The Victory Hill Church Podcast

James 5:16b – … The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.1. *TEACH THEM TO *FEAR YOU.Proverbs 9:10 – 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.2. *SURROUND THEM WITH DIVINE *FAVORPsalms 90:17 – 17Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands establish the work of our hands!3. BRING *GODLY *INFLUENCES & FRIENDS INTO THEIR LIVES.1 Corinthians 15:33 – 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.Proverbs 13:20 – 20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.4. HELP THEM TO *TRUST *YOU WITH THEIR LIVES AND *BE *SAVED!Philippians 2:12-13 – 12 Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.

Romans 8:1-6 CSB 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, 2 because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, 4 in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.1. REVEAL ANSWER Is Grounded In  REVEAL ANSWER ;  REVEAL ANSWER Grounds Us In  REVEAL ANSWERRomans 8:1-2 CSB Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:3-4 CSB 3 For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, 4 in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 2.Condemnation Is A  REVEAL ANSWER Of  REVEAL ANSWER2 Corinthians 7:9-10 CSB I now rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. 3. Condemnation Is  REVEAL ANSWER By Our  REVEAL ANSWER In ChristRevelation 12:10-11 CSB Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down. They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhRomans 3:23Romans 2:15Romans 10:4-131. We have to recognize our *need for *Him, and the *way for us to be *saved.2. We can’t let *pride prevent us from *relationship with Jesus.3. You are *never going to *do enough to *earn it.We can’t have relationship without repentanceMatthew 7:21-231 Timothy 2:3-5Romans 10:9Because HE loves you and wants the best for you. Because HE has purpose for you. Because Death is coming and Eternity will followPsalms 103:11-13

1. THEY WERE LOOKING FOR THE *RIGHT *THING IN THE *WRONG *PLACELuke 24:2-5 – 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men.2. THEY WENT TO THE GRAVE EXPECTING *DEATH BUT FOUND *LIFELuke 24:5-7 – 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?”John 11:25 – 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.3. THE EMPTY TOMB MEANS JESUS DID WHAT *WE *NEVER *COULD2 Corinthians 5:21 – 21 He made the one who did not know sin to be sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhLuke 7:18-23 – 18 Then John’s disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 When the men reached him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask you, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? ’ ” 21 At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and he granted sight to many blind people. 22 He replied to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news, 23 and blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me.”SERMON TITLE: “DEFIANT HUMILITY”Luke 7:18-19 – 18 Then John’s disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”1. JESUS IS NOT *INTIMIDATED BY OUR *DOUBT2. JESUS ANSWERS *DOUBT WITH *EVIDENCE, NOT *EXPLANATIONLuke 7:22 – 22 He replied to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news,Luke 7:23 – 23 and blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me.”3. DEFIANT *HUMILITY *TRUSTS GOD WHEN IT DOESN'T *MAKE *SENSEJohn 3:30 – 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.Philippians 2:5-11 – 5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth – 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhJeremiah 1:4-10 4 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”6 Then I said, “Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. 8 “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord. 9 Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 “See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To pluck up and to break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.”Jeremiah 1:4-54 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”Point 1: *Calling Comes Before *Confidence1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;Jeremiah 1:6 Then I said, “Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.”Point 2: *Excuses Reveal Where We *Trust OurselvesJeremiah 1:7a But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ . . .2 Timothy 1:6-7 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.Jeremiah 1:7-9 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. 8 “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord. 9 Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me,“Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.Jeremiah 1:10 - 10 “See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To pluck up and to break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.”Point 3: *Presence Is Greater Than *PressureJeremiah 20:9a - But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,”Jeremiah 20:9 - But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.Point 4: God *Sustains What He *IgnitesRomans 11:29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.Jeremiah 20:11 “The Lord is with me like a mighty warrior.” (NIV)Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhDEFIANT PROVISION1 Kings 19:1-6 – 1 Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow! “ 3 Then Elijah became afraid, and immediately ran for his life. When he came to Beer-sheba that belonged to Judah, he left his servant there, 4 but he went on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, “Get up and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again.SERMON TITLE: “DEFIANT PROVISION”1 Kings 19:2 – 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if I don’t make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow! “1. *EXHAUSTION DISTORTS *REALITY1 Kings 19:3–4 – 3 Then Elijah became afraid, and immediately ran for his life. When he came to Beer-sheba that belonged to Judah, he left his servant there, 4 but he went on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I’m no better than my ancestors.”2. GOD *MEETS US IN OUR *WEAKNESS1 Kings 19:5-6 – 5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, “Get up and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again.3. GOD *RESTORES US THROUGH HIS *VOICE AND HIS *PEOPLE1 Kings 19:8 – 8 So he got up, ate, and drank. Then on the strength from that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.1 Kings 19:11–12 – 11 Then he said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence.” At that moment, the Lord passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper.1 Kings 19:16 – 16 You are to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.Matthew 11:28 – 28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

https://linktr.ee/vhillchurchDEFIANT PROTECTIONExodus 2:1-10 csb Now a man from the family of Levi married a Levite woman. 2 The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son; when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with asphalt and pitch. She placed the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. 4 Then his sister stood at a distance in order to see what would happen to him.5 Pharaoh’s daughter went down to bathe at the Nile while her servant girls walked along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds, sent her slave girl, took it, 6 opened it, and saw him, the child—and there he was, a little boy, crying. She felt sorry for him and said, “This is one of the Hebrew boys.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Should I go and call a Hebrew woman who is nursing to nurse the boy for you?” 8 “Go,” Pharaoh’s daughter told her. So the girl went and called the boy’s mother. 9 Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay your wages.” So the woman took the boy and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”1. Defiant Protection Requires A *Plan *Past *HidingExodus 2:3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with asphalt and pitch. She placed the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile.2. Defiant Protection Requires *Strategic *DistanceExodus 2:4 Then his sister stood at a distance in order to see what would happen to him.3. Defiant Protection Requires *Bold *Expectancy

DEFIANT PROTECTIONExodus 2:1-10 csb Now a man from the family of Levi married a Levite woman. 2 The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son; when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with asphalt and pitch. She placed the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. 4 Then his sister stood at a distance in order to see what would happen to him.5 Pharaoh’s daughter went down to bathe at the Nile while her servant girls walked along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds, sent her slave girl, took it, 6 opened it, and saw him, the child—and there he was, a little boy, crying. She felt sorry for him and said, “This is one of the Hebrew boys.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Should I go and call a Hebrew woman who is nursing to nurse the boy for you?” 8 “Go,” Pharaoh’s daughter told her. So the girl went and called the boy’s mother. 9 Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay your wages.” So the woman took the boy and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”1. Defiant Protection Requires A *Plan *Past *HidingExodus 2:3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with asphalt and pitch. She placed the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile.2. Defiant Protection Requires *Strategic *DistanceExodus 2:4 Then his sister stood at a distance in order to see what would happen to him.3. Defiant Protection Requires *Bold *Expectancy

https://linktr.ee/vhillchurch1 Corinthians 7:1-9 – 1 Now in response to the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because sexual immorality is so common, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman should have sexual relations with her own husband. 3 A husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband. 4 A wife does not have the right over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband does not have the right over his own body, but his wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another — except when you agree for a time, to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again; otherwise, Satan may tempt you because of your lack of self-control.1 Corinthians 7:8-9 - 8 I say to the unmarried: It is good for them if they remain as I am. 9 But if they do not have self-control, they should marry, since it is better to marry than to burn with desire.SERMON TITLE: “THE PURPOSE OF INTIMACY”1. SEX IS A *GIFT, BUT OUTSIDE OF GOD’S DESIGN IT IS *DESTRUCTIVEGod’s Purpose for Sex in Marriage:1. Unity – Ephesians 5:31- “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”2. Pleasure & Joy – Proverbs 5:18–19- “Take pleasure in the wife of your youth… intoxicated with her love.”3. Procreation – Genesis 1:28- “God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth,...”2. DEPRIVATION CREATES *DISTANCE BUT INTIMACY BUILDS *DEFENSE1 Corinthians 7:2-5 – 2 But because sexual immorality is so common, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman should have sexual relations with her own husband. 3 A husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband. 4 A wife does not have the right over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband does not have the right over his own body, but his wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another — except when you agree for a time, to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again; otherwise, Satan may tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhFirm Foundation(Matthew 7:24-29 csb) “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes.(Matthew 7:24a) “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them…1. A Forever *Relationship Can’t Be Built On A Whenever *Commitment(Matthew 7:24b) will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.It’s a process of integration over inclusion.2. You Can’t Choose Your *Weather; You Can Only Choose Your *Foundation.(Luke 6:45) A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.(Matthew 7:28-29) When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes.3. Real Relationships Don’t Last Because We Are *Good *Builders, But Because We Are Connected To The Ultimate *Authority.(1 John 3:16) "By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us,

Psalm 54:4 – 4 God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my life.2. WIVES ARE CALLED TO *SUBMISSION BUT HUSBANDS ARE CALLED TO *SACRIFICEEphesians 5:25 – 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her,3. GOD *USES MARRIAGE TO *MAKE US MORE LIKE *JESUSEphesians 5:25-26 NASB – 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,“Marriage is the greatest anvil of sanctification in the world — and that is no accident. Nothing has shown me my sin like marriage, and nothing has given opportunities for grace like marriage.”John Piper

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhPractical Prayer- The Audacity of Prayer-Prayer isn’t about getting what we want, its about a relationship with God.Matthew 14:22-3322 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”29 He said, “Come.”And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”1. Audacity of GodMatthew 14:24-2724 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”-There is no reason that we should be able to commune with the God of the universe, but He chose to remove that limitation.2. Audacity to PrayMatthew 14:28-2928 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”29 He said, “Come.”And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.Hebrews 4:14-1614 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.Does your prayer life look more like Peter’s response or the disciples in the boat?3. Audacity to BelieveMatthew 14:29-3329 He said, “Come.”And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”We have to stop trying to find the right word combination to get the result we want. Instead, we need to learn to trust Jesus’ heart and believe His answer is the right one.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhDiscipline = “Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.”Luke 11:1-4 – 1 He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “Whenever you pray, say, Father, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us. And do not bring us into temptation.”SERMON TITLE: “THE DISCIPLINE OF PRAYER”1. PRAYER IS *LEARNED.Luke 11:1b – …“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”Matthew 6:9-13 – 9 “Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ,'PRAYER IS PRACTICED.Definition of Practice = “The regular, repeated performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.”1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.3. PRAYER IS *PROVEN.Psalms 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh2025 Victory Hill Church:Average Attendance: 818Small Group Participation: 53%Serve Team Members: 271Conversions: 150Baptisms: 67Community Involvement:Operation Bless a Child: 170+ KidsMeals Served: 6,000 (160 Days)DC Conversions: 66DC Baptisms: 15“What could God do if we only believed?”“We see a church built on prayer — where prayer is our foundation, our first response, and our greatest weapon!”21 days of Prayer and FastingJanuary 7-27, 2026Matthew 6:16a – 16 “Whenever you fast,...What is Fasting?:Biblical fasting is a voluntary, temporary denial of physical nourishment in order to seek God with greater focus, humility, and dependence through prayer.1. FASTING *STARVES OUR FLESH AND *FEEDS OUR SPIRITGalatians 5:24 – 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.2. FASTING ISN’T A *PERFORMANCE, IT'S AN *OPPORTUNITY TO DRAW NEARMatthew 6:16-18 – 16 “Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.3. FASTING ALIGNS OUR HEART WITH THE *HEART *OF *GODPsalms 37:4 – 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.Main Goal:Connect to God through prayer, and disconnect from the world through fasting.1. For Wisdom and Favor for Our Church Leadership2. That People Would Be Saved and Baptized3. That God Would Resource and Equip Us4. That We Would Boldly Step in Unity as a Church Body5. That We Would Empower the Next Generation

Special  Message - Prayer and Fasting 

What if the lasting peace you are looking for is found in the place that you least expect it?Isaiah 9:6 – 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.Everything we need is found in the name of JesusLuke 2:8-14 – 8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!SERMON TITLE: “THE PRINCE IN THE PASTURE”1. THE CHAOS *THEN IS THE SAME CHAOS *NOW1 Corinthians 10:13a – 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful;...2. THE ANSWER *THEN IS STILL THE ANSWER *NOWLuke 2:10-12 – 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”3. LASTING *PEACE IS NOT THE *ABSENCE OF CHAOS BUT THE *PRESENCE OF THE *PRINCE. Luke 2:14 – 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!*EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS *FOUND IN THE NAME OF *JESUS!Romans 10:13 – 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh(Isaiah 9:6 csb) 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.(Philippians 2:5–11 csb) Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.1. The Might Of Christ Is *Revealed In *Humility(Philippians 2:6-7a) who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity.(‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.”2. The Might Of Christ Is *Proven Through *Obedience(Philippians 2:7-8) Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.3. The Might Of Christ Is *Declared In *Exhalation(Philippians 2:9–11) For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhEverything we need is found in the name of Jesus.Isaiah 9:1-6 (NASB)9 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He will make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. 3 You will multiply the nation, You will increase their joy; They will rejoice in Your presence As with the joy of harvest, As people rejoice when they divide the spoils.4 For You will break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.5 For every boot of the marching warrior in the roar of battle, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. 6 For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.Point 1 — Jesus Doesn’t *Counsel From A *DistanceJohn 1:14 (New American Standard Bible)14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.Point 2 — Jesus Brings *Clarity Where *Confusion Blocks Our *VisionJohn 16:7“It is better for you that I go away. Because if I go, I will send you another Counselor…”John 14:2626 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.Colossians 2:3 —“In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”He IS wisdom.1 Corinthians 1:30 —Christ has become “wisdom from God for us.”He GIVES wisdom.Hebrews 4:14–16 —Because He sympathizes with our weakness,we can “approach the throne of grace for help in time of need.”He APPLIES wisdom.Point 3 — Jesus *Stays With Us As We Take the *Next *StepPsalm 32:88 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.Isaiah 30:2121 Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.John 16:1313 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhGratitude for a Future and a HopeIsaiah 55:8-9 NLT8“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”12‭‭ “In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”James 1:13-18 NLT13“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”1. Gratitude for what I have *been *through and what *HE has saved me from2. Gratitude *changes your *expectations3. Gratitude that can *start *todayJOHN 8:1-12 NLT1“Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11“No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” 12Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.””Jesus is our Future and our Hope today

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh------SERMON-------Luke 17:11-19 (NASB) - 11 While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as He entered a village, ten men with leprosy who stood at a distance met Him; 13 and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed. 15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, 16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving Thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 But Jesus responded and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? 18 Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”1. Grace Meets You *Where *You *AreV. 12 And as He entered a village, ten men with leprosy who stood at a distance met Him;V. 14 When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed.2. Faith Is *Obedience That Walks While the *Outcome Is Still *InvisibleHebrews 11:1 — Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.V. 15-16 - 15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, 16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving Thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan.3. *Worship Is *Gratitude Made VisibleV. 19 And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”V. 17 But Jesus responded and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they?

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh------SERMON-------Philippians 4:6-8 – 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.SERMON TITLE: “LOOK AT IT THIS WAY”1. WORRY IS AN *OPPORTUNITY FOR *PRAYERPhilippians 4:6 – 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.2. WHEN WORRY TURNS TO PRAYER, *PEACE BECOMES OUR *PROTECTIONPhilippians 4:7 – 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in ChristJesus.3. YOUR THOUGHTS SHAPE YOUR *PERSPECTIVE, AND YOUR PERSPECTIVE DETERMINES YOUR *RESPONSEPhilippians 4:8 – 8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy dwell on these things.Philippians 4:9 – 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.MIN TIME:Romans 5:1 – 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:10-13 – 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down. 11 They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great fury, because he knows his time is short.SERMON TITLE: “A DEFEATED FOE”Revelation 12:10 – 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been thrown down.1. SATAN WAS DEFEATED AT THE *CROSS1 Corinthians 2:8 – None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.Colossians 2:14-15 – 14 He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.Romans 8:1 – 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,2. OUR ENEMY IS DEFEATED BUT NOT *DESTROYED… *YET! (*Trevor: Can you make this 2 slides? Put the YET on 2nd slide.)Revelation 20:10 – 10 The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO WALK IN *VICTORY!Revelation 12:11 – 11 They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death.Psalm 23:4 (ESV) – 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;Romans 8:37 – No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Hebrews 10:24-25 – 24 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching. 1 Peter 5:6-7 – 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.SERMON TITLE: “WORKING IN THE WAIT”1. GOD CREATED TIME. HE IS NOT RESTRICTED BY IT.1 Peter 5:6a – 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God,...2 Peter 3:8 – 8 Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.2. WHAT LOOKS LIKE DELAY IS ACTUALLY DEVELOPMENT.1 Peter 5:6 – 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time,Isaiah 40:31 KJV – 31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.3. WHEN I REMEMBER HIS CARE, I CAN TRUST HIS CLOCK1 Peter 5:7 – 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh(Ephesians 6:10-12 csb) Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 1. Recognize the *Reality of the *Battle(v:12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4) For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, 4 since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. 2. Recognize the *Strength of the *Lord(v.10) Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.(Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit…”3. Recognize the *Strategy of the *Enemy(v.11b) so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh1 Peter 5:8 CSB -8 Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.1. HE WAS *CREATED, BUT *CORRUPTEDEzekiel 28:14-16 – 14 You were an anointed guardian cherub, for I had appointed you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones. 15 From the day you were created you were blameless in your ways until wickedness was found in you. 16 Through the abundance of your trade, you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I expelled you in disgrace from the mountain of God, and banished you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.Isaiah 14:11-13 – 11 Your splendor has been brought down to Sheol(hell), along with the music of your harps (worship). Maggots are spread out under you, and worms cover you.” 12 Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground. You said to yourself, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of the gods’ assembly, in the remotest parts of the North.Luke 10:17-18 – 17 The seventy-two , returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning."2. HE’S *INFLUENTIAL, BUT NOT *EQUALEphesians 6:12 – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.3. HE IS *DETERMINED, BUT *DEFEATEDHebrews 2:14 – 14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death is, the devil.James 4:7 – 7 Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Under Construction - "Working In The Wait" (Alvaton - Week 5)Hebrews 10:24-25 – 24 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching. 1 Peter 5:6-7 – 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.SERMON TITLE: “WORKING IN THE WAIT”1. GOD CREATED TIME. HE IS NOT RESTRICTED BY IT.1 Peter 5:6a – 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God,...2 Peter 3:8 – 8 Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.2. WHAT LOOKS LIKE DELAY IS ACTUALLY DEVELOPMENT.1 Peter 5:6 – 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time,Isaiah 40:31 KJV – 31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.3. WHEN I REMEMBER HIS CARE, I CAN TRUST HIS CLOCK1 Peter 5:7 – 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

1 Chronicles‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬   “Jabez  was more honored than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez and said, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez called out to the God of Israel, “If only you would bless me, extend my border, let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not experience pain.”  And God granted his request.”Initiation by conversation 1. Move Into God’s *Blessing1 Chronicles 4:10a  “If only you would bless me,”2. Move Into *Greater *Purpose1 Chronicles 4:10b.  “extend my border”"He who desires, but acts not, breeds pestilence" William Blake3. Move Into God’s *Protection1 Chronicles 4:10c.  “let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not experience pain.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬  “When you pass through the waters,  I will be with you,  and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire,  you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you.”

Under Construction - The Rebuild (Alvaton - Week 3)------SERMON-------1. We are *rebuilding so that we can *rebuild. ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ “Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people.  , But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? , The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens,  to fill all things.  And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son,  growing into maturity with a stature  measured by Christ’s fullness.”We can't allow ourselves to focus on what we have done; we have to move in and say what’s next…2. In the rebuild, we have to build in some *flex *space….Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ “I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot.  In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content #— #whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. ”‭‭3. We have to *refuse to let *religion set in.‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the  Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth,  so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”When we are church that says, Your way is better, then we get to be a church that is able to see His Higher ways!

------SERMON-------John 2:14-21 – 14 In the temple he found people selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and he also found the money changers sitting there. 15 After making a whip out of cords, he drove everyone out of the temple with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables. 16 He told those who were selling doves, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”, 17 And his disciples remembered that it is written: Zeal for your house will consume me., 18 So the Jews replied to him, “What sign will you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.” 20 Therefore the Jews said, “This temple took forty-six years to build, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. SERMON TITLE: “IT’S DEMO DAY!”1. THE *DESIGN DETERMINES THE *WORK1 Corinthians 6:19 – Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,2. YOU ARE NOT THE *ARCHITECT OF YOUR OWN *TRANSFORMATIONRomans 8:28-29 – 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.3. WITH JESUS, WHAT LOOKS LIKE *DESTRUCTION IS REALLY *RESTORATION John 2:18-19 – 18 So the Jews replied to him, “What sign will you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.” Hebrews 12:2-3 – fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Under Construction - Is It Worth It? (Alvaton - Week 1)Luke 14:25-33 25 Now large crowds were going along with Him, and He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who are watching it will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build, and was not able to finish!’ 31 Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to face the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 Otherwise, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and requests terms of peace. 33 So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.Jesus Doesn’t *Sugarcoat the *CostLuke 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.’Philippians 2:10-11 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.You Can’t *Build Right on the Wrong *BlueprintJeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”What You Gain *Outweighs What You *Give *UpLuke 14:33 “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.”Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.Luke 4:17–19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

3. WORSHIP *CHANGES *THE *ATMOSPHERE2 Kings 3:15 – 15 Now, bring me a musician.” While the musician played, the Lord’s hand came on Elisha.Psalms 149:6 – May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double edged sword in their hands,

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh(1 Corinthians 12:11-13 csb) When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known. 13 Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.“ROOTED IN LOVE”(Ephesians 3:17b-19 csb) I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 19 and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.1. Love must be our *life *source and our *foundation.(Ephesians 3:17b) I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love(Ephesians 3:18) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love2. *Finding is always preceded by *seeking.3. *Knowledge without *experience is unproven.(Ephesians 3:19) and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.(Romans 5:6-8) For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. 8 But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Rooted "Rooted In Vision"

Rooted in Community(Insert photo of vegetables)Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 CSBFirst, we have to recognize that we have an enemy that is trying to take away everything that God has for us.Good ground isn’t always good ground. It has to go through a process, and it has to be worked.Matthew 13:19 CSB1.Hard Ground- The *ground has to be *broken up, and *rocks have to be *removed.Matthew 13:20-21 CSB2.Shallow Ground-vOur f*aith in Jesus has to be worked up *deeper than *surface level.Matthew 13:22 CSB3. Over grown ground- Sometimes things *grow in our life that *choke *out what God has.Matthew 13:23 CSB4. Good Ground- *Good *ground is only possible in *community.Matthew 28:18-20 CSBYou don’t sew seed in ground you haven’t purchased…John 3:16 CSB

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh(Nahum1:14-15 csb) The Assyrian King’s Demise The Lord has issued an order concerning you: There will be no offspring to carry on your name. I will eliminate the carved idol and cast image from the house of your gods; I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible. 15 Look to the mountains— the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace. Celebrate your festivals, Judah; fulfill your vows. For the wicked one will never again march through you; he will be entirely wiped out.(Nahum 3:18-19 csb) King of Assyria, your shepherds slumber; your officers sleep. Your people are scattered across the mountains with no one to gather them together. 19 There is no remedy for your injury; your wound is severe. All who hear the news about you will clap their hands because of you, for who has not experienced your constant cruelty?(Jonah 3:1-10 csb) The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.” 3 Jonah got up and went to Nineveh according to the Lord’s command. Now Nineveh was an extremely great city, a three-day walk. 4 Jonah set out on the first day of his walk in the city and proclaimed, “In forty days Nineveh will be demolished!” 5 Then the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth—from the greatest of them to the least. 6 When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 Then he issued a decree in Nineveh: By order of the king and his nobles: No person or animal, herd or flock, is to taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink water. 8 Furthermore, both people and animals must be covered with sackcloth, and everyone must call out earnestly to God. Each must turn from his evil ways and from his wrongdoing. 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent; he may turn from his burning anger so that we will not perish. 10 God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—so God relented from the disaster he had threatened them with. And he did not do it.1. Authority recognizes authority but it also appoints accountability2. Our response to the warning of God ensures his resolve or his relenting.(Nahum 1:14b csb) I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible.(Johan 3:6 csb) When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.3. Repentance occurs when our hearing becomes heeding.(Jonah 3:10) God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—so God relented from the disaster he had threatened them with. And he did not do it.(Romans 10:9-10) 9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh------SERMON-------Nahum 2:1-13 – 1 One who scatters is coming up against you. Man the fortifications! Watch the road! Brace yourself! Summon all your strength! 2 For the Lord will restore the majesty of Jacob, Yes, the majesty of Israel, though ravagers have ravaged them and ruined their vine branches. 3 The shields of his warriors are dyed red; the valiant men are dressed in scarlet. The fittings of the chariot flash like fire on the day of its battle preparations, and the spears are brandished. 4 The chariots dash madly through the streets; they rush around in the plazas. They look like torches; they dart back and forth like lightning. 5 He gives orders to his officers; they stumble as they advance. They race to its wall; the protective shield is set in place. 6 The river gates are opened, and the palace erodes away. 7 Beauty is stripped; she is carried away; her ladies-in-waiting moan like the sound of doves and beat their breasts. 8 Nineveh has been like a pool of water from her first days, but they are fleeing. “Stop! Stop! ” they cry, but no one turns back. 9 “Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold!” There is no end to the treasure, an abundance of every precious thing. 10 Desolation, decimation, devastation, Hearts melt, knees tremble, insides churn, every face grows pale! 11 Where is the lion’s lair, or the feeding ground of the young lions, where the lion and lioness prowled, and the lion’s cub, with nothing to frighten them away? 12 The lion mauled whatever its cubs needed and strangled prey for its lionesses. It filled up its dens with the kill, and its lairs with mauled prey. 13 Beware, I am against you. This is the declaration of the Lord of Armies. I will make your chariots go up in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the sound of your messengers will never be heard again.SERMON TITLE: “COMFORTABLE IN THE CHAOS”GOD WILL NOT LET EVIL GO UNCHECKED. HE WILL ACT & NOTHING CAN STOP IT.1. GOD USES *UNCERTAINTY TO GROW *INTIMACYNahum 2:1-2a – 1 One who scatters is coming up against you. Man the fortifications! Watch the road! Brace yourself! Summon all your strength! 2 For the Lord will restore…James 1:2-4 – 2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. '2. GOD DOESN’T JUST *ALLOW UNCERTAINTY. HE *LIMITS IT.Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬ - “There is an occasion(season) for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance;”Nahum 2:2 – 2 For the Lord will restore the majesty of Jacob, Yes, the majesty of Israel, though ravagers have ravaged them and ruined their vine branches.3. GOD IS FOR YOU EVEN WHEN *LIFE FEELS *AGAINST YOUNahum 2:13 – 13 Beware, I am against you. This is the declaration of the Lord of Armies. I will make your chariots go up in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the sound of your messengers will never be heard again.Romans 8:31 – 31 What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?Romans 5:10 – 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhNahum 1:9–15 (CEB)9 What are you plotting against the Lord?He is one who can annihilate!Distress will not arise twice.10 They are tangled up like thorns,like drunkards in their cups.They are consumed like stubblethat is entirely dried up.11 From you goes out one who plots evil against the Lord—a worthless counselor!Reassurance for God’s people12 The Lord proclaims: Though once they were a healthy and numerous force, they have been cut off and have disappeared. I have afflicted you; I won’t afflict you further, Zion.13 Now I will break off his yoke from youand tear off your chains.Assyrian king’s future doom14 The Lord has commanded concerning you: You will have no children to carry on your name. I will remove carved idol and cast image from the house of your gods;I will make your grave, for you are worthless.15 Look, on the mountains:the feet of a messenger who announces peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah!Fulfill your solemn promises! The worthless one will never again invade you; he has been completely cut off.Nahum 1:9 - What are you plotting against the Lord? He is one who can annihilate! Distress will not arise twice.1. God’s Plan Is Not Threatened by Human ChangeNahum 1:12–13: 12 The Lord proclaims: Though once they were a healthy and numerous force, they have been cut off and have disappeared. I have afflicted you; I won’t afflict you further, Zion. 13 Now I will break off his yoke from you and tear off your chains.2. God Breaks the Weight We’re Not Meant to CarryIsaiah 10:27 27 On that day, God will remove the burden from your shoulder and destroy the yoke on your neck1 Peter 5:7 Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you.Nahum 1:15 Look, on the mountains: the feet of a messenger who announces peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah! Fulfill your solemn promises! The worthless one will never again invade you; he has been completely cut off.3. The Moment Doesn’t Stop The MessageIsaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of a messenger who proclaims peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God rules!”

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhUNCERTAINTY IS UNAVOIDABLENahum 1:1-8 (NASB) – 1 The pronouncement of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite: 2 A jealous and avenging God is the Lord; The Lord is avenging and wrathful. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In the gale and the storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet. 4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, the blossoms of Lebanon wither. 5 Mountains quake because of Him, and the hills come apart; Indeed, the earth is upheaved by His presence, the world and all the inhabitants in it. 6 Who can stand before His indignation? Who can endure the burning of His anger? His wrath gushes forth like fire, and the rocks are broken up by Him. 7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him. 8 But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of its site, and will pursue His enemies into darkness.SERMON TITLE: “CERTAIN IN UNCERTAINTY”1. HOW YOU SEE GOD *SHAPES HOW YOU *WALK THROUGH *UNCERTAINTYNahum 1:2-3 – 2 A jealous and avenging God is the Lord; The Lord is avenging and wrathful. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In the gale and the storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.Exodus 34:6-7a – 6 The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: The Lord, the Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, 7 maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished,...2. UNCERTAINTY *REVEALS WHO’S REALLY IN *CONTROLNahum 1:4-6 – 4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, the blossoms of Lebanon wither. 5 Mountains quake because of Him, and the hills come apart; Indeed, the earth is upheaved by His presence, the world and all the inhabitants in it. 6 Who can stand before His indignation? Who can endure the burning of His anger? His wrath gushes forth like fire, and the rocks are broken up by Him.3. JUST BECAUSE *TIMES ARE UNCERTAIN DOES NOT MEAN THAT *GOD IS NOT *PRESENT.Nahum 1:7-8 – 7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him. 8 But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of its site, and will pursue His enemies into darkness.Psalm 46:1 – 1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.Exodus 34:7a – 7 maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished,...

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh1. Jesus *Meets *Us in Our Bitterness2. The *Cross *Transforms What We Cannot Fix3. The *Table Is Still a Place of *Healing4. The Gospel Turns Our *Bitterness into *Beauty

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh------SERMON-------Luke 15:20-24 – 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! ’ So they began to celebrate. TITLE: “THE PRODIGAL SON & THE PERFECT FATHER” 1. GOD IS A FATHER WHO SEES WITH *COMPASSION, RUNS WITH *JOY, & WELCOMES WITH *LOVE. Luke 15:20 - 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. 2. GOD IS A FATHER WHO GRACIOUSLY *COVERS, GENEROUSLY *PROVIDES, & PURPOSEFULLY *RESTORES Luke 15:22-24 – 22 “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! ’ So they began to celebrate. 3. WE CAN BE BETTER FATHERS BECAUSE WE KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SONS – *SAVED BY *GRACE, LED BY THE *SPIRIT Matthew 7:9-11 - 9 Who among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him. MIN TIME: Luke 15:17-18 – 17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvhSquandered Opportunities(Luke 10:25-37csb) Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” 28 “You’ve answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. 34 He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”(Luke 10:25a csb) Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”(Luke 10:29 csb) But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”1. Love over Law requires *care and *compassion for the *unclean.(Luke 10:33) But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. 34 He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine.2. Love over Law requires *uncomfortable *generosity.(2 Corinthians 4:17-18) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.3. Love over Law requires a *future *focus.(Luke 10:35b csb) When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’

Storyteller - "King Saul and Goliath"1 Samuel 17:8-10: He stood and shouted to the Israelite battle formations, “Why do you come out to line up in battle formation?” He asked them, “Am I not aPhilistine and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. If he wins in a fight against me and kills me, we willbe your servants. But if I win against him and kill him, then you will be our servants and serve us.” Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel today.Send me a man so we can fight each other!”‬1 Samuel‬ ‭9‬:‭21 “Saul responded, “Am I not a Benjaminite from the smallest of Israel’s tribes and isn’t my clan the least important of all the clans of theBenjaminite tribe? So why have you said something like this to me?”POINT #1: YOUR *FEAR / *WORRY IS LEGITIMATE… ON YOUR OWN.Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave youor abandon you.POINT #2: IF *DEPENDENCE IS THE PRIORITY, THEN *WEAKNESS IS THE ADVANTAGE‭1 Samuel 17:41-44 The Philistine came closer and closer to David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despisedhim because he was just a youth, healthy , and handsome. He said to David, “Am I a dog that you come against me with sticks?” Then he cursed David by hisgods. “Come here,” the Philistine called to David, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts!”1 Samuel 17:45-47 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord ofArmies, the God of the ranks of Israel #— #you have defied him. Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, remove your head, andgive the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the wild creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, and thiswhole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us.”POINT #3: JESUS GIVES US THE *AUTHORITY SO NOW WE CAN *SPEAK TO THOSE THINGS WITH THE *CONFIDENCELIKE DAVID DIDMatthew 21:21 Jesus answered them, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you tellthis mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done.”POINT #4: THERE IS ALWAYS AN *ENEMY EITHER MAKING A *CHALLENGE OR PREPARING TO…. WHAT WE DO WILL DETERMINE OUR *OUTCOMESubpoints on slide following point #4...sunday1. Our faith has to be in Jesus and following Him2. Get in His word so you know the truth.3. Fight the temptations of the enemy with boldness.

Called out of ComfortJonah 1:1-17 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because their evil has come up before me.” 3 Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. 4 But the Lord threw a great wind onto the sea, and such a great storm arose on the sea that the ship threatened to break apart. 5 The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his god. They threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel and had stretched out and fallen into a deep sleep. 6 The captain approached him and said, “What are you doing sound asleep? Get up! Call to your god. Maybe this god will consider us, and we won’t perish.” 7 “Come on!” the sailors said to each other. “Let’s cast lots. Then we’ll know who is to blame for this trouble we’re in.” So they cast lots, and the lot singled out Jonah. 8 Then they said to him, “Tell us who is to blame for this trouble we’re in. What is your business, and where are you from? What is your country, and what people are you from?” 9 He answered them, “I’m a Hebrew. I worship the Lord, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 Then the men were seized by a great fear and said to him, “What have you done?” The men knew he was fleeing from the Lord’s presence because he had told them. 11 So they said to him, “What should we do to you so that the sea will calm down for us?” For the sea was getting worse and worse. 12 He answered them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea so that it will calm down for you, for I know that I’m to blame for this great storm that is against you.” 13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they couldn’t because the sea was raging against them more and more. 14 So they called out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, don’t let us perish because of this man’s life, and don’t charge us with innocent blood! For you, Lord, have done just as you pleased.” 15 Then they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. 16 The men were seized by great fear of the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. 17 The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. POINTS Jonah 1:4 But the Lord threw a great wind onto the sea, and such a great storm arose on the sea that the ship threatened to break apart. When we Run from the *Presence of God, We run from the Presence of *Peace Jonah 1:15 Then they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. God uses *Storms to Push Us to the Right *Places 17 The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. The *Rescue Was Ready, *Before Jonah Even Needed It

Matthew 16:13-18 – 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father 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 will not overpower it.SERMON TITLE: “THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH”1. THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH IS *BUILT BY PEOPLE WHO *SHOW *UP, NOT JUST *BELIEVEEphesians 5:15-16 - 15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk not as unwise people but as wise 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.2. THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH WILL BE *DEFINED BY THE *GENEROSITY OF THE *PEOPLEMatthew 6:19-21 - 19 “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.3. THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH IS *ADVANCED WHEN OUR UNIQUE *GIFTS SERVE ONE *PURPOSERomans 12:5-8 NIV – 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.4. THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH MUST HAVE A *FOUNDATION THAT STANDS THE *TEST OF *TIMEMatthew 16:17-18 – 17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father 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 will not overpower it.

https://linktr.ee/virtualvh------SERMON-------SERMON TITLE: "LEGACY OF A MOM"“Your greatest contribution to the Kingdom of God may not be something that you do but someone you raise”Genesis 16:6-13 - 6 Abram replied to Sarai, “Here, your slave is in your power; do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai mistreated her so much that she ran away from her. 7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 He said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She replied, “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her authority.” 10 The angel of the Lord said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too many to count.” 11 The angel of the Lord said to her, “You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your cry of affliction. 12 This man will be like a wild donkey. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand will be against him; he will settle near all his relatives.” 13 So she named the Lord who spoke to her: “You are El-roi,” for she said, “In this place, have I actually seen the one who sees me? ”1. GOD SEES YOU EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE HIM.Genesis 16:10-11 - 10 The angel of the Lord said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too many to count.” 11 The angel of the Lord said to her, “You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your cry of affliction.Genesis 16:13 - 13 So she named the Lord who spoke to her: “You are El-roi,” for she said, “In this place, have I actually seen the one who sees me? ”Genesis 16:9 - 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her authority.”2. YOU ARE NOT BURIED, YOU ARE PLANTEDGenesis 21:15-16 - 15 When the water in the skin was gone, she left the boy under one of the bushes 16 and went and sat at a distance, about a bowshot away, for she said, “I can’t bear to watch the boy die! ” While she sat at a distance, she wept loudly.Genesis 21:17-20 -17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What’s wrong, Hagar? Don’t be afraid, for God has heard the boy crying from the place where he is. 18 Get up, help the boy up, and grasp his hand, for I will make him a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well. So she went and filled the waterskin and gave the boy a drink. 20 God was with the boy, and he grew; he settled in the wilderness and became an archer.3. LIFE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT, JUST PERFECTEDHebrews 12:2 - 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Samuel Chapter 9:1-13 - 1 David asked, “Is there anyone from Saul’s family still alive that I could show faithful love for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 There was a servant from Saul’s household named Ziba, and he was summoned before David. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked him. “At your service!” he answered. 3 The king asked, “Is there anyone left from Saul’s family that I could show God’s kindness to?” “Yes,” Ziba said to the king, “one of Jonathan’s sons, whose feet are crippled.” 4 “Where is he?” the king asked. “He is at the house of Ammiel’s son Machir at Lo-debar,” Ziba told the king. 5 So King David had him brought from the house of Ammiel’s son Machir at Lo-debar. 6 Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson, came to David, and he fell to the ground, bowing low out of respect. “Mephibosheth?” David said. “Yes,” he replied. “I am at your service!” 7 “Don’t be afraid,” David told him, “because I will certainly show you faithful love for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the fields of your grandfather Saul, and you will eat at my table always.” 8 Mephibosheth bowed low out of respect and said, “Who am I, your servant, that you should care about a dead dog like me?” 9 Then David summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said to him, “I have given your master’s grandson everything belonging to Saul and his family. 10 You will work the land for him—you, your sons, and your servants—and you will bring food into your master’s house for them to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will always be at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) 11 Then Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do whatever my master the king commands.”So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons. 12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. All who lived in Ziba’s household became Mephibosheth’s servants. 13 Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table. He was crippled in both feet.1. *Grace Comes Looking When You Have *Nothing *Left to OfferLuke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.2. Grace *Repositions You for a Life You Could *Never *EarnEphesians 2:4-6 - 4 However, God is rich in mercy. He brought us to life with Christ while we were dead as a result of those things that we did wrong. He did this because of the great love that he has for us. 5 You are saved by God’s grace! 6 And God raised us up and seated us in the heavens with Christ Jesus.2 Samuel 19:24–28 - 24 Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, also came down to meet the king. He hadn’t taken care of his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. 25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king asked him, “Mephibosheth, why didn’t you go with me?” 26 “My master and king,” Mephibosheth answered, “my servant abandoned me! Because your servant is lame, I asked my servant, ‘Saddle a donkey for me so I can ride and go to the king.’ 27 So Ziba has slandered your servant to my master and king, but my master and king is a messenger of God. So do whatever seems best to you. 28 Even though all the members of my grandfather’s family were nothing short of demonic toward my master and king, you still put your servant with those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to beg for still more from the king?”3. Grace *Sustains You When Life *Breaks Your Strength2 Corinthians 12:9 - 9 He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me.”

------SERMON-------(Acts 1:3-8 csb) After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time? 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”“Worth The Wait”1. Our *promise is initiated in a *period of *pause.(Acts 1:4-5) While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise.“Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”*Answers allude when we ask the wrong *questions.(Acts 1:6-7) So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.(Isaiah 40:30-31 csb) Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall, 31 but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.Strength gives you *capacity while power gives you *authority.(Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”(2 Peter 5:6-7) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

The Transfer. Matthew 27:46-47, Luke Luke 23:44-47 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”(And with those words he breathed his last). 47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.Matthew 27:46: About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”**POINTS**Matthew 27:46: About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”Our *Atonement Required an *AbandonmentLuke 44-47 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”(And with those words he breathed his last)Death Stopped the *Breath, but Not the *Assignment47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.This wasn’t just a *Triumph; it was a *Transfer. His *Goodness for Our *Guilt