellently and fitly and admirably answered, Teacher! You have said truly that He is One, and there is no other but Him;

³³And to love Him out of and with all the heart and with all the understanding [with the faculty of quick apprehension and intelligence and keenness of discernment] and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Colossians 3:23 (AMPC)

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,

Ezekiel 44:9-16 (AMPC)

Therefore thus says the Lord God: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh shall enter into My sanctuary [where no one but the priests might enter], of any foreigners who are among the children of Israel.

¹⁰But the Levites who went far away from Me when Israel went astray, who went astray from Me after their idols, they shall bear [the punishment for] their iniquity and guilt.

¹¹They shall minister in My sanctuary, having oversight as guards at the gates of the temple and ministering in the temple. They shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall attend the

people to serve them.

¹²Because [the priests] ministered to [the people] before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity and guilt to the house of Israel, therefore I have lifted up My hand and have sworn against them, says the Lord God, that they shall bear the punishment for their iniquity and guilt.

¹³And they shall not come near to Me to do the office of a priest to Me, nor come near to any of My holy things that are most sacred; but they shall bear their shame and their punishment for the abominations which they have committed.

¹⁴Yet I will appoint them as caretakers to have charge of the temple, for all the service of the temple and for all that will be done in it.

¹⁵But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept the charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, shall come near to Me to minister to Me, and they shall attend Me to offer to Me the fat and the blood, says the Lord God.

¹⁶They shall enter into My sanctuary; and they shall come near to My table to minister to Me, and they shall keep My charge.

Ezekiel 44:28 (AMPC)

This [their ministry to Me] shall be to them as an inheritance, for I am their inheritance; and you shall give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession.

We are absolutely supposed to love and care for others. We are to serve others. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick. We get into error when these things don’t follow ministry to Him.

Ministry to Him is not done with others in mind. Ministry to Him is reserved for Him. Think about going on a date with your spouse. Most of the times, spouses try to not talk about the children. They spend time discovering each other.

Your service to others also has to be ministry to Him. When we on purpose make what we’re doing about Him, it becomes really difficult to get offended with others.

Even the Lord makes a distinction between the Levites that minister to the people and the Levites that minister to Him. Ministry to Him is often overlooked. We are tempted to make ministry, church life, and our daily walk with the Lord about ourselves, but He must be the focal point and the reason we serve others.

First Love

Revelation 2:1-5 (AMPC)

To the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him Who holds the seven stars [which are the messengers of the seven churches] in His right hand, Who goes about among the seven golden lampstands [which are the seven churches]:

²I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars.

³I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name’s sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary.

⁴But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].

⁵Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God’s will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent.

Ex: Worship team auditions

1 John 2:15 (AMPC)

Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

Romans 12:2 (AMPC)

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

2 Corinthians 11:2 (AMPC)

For I am zealous for you with a godly eagerness and a divine jealousy, for I have betrothed you to one Husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Ephesians 5:32-33 (AMPC)

This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church.

³³However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and [that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].

We have to know that we are engaged. One day there will be a wedding called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. We must do our part now to prepare for that day. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us and He will return to get us.The parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25 is a great reminder to get extra oil. This extra oil is time spent with Him. Time spent ministering to Him. Time spent getting to know Him by His Word. If you love the world and/or have conformed to the world, you do not have First Love.

Song of Solomon 2:13-15 (AMPC)

The fig tree puts forth and ripens her green figs, and the vines are in blossom and give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

¹⁴[So I went with him, and when we were climbing the rocky steps up the hillside, my beloved shepherd said to me] O my dove, [while you are here] in the seclusion of the clefts in the solid rock, in the sheltered and secret place of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.

¹⁵[My heart was touched and I fervently sang to him my desire] Take for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards [of our love], for our vineyards are in blossom.

First Love must be fought for. Just as your marriage in the natural takes intentionality, so does your relationship with the Lord. A constant prayer of mine is to remove all distractions and hindrances that keep me from the Lord.

Closing:

I believe that if you cultivate these things in your life, it will strengthen your walk with the Lord. It will build your faith and confidence in Him as well. You will have actual feelings and emotions in your heart when you talk to Him. You’ll begin to worship wholeheartedly and with sincerity.

Action Points:

Is spending time with the Lord an actual priority? Ask the Lord to help you make a plan to meet Him everyday.
Do you have hungry friends? If not, start with the Small Groups we have. Get around people who are passionate about the Lord.
Refocus to make it all about Him.

Colossians 1:17-18 –¹⁷And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together).¹⁸He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent].

Forgive – Let It Go! (part 2)

Three Steps in Forgiving Others

11.12.2023

Review

We are living in a really tense time. Emotions are raw. People are on edge.

This time just prior to Jesus’ return is a relationship stressor!

In the middle of all of this, we have the command to love and forgive.

Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Dedicated, consecrated, sincere Christians should be the most mentally and emotionally balanced people in society.

You’re not living in the past, or in the future. You learn to accept where you are at face value.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (TPT)

But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce and difficult for the people of God. 2 People will be self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. They will boast of great things as they strut around in their arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They will ignore their own families. They will be ungrateful and ungodly. 3 They will become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. Slaves to their desires, they will be ferocious, belligerent haters of what is good and right. 4 With brutal treachery, they will act without restraint, bigoted and wrapped in clouds of their conceit. They will find their delight in the pleasures of this world more than the pleasures of the loving God. 5 They may pretend to have a respect for God, but in reality they want nothing to do with God’s power. Stay away from people like these!

Matthew 5:43-48 (TPT)

Your ancestors have also been taught ‘Love your neighbors and hate the one who hates you.’ 44 However, I say to you, love your enemy, bless the one who curses you, do something wonderful for the one who hates you, and respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them. 45 For that will reveal your identity as children of your heavenly Father. He is kind to all by bringing the sunrise to warm and rainfall to refresh whether a person does what is good or evil. 46 What reward do you deserve if you only love the loveable? Don’t even the tax collectors do that? 47 How are you any different from others if you limit your kindness only to your friends? Don’t even the ungodly do that? 48 Since you are children of a perfect Father in heaven, you are to be perfect like him.

The flesh wants to hold a grudge, and many are yielding to the flesh these days!

We have the command to love and forgive!

1 Corinthians 13:5 (AMP)

It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

Romans 12:18 NKJV

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

There will never be a time in your life that you will NOT have to exercise forgiveness towards someone!

Mark 11:25-26 (AMPC)

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31 (PHILLIPS)

Let there be no more resentment, no more anger or temper, no more violent self-assertiveness, no more slander and no more malicious remarks, Be kind to each other, be understanding. Be as ready to forgive others as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.

Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT)

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:12-14 (MSG)

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Last time I covered 3 things that unforgiveness does to a person:

1. Hinders my relationship with Jesus.

2. Produces bitter root judgments and expectations.

3. Affects physical health.

TODAY – 3 Steps in Forgiving Others

Forgiveness is a Choice, Not a Feeling!

Colossians 3:13 (AMPC)

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Key points about forgiving:

We forgive the same way the Lord has forgiven us. So, what does God do when He forgives your sin?

Forgiveness is a decision followed by action that eventually affects emotions.

The initial act to forgive someone usually contains no emotion.

When God forgives, He does 3 things.

1. I will not bring the event up to you again.

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2. I will not bring up the event to others.

Micah 7:18-19 (NKJV)

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. 19 He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

3. I will completely forget it myself.

Hebrews 10:17 (NKJV)

Then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Isaiah 43:25- NKJV

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.

3 Things we must do to truly forgive:

I will:

1. Not bring the event up in conversation to the person again.

If you continue to bring the event you are forgiving up in conversation, you simply have not yet forgiven!

2. Not talk about it with others.

If you mention to others the event you have forgiven then you have not yet really forgiven!

3. Choose to replace the thought of it with prayer for the offender each time it comes to mind.

For Believers:

Ephesians 1:15-23 (NKJV)

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 3:14-19 (NKJV)

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Colossians 1:9-11 (NKJV)

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

For the non-Christian:

1. For God to draw the person to Himself

John 6:44 (NKJV)

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

2. Command Satan to remove the mind blinders:

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV)

Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

3. For God to send “laborers,” people to share the gospel with them.

Matthew 9:38 (NKJV)

Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

3 Elements to True Forgiveness

1. The initial act

2. Daily follow through with replacing thoughts about the incident with prayer.

3. The actual release of offensive emotions.

Think of a Train – Engine – Cars – Caboose

Practical consideration in forgiving.

If we choose not to forgive, a root of bitterness could spoil relationships.

Bitter Root Judgments:

Produce anger and resentment at what someone has done to you, with an undertone that they owe you something because of what they did.

Because of this, you expect the same thing that happened in one relationship to happen in another. Causes a sour attitude towards the offender and eventually spills over into other relationships.

Bitter Root Expectations:

You look for others to do to you what the offender has done, or you expect the offender to repeat the offense over and over.

Exaggerated responses often indicate emotional/mental struggles that may stem from unforgiveness!

I have had to deal with forgiving people who have hurt me in my past to kill some roots:

My 1st girlfriend ran away and got married to someone else!

People that were not honest with promises made to me.

People that rejected me as a child – produced a fear reaction when challenging opinions disagreed with my own.

Itemize your forgiveness.

Don’t forgive by saying – I forgive everyone who has ever done anything wrong to me.

Make a list of all close relationships that you’ve had in your life.

Make a list of one-sentence statements of things you need to forgive each person for doing.

Remember that every relationship leaves a mark on my life.

The degree that the relationship affects me is determined by 1) its depth and 2) its intensity (how frequently I interact with the person).

Take one person at a time and ask the Lord to show you any unresolved issues in your mind towards the person.

As Christians we often think we forgive others when we really don’t go back and deal with the detailed thoughts about a relationship that have left a “print” on us.

Make any judgments you have towards a person into one-sentence statements. Include the event that occurred, and also how it made you feel.

Confess to the Lord what you have judged the person for, and how what they did made you feel. Ask Him to forgive you for judging the person. Then tell the Lord that you forgive the person and that you release the judgments that you have against them by faith.

For deeply emotional issues, you may need another person with you to help you and to identify with you as a human that has been wronged by another.

Action Points:

Is there any person in your life that you are angry at, or that you just do not want to have anything to do with?
Are you willing to forgive as an action of will and obedience to God, and afterwards allow the feelings of unforgiveness to change over time?
Have you itemized your forgiveness of others, or have you just said, well, God says forgive, so I just right now forgive everyone that has ever done me wrong?
After you forgive, do you replace the thoughts of what the person did with prayer for them?

Be an Owner, not just a Member or Attender!

10.25.2023

11.8.2023

The local church is a breeding ground for spiritual growth!

Are you making the most of your life with God?

Matthew 16:13-18 (NKJV)

The local church is a miniature example of the universal church all over the world.

God’s plan is that every believer not just attend, but be actively involved in the ministry of a local church!

Ephesians 4:7-16 (NKJV)

Ephesians 4:12-16 (BBE)

Ephesians 4:12-16 (GW)

Ephesians 4:12-16 (NLT)

Be an owner, not just a member or attender.

What part do you play here at Victory Church?

What are you called to do?

Don’t just coast, but be involved in the area of your giftings!

Victory Pathway can help you find your place and become involved.

Matthew 22:14 (NKJV)

For many are called, but few are chosen.

When you are born again, God’s plan is that you grow and find your place in the body of Christ!

You find that place by being faithful in small things!

Romans 1:1 (NKJV)

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.

Paul was called to be an apostle of the Gentiles from birth, but only entered into that call as he was faithful.

Faithfulness enables you to enter into God’s place for you.

The test of God’s purpose for your life is the test of faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 4:2 (AMPC)

Moreover it is essentially required in stewards that a man be found faithful – proving himself worthy of trust.

Proverbs 28:20 (NKJV)

A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.

Rotherham:

Grateful am I to Him that empowered me.

Henry Alford:

I give thanks to Him who puts strength in me.

New English Bible:

And I thank Christ Jesus my Lord, who has made me equal to the task.

2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)

And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Big Things Have Little Beginnings!

Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV)

For who has despised the day of small things?

Matthew 25:21,23 (NKJV)

…Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter the joy of your Lord.

I am in ministry today because God saw my faithful heart.

God will start in a place of ministry you may not care for, just so you can prove faithful.

Same way with a church.

I started in ministry as a janitor. It was a great place of testing faithfulness. My attitude and motivations were tested in fire!

I became a pastoral staff member in 1984 for Bob Yandian at Grace Church in Tulsa.

I was tested in my loyalty, in wanting to do things differently from him, in wondering why he did or didn’t do this or that!

God wanted to see if I would be faithful when I disagreed!

I became an associate to Carl Morris in 1993. It was a great test of faithfulness in my life because I so did not do life the way he did in ministry.

I built his church up and then gave it back a year later when he came home from the mission field.

And that year of serving another man’s vision opened up my place here at Victory for the past 29 years!

You can likewise find your place in the body of Christ by choosing to be faithful!

Are you faithful or self-serving?

Our current generation and national mindset value comfort and entertainment over future rewards.

The “What’s in it for me?” attitude often rules instead of the attitude that says, “What can I do to be a blessing to others?”

Doing Jesus’ work as a volunteer with an unfaithful attitude:

Late to commitments
Last-minute calls to cancel commitment
Not showing up when you’re scheduled to help
Slackness in local church commitments, such as attending services, fellowship opportunities in Small Groups, and prayer times
My commitment to God is not as important as other things in life.

Doing Jesus’ work as a volunteer with a faithful attitude includes:

Being just as committed to what we do for Jesus as we are to our jobs! No such thing as NOT showing up unless we call and let someone know what’s up.
Arriving early to a commitment because we’re excited to see lives impacted and changed by Jesus through the Word!
Enthused, excited, and involved in your local church services, fellowship opportunities, and in inviting others to come with you!
My volunteer work for Jesus is one of the most important things in my life.

We need balance in life, but not to the extreme of leaving God and His work out!

I’m just a volunteer!

NO! You’re a son or daughter of an Almighty God, and you have a mission to change lives!

Our motive for serving as a volunteer should be:

Love for God

Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV)

Love for people

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (Phillips)

Romans 15: 1-2 (MSG)

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status.

What do my present life and works tell God about what is important to me?

Luke 16:10,12 (NKJV)

Regardless of what we do, if we are faithful, we ALL get the same pay…

Matthew 20:1-16 (NLT)

Action Points:

Are you a part of the volunteer Serve Team, helping your church obey God’s plan for it?
What should be your motivation for helping in your local church?
Do you do the small, unnoticed thing with as much heart as something you do that everyone sees?

Forgive – Let It Go! (part 1)

11.5.2023

Introduction

Matthew 18:21-35-NLT

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” (22) “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! (23) “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. (24) In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. (25) He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. (26) “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ (27) Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. (28) “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. (29) “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. (30) But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

(31) “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. (32) Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. (33) Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ (34) Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. (35) “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

We are living in a really tense time. Emotions are raw. People are on edge.

This time just prior to Jesus’ return is a relationship stressor!

Matthew 24:5-13 (NKJV)

For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.

10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:10-13 (CEV)

Many will give up and will betray and hate each other. 11 Many false prophets will come and fool a lot of people. 12 Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others. 13 But if you keep on being faithful right to the end, you will be saved.

Matthew 24:10-13 (NCV)

At that time, many will lose their faith, and they will turn against each other and hate each other. 11 Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe lies. 12 There will be more and more evil in the world, so most people will stop showing their love for each other. 13 But those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:10-13 (MSG)

And then, going from bad to worse, it will be dog-eat-dog, everyone at each other’s throat, everyone hating each other.

11 In the confusion, lying preachers will come forward and deceive a lot of people. 12 For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.

13 Staying with it—that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved.

Matthew 10:34-39 (NKJV)

Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

In this environment, we must constantly walk in love and practice forgiveness.

There will never be a time in your life that you will NOT have to exercise forgiveness towards someone!

Mark 11:25-26 (AMPC)

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)

Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT)

Definition

Forgiveness (Webster):

To forgive, to cease to feel resentment against on account of wrong committed; to give up claim of requital from or retribution upon an offender.

What happens in life is not as important as how I deal with it!

Is there anyone right now that I hold a grudge or ill-will against?

Are there any open-ended relationships in my life? That is, there is a “rift” between me and the other person and have I done “due diligence” in seeking to work out the problem?

What does unforgiveness do to me?

Three things:

1. Hinders my relationship with Jesus

Isaiah 59:1-2 (NKJV)

Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.

Isaiah 59:1-2 (NLT)

Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. 2 It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

John 9:31 (NLT)

We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.

Mark 11:26 (AMPC)

26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.

2. Produces judgments and wrong expectations of others

A Boomerang effect – What I fail to forgive affects ME the most!

Luke 6:37-38 (AMPC)

Judge not [neither pronouncing judgment nor subjecting to censure], and you will not be judged; do not condemn and pronounce guilty, and you will not be condemned and pronounced guilty; acquit and forgive and release (give up resentment, let it drop), and you will be acquitted and forgiven and released. 38 Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.

Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV)

Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Bitter Roots

Romans 2:1 (AMPC)

THEREFORE YOU have no excuse or defense or justification, O man, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things [that you censure and denounce]

* Bitter Root Judgments –

you expect the same thing that happens in one relationship to happen in another. Causes a sour attitude towards the offender and eventually spills over into other relationships.

* Bitter Root Expectations –

You look for others to do to you what the offender has done. or you expect the offender to repeat the offense over and over.

Example from my own life…

Friend when I was young…3 pm – store by the railroad tracks.

3. Places undue stress on your body and affects health

Proverbs 14:30 – NLT

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

Proverbs 14:30 -Amplified

A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.

Message

A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.

Proverbs 16:24 – Amplified

Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.

Proverbs 17:22-NLT

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Dakes Reference Bible note:

A merry heart is healthful, but one completely broken in spirit and dejected will develop many physical illnesses. Nothing ruins health more than grief, continual worry, anxiety, fretfulness, bad tempers, hatred, and malice. The end of these things is death. We should rid ourselves of of such health destroying agencies.

Quote from Who Switched Off My Brain…

Who Switched Off My Brain By Dr. Caroline Leaf (South Africa, Switch on Your Brain Organisation PTY, 2007) pages 4-5.

p. 4

Your brain can be compared to a prolific factory producing a variety of chemicals depending on what type of emotion you are experiencing. Depending on whether or not these emotions are toxic to your body, the chemicals will either help you or harm you. If they are harmful, they create conditions for a host of health problems that will manifest in both the body and the mind. Emotions that regularly release a torrent of destructive chemicals that will be the most damaging over time are: unforgiveness, anger, rage, resentment, depression, worry, anxiety, frustration, fear, excessive grief and guilt.

Research shows that around 87% of illnesses can be attributed to our thought life, and approximately 13% to diet, genetics and environment.

Studies conclusively link more chronic diseases (also known as lifestyle diseases) to an epidemic of toxic emotions in our culture. These toxic emotions can cause migraines, hypertension, strokes, cancer, skin problems, diabetes, infections and allergies, just to name a few.

p. 5

Studies also point to a direct correlation between anxiety/fear and heart palpitations, irritable bowel syndrome, tension headaches and heart problems.

Quite simply, there is no longer any doubt that what and how you think affect your emotional and physical state. The mind and body are integrally connected.

Another way to say this is that unforgiveness affects every part of my life.

It affect my relationship with God.

It affects my relationship with others.

It affects me spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Signs of the need to forgive:

* Underlying anger in general

* Lack of trust

* Emotional numbness

6 major problems that failure to forgive produces.

* Stress

* Self-inflicted injury

* No more love

* Bitterness

* Perpetual conflict

* Walls that keep others out

Actions Points:

1. Is there anyone that you need to forgive?

2. Are there bitter root judgements and bitter root expectations in your life from the past that affect your current relationships?

3. Is chronic illness a problem? Failure to forgive produces inward pressure making us vulnerable to illness.

4. Are you willing to forgive each person that in any way harmed your life?

Established in Righteousness (Part 3)

The Great Exchange

10.29.2023

Review

Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

We need to live from a firm foundation of who we are in Jesus!

I’ve been talking about the standing before God called Righteousness that Jesus has given us in the New Birth.

Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV)

The wicked flee when no one pursues,

But the righteous are bold as a lion.

Isaiah 54:14 (NKJV)

In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

Isaiah 32:17 (NKJV)

The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.

Righteousness – Definition

The ability to stand before God without the sense of guilt, condemnation or inferiority, just as though you had never done wrong!

Seven important things we need to know about righteousness.

1. Guilt and condemnation are the main enemies to a strong relationship with God and a positive change in your life!

2. Knowing that you are righteous in Christ can give you an inward confidence that will boost your spiritual life.

3. Righteousness produces a personal confidence and assurance that brings peace into your daily life.

4. Righteousness brings two kinds of peace into daily living.

Peace with God.

The Peace of God.

5. When you are established in Righteousness, Satan and others can no longer control you!

You will no longer be demotivated by your past mistakes and failures
No one will be able to gaslight you and make you their problem.
You will be able to own your mistakes and not blameshift.

Today:

6. There are 6 words in the New Testament that refer to Righteousness.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NKJV)

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

Just, justify, justification, right, righteous, righteousness

They all are derived from the same Greek word.

Justification and right standing with God go together.

And these four words go together: sanctify, sanctification, holy, and holiness go together.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NKJV)

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. 18 I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,” says the LORD Almighty.

People get these two things mixed up!

Sanctification doesn’t make you right, or your rightness or righteousness would be by works.

Justification doesn’t make you holy, or you would have nothing to do to make changes in your lifestyle.

Justification is a work that Jesus did on the cross by shedding His blood.

Sanctification is a standing before God that makes you stand out from the world and that places you in a position where you can change!

Definitions:

Justification:

The action that acquits or frees from the penalty of sin and that places to your credit Jesus’ standing before God.

Righteousness:

The ability to stand before God without sin, inferiority, or condemnation, as though sin never existed.

Scripture:

Romans 3:23-26 (NKJV)

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 4:5-8 (NKJV)

But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

Romans 4:23-25 (NKJV)

Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

Romans 5:1 (NKJV)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 5:8-9 (NKJV)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Romans 5:16-19 (NKJV)

And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

Romans 8:29-34 (NKJV)

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NLT)

Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Titus 3:4-7 (NL

But—”When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

7. Righteousness does two major things for you:

1. Delivers you from the penalty of sin (hell)

2. Gives you Jesus’ same standing before God – Righteous!

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Jesus bears and personally pays my sin penalty for me. Once it’s paid, it is no longer owed!

My sins are expunged!

All evidence of sin and wrongdoing are completely wiped out, as though they never existed!

Illustration

Man in Canada

No sin is forgiven without first being judged.

God forgives sinners, but judges sin!

All sin must be paid for if God is to be completely just!

Our forgiveness is based on God’s justice. Our punishment for sin was placed on Jesus and paid for when He went to the cross.

Action Points:

1. Are you challenged with guilt, condemnation, and inferiority?

2. Are you confident in your relationship with God, or at times do you question where you stand with Him?

3. Do you experience peace in your relationship with Jesus, or do you still struggle with thoughts and feelings of insecurity?

4. Are you established in your right standing with God, living with a confidence in God that produces stability in your personal relationships?

Be an Owner, not just a Member or Attender!

10.25.2023

The local church is a breeding ground for spiritual growth!

Are you making the most of your life with God?

Matthew 16:13-18 (NKJV)

The local church is a miniature example of the universal church all over the world.

God’s plan is that every believer not just attend, but be actively involved in the ministry of a local church!

Ephesians 4:7-16 (NKJV)

Ephesians 4:12-16 (BBE)

Ephesians 4:12-16 (GW)

Ephesians 4:12-16 (NLT)

Be an owner, not just a member or attender.

What part do you play here at Victory Church?

What are you called to do?

Don’t just coast, but be involved in the area of your giftings!

Victory Pathway can help you find your place and become involved.

Matthew 22:14 (NKJV)

For many are called, but few are chosen.

When you are born again, God’s plan is that you grow and find your place in the body of Christ!

You find that place by being faithful in small things!

Romans 1:1 (NKJV)

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.

Paul was called to be an apostle of the Gentiles from birth, but only entered into that call as he was faithful.

Faithfulness enables you to enter into God’s place for you.

The test of God’s purpose for your life is the test of faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 4:2 (AMPC)

Moreover it is essentially required in stewards that a man be found faithful – proving himself worthy of trust.

Proverbs 28:20 (NKJV)

A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.

Rotherham:

Grateful am I to Him that empowered me.

Henry Alford:

I give thanks to Him who puts strength in me.

New English Bible:

And I thank Christ Jesus my Lord, who has made me equal to the task.

2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)

And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Big Things Have Little Beginnings!

Zechariah. 4:10 (NKJV)

For who has despised the day of small things?

Matthew 25:21,23 (NKJV)

…Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter the joy of your Lord.

I am in ministry today because God saw my faithful heart.

God will start in a place of ministry you may not care for, just so you can prove faithful.

Same way with a church.

I started in ministry as a janitor. It was a great place of testing faithfulness. My attitude and motivations were tested in fire!

I became a pastoral staff member in 1984 for Bob Yandian at Grace Church in Tulsa.

I was tested in my loyalty, in wanting to do things differently from him, in wondering why he did or didn’t do this or that!

God wanted to see if I would be faithful when I disagreed!

I became an associate to Carl Morris in 1993. It was a great test of faithfulness in my life because I so did not do life the way he did in ministry.

The Lord challenged me – “Who are you to judge another man’s servant? To me he rises or falls.” That changed my life. I learned to do what I do to Jesus whether I agreed or disagreed. And God rewards faithful hearts.

I built his church up and then gave it back a year later when he came home from the mission field.

And that year of serving another man’s vision opened up my place here at Victory for the past 29 years!

You can likewise find your place in the body of Christ by choosing to be faithful!

Are you faithful or self-serving?

Our current generation and national mindset value comfort and entertainment over future rewards.

The “What’s in it for me?” attitude often rules instead of the attitude that says “What can I do to be a blessing to others?”

Doing Jesus’ work as a volunteer with an unfaithful attitude:

Late to commitments.
Last-minute calls to cancel commitment.
Not showing up when you’re scheduled to help.
Slackness in local church commitments such as attending services, fellowship opportunities in Small Groups, and prayer times.
My commitment to God is not as important as other things in life.

Doing Jesus’ work as a volunteer with A faithful attitude includes:

Being just as committed to what we do for Jesus as we are to our job! No such thing as NOT showing up unless we call and let someone know what’s up.
Arriving early to a commitment because we’re excited to see lives impacted and changed by Jesus through the Word!
Enthused, excited, and involved in your local church services, fellowship opportunities, and in inviting others to come with you!
My volunteer work for Jesus is one of the most important things in my life.

We need balance in life, but not to the extreme of leaving God and His work out!

I’m just a volunteer!

NO! You’re a son or daughter of an Almighty God, and you have a mission to change lives!

Our motive for serving as a volunteer should be:

Love for God

Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV)

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the Prophets.

Love for people

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (Phillips)

Romans 15: 1-2 (MSG)

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status.

What do my present life and works tell God about what is important to me?

Luke 16:10,12 (NKJV)

Regardless of what we do, if we are faithful, we ALL get the same pay…

Matthew 20: 1-16 (NLT)

For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work. 3 “At nine o’clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. 4 So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. 5 So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o’clock he did the same thing. 6 “At five o’clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, ‘Why haven’t you been working today?’ 7 “They replied, ‘Because no one hired us.’ “The landowner told them, ‘Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.’ 8 “That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. 9 When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage. 10 When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage. 11 When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, 12 ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’ 13 “He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? 14 Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. 15 Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’ 16 “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”

Action Points:

Are you a part of the volunteer Serve Team, helping your church obey God’s plan for it?
What should be your motivation for helping in your local church?
Do you do the small, unnoticed thing with as much heart as something you do that everyone sees?