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!