Victory Fellowship Church Podcast

Your story is powerful. As you yield your story to God, He can use it for your good and for His glory. In this message, Amanda Jackson shares her story of a Father's love. She shares about struggles, failures, and victories in life.She loved Jesus and was drawn to Him in prayer from a young age. As a young adult, she realized that the leadership of her church did not value her. She struggled with feeling judged.As she waited for things she prayed for, she began to doubt God's timing. She wanted a husband and a family. She began to trust more in her plans than in yielding to the Lord. The Lord reminded her: "You are not the exception to the rule."There is redemption after sin.The Lord wants you to know that He loves you. First, you are His child. He is your loving Father. Amanda shares her beautiful story of a Father's love and redemption. God makes all things new. Faith is not transactional, it is about a relationship with Jesus.  Jesus said, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father."Marriage and singleness are both gifts from God. Marriage is not a prize to be obtained, and singleness is not a prison to break free from.Here is the truth:"I am loved and valued""I forgive others""I walk in who the Father says that I am... His beloved daughter and now I am strengthening others."Are you surrendering every part of your life to Jesus and embracing the love of the Father?

Who listens to you? In this message, VFC house church pastor, Tom Van Gundy shares how you can be a person that impacts lives for God. 2 Kings 5:1-8[1] Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. [2] Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife. [3] She said to her mistress, "Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy." [4] So Naaman went in and told his lord, "Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel." [5] And the king of Syria said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel." So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing.  [6] And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, "When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy." [7] And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me."[8] But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, "Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel."This little maid lived a life that made others listen to her. Your walk talks louder than your talk. Her life exhibited characteristics that enabled God to move with power through her. 1) Selfless compassion - This little servant girl demonstrated love. She wanted the best for her owner. 2) Steadfast Conviction - The servant girl had faith. She had absolute expectancy. Luke 4:27 None were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. She believes even though she hadn't seen it. 3) Servant Consistency - She served well as she waited in Naaman's wife. 

Every day you are writing your story. Every situation, every decision, is adding a sentence, a page, or a chapter to the book of your life. In this message, Everyone has made a mess of their lives at some point or another. But God doesn't waste pain. If you'll surrender your story to Him, He'll turn your scars into sermons. He'll turn your breakdowns into breakthroughs. Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how your mess can become your message. 1. Your story is history.Guilt says "what I did was bad." Shame says "who I am is bad." But God says "What I did and who I am has made you brand new."Christian, God has not only forgiven, but forgotten your sin.Isaiah 43:25 NLT To blot or wipe out in Hebrew is to "obliterate or exterminate."The blood of Jesus isn't just white-out that covers your sin—it's an eraser that completely removes it. 1 John 1:9 Honesty with God is the first step to healing from God. Shame grows in the dark, so bring it out into the light. Admit it, quit it, forget it. 2. Your story is His story.When talking about your past, your pain is not the headline—His power is.Romans 8:28 Don't glorify your pain; glorify God through your pain. 3. Your story is ministry.Your past can help someone's future. Ministry isn't just what happens on a stage at church; it's what happens when you sit with someone in the middle of their storm.2 Corinthians 1:3-4The ministry you're called to often comes from the mess you went through.The most powerful ministry tool you have is probably not your preaching, but your past. 4. Your story is prophecy.The Bible says God is no respecter of persons, so when you share what God has done for you, you are prophesying what He will do for someone else.2 Corinthians 1:10 NIV On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver usIf He did it before, He'll do it again!Your testimony is God's promise for someone else's problem. When you testify, you prophesy! 5. Your story is victory.Revelation 12:11 NKJVYou get to help God defeat His enemy with your testimony. 6. Your story is a journey.Your story isn't over—its still happening. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLTWhen we stop short of finishing the story, we come away with the wrong conclusion. Don't write someone off while God is still writing their story. The very thing you think disqualifies you—your brokenness, your past, your mess—is the very thing God can use to bring beauty and healing to others. It's time to stop hiding the chapters of your life that you hate, and start letting God use them. Someone's healing is on the other side of your honesty. Let Him turn your mess into your message. Have your surrendered your story to the Lord?

How can generations partner together to prepare the way for God to move? In this message, Youth Pastor Anna Oaks shares insight to help us encourage each other and pursue the Lord together. Young people who were used by God. David, the shepherd and kingShariah, meshach, and AbednegoMary, the mother of JesusThe boy who brought his lunch to JesusWhat was the common thread? Called Young, Often Unqualified Faced Rejection, Resistance, and Trials Stayed Faithful in Obscurity Said "Yes" When It MatteredDavid was a teenage shepherd, forgotten by his own family— yet chosen to slay giants and become king.Joseph was a 17-year-old dreamer in a dysfunctional family, sent to save nations.Mary was likely in her early teens when she carried the Savior of the world.Jeremiah said, "I am only a youth"— but God said, "Don't say "I am only a youth." (Jeremiah 1:6-7)David worshiped in the fields.Daniel prayed in secret.Joseph honored God in prison.Mary pondered God's word in her heart.Willing to say "Yes":"Here I am, Lord," said Samuel"Be it unto me," said Mary"I cannot help but speak," said JeremiahYouth were significant leaders in the First Great Awakening (1730s - 1740s) and the Second Great Awakening (Early 1800s).The revival leader of the Welsh Revival was a young man. And the worship leaders were young people. Jesus Movement (Late 1960s-1970s)Where teenagers and college-aged started leading mass baptisms (80,000 attendees) and launched the modern Christian music movement.  2023 Asbury Revival: a 16 day revival that started when students spontaneously stayed beyond chapel for worship and prayer. Tens of thousands GenZ soon gathered.What was the common thread? A Deep Hunger for God's Presence Radical Surrender and Repentance Prayer and Unity1. Recognize That a Revival Doesn't ComeWrapped in Familiar Packaging.Be willing to let go of preference and brace God's presence, even when it comes in unexpected ways.2. Pray, Cover, and Intercede Like It's Your Calling (Because It IS)You might not lead the move —but your prayers, mentorship, and spiritual protection fuel it.3. Mentor and Model Without MicromanagingBe the spiritual scaffolding that helps youth rise— not the ceiling that holds them down.What is your part in what the Lord is doing in the youth today?

In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally answers your submitted questions. 1. Is it OK for Christians to be cremated instead of buried?According to the Bible during the resurrection, we get new bodies, not renovations of our existing bodies.2 Corinthians 5:1-3 NLT  2. I have a friend and have heard of several other high profile believers who have deconstructed their faith and walked away from the gospel altogether. How should we guard our hearts from this?Three phases of Christian belief:1. Construction – what you were taught.2. Deconstruction – investigating whether what you believe is true.3. Reconstruction – developing a balanced, Biblical belief-system.Acts 17:11-12  3. Who rolled away the stone at Jesus' tomb? Do you think Jesus did it himself? Or was it the Holy Spirit? God the Father?Matthew gives us this detail.Matthew 28:2 4. I've never read all the way through the Bible. Am I a bad Christian?Bad? No. Lazy? Maybe.Romans 15:4 Ultimately, the goal of the written word is to get to know the author, so be spirit-led in your reading. 5. What do you think about seasons of life where God seems distant?This is good news – you're growing up. a. Perspective - It's just a season.b. Practice – Spiritual disciplines are the things you do—not out of obligation—but to ensure a safe trip when visibility is low.c. Presence. Pursue the presence of God.2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV It's OK if you don't feel God all of the time. We are called believers, not feelers. 6. Should wives be upset with their husbands if they go hang out with their friends for hours without telling her?Probably. Married people should act like they're married. Ephesians 5:33 NLT 7. How do we handle unanswered prayers for healing?Acts 10:38Healing is always God's will, but not always God's wisdom.We hold these two truths together: Jesus healed everyone He possibly could, AND 100% of the people Jesus healed still died. Every believer gets permanently healed in heaven.Keep praying!  8. Why do so many Christians look down their nose at the less than fortunate ones?We don't understand righteousness. There are three types of righteousness we see in scripture, and only one works.a. Righteousness of the world – Be good.b. Righteousness of the Pharisees – Be better.c. Righteousness of God – Be in Christ. Romans 3:22 Receiving the acceptance of God doesn't mean we stop trying, it just means that we stop trying out. We already made the team -no need to compare ourselves anymore. 9. Where did John get his papyrus to write the book of Revelation? 10. My spouse and I have some different minor theological positions. How should we teach our kids?Proverbs 22:6 The essentials should be instilled from a young age, but peripheral stuff is a good opportunity to invite them into your varying opinions. Are you trusting God with your questions?

God is cool with your questions. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally answers YOUR submitted questions.  1. What does it mean to be a disciple and how does that look in our everyday lives?A disciple is anyone who follows Jesus. The Greek word is similar to the idea of an apprentice—someone who learns by working with a mentor.Luke 9:23More info: "I Have Decided" sermon series, January, 2021 2. What does the Bible say about interracial relationships?Absolutely nothing. Interracial marriage is not wrong. Nehemiah 13:27 Bottom line: Any biblical warning against intermarrying is about idolatry not ethnicity. 3. Is it okay for people to keep Old Testament laws like not eating pork or celebrating Jewish feasts/festivals if they still believe we are made right with God through Jesus?The Jewish dietary laws and the feasts were part of an old covenant with ancient Israel. Now, they hold no power when it comes to our holiness.Colossians 2:16Galatians 5:4In 2 Corinthians 3:6 Paul calls the OT law the "ministry of death." More info: Even More Elephants pt. 2: Christians & Jews (August 2017) 4. When is the last time that you gave a sermon that was not scheduled weeks in advance?Although I have a plan, I don't write sermons until Friday the week of. And of course, everything is always subject to change. Scheduling in advance is a good thing. 5. How do you handle anger at your spouse when you're spiritually mismatched? They say they are a believer but refuse to go to church and aren't really showing any kind of relationship with God.James 1:20 says the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.-Communication -Intercession -Demonstration - Show them what a Christian is like.1 Corinthians 7:14 6. What's the difference between demonic possession and demonic oppression? How can children of God be affected by either?Revelation 12:9Three levels of influence by a demon: possession, oppression, persuasion.The way someone becomes affected by a demon is to agree with that spirit's primary objective.1 Peter 5:8-9More info: VFC courses 102 & 104 7. Where did God come from?Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God...God is an uncreated spirit. He is eternal in the future and in the past. 8. Can you explain what is meant by Progressive Christianity? Is it a good thing or bad thing?Progressive Christianity is a trending movement among Christians that questions traditional Christian beliefs and often rejects orthodox theology and embraces current cultural beliefs.Matthew 16:6 "Watch out!" Jesus warned them. Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees".A few markers of progressive Christianity:1. A low view of Jesus and a high view of mankind. 2. Having a low regard for scripture.3. An over-emphasis on social justice.More info: Elephants in the Room 2021, Part 5.Are you trusting God with your questions?

We have a Problem. We are content. In this message, Pastor Cynthia Bryan stirs us to become desperate rather than content.Our problem with contentment is that we are content with the wrong things.We are content with occasionally praying, occasionally reading our bibles, and gathering as believers when we feel like it.We are apathetic and distracted about the things of God.Once I heard the stories, I couldn't be content anymore. Have you heard about the Welsh national revival of 1904-05? 150,000 people came to Christ in the first 6 months. Azusa Street 1906: For more than 3 years the cloud of God's glory rested on a humble building call the Azusa Street Mission. 100's of 1,000's of people came from around the world and were filled with the Holy Spirit. In the Hebrides Islands of Scotland, in 1949, the power of God fell. This Outpouring of the Holy Spirit spread through the islands and within weeks every church was filled to capacity. Are we aware of the desperate situation we and our community are in?This is a desperate time that we live in:Wars and rumors of wars, News of the threat of terrorism and war.Uncertainty, Polarization, hate, Anger, rage and Accusation1 Peter 5:8 NLT  2 Cor 4:18 NIVWe are in desperate times among desperate people who don't know where to turn. But you cannot be desperate FOR something until you know it exists.When you hear the stories, you realize that the Holy Spirit still moves today like He did in the book of Acts.Let's look at Acts chapter 2:2-6,38,41Desperate people were told to wait in the city to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. But, can God do it again? Can the Holy Spirit move in a way to yield another spiritual awakening and transform culture?Here is the good news:A Desperate Time is the perfect time for the Holy Spirit to move; We are in a time now just like other times prior to great outpourings of the Spirit.When Christians recognize they are in desperate times, they take desperate measures.Seek (implies desperation, commitment, earnestness) the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near; Isaiah 55:6 ESVWhy do we need awakening?                For our families, for our neighbors, for our community, for our nation. For the young person contemplating suicide, for the lost and depressed, for the hopeless, for those who are dying without hope.“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.” Isaiah 44:3 NKJV Desperate Measures:                Feed the sense of desperation:                Repentance: Clean hands and a pure heart.               Prayer, crying out to God for our families, our region, our nation.               Fasting – humble yourself               Be a bold witness. What desperate measure is the Lord asking of you?

Christians aren't consumers, we are contributors. In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson describes how we can move from "me" faith to "we" faith.1. We've turned church into a burrito bar, not a potluck.Custom culture has crept into the church."I need to get fed" = consumer mindset.But spiritual fullness doesn't come from endless intake.2. We've reversed the flow of Christian life.Church isn't just where we receive.Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for selfish worship (1 Cor. 11:20–22).Modern faith: inhale only, never exhale.When your entire spiritual life is built around what you receive—what you get out of a sermon, what you feel during worship, what you need to make it through the week, you will eventually feel empty. Not because God failed to show up...but because you never poured out what He already gave you.If you never pour out, you eventually suffocate.3. Grow in private. Give in public.Hebrews 10:24–25 – we gather to encourage and spur one another on.You grow in the quiet place. You give in the gathering place.The church is a place of participation, not passive inspiration.Maturity = contribution.4. Bring something. Leave nourished.Acts 4:32, 34–35 – radical generosity led by the Spirit.This is the miracle of Christian community: Everyone brings something, and everyone leaves nourished. No one's left out. No one's forgotten. God meets us as we meet each other.This isn't communism—it's Christlikeness.Give your time, joy, story, smile.Life rhythm: Receive. Release. Repeat.5. How do we live this out?1. Treat church like a dinner table, not a diner.1 Cor. 14:26 – Everyone brings something.The Church is meant to be a table where everyone brings something. Not a drive-through line. Your presence, your prayers,  and your service matters.2. Be someone's breakthrough.James 5:16 – Your prayers may unlock healing for someone else. So many times we find ourselves listening to God for ourselves, we never stop to ask God how we could encourage someone else.Church is not just where we get filled—it's where we pour ourselves out. Mature disciples don't just ask, "What's in it for me?" They ask, "What can I give away?"Question: Are you a contributor or a consumer?

This is the day everything changed. We celebrate Easter not just to recall a moment, but to remember a mystery: that even death couldn't stop God's plans. in this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares that the resurrection is not just a nice story—it's the unstoppable truth that redefines reality.  Why is the resurrection such a big deal?Christians talk about the cross a lot, but the empty grave is the key to our faith.Romans 6:8-9 MSG When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us.If the cross is Jesus' death for me, the empty grave is Jesus' life for me.If the cross gets me into heaven, the empty grave gets heaven into me.If the cross reveals Jesus as savior, the empty grave reveals Jesus as victor.If the cross paid for my sin, the empty grave means that the payment was accepted. You can have confidence that the resurrection happened.In addition to the 4 independent documents attesting to the historicity of the resurrection called "the gospels" - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We also have many eyewitness testimonies that people saw Jesus after his death.1 Corinthians 15:3-6These disciples suddenly and sincerely came to believe that Jesus was risen from the dead, despite there being no benefit to them believing it. Two Biblical authors, James and Jude, believed their brother Jesus was God. What would it take for you to believe your sibling was God? The stone was rolled away, not to let Jesus out, but to let us in—so we could see that what He said is true. Shortly before Jesus' death and resurrection, He made one of His boldest declarations.John 14:6 NLT Jesus' way is unstoppable.Jesus is protecting you when He shows you His way because He is the only road that leads to life.Proverbs 14:12 NIVBottom line: You cannot get to a kingdom destination by following the culture's directions. Jesus' truth is unstoppable.Jesus is the reality check the world didn't ask for, but desperately needs. John 8:31-32 The truth that sets us free in found in only in Christ.The resurrection is the exclamation point on everything Jesus ever said.  Jesus' life is unstoppable.Jesus didn't escape death; He conquered it. John 11:25-26 Your story doesn't have to end in despair, defeat, or death. In Christ, your story ends in resurrection. Jesus doesn't only offer you a better life; He offers you eternal life. If you're feeling lost—He's the Way. If you're questioning what's real—He's the Truth. If you're barely hanging on—He's the Life. This is Easter.When the devil said "checkmate," God said, "The King has one more move."Jesus is the Way that can't be blocked, the Truth that can't be silenced, and the Life that can't be killed.  Is Jesus your way, your truth, and your life?

Would you consider yourself a person of excellence? How clean is your microwave?In this message, Pastor Tim Martin shares how We can pursue excellence. Being a person of excellence doesn't mean being perfect. The original motto for Victory Fellowship Church was "the perfect church for imperfect people".We should reflect God's character, reflecting him wholeheartedly Characteristics of a person of excellence:- FaithHebrew 11:6Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.- IntegrityProverbs 20:7    The righteous who walks in his integrity—        blessed are his children after him!Matthew 5:37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.- CompassionEphesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.Are you tired and struggling, Jesus has compassion on you. A person of excellence will ask God to see people the way God sees them. - Humility1 Peter 5:5-7[5] Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, [7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.- Persistence Galatians 6:9-10And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.You become a person of excellence by spending time with God. You learn to trust God the more you spend time with him. Like the way a horse learns to trust his master, we should learn to trust our Master. A well-trained horse will obey quickly. The horse has spent a lot of time with his master and has learned to trust his master's commands. As children of God, we can learn to trust God as we spend time with Him. Time had a horse named Lucky, wherever he pointed Lucky's head, he would go. We need to be like that with God. 

Is money your master? In this message Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how we can dethrone the almighty dollar. You may have seen the clip—recently a famous pastor went viral for harshly instructing his ushers to close the doors as he began to receive (take up) an offering at his meeting.  If you're skeptical: I get it. I don't want something from you, I want something for you. Here is why this topic is so important:Money is a master that's searching for servants.Matthew 6:24 NIV This false god wants to sit on the throne of your heart. Our finances reveal our faithfulness.Luke 16:10-12 NLTYou'll be good at what you practice. Be generous with what you have now. How to dethrone the almighty dollar:1. Choose generosity over greed. Greed assumes that what I have is mine. If a resource comes TO me, it must be FOR me. Generosity assumes everything is God's, and the resources I have received might not be FOR me, they might be THROUGH me.  Greed produces owners, generosity produces stewards.2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT God's desire is to be generous to you so that you will be generous to others. 2. Recognize your money problem.The world says you have money problems when you don't have money, but the Bible says you have money problems when money has you.1 Timothy 6:9-10 NLTHow do you know if you love money? If you're willing to set aside your beliefs to get it.1 Timothy 6:17 NLT God wants us to enjoy life, but he also wants to protect us from what will harm us. 3. Practice intentional giving.Give with purpose.2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Plant more seeds, reap more harvest. Plant no seed, reap no harvest. It's your choice. Give by percentage.Luke 21:1-3 Jesus was impressed with the percentage given, not the total. Why? Because different amounts of money matter differently to people. God notices sacrifice of the giver, not just the size of the gift. Give with a plan.1 Corinthians 16:2 Give to what feeds you and give to what moves you—or, pay for your meals and support what matters. If you don't plan to give, you'll forget to give. Give with perspective.1 Timothy 6:18-19 NLTInstead of accumulating more stuff, accumulate good works. How? When you give something away, you just stored it up in heaven. If you gather here, you store up here; if you give it here, you store up there.Heaven keeps better records than your bank. "We have unlimited resources."If someone asked you for $100 how would you react? If you recently inherited 100 million dollars, how would you react? Romans 8:32 "Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else?"If you have Jesus, you already have everything. Are you dethroning the almighty dollar?

Have you ever felt like worship and following Jesus just aren't clicking for you? In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares something simple yet essential that can unlock your relationship with God. In this series, we look at major themes that repeat in the Psalms.I. Desire for GodPsalm 27:4 – "One thing I ask from the Lord... to dwell in the house of the Lord..."What if your faith could feel like home instead of homework?Psalm 24:3-4 The key to unlocking intimacy with God—the thing we've been missing—is holiness.II.  Why Holiness Feels So HardWe Don't Know What it is—Holiness Feels Heavy.Holiness is a major theme in the Bible. Psalm 51:10 – "Create in me a pure heart, O God..."Psalm 86:11 (NLT) – "Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you."Holiness Feels OverwhelmingSometimes we feel so far off, we don't even want to start. If we understood holiness, we'd feel empowered, not defeated.It brings life, not pressure.III. What Holiness Really IsTo be set apart for God's purpose.Holiness isn't about avoiding sin—it's about staying close to the God who is holy.Sin is not just a legal problem—it's blindness, sickness, and weight. It clogs your spiritual arteries.IV. How do we walk in holiness?1. Live Like You Matter (Identity)1 Peter 2:9 – "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..."This is about your who, not your do.Holiness begins with knowing you belong to God.Takeaway: You can't know how to live until you know who you are.2. Live like "That" Matters (Action)Romans 12:1 Holiness isn't about your ability, its about your availability.Every area of your life that is not surrendered to God is an opportunity for ineffectiveness.Takeaway: God doesn't just want your Sundays. He wants your everyday.Holiness means being usable—not flawless.3. Live like It Matters (Purpose)1 Peter 2:9 - "that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness..."It's hard to live set apart life when you don't know what you were set apart for!When you know something's purpose, you use it for what it was created for.You were made to point people to God—but you can't do that when your purpose is misused.Takeaway: Live like it matters—because it does.Conclusion: Put Purity on RepeatHebrews 12:14 – "Make every effort... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."Holiness isn't old school, it's essential.David had to climb the mountain. We have a Savior who comes down it.Holiness isn't about getting it right—it's about staying surrendered.Final Thought:Holiness is the key to moving from hard mode to easy yoke. It's not about rule-keeping, it's the rhythm of real life with God. Make it something you put on repeat.Question: Are you skipping out on holiness?

Adversity is a normal part of life, and a normal part of the Christian life. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally reveals what we should remember as we walk through adversity. 1 Peter 4:12 NLTGod allows adversity because it matures us. So how do we not just go through adversity, but grow through adversity? The key to overcoming adversity is remembrance.  Biblical remembrance is actively recalling and expecting God's past goodness to happen again in the future. Psalm 77:7-12 NLT is a perfect example of how remembrance defeats the discouragement of adversity.This psalmist had very real feelings. You can choose to dwell on your feelings, or you can choose to remember God's faithfulness.  What should we remember during times of adversity?1. Remember to pray.Prayer is communication with God. It's talking to Him and letting Him talk to you.Psalm 34:17-18 NLT Adversity is coming. Don't start panicking, start praying! 2. Remember to praise.Praise and worship is the pathway into God's presence.Psalm 34:1 NLT Your praise is a powerful weapon. Stop worrying, start worshipping.Psalm 57:8 NLTPraise and worship is an act of defiance against adversity. 3. Remember to be patient.Psalm 37:7a NLT Patience is a muscle you can flex, and a mature Christian works it out.  4. Remember God's perspective.Life's trials are like puzzle pieces—you don't see the full picture yet, but God does. Adopt His perspective.Psalm 30:5b NLTAdversity is fleeting, but God's faithfulness is forever. 5. Remember God's promises.Psalm 119:50If God fulfilled His promises in the past, you can be sure He'll fulfill His promises in the future. 6. Remember God's people.The Church isn't just a place to go to; it's a people to grow with.Psalm 133:1 NIV Isolation weakens; community strengthens. A single coal removed from the fire quickly dies out. Stay connected to the flame.Prov 17:17 NIVWe don't pull away from one another during hard times; we press in. 7. Remember God's purpose.Psalm 57:2 When you forget God's purpose, you forfeit His peace.Romans 8:28When life shakes you, stand on what God has said, not what you see. In the 1968 Olympics, Tanzanian runner John Stephen Akhwari was injured in a fall during the marathon. Despite dislocating his knee, injuring his shoulder, and being in excruciating pain, he refused to quit. Hours after the race ended, he limped across the finish line. When asked why he kept going, he said: "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me to finish it." God didn't bring you this far to leave you now. Adversity is part of the race, but finishing with faith is what matters.Hebrews 12:1 Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.How are you responding to adversity?

Big Idea: The Psalms teach us to bring raw, honest emotions before God rather than pretending everything is fine.In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares how to be real with God and others. The World's View of AuthenticityCulture claims to value authenticity but actually promotes curation—selecting and displaying only the best parts.Social media reinforces this: we publish the highlights, hide the struggles.The danger? We do this with God too—afraid to be real before Him.The Root of Our HidingGenesis 3:8-10 – Adam and Eve hid from God out of fear and shame.We admire authenticity in others but struggle to be authentic ourselves.Spiritual imposter syndrome: We feel we're not enough, so we hide our failures from God.Key truth: If we want intimacy with God, we must be vulnerable before Him.The Psalms Show a Better WayDavid was flawed, but never fake.Examples of raw honesty in Psalms: Psalm 12:1 – Feeling abandoned. Psalm 13:1-2 – Wrestling with doubt. Psalm 51 – Confession of failure. Instead of hiding, David brought his mess to God—and God met him there.God Calls Us to AuthenticityPeople judge our mess—God embraces it to heal us.Key point: Emotions can be real and irrational at the same time. God is not afraid of the mess.Matthew 16:24 – Following Jesus means denying pride, not pretending we have it all together.The Psalms reveal two powerful truths:1. God                 you (Psalm 139:1-4).2. God has            for you (Psalm 103:13-14).How We RespondBe Real with                 (1 John 1:8-9) We deceive ourselves if we claim to be sinless. Grace is for those who acknowledge their need. Be Real with           (James 5:16)Accountability spreads the weight and helps us rise again.Three rules for accountability: Choose wisely—don't share everything with everyone. Seek spiritual maturity—don't ask a child for medical advice. Own your accountability—it's your responsibility, not theirs. Closing Challenge:Stop curating your faith—God wants the real you.Bring your whole self to God, and let Him transform you.The Psalms teach us that authenticity before God leads to true holiness.Are you being real with God and others?

We all long for loyalty but human loyalty has limits. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally, shares about loyalty that we can depend on.  Psalm 8:4 ESV What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?It doesn't make sense. Because although God doesn't need us, evidently He wants us. Exodus 34:6 ESV The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." There is a Hebrew word in God's self-description: hesed.Hesed is a word mentioned 247 times in OT. Here are some ways its translated:Unfailing love, steadfast love, faithful love, constant love, gracious love, loyal love, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, and favor.  Pastor Jamie's definition:Hesed is the dependable and enthusiastic loyalty, kindness and support that is received when someone is in relationship with God. Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."This is the relationship written on your heart that you have judged every other relationship by. You were hardwired for Hesed.What do the Psalms say about hesed?1. God's hesed never ends.Psalm 136:1 2. God's hesed isn't earned.God's loyalty isn't a loan He expects to be paid back—it's a gift with no strings attached. Psalm 106:43-45 NLT 3. God's hesed is pursuing you.Psalm 23:6 ESV Your sin and your shortcomings can't outrun the love of God. God's mercy moves faster than your mistakes. What is our response to Hesed?1. Worship God.Psalm 63:3 NKJVSince God's love never quits, our worship shouldn't either. 2. Give God your loyalty.Loyalty shouldn't just be received; it should be returned.Proverbs 3:3 NLT His loyalty toward us should move us into our own loyalty toward Him. 3. Love people.God's love fills us, not only for our own benefit, but so we can pour it out on others.Romans 13:8-10 NLT Notice love is an obligation, not an option. You don't have to follow the 10 commandments if you'll just follow the one commandment.Let's stop letting others determine how we act—we have hesed.Since you're loved by God, love like God. While we fail to show up, wander away, and even forget about God, He is faithful, He never forgets us, and He is there waiting for us to return to Him. Exodus 34:7a NLT I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations... God's hesed love is faithful for 1000 generations, or 40,000 years! No failure, no mistake, and no amount of distance can separate you from His hesed love and loyalty.  How are you responding to God's loyal love?

Do you feel insecure? The desire to feel secure is foundational for psychological development. In part one of our series On Repeat: The Psalms' Greatest Hits, Pastor Eric Robertson explores one of the most powerful themes in the Psalms—security. As human beings, we all seek stability, but no amount of money, success, or preparation can provide the unshakable foundation we long for. Psalm 125:1-2 reminds us that true security comes from trusting in the Lord, not in our own strength.Psalm 125: 1-2:  Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.Life is full of uncertainties, and insecurity often comes from within rather than external circumstances. We chase financial success, relationships, and control, yet they leave us feeling just as vulnerable.Our biggest threat to our sense of security comes from insecurity.The problem isn't just that the world is uncertain—the problem is that we are. Even when life is stable, we struggle with insecurity.Insecurity is a feeling of self-doubt or a lack of confidence. Emotionally, it makes you feel like you're on roller skates but don't know how to skate. That is the feeling that we, as a society, run from.Psalm 46: 1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surgingThe Psalmist doesn't say that troubles will never come, but that in the midst of them, GOD IS OUR REFUGE. It's His presence, not our circumstances, that make us secure.The Psalms repeat this truth over and over—when life shakes us, we have a shelter that never fails.Join us as we discuss what it means to take refuge in God, let go of self-reliance, and find peace in His presence. When trouble comes, where do you run?

 Are you a good person? Better than most? In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares a parable of Jesus that addresses the difference between those who are self-righteous and those who have through humility received the righteousness of God.   Luke 18: 10-14   Pharisees were the good guys. They were the only people in Jerusalem doing something about the Roman occupation.  Tax Collectors were traitors! They were Jews selected by Roman officials because they knew the culture and everyone's secrets.  Breakdown Vs 10: It would have been normal to see a Pharisee stand in the temple and pray, but very odd to see a tax collector there.  Vs 11-13  The Twist Vs 14  This is the reversal! This is the shocking end. If you were listening to this parable as Jesus told it, offense would be setting in, anger would be brewing.  The bad guy finds redemption and the good guy finds condemnation. Vs 9  To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: Jesus is telling this parable to people who think they are better than they are. People, who through pride, believe that their efforts are enough to restore union with God.  Kingdom Truths from the Parable  1.  Self-righteousness blinds us to our brokenness. Self-righteousness is a reliance on one's own perceived goodness, morality, or religious works to justify oneself before God.   Self-righteousness is a sin that blinds us to our own brokenness. When you are looking down on everyone else, you can't look in the mirror. God is looking for more than compliance. He is looking for surrender.   2. We are saved by grace, not good behavior. How you receive grace, shows you what you believe to be true about God. Those of us who feel like we need to work for or earn God's love may see God more like a boss. His grace flows from His eternal desire to be your Father. "Jesus did not come to change God's mind about us; He came to reveal the eternal truth that we are beloved." -Baxter Kruger In other words, God's grace doesn't purchase His love, it reveals it. Ephesians 1:4-5  Ephesians 2:8-9 3. Pride Ruins, Humility Restores. Galatians 6: 3-4  The reason pride is so dangerous is that it removes our ability to be reliant. If you don't think you need help, you are at risk of rejecting the very thing required to save you...God's grace. James 4: 6-10 Conclusion: The story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is a warning to us. Jesus leaves us with two choices at the end: either remain humble and allow God to elevate us or get knocked down. Some of us require the latter.  But the scandal of the Gospel is that there is grace for the humble, and grace for the proud. Question: Who are you trusting in?

Do you struggle with forgiving others? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about Jesus's surprising teaching about forgiveness. Jesus didn't use parables to make everything clear, but to make everyone think.Today's parable: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Matthew 18:21-353 Questions to ask:Who is being represented in this parable?1. The king represents God.We can learn what God is like based on what this king does. Notice, He is not just an accountant, He is compassionate. Psalm 103:14Isaiah 48:11 But also like the king, God gets really angry when someone who has been forgiven so much refuses to forgive another.  2. The servant who was forgiven the larger amount represents us.Romans 3:23Some of the things we have done were unforgivable, yet we are freely forgiven. 3. The servant who wasn't forgiven the smaller amount represents those who have hurt us.Ephesians 4:32  What is the surprise twist in the story?There are three twists:1. The king forgave an astronomical amount of debt.2. The forgiven servant refused to forgive a far less amount after he had been forgiven.3. Jesus says God will do the same to us if we don't forgive. What are the kingdom lessons in the story?1. Forgiveness is a two-sided coin: heads, I'm forgiven; tails, I forgive.You can't spend only one side of a coin, and you can't separate your forgiveness from your forgiving.Matthew 6:14-15 If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.This isn't a threat, its an explanation. Jesus isn't saying God is waiting to pounce on us if we don't forgive. Instead, He's explaining a kingdom reality about the nature of forgiveness.  2. You won't survive unforgiveness.James 2:13 NLT Forgiveness doesn't condone sin, it doesn't deny what happened, and it doesn't replace having wise boundaries with people who hurt you. Forgiveness is hard, but here is the truth: the pain you feel during the process of forgiving someone is nowhere near the pain you will feel if you hold on to the unforgiveness. 3. We are to make a big deal of our own sin, not other people's sin.1 Tim 1:15 4. Forgiveness is a mindset, not only a moment.Matthew 18:21-22 Forgiveness is not just a point in time action; It's a life-long decision. Here is God's promise in the process: If you will forgive the people who hurt you, God will remove the pain they caused you. Unforgiveness is like keeping old junk in your house. The more you hold onto, the less room you have for peace. When you forgive, you're clearing space for God's grace to move in. Are you learning the lessons of the unforgiving servant?

There is parable that Jesus says is the key to understanding all parables. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally helps us understand this important teaching of Jesus. Jesus didn't use parables to make everything clear, but to make everyone think.Questions to ask when reading a parable:1. Who does each character represent?2. Where is the surprise twist in the story?3. What are the kingdom lessons behind each parable? Today's parable: The Parable of the SowerMark 4:3-9 NLTA sower is someone who plants seed. Mark 4:14 - 20 Questions to ask:Who is being represented in this parable?The farmer is anyone sharing the seed—the truth of God's word.  The seed on the footpath represents people with hard hearts. Like rain on a water-proof jacket, it never soaks in. Why?Offense – holding unforgiveness in your heart makes you suspicious of everyone.Hurt – an unhealed heart will grow hard to protect itself from more hurt.Pride – the prideful heart isn't open to correction because they already think they know everything. Rebellion – the more you choose intentional disobedience, the harder it becomes to obey.Hebrews 3:7b-8a  Satan wants to steal God's truth from you, just like birds want your food. The seed on the rocky soil represents people with shallow hearts. Problems and persecution come and they wither rather quickly. John 16:33 MSG The seed among thorns represents those who let worry, wealth and wanting overtake the growing fruit. 1 John 2:16-17 NIV  The seed on good soil represents those who hear and accept—they repent, apply the word and live in the ways of the kingdom.James 1:23-24 NLT What is the twist in the story?The farmer threw seed everywhere. That was very inefficient farming, but it demonstrates the heart with which God shares Himself.  What are the kingdom lessons in the story?1. God's word is for everyone.He sows seed everywhere.Titus 2:11 You've been given the antidote to this world's sickness—don't keep it to yourself.Don't reject God on someone else's behalf. Don't decide for them—just sow seed. 2. It's the condition of our heart that determines if we receive from God.2 Peter 1:3 This is why Proverbs 4:23 says keep/guard your heart will all diligence and above all else. Safeguard your soil! 3. Our application of God's instruction determines the amount of fruit in our lives.James 2:14 Real faith is evidenced by action. What determines 30, 60, or 100 fold? The quality of the soil. Your production is based on your hearing and accepting—your obedience. The degree to which you obey is the degree to which you'll produce a harvest of spiritual fruit.    James 1:21 NLT ...Humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.What type of soil are you?

Ever wondered why there are so many imposters and hypocrites in churches? What should we do about it? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares insights both this topic from a story that Jesus told.  Why did Jesus use parables?Matthew 13:12-13a Jesus didn't use parables to make everything clear, but to make everyone think. Jesus' parables reveal people's hearts—they penetrate some hearts and they harden others. With His use of parables, Jesus isn't hiding truth FROM people; He's hiding it FOR people, in hopes that it draws them closer to Him. Questions to ask when reading a parable:1. Who does each character represent? 2. What is the surprise twist in the story? 3. What are the kingdom lessons behind each story?  Today's parable: The Wheat and the WeedsMatthew 13:24-30  The weeds in the story, are also called tares, but they're known today as darnel weed, often called false wheat. Jesus' explanationMatthew 13:36-43  3 Questions to ask:Who does each character represent?Jesus – FarmerThe field – the worldWheat – people who follow JesusWeeds – the people who don't follow JesusThe farmer's enemy – the devilThe harvest – the end of the worldThe harvesters – the angels What is the twist in the story?The farmer waited until harvest to sort the wheat from the weeds.28-30 God is playing the long game. God's justice is coming eventually, but God's mercy is here currently. What are the kingdom lessons in the story?1. It is often difficult to distinguish between believers and unbelievers, especially at the earliest stages of growth. We must be slow to declare which is which.Jude 1:22-23 NLT God is long-suffering towards those you find insufferable.This is why we don't throw people away when they make a mistake, when they struggle with sin, or when they're taking longer to "get it" than we think they should.Our father is a farmer and growing people takes time. 2. God is not calling you to be a holy weed eater.We have not been instructed to go in guns blazing, clearing out and cleaning up all we see wrong in someone's life. Why? Because sometimes, you look like a weed too.Galatians 6:1 NIV Christians shouldn't be passive against evil, but we're called to be patient with people.John 3:17 NLT If God didn't send Jesus into the world to judge the world, I doubt He sent you to judge it. 3. God's judgement is real, but not yet revealed.Romans 2:5 Some of you are too excited about the prospect of people going to hell. Others of you aren't concerned enough about people going to hell.Be angry at injustice, but trust the wisdom of the Lord of the harvest and share God's grace with others while we can.   Are you learning the lessons found in the parable of the wheat and the weeds?

Ready to take things to the next level? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how focusing on worship can help you level up in your spiritual growth.Worship is devotion expressed.The word used in Greek literally means "to kiss the hand, in token of reverence". Worship is doing something that honors God and demonstrates your love and devotion for Him.Attention – Affection - ActionIf you're doing nothing, you're not worshipping.We are wired for worship. You will worship someone or something. You might as well choose for yourself who you worship, and not allow your devotion to be hijacked by current culture. Why do we use music?God has chosen music as a means of spiritual communication. There is spiritual information in songs. If its true in the positive, then its true in the negative. Music by itself is not worship, it's the vehicle that can take your heart into worship.2 Kings 3:15 ESV Music can usher in the presence of God.2 Chronicles 5:13-14 NLT Music is an incredible gift from God. It captures and releases emotion. Music carries spiritual messages. Worship should be done wholeheartedly, not halfheartedly.Psalm 86:12 ESV Isaiah 29:13 NIVOur worship service shouldn't just be lip service. Watching people worship God is not the same as worshipping God. Worship should be done in spirit and in truth.John 4:23 "But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way."Worshipping in spirit and truth is without pretense, with authenticity, honesty, and sincerity. Come to God as you really are. Of the 150 Psalms, 42 are "laments" where the author is struggling with life and is asking tough questions. Some are even "imprecatory."We try to fake it with people, but don't try to fake it with God. He heard you think up that lie in your head. Worship should be a sacrifice.Romans 12:1 NIVWhether we're singing a song or saying no to sin, our obedience is an act of worship. Don't give God something that doesn't cost you. True worship will cost you your comfort, your dignity, your fear. Don't give God your leftover worship.  Worship is done many ways, and one doesn't replace the others.Ephesians 5:18b-19 ...be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.Two main divisions here:1. Corporate worship (done in a group)Psalms: scripture Hymns: church songs that people knowSpiritual songs: new songs from the Spirit 2. Personal worship (done in private)Making music in your hearts "Worship is simply giving God His breath back." – Louie Giglio Are you using worship to level up?

Here is the problem: According to the  World Health Organization, 40% of 10,000 people surveyed reported suffering from burnout in 2023. Burnout is a recognized psychological condition that results in physical and emotional fatigue, where we feel tired and lack motivation. It closely resembles depression.Analyzing the Problem:·       Is time our problem?·       What about money? Inside of us is this desire for meaning and for life that is only truly filled by knowing and being known by God. In our pursuit of trying to fill this desire we instead chase pleasure, plenty, and power.1 John 2: 16·       The division in our hearts is one of restlessness and exhaustion. One half of our heart says "I'm tired and I need rest," while the other half says, " I am restless and I want more."·       We know we need to rest, but we don't want to.      In Exodus 13 and 14, God frees the Israelites from the bondage of endless exhaustion. In the chapters that follow, God institutes something called Sabbath ("stop" in Hebrew)·       Later in Amos 8:5 god criticizes Israel for their hatred of rest.·       Israel had one eye on the rest and the other on the clock. This desire for more contributes to our lack of desire to rest. How many times have you felt guilty about taking a break? How many of you sit down only to think about all of the things you need to be doing?When you continuously run stop signs, you will eventually get into a wreck.We go and do without restraint in hopes of finding meaning and life. The way to find life is not through doing more but by doing less.Solution:Jesus presents us with an invitation to his Gospel of rest. His invitation to rest extends to us today.Matthew 11: 28-30 ·       This invitation is to a spiritual rest and a way of life. A rhythm or way of doing life that trusts that God knows my need for rest and will do more in my absence than I could do working overtime.·       When Israel found itself stuck in a cycle of labor and exhaustion, God gave them an exit (Exodus). That Exodus for us is taking time away from the cycle and resting, delighting, and worshipping.·       Jesus gives us an exit. That exit involves resting from our spiritual works AND working into our lives a rhythm of physical rest. Sitting at the Feet of JesusLuke 10: 38-42 1.      Martha was right."But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made." Resting is about trusting God with what we need to do so that He can give us what we need.2.      Mary chose the better over the good.This country is great, and the opportunities are good, but Jesus is better.3.      Martha's works could be taken away, but Mary's rest was eternal.Our stuff can be taken from us, Jesus can't. Never trade the eternal for the external

Why is community important? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how focusing on community can help you level up to the next stage of spiritual growth.Community is togetherness. It's gathering around a common faith and relying on one another for help, support and guidance—both naturally and spiritually. It's doing life together.U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy wrote the country a letter and said, "As I finish my tenure as Surgeon General, this is my parting prescription, my final wish for all of us: choose community."Reports show that Americans are lonelier than ever. The American Psychiatric Association reported in 2024 that 30% of US adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week, and 30% of young adults say they feel lonely every day.Community is not connectivity, assembly, or being friendly.We have confused community with connectivity. The connectivity of the digital age is convenient, but it is a counterfeit of true community.We have also confused community with being friendly. Community is based on being authentic, not just being nice to one another.We have also confused community with assembly. True community requires that we engage with one other, not just gather together. In scripture, the word for community in Greek is koinonia - fellowship, association, sharing, joint participation, intimacy.Acts 2:42 NIV "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."The invitation to follow Christ, is an invitation into community, because other people have been invited, too. Jesus saves individuals, but we grow in groups. Things that kill community:Mistrust – our past wounds cause us to view others through a lense of suspicion.Perfectionism – everything and everybody should be perfect. Being Fake – unwillingness to be real, vulnerable and accountable.You need community.1. It helps you.Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT 2. It matures you.You don't get better by being comfortable.  Strength comes from stretching.1 John 4:19-21 You can't love God and not love His kids. Learning to love people teaches you about God because that what He does.3. It heals you.James 5:16 NLTMany Christians are forgiven of their sin, but they are not healed from it because they have refused to embrace community.  How Do We Level Up Through Community?1. Hang out.Make time to be with other people.Acts 5:42 Jesus had groups of 3 (close friends), 12 (spiritual family), 70 (ministry), 120 (acquaintances), & 500 (the church).Hebrews 10:25 "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."2. Help out.You can grow spiritually by investing in others.Galatians 6:10Serve your city and serve your church family. Galatians 6:2  Independence and dependence aren't healthy - we are called to interdependence.Are you using community to level up?

Ready to take things to the next level? In this series, we talk about things that help us grow spiritually. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally encourages us in prayer and fasting. What is prayer?Prayer is communication with God.Prayer is the intersection of three things:1) Being with God2) Talking to God3) Listening to God What is fasting?Fasting is the practice of not eating food in order to amplify your prayer.You can't be filled if you're already full, so fasting is making room so you can communicate with God more effectively. It's denying the flesh in order to advance the spirit.Fasting turns deciding into discerning.   How to level up though prayer:1. Pray without distraction.Luke 5:16 ESV "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."Let's be honest, many of us are used to asking Google instead of asking God.You can't do important things when you're distracted by insignificant things.Good things become bad things when they distract us from God things.John Ortberg – "For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it." 2. Pray like you know God.Have you ever asked yourself, if God already knows everything, why do we have to pray? Because prayer fulfills His desire for relationship with you, and because relationships are founded on communication.Prayer is not getting God to do something for you, it's getting to know God.Hebrews 4:16 NIV "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."Prayer should be personal, not transactional. 3. Pray like you'll make a difference.James 5:16-17 NLT "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!" Your prayers are so important that they actually affect the outcome of history.Think of this: If prayer changes things, not praying changes things too. So why don't you pray as much as you could?You'll only talk to God if you believe He's listening. 4. Pray a lot.Luke 11:5-8 NLT Your prayers never bother God. But do you know what does bother Him? Us, absent of relationship, wanting to use Him as our genie. 5. Pray, then listen.John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice."Sit with God after talking to Him and learn to be led by Him. How would your life be different if you committed to prayer and fasting? Are you using prayer and fasting to level up?

Think of change and transition in your life as turning points. Most trips require a series of turns to get to where you're going. That's what change is – changes are the turning points that lead you to your destination. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares what the Bible says about navigating change.1. Change is inevitable.Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."You have to give something up to get something new. You can never walk in all God has for your future  if you're still holding onto what He gave you in the past.  Life is relay race. It doesn't matter have fast you run—you won't win the race if you don't learn how to pass the baton from change to change. 2. God wants to walk you through the changes in your life.Joshua 1:9 ESV "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."If you tend to be hostile to change, recognize your tendency and take it slow. We slow down to take turns.Psalm 23:4 ESV 3. Change is necessary to get you to where you need to be.Jesus had to go through crucifixion in order to experience resurrection. Luke 5:37-38 Protecting what you have is the enemy of acquiring what you need. 4. God wants to give you His perspective on the change you're experiencing.You can't apply God's solution to a problem until you see God's perspective on it.Ephesians 1:18 NIV "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people."Perspective is tied to location. The closer you are to God, the more you'll see things the way He does. 5. Maybe you have a particular role to play during this time of change.Esther 4:14 What if you're not a victim of change but a victor through change? 6. Changing requires choosing.Get to choose how you respond to change. Choose trust, God can be trusted.Proverbs 3:5 ESV "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."Change is painful. But it's not as painful as staying stuck where you aren't supposed to be. "Change is inevitable; Growth is optional" – John MaxwellYou can either grumble through change, or grow through change.What if you decided now that the inevitable change you will face in 2025 will be used for your personal growth? Are you growing through change?

What is the greatest gift that you could receive from God? What is it that you really want? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about the greatest gift: God's presence. This Christmas, God doesn't just want to give you what you think you want, but what you really want.Not only does God want you to know who He is. He wants to be with you. You were created for communion with God. Matthew 1:23 NIV Immanuel" (which means "God with us").When it came time for the announcement, God did something very strange and announced the birth of Jesus to two unlikely groups:1. Shepherds.Luke 2:8-10 NLT Why shepherds? 1) Because God came for everyone, not just the wealthy and educated and 2) they were willing to share the news.Luke 2:17 NLT God speaks to those who will share. If you feel like God isn't speaking to you like He used to, ask yourself what have I done with what God has already said? 2. Wisemen.Matthew 2:1-2 NLT Why magi? 1) They helped verify the birth of the messiah through objective observers and fulfillment of prophecy. 2) Because God came for everyone, not just the Jews.There is only one path to God – Jesus. But Jesus will travel many paths to find his lost children. Jesus spoke the language of astrology to reach out the pagan wisemen. Can you find God through astrology? No. But God can find you there.  How can we receive the gift of God's presence? 1) Invitation.Habakkuk 2:14 NLT For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord.Awareness is the key to experiencing God's presence. Revelation 3:20 NLT [Laodecia] "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."Imagine waiting on a guest to arrive that you hadn't invited.2) Preparation.You can create a favorable environment for your guest so they'll stick around, and they'll want to come back. Scripture talks about grieving the Holy Spirit and quenching the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30-32 ESV; 1 Thessalonians 5:19 ESV If you want the Holy Spirit hang out at your place, you've got to clean it up. Proverbs 1:7 "Fear" in Hebrew includes the idea of wonder, amazement, mystery, astonishment, gratitude, admiration, and even worship. If you'll fear God everywhere you go, you'll see God everywhere you go.How do you walk around with something important? By keeping it in mind with every step you take. 3) Habitation. John 15:4 Abide = remain in, dwell, stay with. Not visitation, but habitation. Make living in God's presence a lifestyle.  God entrusts us with the measure of His presence that we are willing to diligently guard.  Are you walking in the gift of God's presence?

What does God want to give you this Christmas? In the message Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how God doesn't just want to give you what you THINK you want, but what you REALLY want.One of the things God wants to give you this Christmas is purpose. The Christmas story is all about purpose. 1 John 3:8 NASB Life seems pointless when you're purposeless.  You were made for meaning and you were planned for purpose by a Creator who intentionally crafted you.Psalm 57:2 NLT You can't determine your own purpose because you didn't make yourself!Your Salvation is not only about having a future home in heaven but having a present purpose on earth. Your ultimate destination is Heaven, but you have purpose here and now, not just there and then.What is your purpose?1. Get to know God.God created you for connection with Him. John 17:3 And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.Eternal life is not just a destination, it's answering the invitation to know a person. Its not just a place, it's a process.2 Peter 3:18 "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2. Get to know your spiritual family.God fashioned you for family. Luke 10:27-29You can love God by yourself, but you can't love others by yourself. Matthew 6:9-13 – it's "us" and "we", not "I" and "me".We're saved as individuals but we grow in groups. Christian growth is a group project and only immature believers believe by themselves. 3. Get to work.God created you to contribute.Ephesians 2:10  For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.Every Christian is a minister as is called to three things:1) Be in Christ, 2) doing good things 3) according to God's planWe don't work to get saved, but once we're saved, we get to work.1 Cor 15:58 "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."Service is God's pathway to your purpose. You won't be happy until you're helping. We get to be a small part of God's big plan.Psalm 84:10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.Do you know your purpose? Are you excited or are you just existing? Are you walking in the purpose God has given you?

This Christmas, God doesn't just want to give you what you think you want, but what you really want. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how God wants to give you peace.Luke 2:14 NKJV "Glory to God in highest, and peace on earth, goodwill towards men.What is peace? 1. Peace does not come from inactivity.1 Peter 3:11 NKJV (Psalm 34:14) – "...seek peace and pursue it" NLT: "Search for peace, and work to maintain it." 4 words: seek, pursue, search and work.Peace won't come by doing nothing. If the world has to stop in order for you to have peace, you'll never have peace. John 16:33 NLT "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."Peace is not the absence of problems but the learned skill of remaining unaffected by them. 2. Peace does not come from being in control.Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord, don't trust in yourself. Control is trusting in your ability to fix things. But control is an illusion because we are not qualified to fix everything.  3. Peace is a person.John 14:27 ESV "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.God is not trying to give you your peace, He's trying to give you His peace.How do we receive peace?  1. Plan for peace.Prov 21:5 NLT "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundanceIf you try to everything, you won't enjoy anything."Take time away from the peace-drainers and give it to the peace giver. 2. Practice peace.Phil 4:6-7 ESV "Be anxious for nothing, but in all things by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."An unthankful heart turns into an entitled heart, and an entitled heart never has peace because it can't be satisfied. 3. Protect your peace.Colossians 3:15 NLT "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts."Protecting your peace is difficult because other people want yours when they run out of theirs.2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation."God has already done his job by giving peace. Now we must do our job by receiving that peace. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you."Nose up, toes up" – don't let anyone steal your peace. Are you living in the peace God has given you?

What is your spiritual wishlist?Did you know that you can live life unoffended?In this message, Pastor Tim Martin shares how you can life an unoffended life. When offenses come, you can choose not to be offended. Every day we have choices.James 1:2Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. You predetermine that you will not be offended. Offense is a sister to unforgiveness. How do you deal with offense? If someone offend you, go to that person and reconcile with that person. Unforgiveness or offense is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. Matthew 6:14-15If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.Colossians 3:13Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Carrying offense is the same as holding unforgiveness toward another. Forgiveness is contagious. When you share your offense with others, people get mad because you are mad.  Don't spread offense.Consider whether you are offended at God. Have you blamed God for something? You need to understand that there are some things you will never understand.If there is a loss that you have experienced, or something happened that you don't understand, know that God has got it. He is with you. 

We've all done it: something makes us mad and we start punching others with our words. Let's learn to use our words according to God's design. In this message, Pastor Jamie shares how we can overcome angry words.Angry words are the idle words and the ugly words we say when we get mad. Being angry is not a sin.Jesus got angry.Mark 3:5 ESV The goal for a Christian isn't to never get angry; the goal is never let anger cause you to sin.Ephesians 4:26-27 (Psalm 4:4)ESV Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.Live WITH your anger but don't live BY your anger.   How do we stop angry words?1. Ask God to be your editor, not your janitor.In our anger we often say whatever comes to mind and we make a mess. But God doesn't just want to be your janitor and clean up your mess; He wants to be your editor and clean up your mouth.Prov 17:27-28 NLT We've got to stop giving ourselves permission to say everything we think. 2. Learn to intentionally respond, not instinctively react.An intentional response is measured, thoughtful, and deliberate. An instinctive reaction is unrestrained, emotional, and immediate.  Proverbs 12:16 NIV Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. 3.  Remove "fighting words" from your vocabulary.Fighting words are words to that cause people to fight about things instead of fix things.Prov 12:18 NIV The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.Examples of fighting words:Always/neverName calling/insultsBringing up the pastTone 4. Adopt God's perspective on people.Don't treat people based on who you think they are, treat them based on who God says they are. 2 Corinthians 5:15-16 NLT "Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." - Eric HofferChristians are the dwelling place of God. When you speak angry words at Christians, you are trashing God's house.If you're not kind to others, God may have to get on their side to defend them against you! Ever heard someone called a "loose cannon?"That phrase came from the fact that cannons on ships had wheels for when it recoiled when being shot. A loose cannon was one that wasn't properly secured and it would kick back, roll everywhere and endanger the crew on the ship. Without restraints, a loose cannon can potentially not just destroy enemy ships, but destroy the ship its on. We are loose cannons when we declare war with our words when there is no war. We're a loose cannon when we don't restrain our words and hurt our friends and family with "friendly fire." Don't be a loose cannon and destroy your own ship.  Are you speaking angry words?

This sermon series is all about learning to use our words according to God's design.The Bible teaches that your ability to speak isn't just for you, but for others through you.  In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally talks about ugly words. Ugly words are harmful words that hurt others and reveal the poison in our own hearts.James 3:8 ESV but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.God wants to give your words authority. But why would He give weight to your words if you use ugly words instead of useful words? Examples of ugly words:Complaining, criticizing, accusing, blaming, insulting, judging, gossip, sarcasm, self-deprecation, etc. How to fix ugly words:1. Pause.Silence adds significance to what you say.James 1:19 NLT "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."You don't have to have an opinion on everything.Some people have something to say, other people just want to say something."Everything that is said must be true, but not everything that is true must be said." 2. Perceive.Lamentations 3:40 "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!"If you'll watch your thoughts, you won't have to watch your mouth as much.Ugly words are often caused by emotional inflammation – anger, disappointment, fear, or frustration - which is a reaction to a wound to your heart.Psalm 139:23-24 NLT "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [cares] ..." 3. Purify.Isaiah 6:5 NASB "Then I said, 'Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.'"Being in the presence of God made Isaiah immediately aware of his ugly words.Submitting your speech to the creator of speech is the quickest way to tame your tongue. Have you ever considered the difference between a scalpel and a shiv? They're both sharp, they're both made with the intention of cutting someone, but one is intended to save a life, while the other is intended to take a life. The scalpel has been carefully sterilized, the shiv is covered in contaminants. One has been manufactured to precise specifications, the other has been hastily created from repurposed items from the past. The scalpel is found in a hospital, where doctors and nurses are trying help others, while a shiv is found in a prison where people are trying to hurt others. If you're still shackled by your sin or imprisoned by your past, your words will be a shiv. The truth can cut sometimes, but its intended to be a scalpel that brings life, not a shiv that brings death. Are you speaking ugly words?

Are you aware of the significance of your words? In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares how idle words can hurt others and even bring judgement upon ourselves. What are Idle Words?Matthew 12: 36-37NLT:  "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.  The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you."NIV:  "for every empty word" ESV:  "for every careless word" We speak idle words when we speak without understanding the weight and responsibility of our words.Speaking idle words is like putting a car in neutral and hammering the gas. You are wasting vital energy but not going anywhere or helping anyone.Idle words come in many forms but the most common form of idle words is empty criticism.Your words shape your world. If you sow seeds of empty criticism you will reap the fruit of it.  How Are We Judged?Matthew 7: 2 You are judged with the same measure that you judge others. You get to choose your own judgment based on how you treat others. This happens in this life and the next.This judgment does not pertain to your salvation but to your ministry and what you have done with what you were given.1 Corinthians 3: 12-15  How Do We Protect Ourselves from Idle Words?1.      Check your heart.Luke 6: 45  "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."The key to taming the tongue is forming yourself into the image of Jesus. God is not interested in renewing one part of you, He wants to transform all of you. 2.      Check your mindA word starts with a thought. If you can change the way you think, you can change the way you speak. If you are constantly thinking about what is wrong, you are misdirecting your ability to make things right. Criticism is a gift that, when used correctly, leads to restoration, but when used incorrectly leads to division and pain. Philippians 4:8  3.      Check your mouth.Not everything you think needs to be said. The key to growth in this area of your life is self-discipline brought forth from a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you tame your tongue.Ephesians 4:29 Proverbs: 29: 11 If what you want to say isn't going to build someone up, or it doesn't fit the occasion, don't say it.  What would your life look like if you exchanged criticism for kindness?You are creating a world with your words. You are either creating heaven on earth or hell on earth. What do you want your legacy to be? Your words are the building blocks of your legacy no matter how you use them.

Do your words matter? In the message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares why we should tame our tongues. Taming the Tongue is learning to use our words according to God's design.What if your ability to speak isn't just a gift from God for you, but a gift to others through you? James 3:2-62 "Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself." 1. Your words matter because your words determine your destiny.Proverbs18:21 NKJV "Words plant seeds which grow into fruit, and you and those around you will eat that fruit."Matthew 12:36-37 ESV "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." James 3:7-8 2. Your words matter because you can't tame your tongue without God's help.Psalm 141:3 NIV Taming your tongue is a lifestyle that requires your constant attention. James 3:9-10 3. Your words matter because you can hurt others with what you say.Ephesians 4:29 ESVWords are like bricks—you can help build someone's house, or you can break someone's window. It depends on how you use them.Prov 12:18 NLT  James 3:11-124. Your words matter because your words reveal the real you.Luke 6:45 NLT (Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.)James 1:26 NLT  "If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless."Don't let your tongue destroy your testimony. A manchineel tree is a tree in south Florida and parts of South America and the Caribbean that scientists say may be the deadliest tree in the world. Scientists believe since the tree lives in an area where there are more toxic plants than normal, it has grown an overdeveloped defense mechanism to protect itself.For many of us, like the manchineel tree, our words have become toxic fruit used as a defense mechanism. Receive healing for yourself so you will stop hurting everyone else. Do you speak as if your words matter?

Have you ever listened to a director's commentary on your favorite movie, or listened to a "behind the scenes" podcast for your favorite TV show? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how you can read God's word with the Author. Reading with the Author.Christianity is a relationship.Matthew 25 is the parable of the 10 bridesmaids. The groom says "I don't know you." He probably didn't know the other bridesmaids either, but they were with the bride, so they gained entrance. You won't get into heaven because of what you know, but because of who you know.   Since Christianity is a relationship, His word is meant to be read with Him. Reading the Bible isn't something you do FOR God, but something you do WITH God. Reading the Author:Make a D.A.T.E. to read the Bible with the AuthorDay, time, & placeApproach with PrayerTake your timeExamine yourself Day, Time, & PlaceIf we want to know someone, we make plans with them, and we honor them by showing up.Jeremiah 29:13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. [with all your heart] Approach with prayer1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Never stop praying."Prayer is simply communication with God.Your opinion of God's character will determine how you pray. If you believe in a prayer-hearing God, you'll become a prayer-loving Christian.Embrace a "running commentary" with the Lord. Talk to Him as you read, and be open to His thoughts. Take your timeFinishing all 66 books by the time the earth goes around the sun is a really arbitrary thing. When you read, focus on retention, not production.Tips:1. Emphasize each word.2. Personalize the word."God so loved me, that He gave His only begotten Son, that if I believe in Him, I won't perish but have everlasting life."3. Repeat the passage. Evaluate yourselfCommunication has a purpose. Scripture is God's communication, and its purpose is transformation.2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. Transformation equation: (Information + Application) x Dedication = Transformation Are you reading the Bible with the author?

 Is doctrine important? In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson tells us how the Bible helps us know how what to think about God.  We are thinkers by nature. We are curious by nature. Have you ever looked up at the stars at night and wondered how in the world they got there? Proverbs 25: 2  It is God's privilege to conceal things and the king's privilege to discover them. Our beliefs shape our actions, and our doctrine determines our direction. Doctrine gives us the proper glasses to view the world and ourselves. Doctrine gives us answers to the questions of our hearts and allows us to live out those truths. What is Doctrine? Doctrine Informs ·       The word doctrine comes from the Latin phrase "doctrina" which means teaching and instruction. Doctrine is the teaching of scriptures that provide a framework for us to grow in our knowledge of God and spiritual maturity. ·       You should want to grow in your knowledge of God! ·       1 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." ·       2 Timothy 3:16  tells us that the Bible is God's inspired Word that is good for teaching ·       Doctrine isn't the end, it is the means to the end. The end goal is to know Jesus. Doctrine Transforms ·       The purpose of doctrine is transformation not just information. ·       Isaiah 55: 11-13 ·       Good doctrine bears good fruit. Bad doctrine bears bad fruit. No doctrine bears no fruit. Prioritizing Doctrines ·       Doctrinal differences have caused a lot of division throughout church history. Usually, the disagreements are about non-essential issues. This is a core belief of VFC: if someone professes Jesus as the Son of God and the only way to salvation, we consider them a member of Christ's family and a brother or sister of ours. ·       Love is prioritized over belief. Belong, Believe, Become. ·       1 Corinthians 8: 1-3  Building Your House ·       For me, reading the Bible for doctrine is a lot like building a house. There are 4 essential things that every house needs. 1.      Foundation: Matthew 7: 24-27 24 2.      Walls: Our theology must make us distinct from the world. You can't help the world if you believe like the world. We live in a culture that is searching for identity by destroying boundaries. Boundaries define who you are and what is yours. Romans 12: 2 3.      Roof: A roof protects us from the elements, and good doctrine protects us from harmful beliefs and behaviors. Galatians 1: 6-7 4.      Door: The door to our theological house is always Jesus. John 14: 6     Where do you get the materials? The Bible! The Bible is our home center. The Bible provides the raw material that we need to build our theological house on a solid foundation. How to Read the Bible for Doctrine: 1.      Question 2.      Scripture 3.      Community 4.      Construction 4.1     (Remodel) Deconstruction to Reconstruction.

Pastor Jamie teaches on how to read the Bible

 What's so special about the Bible? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares key things that set the Bible apart  What is the Bible? 1. Practically speaking, the Bible is a collection of 66 books by 40 authors written on three continents, in three languages over 1,500 years.   2. Spiritually speaking, The Bible is the written word of God. Jesus: the living word of God. Holy Spirit: the spoken word of God. Bible: the written word of God. The written word exists to lead us to the Living Word. John 5:39 "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!" Ultimately, the goal of the written word is to get to know the author. If you read the Bible and it doesn't bring you closer to Jesus, you did it wrong.   How did the Bible as we know it come into existence? The existence of the Bible is a miracle, but it didn't just fall out of the sky. Three major things happened: 1. The Holy Spirit breathed on the authors and inspired their writings. 2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives." It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.   2. Early church leaders compiled the list of possible books into one library of books.   3. The Bible was translated into English.   What's in the Bible? The Bible contains story of God's pursuit of humanity. 1 John 4:14   The Bible is not magic. It has to be understood and applied. James 1:22 "But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."   Why should we read the Bible? 1. It's powerful. Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." When you read the Bible, the Bible reads you. It exposes your heart so you can be changed for the better.   2. It protects us from error. Galatians 1:9 "I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed."   3. It's precious. Romans 15:4 "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled."   Imagine if your distant relative passed away and left you a treasure map. What would you do with it? The Bible is the treasure map, Jesus is the treasure.   Are you reading the bible?  Are you using the treasure map?

We'll often phrase questions about the existence of evil as, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"There's a problem with this question: there are no good people. If we view the problem evil through the lens of our goodness, we will see ourselves as victims. But when we see the problem of evil through the lens of God's goodness, we will see ourselves as victors.Scripture tells us that God is good. James 1:16-17Like the lights in the sky, His goodness is constant. When life is bad, God is good. Don't get mad at God during times of pain, run to God during times of pain. John 10:10God is the solution to, not the author of life's tragedies. Matthew 7:11If your theology has your heavenly Father doing things that we would put an earthly father in jail for doing, you need to change your theology.Why do bad things happen? Bad things happen for three reasons:1. We make badGod didn't create evil, He created the ability to make choices. Evil is not a thing but an absence of a thing, like dark and light. When we "turn down" God, we turn down good and we are left with bad. Every one of us is good at making bad decisions. Romans 5:12Why did God create choice? So we could love Him and love others. You can't love without the possibly of not loving. Joshua 24:15The pain in this world doesn't reflect on God's goodness, it reflects on our brokenness.2. Our spiritual 1 Peter 5:8-9We have an evil and active adversary. 1 John 5:19Ephesians 2:22 Corinthians 4:4We live behind enemy lines. Don't blame God for what the devil does.3. Our broken Romans 8:19-22This planet is sick with sin, just like humanity is. Natural disasters aren't "acts of God" but "results of sin." Genetic disorders, viruses, contagions, infections are the natural result of a fallen world.Why doesn't God just stop bad things from happening?1. God isLove does what's best for the other person. Pain is necessary to let us know something is wrong. If God shielded you from your spiritual sickness, you would think everything is fine, and die in your sins before receiving the antidote.2. God is a good . Good parents know that children must experience consequences.How can we fear no evil?1. Deal with . 2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.Worry is a fear response when you feel out of control. Renew your mind and retrain your brain.2. Be prepared to .Ephesians 6:10-113. Expect things.Romans 8:28Anything bad that happens to us, God is going to make good.4. Be ready to meet           Luke 13:1-5  Do you fear evil or do you fight evil?

How do we love lost people without condoning harmful and sinful behavior? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally will share three ways we can love the lost. Three weeks ago, we saw that Jesus described Himself saying:Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."Christians don't fight against the lost, we fight for the lost.Two weeks ago, we looked at the three ways Paul took the gospel and spread it far and wide in such a short about of time: in word, in deed and in power.Last week, Pastor Eric shared about losing the lost. How we act will affect people's perception of Jesus, so we must be careful and intentional so that we don't lose the lost through our behavior. Today, Loving the LostJohn 15:13 "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.""Like" is an emotion, "love" is a decision.Love does what is best for the OTHER person. Sometimes that's a hug, sometimes that's a push. James 1:20 "The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."Galatians 5:6 "...the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Three ways that we can love the lost:1. Say something.Mark 6:34 "Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things."One of the most loving things you can do for someone who is lost is tell them the truth about Jesus.Ephesians 4:15  2. Do something.1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions."When it was God's time to reveal who he was to the world, he chose an act of service. A message without ministry is meaningless. James 2:15-16 "Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?"Christianity is a counter-cultural movement; but it can't be a movement if no one is moving. 3. Be someone.2 Corinthians 5:19-20 "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"You are Heaven's ambassador, not Heaven's bouncer. Col. 3:14 And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.Love is the identifying uniform of the Christian. Are you loving the lost?

 Do you attract or repel others when you tell them about Jesus?  In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson explores how our approach to evangelism can either attract or repel those we wish to reach. The discussion centers on a critical shift in understanding: moving from an approach rooted in judgment and justice to one that prioritizes mercy and grace. The message challenges the common mistake of presenting the Gospel with a heavy emphasis on judgment, which often leads to alienation rather than connection. Drawing from John 12:32, we learn how Jesus promised to draw a people to Himself through His sacrifice. When we live out the Gospel with genuine grace and love, there's no need for forceful evangelism—people are naturally drawn to this authentic expression of Jesus. Examine Matthew 9:10-13, where Jesus associates with tax collectors and sinners, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing mercy over judgment. This approach aligns with our role as a search and rescue team rather than bounty hunters. A key insight is that "mercy," as described in biblical terms, encompasses kindness, faithfulness, and loyalty. This understanding challenges the role of gatekeeping in the Kingdom of God. Mercy allows for belonging before transformation, urging us to avoid hypocrisy—living authentically rather than as a "stage-player." The message also addresses the problem of hypocrisy, as illustrated in Matthew 15:7-9 and Romans 2:22-24. Hypocrisy, or living a double life, damages our witness and alienates those we aim to reach. Authenticity is crucial; if our actions don't match our words, it undermines our credibility. The message concludes with a compelling vision: imagine a world where Christianity is synonymous with compassion. Picture your community or church as a "Kingdom Emergency Room," a place brimming with those who have found healing and love. Revelation 22:17 invites all who are thirsty to come and take the free gift of life, reinforcing the idea of evangelism as an act of invitation rather than imposition. Listeners are encouraged to assess their own lives and practices: Are we drawing others to Jesus or pushing them away? The call to action is clear: engage in a "search and rescue mission" by praying for those who don't yet know Jesus and actively being a light in their lives. The goal of evangelism is not to be a savior but to introduce others to the true Savior. Are you losing the lost? Listen to explore how genuine compassion and authenticity can transform your approach to sharing the Gospel.

If we're looking for the lost, what do we do once we have the lost's attention? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how, in light of shorter attention spans, we can make a long story short.Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." Romans 15:18-19 NIV  "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ."Paul "fully proclaimed" the gospel three ways: word, deed, and power - through what He said, what he did, and what he displayedIf we want biblical results, we have to do things the biblical way. Word1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" Colossians 4:5-6 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."A Christian's speech should be full of grace, seasoned with salt. But too many times, our speech is full of salt, seasoned with grace. The easiest way to share your faith is to share your story. DeedService is doing something for someone else, at no benefit to yourself, that demonstrates God's heart toward them.John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."A loving act of service is like a crow bar that pries open someone's heart and so they might receive the gospel. PowerDemonstrating God's power is the most efficient way to preach the gospel.1 Corinthians 2:4-5 "And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God."1 Corinthians 4:20 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." Matthew 10:7-8 "Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"Whatever you have received from God, you have the right to give to someone else. Are you sharing Jesus with the lost in word, deed and power?

Who are lost people? In this series, we're going to talk about who they are, how we are supposed to relate to them, and what we are supposed to be doing about them.In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how we can look for the lost. Luke 19:10 Jesus' goal is to seek, not separate from the lost.  The lost aren't our enemies, they are the mission. The lost aren't our opponents, they are our objective. The lost aren't the problem, they are the point. The Great Commission:Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, (but they aren't Christians!) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."As Christians, we don't fight against the lost, we fight for the lost. In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables about someone finding things that are lost:Luke 15:1-10Luke 15:22-24 All three of these stories show the Father's heart toward the lost: He is looking for them, running to them, and when they are found, through their repentance, He rejoices. How do we look for the lost?1. Looking for the lost requires that you leave your comfort zone.They're probably not here. Looking for the lost requires that we take what's in here and export it out there.Mark 1:16-18 A fisherman doesn't fish in his living room, he goes to a lake—because that's where the fish are. In the same way, the church building is not the primary place where we fish for the lost. 2. Looking for the lost requires that we live a life differently than the lost.Jesus ate with sinners, not to condone their sinful lifestyle, but so they would no longer be sinners. Seek AND SAVE.Romans 12:2 We are friends TO the world, but not friends WITH the world.You cannot affect the world by being like the world. We are supposed to be looking for the lost, but we aren't supposed to be looking like the lost. 3. Looking for the lost requires that we see the inherent value in people.Luke 15:28-32 4. Looking for the lost requires God's help.You need a co-laborer to fulfill the great co-mission.Matthew 28:20 "...And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."God is asking for you to partner with Him in finding the lost.Evangelism not something you do by FOR God, its something you do WITH God.  Are you looking for the lost?Homework: Ask the Lord to show you one person and commit to praying for them every day this week.

What is truth? How can we know what's true and what isn't? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about something really important: the truth.  John 18:37-38a "... 'What is truth?' Pilate asked."Nothing has changed in 2000 years. There is an all-out attack on the truth, and that means there is an all-out attack on Jesus.John 14:6 NLT Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..."Truth is not a concept, it's a person. You can understand facts, but you won't understand their meaning until you get to know the source of truth: Jesus.John 8:31-32 NLT "... you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Conversely, the main weapon of the devil is lies and deception.John 8:43-45 Two current issues in our modern culture we need to talk about regarding truth:AI, or Artificial intelligence, is technology that mimics human intelligence.Because of AI you are going to have to require a higher standard from yourself regarding what's true. The more you want something false to be true, the more likely you are to believe false information.Psalm 86:11 If your heart is not pure, your discernment will be off. Social MediaWhy is social media suspect?1. It gives unequal opinions an equal platform.2. It's not all real.Social Media tempts you to sacrifice what's real for what's rehearsed, and to sacrifice what you need to hear for what you want to hear.3. It's immediate communication.Proverbs 18:2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.Before you post, forward, or share, ask yourself—is this true or do I just want this to be true? Is this from a trustworthy source? Does this reveal the Jesus—the way, the truth, the life, or Satan—the father of lies? How do we protect ourselves against deception?1. Opt out of offense.Matthew 24:10-11 An offended heart is susceptible to deception. Offense opens your heart to deceit.You want to see what you already believe. You want to hear what you already think.As Christians, our goal is not to just make a point, but to make a difference. 2. Limit your exposure to deception.1 Corinthians 11:3 Eve should have said, "Sorry, I don't talk to snakes." You can't be deceived, if you never hear the deception. Current culture is a current that is trying to sweep you into a way of thinking. The key to changing what you're full of is to change what you feed on. 3. Practice God's presence and stay in scripture.John 17:17 NIV "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."Become so intimately acquainted with the truth, that you'll be able to immediately spot what's a lie. Are you guarding against deception and protecting the truth?

Are your views of sex biblical? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares what the Bible says about sex. This message does not target anyone, VFC does not hate anyone, everyone is invited to worship, and questions are welcomed. We're looking at sex from a biblical perspective today and see which beliefs we hold are cultural, and which are scriptural. There are three ways Christians typically view sex: dirty, idolatry, or holy 5 Biblical truths about sex:1. Sex has a designer.Genesis 2:25 When unaffected by sin, sex a good gift from a good God. 2. Sex has a purpose.The designer of a thing determines the purpose of a thing.Sex has two main purposes: Creating children. Spiritual glue1 Cor. 6:13 Sex is not just a physical-only activity like food is.  1 Cor. 6:15-17 Sex is joining yourself to another person.There is no such thing as a one-night stand because sex, by design, stays with you after its over.  There is no such thing as "just sex." 3. Sex has boundaries.In order for sex to remain good, it must be used according to the designer's purpose. Helpful things become harmful things when used outside of their boundaries.Fornication, or sexual immorality, is any sexual activity outside of God's boundaries and beyond God's purposes.1 Corinthians 6:18  God's biblical behavioral boundaries for sex:One man, one woman, consensual, and protected by marriage commitment. The following behaviors are types  of sexual immorality:- Sex before marriage. (Christianese, part 2: Fornication - June 11, 2017) It's dangerous to bond yourself to someone who hasn't committed to you. - Co-habitation. (Elephants in the Room 2018, part 1: Aug 5th 2018) - Pornography. (More Elephants, part 3: Aug 21st 2016) Porn is sin: it hurts the people in it, it hurts the people watching it, it hurts marriages, it is addictive like the worst drugs, and its one of the main reasons why human trafficking exists.  - Homosexuality. (Loving the LGBT Community, Aug 25th 2019) Same sex relationships are not God's design for humanity. Because of our sin nature, we are all born with desires that are outside of God's boundaries for sexual behavior, Having a desire is not a sin; acting on it is. - Incest, Bestiality and Rape. The Bible records these things but never condones these things. - Adultery. (Elephants 2021, part 2 - Aug 8, 2021) Adultery is devastating to a marriage because it destroys the very thing a marriage is based on—trust.  4. Sex should be a regular part of a healthy marriage.Since sex is for marriage, sex should be good in marriage.1 Corinthians 7:2-5Practice good sex! 5. You can receive forgiveness for sexual sin.Sexual sin is not unforgivable sin. If you've made mistakes in the past, you can be free.1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Repent, receive his grace and make Jesus Lord of your sex life. Become a holysexual.                   Have you surrendered your sex life Jesus?

Does physical health matter for a Christian? In this message, Tiffany Nunnally shares the secret to health. For too long, the church has ignored the topic of physical health, or at the very least put it in a separate box from the rest of our spiritual lives. The secret to health is to invite the Lord into your everyday habits, and to rethink your current mindset about food, fitness, and faith.We have to invite the Holy Spirit into this part of our lives, then listen and obey as He leads us. Disclaimer #1: In attempting to convince you of God's plan for your physical health... God often uses doctors and medicine, but we must remember that the natural and supernatural work together. Disclaimer #2: If you feel offended or ashamed at any point this morning, it's not coming from the Lord, and it's not judgment from me.  Everything I'm telling you today are things the Lord has taught me and corrected in my own life. Here are 3 truths for you to consider as we confront this issue of physical health.Truth #1God cares about how you treat your body 1 Cor. 6:19-20If you don't have a relationship with God, you have to start there. You can't hear and trust the voice of someone you don't know. Rules = Religion  —> eventual failure (trust is in your own ability & rituals; self-reliant) Relationship = Results —> long term success (trust is in listening to God's voice; God-reliant) Diets are the dead religion of the health world. Truth #2God wants to release you from what enslaves youRomans 6:16 Recognize that food and drinks can be an idol and repent when you realize you've been turning to them for comfort instead of the comforter. Whatever occupies your thoughts, time, and money has your heart.Truth #3Your body is a work of art that requires maintenance Psalm 139:14 Ephesians 2:10 1 Cor. 6:20 1 Cor. 9:27God wants to heal you preemptively by keeping you from getting sick in the first place.Rapid-fire practical advice: -Get rid of the "All or Nothing" mentality.-Good nutrition & physical fitness go hand in hand. What you eat affects your quality of life.-Change happens by starting where you are, and using what you have. Small consistencies create bigger change than big leaps on unstable legs. -Being healthy is more important than how you look. -Focus on the do's and not the don'ts. 2 Cor. 12:9 -Be aware of who is influencing your health choices. You are usually a byproduct of your 5 closest friends.- Eat real food.The key to any change is to start.  The you in the future will thank the you right now if you start your health journey with the Lord. Have you invited the Lord into your health?

How Should Christians Vote? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally will share about this elephant in the room. Our Elephants in the Room was a series started back in 2015 because I realized there were tough topics and sensitive subjects that needed to be addressed with grace and truth.  How Should Christians Vote? 1. Christians should be informed and involved in government.One of the greatest gifts you can give to the world is your faith in Jesus.Matthew 22:19-21 We don't force people to believe Christian doctrine. But it is good and just to have laws that coincide with Biblical morality.  Resources to help you:isidewith.com and Politicalcompass.org/test 2. Christians should properly prioritize their political opinions.If God wanted to save us through secular government, he would have sent a politician to win elections, not a carpenter born to die.Isaiah 9:6 The problem with our world is sin, and the solution to that sin problem is not government - it's God. Salvation has come thru a spiritual government and its King is Jesus. No politician or party accurately or totally represents God - stop acting like they do.A Christian's job is not to connect people to their politics but to connect people to their King.  3. Christians should opt out of political strife.How you talk about politics affects the kingdom of God. James 3:13 Please do not post unverified information. That's bearing false witness and breaking one of the 10 commandments.  Why would someone listen to you about your faith when you clearly don't care about the truth, when it comes to politics?Titus 3:9 If God hasn't changed their mind yet, your FB argument certainly won't.Outrage is not a fruit of the spirit.Proverbs 29:11 Stop venting, start praying. 4. Christians should value unity over uniformity.Unity is harmony despite differences, uniformity is sameness with no differences.Galatians 3:26-28 Prioritize Jesus over all other labels, including political ones. Some people identify with their political party more than their church family. John 17:21Our unity brings clarity to who Jesus is.Ephesians 4:3Church, this is our time to be different than the world - we must demonstrate how to disagree without disrespect. We must value the person even if we don't value the opinion.  5. Christians should surrender their vote to Jesus.Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.Joshua 5:13-14God doesn't want you to follow the donkey or the elephant, but the lamb.  God has sent a King to rule over His kingdom, and if you are His, no one but Jesus should get your blanket allegiance. Have you surrendered your vote to Jesus? Are you informed and involved? Have you properly prioritized your political opinions? Are you involved in political strife.  Do you value unity over uniformity? Prayed about who to vote for?

When your story is history, and your story is his story, your story will become ministry and prophecy. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares the story of Stephen from Acts chapters 6 & 7.Acts 6:1-4 Church growth requires division of labor. If you try to do everything, you'll succeed at nothing. Acts 6:5-6  POINT #1 The world promotes people into power, but God promotes people into service.In the Kingdom, authority is given based on humility, not ability.Mark 10:42-45 If you want to be a big deal to God, make serving others a big deal. Acts 6:7-8 "... Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people."(For the record, signs wonders and miracles were not for the apostles only)Acts 6:9-15POINT #2: In order to make a difference, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit.So far, during this account of Stephen's story, he has been said to be full of faith, full of grace, full of power, full of wisdom, and twice so far he is said to be full of the Holy Spirit.Acts 1:8a "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you."The Holy Spirit doesn't fill you with power so you'll act weird in church. He fills you to empower you for personal maturity and public ministry. Ephesians 5:18We are to be in a perpetual state of infilling, because we are in a perpetual state of leaking.  Acts 7:1 Acts 7:51-60 POINT #3: Christian maturity is not a matter of self-help, but self-death.Most likely, God will not ask you to die for your faith. There are around 5000 Christians killed for their faith every year. We are blessed to have active ministry in 2 of the top 4 most dangerous countries for Christians to live in."Thy will be done" only works when we say also say "my will be gone."Galatians 2:20"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."Don't try to correct what God is trying to kill. Don't try to improve what God is trying to remove. Don't try to civilize what God is wanting to crucify. Acts 8:1b,4 The gospel got to you through Stephen's death. In the same way, your death—death to your will and you way—will lead to the spread of the gospel, too. What story are you writing?

Stories are powerful. Your past can help someone's future. In this message, Ryan Davis shares his amazing story of how God revealed Himself and led Ryan into a transformed life. Ryan's past includes being bullying, drug use, and anger. It seemed that anger was his family inheritance. Drug use was the way he coped with life. Ryan called himself an atheist. But God knew him and was with him all along.“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16 Ryan felt that he was in charge of his own life and that he could handle things on his own. Psalm 10:4 “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” One day he went to church at his wife's request and he experienced the presence of God as he entered the room. Ryan said that when he walked through the doors of the sanctuary here he felt the air get thick. “I felt like I was swimming in a fog… I couldn't read the lyrics for the tears streaming down my face… It changed my life… I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew.”  Then he thought, “I can't wait to come back next Sunday.”“ And he arose and same to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” Luke 15:20  Ryan prayed to make Jesus Lord of his life in church. Later, alone, he told God that he wanted to give God his whole life. The trajectory of his life changed in that moment.“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 God loves us enough not to leave us where we are.  Ryan says that this revelation tore his heart… “It wasn't the nails that held Jesus on the cross. It was His love for me. “ What is your story? How is God working in your life? Will you respond to the Lord's invitation to give your life to Him?