Victory Christian Fellowship

  As a pastor concludes his ministry in a local church, in particular in a church he planted, What should his reflections be? What should he desire for his people? Paul articulates my sentiments.  

    Have you ever been a member of a church in crisis? If not, have you ever been in a personal crisis? Oftentimes when the alarm of the catastrophe becomes acute for us, our immediate thought is what do I need to do to get out of this – right now! In our passage today we find young Pastor Timothy in crisis at the church of Ephesus. Approximately midway through the letter Paul gives Timothy his purpose statement for having written the letter in the first place. VCF, like Ephesus, is experiencing a bit of a rough go of it & I like Timothy, and our respective churches need to be reminded of a few things if we are going to triumph in the mist of the crisis.      

  Here in the American West, we oftentimes see ourselves as individuals. We are a low-group culture. The culture in which Jesus was socialized was a high-group culture; they viewed themselves not as individuals, but a part of a larger social group. This social construct is evidenced in today’s story. Matthew, Jesus’ newest disciple, immediately upon becoming Christ’s follower conjures up an event where all of his friends (oikos), might hear the Good News and become followers of Jesus. Matthew’s idea for engaging his friends was not a Bible study or reading evangelistic tracts – his plan was to host an Evangelistic Mixer! 

  The Easter narrative is pregnant with examples of Jesus’ closest followers cascading into unbelief. How does God get us back on track? What methods does He employ? What role, if any, do we play in the process? Today’s teaching will answers to these questions. 

When was the last time you shared your testimony with someone? Do you have one? Is it written down? It doesn’t have to be sensational, but is it compelling? In today’s narrative, Jesus delivers a man from demonic destruction and then sends him to evangelize his family & friend and then ten cities; armed with no apologetics, no biblical background, no theology, no evangelistic training – just the power of a personal testimony! 

Today’s message will probably reveal that we’ve been on both sides of this particular equation. Ever been thrust into a circumstance where you found yourself doubting what you once believed to be true of God? On the flipside, have you ever had a believing friend seek consolation from you because they just didn’t think they could put their trust in God the way they had in the past? Is it possible that you were at a lost for how to encourage them? In today’s teaching, Jesus is going to demonstrate how to “Be Contagious” with a doubting, believing friend. 

The definition of contagious is the transmission or spread of something from one person or object to another. In the medical field they distinguish between contagious and infectious ailments. A contagious ailment is contracted through general contact: a hand shake. An infectious ailment can be only be transmitted through specific contact: a blood transfusion. Is our Christian faith transmittable? What’s our obligation to be contagious? 

This week Paul shares a key paradigm shift in our thinking as we set out on a New Year. What does it look like to live as resident aliens in this world? Let’s consider Paul’s idea together. 

Did you know that you are under arrest? The Fourth Amendment states, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” In other words, the threshold for the arrest, search or seizure of one’s person or property must be met prior to law authorities attempting to do so. Paul says in this passage that we, as Christians, are under arrest, but for what reason? How will this truth shape our faith journeys in the New Year? 

What do you have planned for 2014? Are there any big moves on the horizon? How do you approach short-term or long range planning? Do you plan at all? Or, do you take life as it comes? Is it wrong to draft plans? What does the Bible say about planning? As we prepare for a New Year pregnant with new possibilities, how do plan in a uniquely Christian way? Today, James, Jesus’ little brother has advice for us as we embark upon a New Year! 

As Luke’s nativity narrative unfolds, Mary & Joseph are met by another obscure person looking for the Christ child. Would the birth of Christ have implications for Israel only or for all men? 

In Luke’s version of the nativity scene, there are three wonderful truths that grip the reader. The first idea is very subtle, the second idea is not so subtle – it’s actually rather profound and the last is exciting but challenging at the same time. Let’s review the greatest story ever told! 

Core values are the convictions that a person or organization clings to & will never relinquish no matter how people, circumstances and societies ebb & flow. Core values anchor you to who you are. What are the Church’s core values? 

The five short verses that comprise this Great Commission passage are among the most important to establish the ongoing agenda of the church throughout the ages.” (Michael J. Wilkins, NIVAC. 2004 p.947) 

There are 613 commandments in the Torah (Genesis- Deuteronomy), but they can all be summed up by 2: The Great Commandment. Remember from last week, the Great Commandment is a two-sided coin. What does it look like when we love God and love our neighbor? And who is our neighbor? The story of the Good Samaritan is easily one of the more scandalous stories Jesus ever told. While it is provocative, it is pregnant with truth for us. 

The Greatest Commandment in the Bible is a two- sided coin. Last week we looked at the vertical side of that coin as God commanded us to love Him with all of heart, soul, possessions & Jesus later adds our mind. This week, we consider the other side of the coin: the horizontal aspect of The Great Commandment. This teaching is important in our day because the commitment to the covenant community by people who claim to love God is eroding right before our eyes. Consider the April 9, 2012 Newsweek cover story: Forget the Church, Follow Jesus. 

Mission #1 at VCF is to call young people to love God. Which is just what we find Moses doing in the great Hebrew Shema passage, let’s see how Moses did in his day, what we are called by God to do today. 

Jesus’ clear teaching on what radically transformed community looks like is the singular passage that informs VCF’s community initiative. 

At the heart of the Christian experience is a radical transformation from what we were by nature into what God intends us to become by grace. 

Jesus’ famous encounter with the rich young ruler is insightful for a host of reasons. First, this young man would fit perfectly into VCF’s target demographic. The young man inquires about how to obtain eternal life. How does Jesus respond to his inquiry? What might we learn about how to respond to similar questions directed to us as we reach out to young people in our generation? 

God’s mission for VCF, should we choose to accept it, is to win our generation for Christ! Many would argue that this mission is ministry suicide, mission impossible, a waste of time & resources. What do you say? Can we reach our generation for Christ? If this mission impossible is to become possible, what are adjustments that will need to take place for this dream of ours to become a new reality? 

As the abortion debate rages on in every sector of our country, the question that stifles our nation's ability to arrive at a morally justifiable position is ethical. How do we, as the people of God, make an ethically persuasive arguement for the pro-life cause? Today we are going to discover a couple of things: First, ethics and morality are often times used interchangeably in our dialog relating to any topic, but what if ant is the difference between the two? Second, what is the ethical process? Is it simply enough for all of us to employ as we engage folks on the abortion topic?

Today we are going to see the inconsistency in the way in which the United States Courts make judicial decisions & US Congresspersons formulate laws that pertain to the unborn. Therefore, because these two branches of government are all over the map on this issue, we as the salt of the earth & light of the world need to be unwavering in our stance on what costitutes life and personhood.

54 million abortions have been performed since abortion on demand became legal in 1973. On the 40yr anniversary of that landmark decision we consider the complexity of this dilemma. And what does the Bible say about life? What should our position be as Christians?

What does the New Testament say about homosexuality? We discovered last time that God abhors homosexuality... period! What is God's disposition towards this sexual orientation & those who practice it in the Church Age? Does God take a softer postion on it as a result of Christ's sacrafice at Calvary or is He cocsistent in both Testaments. Let's survey a few passages in an attempt to comprehend the mind of God on this subject.

Our task this week is to take a look at a couple of the most prominent passages in the in the Old Testament that highlights God's disdain for sexual vice, in particular: homosexuality. A helpful distinction is in order, we want to differentiate between being: homoerotic and homosexual. Homoeroticisim is a sexual attraction for the same sex. Whereas Homosexuality is defined by one who actually engages in sexual relations with someone of the same sex. Our passages deal with latter issue not the former. Again, Moses is our teacher today! 

For The Christiian, as we think about human sexuality we have to answer this very basic question, "Has God designed us to express ourselves sexually in very specific ways or has He left that to individual preogative? Genesis 1-2 speak volumes on this issue, we would wise to hear Gos's heart though Moses.

Before we begin our discussion of sexual ethics, it's important that we reboot our Christian thinking regarding who we are as human beings. Human sexuality is not subject to the prerogative of any given person, but is rooted in the essence of humanity itself. Join me has we trek back to the beginning!

Our passage focuses on the second theme, obeying God in the midst fierce opposition. How are we as God’s sons & daughters to live in the midst of hostility? When we encounter hostility, where should our focus be directed? The here & now? The hereafter? Or, both? Preview: In today’s passage we will see: (1) The results of God’s awesome love for us, (2) The certainty that as God’s children we will be maligned by the world, (3) The bifocal vision God’s children must have in the midst of hostility. 

As we come to the end of our five month trek through the Sermon on the Mount, we discover two verses that function as response by the adoring crowds to the teaching of Jesus. There are a few insights that we can glean from these short verses that can enhance our commitment to follow Jesus. Let's consider a few questions as we begin: When was the last time you were shocked or awestuck by an event or circumstance? What happend? Were you positively or negetively impacted? Now, when was the last time you had an experience like this in church or a devotional time or cohort group?

The concluding paragraphs of the Sermon on the Mount serve as an ominous warning to those who believe they will one day enter the Kingdom of God. Today we'll examine one of the most cryptic passages in the entire Bible. What does it mean to be self-deceived about whether or not you will enter the Kingdom of heaven? What might cause someone to be misled about the most important issue in all of life? How do we ensure that our expectation of entering the KIngdom is rock solid?

Thoughout this teaching the Lord Jesus has eloquently articulated what kingdom living looks like. Now like any good preacher He ends His spectacular with an invitation to enter the kingdom of heaven. Next He warns His disciples about the dangers of false prophets. As we share our faith with others we would do well to pass along these essential lessons to them as they contemplate for themselves what it means to enter the kingdom of heaven.

We all want a good spouse, kids, health, career, home, car, community, church, country & world. Though we want these things, how can we be certain God wants them for  us as well? In today's teaching Jesus outlines two ways in which we as the children of God the Father might discover the goodness of God.

Tupac said, "Only God can Judge me." Was he right? We've all heard someone say in response to some criticism of them by another person, "The Bible says don't judge. Sure Jesus said that, but is that really what He meant? And why doesn't anyone ever define what they mean by "judge" We're going to identify three possible judgements that Jesus could have referred to & select the one that best fits the passage. Question for Jesus: "Was Tupac right"

Is there a difference between responsible concern and worry that leads to stress and anxiety? If there is a difference between the two options which one best characterizes our outlook on life? If you consider yourself a "worrier" what does Jesus say about worring about one's needs in this life?

Guest speaker, Pastor Dr. Stephen Mbogo.

It is axiomatic that Jesus talked more about wealth than He did about heaven or hell. What is it about money that poses such a threat to one's devotion to God? Living lives worthy of the kingdom requires that we make a paradigm shift in our attitudes regarding material possessions, money and / or wealth acquisitions. 

Most of us are probably "all over the map" when it comes to the spiritual disicpline of fasting. Today, we're going to answer the following questions: What is fasting? Why did people fast in biblical times? Who were some of the most notable people who fasted? Jesus is set to teach His disciples who were very familiar with fasting, how to perform the discipline in a way God honors. We would be wise to hear Jesus' words on this topic.

Once and for all can we agree that "The Lord's Prayer" is simply a model for how disciples are to pray and not a prayer to be recited verbatim? How do we know? Because Jesus says, "In this way you are to pray..." He does not say, "Pray these words..." How do our prayers compare with the model that Jesus taught His disciples & by extension - to us as well? Let's examine our prayers together!

It May strike some as strange that Jesus would challenge His new disciples to pay close attention to their motives as they practice the "spiritual disciplines". Again, to perform the right action with all the wrong intentions profits you absolutely nothing in the eternal scheme of things. We would be wise to heed the Master's teaching and check our motivation regarding prayer.

Aaron's priestly blessings / benediction has been pronounced over at some point in our church experience by a pastor or clergyman of some sort. We have often received these gracious words, but have never thought deeply about them. Today, in light of Easter, let's consider what would be necessary for this benediction to really be yours. 

Traditionally, we hear Palm Sunday sermons highlighting the festive exuberance of the people as they usher Jesus into Jerusalem for the last time during His earthly ministry. However, Luke's account of the occasion highlights the fact that Jesus' disposition does not mirror that of the adoring crowd. What are we to make of this?

There appears to be a logical contradiction between verse one of this current passage and verse 5:16. In 5:16 Jesus says, "let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." But in 6:1 He says, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." How are we to reconcile these teachings? Is Jesus speaking with a forked tongue? Again, this is one of those instances when our English Bibles fail to pick the nuance of Jesus' original statement. Let's focus in as Jesus lays down the guidelines for charitable giving.

In the six and final antithesis, Jesus concludes this portion of His teaching with an equally provocative message: Love your enemies! Who are our enemies? Why is it so difficult to love them? What is love according to Jesus? What are some tangible ways in which we might do good to them who only seem to want to see our demise? Brace yourself again this week for a message likely to ruffle feathers!

In the fifth of six antitheses, Jesus hands own one of His most provocative teachings: Non-relailiation in the face of someone determind to humiliate you & see to it that you get the short end of the stick. Is retailiation ever permitted? Are there limits to a Christian's non-retailiation ethic? How are we to determine the difference? Hold onto your seats, Jesus' lesson tonight is a juggernaut!

In the fourth of six antitheses, we are confronted with the reality that swearing oaths is unnecessary when you are a truthful Christian person. Are you a truthful person? Can your word be trusted? Are your handshake & your word reliable? Lets hear from Jesus on the matter!

In the third of six antitheses, Jesus continues to challenge the disciples realationally, particulary in the context of marriage. As a disciple of Christ & citizens of heaven, is divorce okay? If it is permitted, then on what grounds? What happens if I've blown it in marriage? Can I remarry? Jesus addresses these questions today!

In the second of six antithesis, Jesus continues to challenge the disciples relationally, though in this antithesis and in the third He deals specifically with marriage. How do we avoid the scandal of adultery? What drastic, yet practical steps can we take to preserve our marriages? Let us hear from the Master Himself tonight. 

The passage that we will consider tonight is the first of what is known as "the six antithesis" paragraphs of Jesus. Have you ever committed murder? Have you ever been in a violent rage towards a fellow Christian? Have you ever insulted a brother or sister of Christ? Jesus has a provocative teaching on the subject of where sin begins. Let's learn from Him.

Today's passage is interesting in the sense that Jesus no doubt shocked His audience by His statement in verse twenty of our text. How is it possible for the righteousness of an everyday believer to transend that of the holiest men of Jesus' day? Jesus says that is not only possible, but a necessity for entrance into heaven. Let's hear from the King on this matter.