I Love The 90's Week 3

The Formula For Growth

In the final week of the I love the 90's series, we at Victory Hill Church have a lot to celebrate! One great thing to celebrate was that Michele, our Pastor's wife, was able to go home after open heart surgery. Another thing to celebrate is that we have had 11 salvation's in the last two Sunday Mornings!

When we are in elementary school, we begin learning about formulas and the basics of Algebra. It's so confusing, because just when you think you are getting this whole math thing figured out, they start mixing in the alphabet! Pastor Trey was able to bring back our elementary school horrors, and show us how we can apply formulas to our spiritual growth.

Passive ≠ Progress 
Many times in our lives, both spiritually and not, we find ourselves pondering things we should be doing. Maybe getting involved in ministry, losing weight, or saving more money. Just thinking about doing it will not accomplish much. Many times we have good intentions and even plans to accomplish something, but never quite get around to it. We will never get to where we want to go by continuing to be passive.

Proactive = Progress
There comes a time in your life when you must decide that you are no longer going to be passive, but that you are going to start being proactive. We can dream and think and wish something all day long, but nothing will ever change until we pursue those dreams, until we become proactive.

The enemy uses tools to keep us from becoming proactive. These tools are deception and destruction. So many people around us are being deceived. We can either continue to remain quiet (passive) or choose to share Christ (proactive).

However sometimes we as Christians get confused when it comes to being proactive. If our neighbors house is one fire it would be crazy to say "Well, I'm just going to pray for you." We would need to take action, we would call the fire department, try to see if anyone was home, we would be proactive. Then why do we do just the opposite when it comes to spiritual matters? We simply say that you are going to say a prayer, when maybe God's intention was for you to be the answer to that prayer. We have been created with so much power, the Bible even says we won't simply have the ability to do works as Jesus did, but works GREATER than he did.

It's time for us to do something.

I love the 90's Week 2

The Process of Progress

2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge or our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

The whole goal of this series is not to perfect the imperfect, but rather for the imperfect to simply make progress in their pursuit of Christ. But there is a process we have to go through in order to make progress. Progress doesn't just happen, we have to be intentional about making progress. 

A bad habit of many Christians is seeking inadequate sources to make progress. Someone who is looking to lose weight isn't going to ask someone even heavier to give them advice. Someone who is looking to better their financial situation and make wise investments isn't going to the individual who just filled for bankruptcy. But that is exactly what we do spiritually. We seek information and advice from people who are no further in their walk with Christ than we are. 

There is a secret to Spiritual progress, it's simply the phrase "Because you say so I will." 

Sometimes we can't see the benefits of doing what God says. God says to tithe, but if I do, I have a bill that isn't going to get paid. But because you say to do it, I will. My marriage is falling apart, and I don't want to try anymore, but because you say so, I will try again. Making progress is as simple as obeying Gods word, and doing the things he has already asked us to do. 

We all make mistakes, and we all fall short, but that doesn't mean we should stop following Christ. But many of us do. God isn't through with you simply because you messed up. He still loves you and still desires you. 

Today, make the decision to continue to move forward, regardless of the mistakes you have made. It can be scary, because following Christ will cost you. We have to get to the point where we stop depending on what we think is best, and start to follow the word of God, simply because he says so. 

1 Peter 2:21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

I Love the 90's Week 1

Where Am I?

This week Mason Harris our Student Pastor brought the message, as the first in this new series.

We learned the being of follower of Jesus Christ is a process. We aren't expected to become a Christ follower today, and be prefect tomorrow. But following Christ should change us. It should change our desires, it should change how we love others, and it should change our priorities. We have a Heavenly Father who knows that we are not perfect, yet he is cheering for us every step that we make closer to Him and His will for our lives.

We are all on different journey's when it comes to our walk with Christ, and that is OK! The main goal of this series is to realize where we are, and to begin making steps forward.

We are all in one of four areas of our walk: Seeker, Receiver, Follower, or Contributor.

Now see many of us in the church community, we get the seeking and receiving part down, but then we simply stop moving forward. This is where the work begins. The gift of salvation is absolutely free, and there is nothing that you or I could do to earn it. However, to become a disciple, a true follower of Christ, it requires sacrifice.

But how do I know if I have made that step into becoming more than simply a receiver, but a follower? Here are 5 indications that you are a fully devoted follower of Christ.

1. Daily pursuit of Jesus Christ: How can we be fully devoted unless we are daily seeking Jesus? Your marriage probably wouldn't last very long if you didn't at least talk to your Husband or Wife everyday. How do you expect your relationship with Christ to flourish if you don't make spending time with him a priority. Reading your Bible daily and spending time in prayer is a sign of becoming of follower. And if you haven't mastered this yet, that is OK! Start today by making your pursuit of Christ a priority.

2. Confession and Repentance: We all mess up, may times daily. That doesn't mean that we are loved any less by God. It does mean that when we realize we have sinned, we need to beginning by confessing those sins. He already sees everything we do, but sometimes we try to live our lives as if He doesn't. And repenting is so much more than a simply "I'm sorry". Repentance is actually feeling regret and remorse over your sin, and asking God for help and strength to turn away from that sin.

3. Financial Surrender: We all have bills. We all have things we want and need. The amazing thing about Jesus is that He didn't ask us all to give $100,000 a year to the church, because I don't know about you, but there is no way I could do that. He asked us to start by giving 10%. For some people that is easy, and for some of us, that 10% is hard to let go of. God didn't ask us to give simply to be doing so. When we hold on so tightly to the little we have, we make it impossible for God to bless us with so much more.

4. Involved in Church: The bible specifically tells us not to forsake the assembling of the church. Being involved in church is so much more than just showing up on Sunday morning, getting your feel good sermon, and going on about your life. Being involved in Church is being part of a family. You make a church your family when your join small groups and ministry groups.

5. Loves other people: John 13:35 "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Some Christians can be associated with being mean, unforgiving, and unloving. This isn't what Jesus wants for his followers. The bible goes as far as to tell us that anyone who doesn't love, doesn't know God, because God is love. How can we followers if we can't love others, when love is God's very nature?

The last and final area that we might be on in our walk with Christ, is being a Contributor. We see Contributors every week. They are the people opening the doors, serving the coffee, watching the children, playing the band, and showing your to your seat.

Wherever you are, decide today to take a step forward, and to continue to grow and learn as your pursue Christ.

What happens to you when you die? Week 4

As Christians, it's important for us to realize we aren't perfect, and our sins are no better than someone who hasn't yet decided to follow Christ. 

However, it's easy for us to get caught up in our works. We start trying to measure our good Christian deeds against someone who isn't saved. 

Pastor Trey compared it to getting tickets at Chuck E. Cheese. You could literally spend $1,000 on games at Chuck E. Cheese, and win arm fulls of tickets, but what are those tickets worth? Nothing, outside of Chuck E. Cheese. You can't cash in those tickets to put a down payment on a car, or to pay your electric bill. Those tickets are worthless for anything except a cheep toy at Chuck E. Cheese. 

In the same way, we try to present our deeds and good works as something of value. Do you know what the Bible says about that? Isaiah 64:6 tells us that even our most righteous acts, are as filthy rags when presented to our Savior. Why? Because by our own actions, we will never be good enough. It is ONLY through the blood of Jesus that we can even approach God at all. Our best is worthless without Salvation. 

But then why do we act as if our best is actually something to brag about? We present our tickets (our filthy rags) as if it makes us better than those without. This is why some people feel as if they have to fix themselves before coming to Christ. 

Christ desires you, just as you are. Are you shacking up? Come to Jesus. Are you gay? Come to Jesus. Jesus didn't say whoever comes to me and is heterosexual will be saved. He simply some come. 

What if instead of pointing out peoples sins, and telling them to stop sinning, we instead simply told them to start following Jesus? 

What if instead of giving them a list of things they can't do, we start celebrating their own realizations and recognition's and steps in Christ? 

We are all saved by grace. God loves you and desires you, regardless of any mistakes. You don't have to try and fix all your mistakes, he desires you just as you are, but he loves us too much to leave us that way. 

So this week, I challenge everyone to stop presenting their tickets (filthy rags) as something worthy, and start presenting ourselves as sinners saved by grace. 

Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe God raise him you will be saved.

What happens to you when you die? Week 3

In this series we've had to to start facing reality. And the reality is, death is inevitable. Pastor Trey was able to speak to us on this topic with great insight and some added humor.

Sunday's message was focused mostly on the fathers in the audience, but the spiritual concepts were applicable to us all.

We don't know what will happen tomorrow. We may have it all written out in our day planners, but tomorrow isn't promised to us or the ones we love.

Because our life is just a vapor in comparison to our eternity. This life is temporary, but in this temporary life are we focusing on the right things? How much money we have isn't tied to our eternity. Here are a few of the main points for the sermon that you should try to apply to your life.

Time is greater than toys. As adults, we can look back and say we probably don't have all the toys our parents bought us as kids. The most important thing parents can do for their kids is to spend quality time with them.

Embracing is greater than excuses. Pastor Trey presented the idea that if men would embrace their role as men, that would could see America come back to God in one generation. If we had men who were responsible fathers, loving husbands, and spiritual leaders in the homes, we would great changes in our nation. It's easy to make excuses, but a real man embraces his role, and does his best to be the man of God he was created to be.

God's plan is greater then my mistakes. As parents, we have all screwed up. We aren't going to be perfect, but we are expected to be striving to be more Christ like. The amazing thing is that God's plan for lives accounted for our mistakes. He knew we would mess up, but just because we mess up, doesn't mean he is done with us. He loves us. He pursued us. He died for us.

Don't wait until tomorrow. When your life is just a vapor, every moment counts. Start today being the person that God has created you to be.

James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

What happens to you when you die? Week 2

Many of us have either seen the movie or read the book "Heaven is for real". But even those who haven't, it easy for us to believe in a beautiful place with streets of gold and angels singing. However, its much more difficult for us to think about the alternative.

Hell is for real. But it is so hard for us to wrap our minds around the concept. How could a loving and forgiving God send anyone to Hell? The answer is Hell wasn't meant for you.

Hell was specifically created for Satan and his angels. It was not part of God's plan  for you or I to spend eternity there. His plan was to send his son, to die for our sins, so that we could  live eternity in Heaven with him.

God could have forced us to worship him. He definitely is powerful enough to not give us the choice. But we have an amazing God, who gave us free will. He gave us the choice. But while we are free to make our own decisions, we are not free from the consequences of those decisions. We have the opportunity to choose, Heaven or Hell. Not because God isn't loving, but because he is so loving that he doesn't want to force us to love him and serve him. He want us to have free will to choose how we live this life, and to choose how we spend our eternity.

The great news is, is that we don't have to be perfect to choose eternity in Heaven. We simply have to make the decision. We need to pray to God and ask him to come into our lives, and choose to live our lives in service to him. This does not mean we will be perfect. This means that our loving savior died for our imperfections.

This series is still going on at Victory Hill Church. If you have missed out on this series so far, week one is now up on our Victory Hill Church app (which is free to download to your smart phone).

Keep inviting your lost friends and family, and if you haven't yet, please join us this coming Sunday for week 3 of What happens to you when you die?

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

What happens to you when you die? Week 1

On the last Sunday in August, we started a new series that is sure to be very eye opening. Pastor Nathan has addressed the questions of what happens when we die.

Do a google search of what people believe will happen to you when you die, and you will find a broad variety of answers, from reincarnation to absolutely nothing. But one truth remains the same no  matter what each person believes; death is inevitable and it will happen to all of us at one point or another.

Now, as Christians, we believe in what the Bible says to be true, that when we die, we will then go to one of two places... Heaven or Hell. And this isn't dependent upon how good or bad we are, but completely based on whether or not we become a follower of Christ.

Even knowing intellectually that death is inevitable, it seems that it's not something we necessarily live out every single day. Why? Because, well death isn't a fun thing to think about. We equate death with finality and sadness over losing someone we care for. We watch the news and see crazy things about death and people dying in a variety ways, but we still don't want to think about it happening to us or someone we love.

How might we live our lives differently if we woke up every morning knowing and understanding the possibility that this day could be our last?  Might we make amends more quickly, love more sincerely, and spread the gospel with less fear?

The reality is that today very well could be your last. As Pastor pointed out, tents are temporary. Tents don't last, and neither will our earthly bodies.

While all this death talk can sound rather depressing, the awesome part is that it isn't the end of the story. Because Jesus walked through death, we can too! His sacrifice for our sins, gives us the opportunity to live eternally with Him. While these earthly bodies (tents) were not made to last, our spirits were made to last forever. And as Christians, we have the exciting truth, that death isn't the end, but rather just the beginning to our eternal lives.

If you are interested in hearing more about what happens to you after you die, consider attending Victory Hill Church this coming Sunday. We have services at 9:30am and 11:00am. We would love to see you there!

"All I know is i'm not home yet, this is not where I belong. Take this world and give me Jesus, this is not where I belong." -Building 429

Step up Week 2

We have been called. Not just our Pastor or those on staff, each and everyone of us have been called. We are the children of God, and as the children of God, we are called to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. Too often, we believe that simply showing up on Sunday, and listening the the message is enough. It isn't. God has called us to so much more than simply being spectators. He is putting you in the game.

Sure, you can refuse and continue to be a bench warmer, but that isn't what God has planned for you. God has given you talents and a specific purpose in this life. Now, I can't  begin to tell you exactly what it is that God has gifted you and called you to do, but I know that he is calling all of us to make an impact.

How can we be an influence? You don't have to travel across the globe to change the world, you can change the world right here in South Central, KY. The things you need to know to make an influence are the people around you, the area you are in, and what your passion is. When you begin to look at these things, you will being to see ways in which you can make an impact.

An easy way many of us can start to change the world is simply be being nice. While this may not sound like a revolutionary statement, many people struggle with this very thing. Throwing fits when we don't get what we want, cutting people off in traffic, using vulgar language... I don't believe any of this will display the true character of Christ. And isn't that what we are supposed to be doing? As Christians, we should be striving to be like Christ. None of us are perfect, but you can start today by adjusting your attitude an praying for strength to be a nicer individual.

We also have to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and recognize the moments and opportunities that are placed before us. It isn't necessarily that we have to preach a sermon to every single person we come in contact with. But with simple things, like saying I'll pray for you, and then actually doing it. Pay for someone's food. Leave your server an extra tip, and tell them God Bless. Help and elderly person with their groceries. The list goes on and on of ways in which we can show Christ in even little moments of our every day lives. Don't be in such a rush in life that you miss out on these opportunities.

It is so important that you know how to share your testimony. Pastor has encouraged us on numerous occasions to practice our testimonies, and to be able to share them in three minutes or less. I know that God has done something amazing in all of our lives, and it may be the very thing that brought you to God, will be an inspiration to draw someone else to him.  Be prepared to share your story and the message of Christ, because you never know when the opportunity will present itself.

So many exciting things coming up at Victory Hill Church, and we are so excited to see what is to come!

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Redneck Week 1

Pastor Nathan is on a much deserved vacation for the next two weeks, and we get the opportunity to learn from this new series with Pastor Trey.

This was an amazing message beginning our 21 days of prayer. We are expecting great things for this coming fall, and we are gathering together to pray for the same goals.

Over the next 21 days, we have been encouraged to ask God, what do you want to do in me, around me, and through me.

1. God help me to see people the way you see them.
2. Give us grace and power as we fulfill our mission as a church.
3. I am totally dependent on you, God!
4. Pray for 3 un-churched friends.
5. Help is to bring 200 un-churched people to "Back to church Sunday".
6. Help us win 2021 people to Jesus by 2021.

This Sunday we heard the story of Elijah, and the power his prayers had. He was alone. He was against the many prophets of Baal, as they cried out to their god with no results. When Elijah prayed to the one and true God, amazing things began to happen.

If the prayers of one man can shake things up, imagine what the impact the prayers of many of us will have. When we are all seeking God and praying for the same things with the same goal, I truly believe we are going to see mountains move over the next month.

Commit now, if you haven't already, to joining us in spending at least 10 minuets in prayer every single day, and add these six prayers to your daily prayer time.

James 5: 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

He was one man, we are many. Join us, and let's see God do amazing things together.

Race Day week 4

You know what I love about my church? Is that our pastors and leaders can take simple things like NASCAR and relate it to our spiritual lives. We have been talking about auto racing for several weeks, but we aren't really talking about auto racing. We are talking about our spiritual lives and how to win the race when it comes to eternity.

Some of the things in we have learned in previous weeks during this series is qualifying for the race and making adjustments.

There are many parts of racing team; the owner, sponsor, crew chief, coaches, pit crew, the car, and the driver. The race wouldn't be possible without each part of this team. In the same way, we are all part of God's racing team; the body of Christ. We are all vital members to the body. We all have different roles and different opportunities to make a difference, but know whatever your role is, that you are important to this team.

In racing, and in real life, everything doesn't always go exactly how you planned. But an important part of picking yourself up from the times when you get off course, is having the right pit crew, so to speak.

This series has focused a lot on making sure we make bible reading a priority in our everyday lives. Knowing God's word is so important to not only our own walk with Christ, but also for being able to reach out to others. How can we make a difference in the lives of others, if we don't even study the word?

We are getting prepared for a big season at Victory Hill Church. During the back to school season, many churches see a rise in attendance, and our desire is to see so many unchurched and unsaved people come to Christ. How can you be part of this? One way is to complete Growth track, and to start serving, because as we grow, we will need more volunteers to fulfill ministry needs. Another way you can be a apart of what is happening at Victory Hill is to participate in the upcoming 21 days of prayer that is beginning August 2nd. We will be praying for different things throughout these 21 days together as a church, and I for one am excited to see the amazing things God is going to do when we all get together and make prayer priority.

We are all part of this team, and its time we all begin to do our part to be successful.

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!

Stand with Israel

It seems that our world is in some scary times.

It seems that many of us would rather close our eyes and plug our ears when it comes to the events happening in the world. Being informed makes us worry. Being informed keeps us up at night. But being inform also requires us to pick a side in the debates. When we are informed we can no longer sit back and let things happen. When we become informed, we have to become involved. So we avoid it many times.

Our nation is in the midst of a very potentially dangerous deal with Iran. Pastor Nathan attended the Christians United for Israel Summit this past week and came back with so much information about what is going on.

Silence in the face of evil, is evil itself: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak, is to speak. Not to act is to act. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

It's easy to ignore what is going on the world. We just turn off the news and continue to live our lives as if nothing is happening. It is time as Christians we make the decision to be informed and to make a difference.

The most important thing you can do is to pray. Pray for our nation and pray for Israel.

It is also important that we stand with Israel, and stay informed. One way you can do this is by joining www.cufi.org to get information about what is going on, and ways you can personally make a difference.

It may be scary times, but the amazing thing is, God is still God. He isn't shocked by what is going on. It didn't surprise him that our leaders are contemplating making this treaty. He is still in control. Jesus is still seated at the right hand of God. As Christians, we can find faith and comfort in knowing that whatever the future holds, that we know our God still holds the future.

2 Chronicles 7:14 "Then if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sins and restore their land".

Race Day Week 3

How awesome is it that we have such amazing leaders that even if our Pastor is gone for a week, we have an amazing service that goes off without a hitch? Pastor Nathan is in Washington, DC for the Christians United for Israel conference, and while we always miss our Pastor when he is away, we got the opportunity to hear from Youth Pastor Trey Harper.

This Race Day series has been focused on NASCAR and relating the spiritual aspects to our lives, but if you are anything like Pastor Trey, NASCAR just isn't your thing. However, regardless of your like or dislike for this sport, these messages have been very applicable to all of our lives.

1 Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

These verse is not politically correct in today's society. In order to protect our Children's fragile emotions, everyone gets a trophy, even the team that comes in dead last. Why? Because we don't want to harm their self esteem, we don't want to scar them for life, and we definitely don't want them feeling sorry for themselves. Everyone is a winner, but that isn't reality. In reality there are winners and there are losers. But too many of us still have that everyone win's mentality as we have grown older.

Guess what, this isn't little league anymore, and just as the verse in Corinthians states, not everyone is going to win. So what if as Christians we weren't simply in it for the participation trophy, what if we were actually in it to win it? What if we made the conscious decision every day to win, rather than simply participate?

1 Corinthians 9:36 "Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air."

You see, we sometimes get distracted by temporary/earthly accomplishments. Our progress towards Christ should be so much more important. Discipline is the only thing that will get us closer to Christ. Trying and training are not the same things. Trying occurs when it's convenient. Training occurs no matter what.

Here are some ways you can start training TODAY!
Read your Bible every day for at least 10 min, Become a Dream Team Member, and Join a small group.

Realize that discipline is your responsibility. It isn't your spouse or your pastor or you friend's job to make sure that you remain and continue to be disciplines in your pursuit of Christ.

What if we were all in it to win it as Christians? How might we change the world?

It is all up to you.

Race Day Week 2

Sometimes the hardest part for any of us when we have a problem, is actually admitting we have a problem.

We may feel as if certain sins or struggles should be beneath us because we are Christians, so we find it difficult to own up to it when we are failing in certain areas of our lives.

We are all sinners in need of a savior, and the sooner you start to evaluate your life, the sooner God can start to work a miracle in you.

When something is wrong with your car, you raise the hood and see what is causing the problem. Many of us need to do the same thing in our lives, we need to take some time to raise the hood and diagnose the issues at hand. But it takes an honest look at yourself. This will be completely ineffective if you are set on lying to yourself about what you find. When you are ready, ask yourself these questions honestly.

1. What hinders me? The first thing that most of us might think of us is sin, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a sin to hinder you.  It can be certain people who are a negative influence on you, it could be dating the wrong people, it could be the places you go, the music you listen to, or the television shows you watch. None of which are in the bible under a "THOU SHALL NOT", however we would be naive to think that these things can't and won't hinder us in our walk with Christ.

2. What is my primary area of temptation? These are hard questions that none of us really want to dwell on I am sure, but when you know the answer to these questions, you will know better how to fight off the temptation or how to stay away from it entirely. We all fail, and we all have things that tempt us. But you don't have to be overwhelmed by your temptations. you can overcome. 1 Corinthians 10 tells us that God will never allow you to be tempted more than you can handle. Discipline is the difference between average and abundance.

3. Where am I in my walk with Jesus? Have you become comfortable with simply coming to church on Sundays? You cannot effectively keep your eyes on Christ without spending time with him praying and reading His word. Read your bible for at least 10 minutes a day. Join a small group to help keep you accountable in your walk with Christ.

God did not intend for us to live life frustrated and confused and accusing. He came to give us life, and life more abundantly. But God is a gentleman and He will not force Himself on you. So be honest with yourself about the issues in your life, and start today working towards a fresh start.

Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witness, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

June 28th, 2015

Sunday's message was not the one Pastor Nathan originally had planned, but when God speaks, it's so reassuring to know we have a pastor who is ready to listen and change the plan. 

We are living in crazy times. In television media, social media, and print media its difficult to view without seeing what a desperate state our world is in. 

But here is what you need to know.

You need to know that the supreme court's ruling doesn't change anything. God's word is still God's word. We are still commanded to speak truth and speak life and love one another. Love didn't win last week. Love won 2,000 years ago on the Cross on Calvary. 

People are so afraid of being politically incorrect that they refuse to take a stand (and by taking a stand, I don't mean spouting out your opinion on your Facebook wall). 

It's OK to believe in God's word, and it's OK to have a different opinion than the rest of the world. Jesus spent time with sinners. Does this mean he agreed with what they were doing or how they lived their lives? No. I don't imagine Jesus being homophobic, and I can't imagine sinners wanting to spend time with him if all he did was tell them they were going to Hell. 

Jesus loved people, and in loving people when given the opportunity, corrected people in love. 

So, what can you do? Pray for your nation. Pray for your lost friends and family. Repent of your sins. Stand firm on God's word.

“Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.” Rick warren 

Race Day Week 1

Avoiding wrecks

We have all heard the phrase "When you fail to plan, you plan to fail". Now obviously, life has a way of throwing things at us when we least expect it and when we are the least prepared, but there are things that we can do to avoid some of the wrecks of life, so to speak.

Sunday's sermon was packed with so many good spiritual lessons, but one thing that really stuck with me personally was point 3 of the sermon "Make Adjustments". (You can always go over the sermon notes by downloading the Victory Hill App to your smart phone).

Life doesn't always turn out exactly how we planned... who am I kidding, life rarely turns out exactly how we planned. Those are the times when we have to be prepared to allow God to lead us to where He would have have us go.

It makes me think of the song Oceans by Hillsong United, "Spirit lead me where my trust is without boarders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever You would call me."

You woke up this morning. If you have a pulse, you have a purpose. Life may not be going exactly your way, and you may have hit some bumps along the road, but you have to believe that God still has a plan for your life. You are here for a reason. God has a plan for you. And sometimes, that plan isn't our plan, and we have to be willing to make adjustments and allow God to lead us.

As Christians we are never promised that life will be easier. We are however promised that in the end, the journey will be worth our end reward.

Philippians 3:14 "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

Missions Sunday

Send Me

I think it is difficult to sit through a Sunday morning service like this past one and not feel compelled to jump on a airplane and preach the gospel to all the world. But the thing is, that isn't necessarily an option for everyone. 

Some people have medical conditions that prevent them from being able to travel abroad for foreign missions, some people are unable to get the time off work to make that trip... there are many reasons why right now in your life, foreign missions may not be something you are able to do. 

The Bible however, is very clear about our role in the mission field. 

Mark 16:15 "And He said to then, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." 

Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations..." 

It doesn't say if you feel like it or if you are able, it simply says GO! 

But maybe you can't just take off and go right now. However I believe there are other ways you can GO without ever leaving home. 

One way is to Adopt a Child. We had a booth set up on Sunday, and we were able to adopt nearly all of the 50 children that we had names for. It is only $30 a month, and provides so much to a child in need. These children are provided medical care, are able to attend bible classes, and are trained to become leaders within their communities. However if you missed out on this opportunity, you can follow the link below to Sponsor a child.

http://www.adopt-a-child.com/home/sponsor-a-child

Another way is to give monetarily to those who are able to go on these trips. Our church has two trips scheduled for 2016, a youth trip and an adult trip. Our mission team always works very hard to raise the funds needed for this trip. What if you made the decision to donate now? What if you set aside $5 or $10 every week to put in the offering plate in addition to your tithe? What Kind of impact could that money make on the missions field? 

Maybe you are reading this and you feel a deep desire to to further God's Kingdom on the mission field. A youth trip is scheduled for sometime in the summer of 2016 and the adults trip will be in the fall of 2016 (we will not know exact dates until closer to time). Applications for both of these trips can be found at the link below and you can email your completed application to mharper@victoryhill.us
You can also pick up an application at the connect center.
victoryhillchurch.com/events

You don't have to be a super hero to make a difference in the world, all you have do is go.,. 

Isaiah 6:8 "The I heard the Lord asking 'Whom should I send as a messenger to these people? Who will go for us?' I said, 'Here I am, Send me". 

Pray 1st Week 2

A Lifestyle of Prayer

Is prayer my desire, or is prayer my obligation? As we learned in the message on Sunday, it seems that an astronomical amount of Christians don't actually enjoy prayer, but rather do it out of duty. Is God pleased with my "have to" prayers, or does he desire something more?

In this message, we learned ways to make prayer a lifestyle, rather than simply a chore. 

The priority of prayer (Pray 1st!)

The place of prayer (find your special place to get alone with God)

The plan of prayer (make an appointment with God, and make a list of things and people to pray for)

The persons of prayer (who are you praying to; Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit)

For many of us, life as a Christian becomes about being good enough for God. We feel as if to receive his love and his blessings there are certain things we have to be or achieve. Maybe we feel as if our past failures keep us from receiving God's blessings. You will never be good enough on your own, that is the beauty of salvation. The blood of Jesus makes you good enough, it makes you worthy. 

The bible tells us in Mathew 7 that your Heavenly Father desires to give good things to His children who ask.

It doesn't say we have to jump through hoops, it says we simply need to ask. 

God desires to have a conversation with us. Not because we feel we have to and not simply to try and get what we want. Prayer should become our first response. Prayer should become a lifestyle. Imagine how things in your life could start to change when prayer is truly a priority. 

1 Chronicles 16:11 "Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually."  

Teach us to Pray week 1

Prayer should be at the forefront of priorities in our lives, but what does prayer really mean to us? Is it when we ask God to bless our food, say a quick prayer before a test or job interview, or when we come to God when our lives are falling apart? Too many times in our lives, these scenarios become our main focus of prayer. It is most certainly not wrong to pray on these occasions, but prayer is supposed to be a much greater part of our lives.

In Sunday’s message, Pastor Nathan presented us with two challenges when it comes to prayer. The first challenge was to pray first. Before we worry, before we weigh the pros and cons, before we act out of impulse, our first response to every situation should be to pray. More than we trust in our own instincts and more than we depend on any other source, we should depend on God for everything. When situations arise, make an effort to look to God first!

The second challenge was to spend at least 15 minutes in prayer every single day. You can do this in the shower, while you drink your coffee, or even on your commute to work. God desires for us to spend time with him, not just on Sundays. Tell God your desires, your struggles, and even your frustrations. How can we consider ourselves a friend of God, if we don’t even speak with him consistently? Prayer helps to build your relationship with Christ, helps to give you clarity and confidence in difficult situations. Prayer brings you closer to your Creator.

God desires to hear from you today. You are His creation. You are His beloved. Make prayer a priority in your life.

2 Corinthians 7:14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”