What Are You Praying For?

Verde Valley Christian Church

Series: Filled, Complete, Whole
Title: "What Are You Praying For"
Speaker: Derek Beauchamp

What are you praying for?

Santa Prayer
Uh-oh Prayers
50/50 Prayers

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

I. CONSISTENT Prayer is TRANSFORMATIONAL Prayer

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

II. Prayers of thanks give PERSPECTIVE TO OUR LIVES

Colossians 4:3-4
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

III. Pray for GOD'S KINGDOM

Colossians 4:5-6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

IV. Pray in a way that PUSHES YOU TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS

Because of My Christmas Clothes

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Welcome to Verde Valley Christian Church
December 19, 2021 / / / Because of My Christmas Clothes
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Series: Filled, Complete, Whole
Title: "Because of My Christmas Clothes"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Colossians 3:9-10
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 2:20
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:

Colossians 3:1
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

I. Take OFF your FILTHY RAGS

Colossians 3:6-7
Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.

II. Put on CHRIST'S CHARACTER

Colossians 3:10
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Because I'm Raised to a New Life

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 12, 2021

Series: Filled, Complete, Whole
Title: "Because I'm Raised to a New Life"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Colossians 3:1-4
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

I. SEEK His KINGDOM

Colossians 3:1-2
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

II. Seek, SET, Live

Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

III. Your Life is now HIDDEN with Christ

Colossians 3:3-4
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

IV. Does Jesus have a place in your life?

Colossians 3:4
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Because of the Sufficiency of Jesus

Verde Valley Christian Church

Series: Filled, Complete, Whole
Title: "Because of the Sufficiency of Jesus"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Colossians 2:6-10
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

I. WALK in Christ

Colossians 2:6
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,

Colossians 2:6
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

1. REPENT
2. RECEIVE
3. RESIST
4. REPLACE

II. Rooted and FILLED

Colossians 2:7
rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

III. Reject COUNTERFEITS

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/col.2.9-10.NIV

Because of the Supremacy of Jesus

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 14, 2021

Series: Filled, Complete, Whole
Title: "Because of the Supremacy of Jesus"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. WHO he is, made WHAT he did, POSSIBLE

The Trinity & God’s Identity

Colossians 1:15-20
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

II. Jesus REVEALS God

Image of God

Colossians 1:15
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

III. Jesus RECONCILES us to God

Colossians 1:18-20
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Because Jesus Rescued Me

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 7, 2021

Series: Filled, Complete, Whole
Title: "Because Jesus Rescued Me"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Watch this Week's Message Live
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Colossians 2:9-10
For the entire fullness of God's nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Colossians 1:13
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

Colossians 1:1-3
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To God's holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,

I. Rescued by FAITH

Colossians 1:4-5
because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God's people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel

Colossians will lift our eyes to a completely sufficient, totally supreme Jesus who is the central answer to all of life's problems.

II. Rescued from DARKNESS

Colossians 1:12-13
and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

III. Rescued by REDEMPTION

Colossians 1:14
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Redemption is the release from bondage through the payment of a price.

Heaven & Earth Video, The Bible Project 

Live It Out

Series: Training In The Word
Title: "Live It Out"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

James 1:19-20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

STEP 1: Humbly ACCEPT the word

James 1:21
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

James 1:22-24
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

James 1:25-26
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

STEP 2: Everyday, make time to THINK about TWO things

1 Timothy 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

You must know the Word.

You must know Yourself.

Then you must Connect the Two.

Where do you Abide?

STEP 3: IMMERSE yourself In God's Word. 

Every Jesus follower needs to make training in the Word an immersive practice. 

1 Timothy 4:15
Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

Training In The Word

Series: Training In The Word
Title: "Why Bother?"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. Your SHAPE is your choice:

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

II. Don't expect SPECTACULAR results with MEDIOCRE training

Luke 6:40
The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

III. Take BABY steps

1 Peter 2:2

“Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation,”

ATTITUDE - I need this!

APPETITE - I want this!

AIM - I’ll grow from this!

Psalms 19:7-10
The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one's life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold — than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb.

A Centripetal Community

Verde Valley Christian Church

Sep 26 – Oct 2, 2021

Series: Centrifugal
Title: "A Centripetal Community"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. ABIDE in Jesus.

John 15:4-5
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

II. ABOUND in good fruit.

John 15:6-8
If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

John 17:15
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

III. Everyone needs a CENTER; what's yours?

John 13:35
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Colossians 1:17
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Revelation 7:17 (CSB)
For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them; he will guide them to springs of the waters of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Truth Against the Cancel Culture

Verde Valley Christian Church
Sep 19 – 25, 2021

Series: Truth Has an Edge
Title: "Truth Against the Cancel Culture"
Speaker: Derek Beauchamp

Watch this Week's Message Live
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1. We want the WAY of Jesus over the WAY of CULTURE.

What is cancel culture?

Cancel culture or call-out culture is a modern form of ostracism in which someone or something is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person.

What does the Bible say about cancel culture?

Matthew 10:14-15
If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

John 18:36
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."

Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

How do we respond to this cultural moment?

2. We Are SLOW TO SPEAK

James 1:19-20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

3. We PRACTICE THE GOLDEN RULE

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.

4. We LIVE WITH ANTICIPATION

John 3:16-17
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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

The Truth Will Set You Free

Series: Truth Has an Edge
Title: "The Truth Will Set You Free"
Speaker: Derek Beauchamp

Watch this Week's Message Live
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1. A healthy Christian life is CONSISTENTLY SHAPED BY TRUTH.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

2. Our relationship to truth is DAMAGED BECAUSE OF SIN.

3. We HIDE

Genesis 3:8
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

4. We LIE

5. We RATIONALIZE

Genesis 3:12
The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it."

John 8:31-32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

6. Consistent time in GOD'S WORD

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

7. Consistent time with GOD'S PEOPLE

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Sharper Than a Sword

Verde Valley Christian Church

Sep 5 – 11, 2021

Series: Truth Has an Edge
Title: "Sharper Than a Sword"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. Truth is SHARP

Romans 1:19-20
since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse.

Romans 1:18
For God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth,

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

II. Handle Truth with KINDNESS

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

--

Mark Luffman  luffman@gmail.com

All About The New Covenant

Welcome to Verde Valley Christian Church

June 13, 2021   / / /   "Our Covenant God Is All About The New Covenant"

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Series:     Our Covenant God Is...

Title:    " ...All About The New Covenant"

Speaker:     Doug Freeman

"The new covenant is God's revelation of who He is, and His perfect and complete plan to restore all who would enter into covenant with Him to their created purpose of intimacy of relationship with Him and with one another."

The cardinal error against which the gospel of Christ has to contend is the effect of the tendency of the human heart to rely on salvation by works.

~Charles Spurgeon

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1:1-3‬‬

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:31-34‬‬

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:3-9‬‬

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.

I.     The Parties IN Christ

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭7:9‬‬

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54:10‬‬

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬‬

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8‬‬

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬‬

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

II.     The Promises WITH Christ (7487 found in the Bible)

Romans 5:1 (TLB)

So now, since we have been made right in God''s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:32‬‬

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

III.     The Terms LIKE Christ

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:3-4‬‬

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:29‬‬

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

‭‭John‬ ‭13:34-35‬‬

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:18-20‬‬

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

There is no more blessed way of living, than the life of faith based upon a covenant keeping God -- to know that we have no care, for He cares for us; that we need have no fear, except to fear Him; that we need have no troubles, because we have cast our burdens upon the Lord, and are conscious that He will sustain us.

~Charles Spurgeon

All About Grace and Responsibility

Welcome to Verde Valley Christian Church

June 6, 2021

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Series:     Our Covenant God Is...

Title:    " ...All About Grace and Responsibility"

Speaker:     Jim Hammond

DEFINED:

GRACE is receiving undeserved favor.  RESPONSIBILITY is the expected response ability from someone who has received such undeserved grace.

I.     Be strong in the GRACE

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:1‬‬

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

II.     All of God’s Covenants are covenants of GRACE

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20:1-2‬‬

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.

III.     All of God’s Covenants expect human RESPONSIBILITY

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:3-4‬‬

For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:4-8‬‬

for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You have already heard about this hope in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it and came to truly appreciate God’s grace. You learned this from Epaphras, our dearly loved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has told us about your love in the Spirit.

The Time Is Now!

Verde Valley Christian Church

May 23, 2021

Title: "The Time Is Now!"

Series:  His Presence

Speaker: Jim Hammond

...we face a dark time in the history of God's people. In spite of some encouraging signs, the forces of evil seem to be gathering for a colossal assault on the work of God in the world. Satan has unleashed his power in a way perhaps unparalleled in the history of the Christian Church.  If ever there was a time we needed renewal, it is now.

In the midst of the vast problems which face our world, Christians are strangely silent and powerless, almost overwhelmed by the tides of secularism.

Billy Graham, p. 316, “The Holy Spirit”, 1978. 

I.     DIAGNOSIS

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:13‬‬

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

II.     REMEDY

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:14‬‬

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.

‭‭John‬ ‭1:18‬‬

No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side  — he has revealed him.

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:6‬‬

For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

If you want to know God personally, look into the face of Jesus!

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16:11‬‬

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:11-12‬‬

Besides this, since you know the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, because now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is nearly over, and the day is near; so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

III.     RESULTS

‭‭John‬ ‭15:11‬‬

“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

IV.     IMAGINE

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20-21‬‬

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16:11‬‬

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Keeping Your House Clean

Welcome to Verde Valley Christian Church

May 16, 2021   / / /   "Keeping Your House Clean"

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Series:  His Presence

Speaker: Doug Bridge

1 Corinthians 6:19 (Phillips) 

Have you forgotten that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you, and that you are not the owner of your own body? You have been bought, and at what a price!

CLASSROOM RULES:  

1: LISTEN

2: FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

1 John 1:4

We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.

1 John 1:4

We write this to you so that we may be full of joy.

1.     THAT YOU MAY FULLY SHARE OUR JOY

Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

2.     JESUS - OTHERS - YOU

1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

3.     ALWAYS COME BACK TO JOY

1 John 2:1-2

My dear children, I write this letter to you so you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have a helper in the presence of the Father—Jesus Christ, the One who does what is right. He died in our place to take away our sins, and not only our sins but the sins of all people.

What It Means to Be Filled With The Spirit

Series:  His Presence

Speaker: Jim Hammond

I.     A Promised GIFT

John 4:10

Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him, and he would give you living water.”

John 4:13-14

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.”

John 7:38

The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.”

II.     A Commanded RESPONSIBILITY

Ephesians 5:18

And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:

When you are filled with the Spirit, you are filled with an overflowing supply of grace, everything you need for a good and beautiful life that pleases God.

Ephesians 4:30 (CSB)  

And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit…

Ephesians 5:18 (CSB)  

...but be filled by (Keep On Being) the Spirit:

III.     Receive ONCE and Be Filled REPEATED John 14:16-17

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.

Believers in Jesus have two “counselors” working together on their behalf.

1 John 2:1-2

My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

Jesus is our advocate in Heaven.  

The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ advocate in us.

Questions to ask yourself:

Have I given Jesus the master key to every room of my life? 

Is he my guest, or my master?

Ephesians 5:18

And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:

The Spirit bids us cease from trying to get peace by our efforts, and to come to Jesus as a sinner and rest in what He has done. As we do so, the burden of striving and self-reproach slips away from our hearts, and the Comforter whispers peace to our hearts....      We are not merely on the winning side, but on the side that has already won; we do not fight for victory but from it.

Roy Hession,  Be Filled Now

The Place of God's Presence

Verde Valley Christian Church
Apr 25, 2021
Title: "The Place of God's Presence"
Series:  His Presence
Speaker: Jim Hammond

1 Chronicles 16:11

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

I.     His Presence in the PROTOTYPE

Exodus 25:8

“They are to make a sanctuary for me so that I may dwell among them.

Exodus 25:9

You must make it according to all that I show you — the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that he might now appear in the presence of God for us.

II.     His Presence in JESUS

John 1:1-2

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 2:18-22

So the Jews replied to him, “What sign will you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.” Therefore the Jews said, “This temple took forty-six years to build, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. So when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the statement Jesus had made.

III.     His Presence in YOU

John 16:7

Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.

1 Corinthians 3:16

Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

1 Corinthians 6:19

Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Proverbs 20:27

The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.

Weights and Sins

 Verde Valley Christian Church

Apr 18, 2021

Title: "Weights and Sins"

Speaker: Derek Beauchamp

[Image]

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Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses...

...let us also lay aside every weight…

1.     Does this help me run toward Jesus?

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

...and sin which clings so closely...

2.     What sin is in my life that I have not addressed?

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

...and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith...

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

3.     What am I focused on? 

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)

...who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Know With Certainty

Verde Valley Christian Church

Apr 11, 2021

Title: "Know With Certainty"

Series: The Certainty

Speaker: Jim Hammond

Acts 2:12

They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

Acts 2:36-37

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Acts 2:22

“Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know.

I.     God ENDORSED Jesus PUBLICLY

Acts 2:31-32

Seeing what was to come, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He was not abandoned in Hades, and his flesh did not experience decay. “God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this.

Luke 12:8-9

“And I say to you, anyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God, but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.

II.     God RAISED Jesus

Acts 2:32

“God has raised this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this.

Acts 2:36

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

III.     “What SHOULD We DO”?

Acts 2:37

When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Hearing - Believing - Living - Knowing 

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

A.     Repent

B.     Be Baptized 

C.     Receive The Gift 

Acts 2:39

For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Their Eyes Were Opened

Verde Valley Christian Church

Apr 4, 2021

Title: "Their Eyes Were Opened"

Series: The Certainty

Speaker: Jim Hammond

Luke 24:13-24

Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. But they were prevented from recognizing him. Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged. The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked them. So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

I.     An accurate description is NOT ENOUGH

II.     They were still DISCOURAGED

Luke 24:17

Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.

III.     How were their eyes opened?

Luke 24:26-27

Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.

Luke 24:31-32

Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”

Their eyes were opened because Jesus opened the scriptures to them; but their eyes did not open until they pursued Him!

Luke 24:28-29

They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

Theory:  People have as much of God as they want.  If we don’t have any more of God than we have, it is not because we don’t have what we want, it is because we don’t want any more of God than we have.

Genesis 18:3

and said, “My lord, if I have found favor with you, please do not go on past your servant.

Luke 24:30-31

It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.

Search & Rescue

 Welcome to Verde Valley Christian Church

March 21, 2021   / / /   "Search & Rescue"

Series: The Certainty

Speaker: Doug Bridge

HEARING  → BELIEVING → LIVING → KNOWING

1.     A LOST SHEEP

Luke 15:1-7

Many tax collectors and “sinners” came to listen to Jesus. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to complain: “Look! This man welcomes sinners and even eats with them!” Then Jesus told them this story: “Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but he loses 1 of them. Then he will leave the other 99 sheep alone and go out and look for the lost sheep. The man will keep on searching for the lost sheep until he finds it. And when he finds it, the man is very happy. He puts it on his shoulders and goes home. He calls to his friends and neighbors and says, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’ In the same way, I tell you there is much joy in heaven when 1 sinner changes his heart. There is more joy for that 1 sinner than there is for 99 good people who don’t need to change.

2.     A LOST COIN

Luke 15:8-10

“Suppose a woman has ten silver coins, but she loses one of them. She will light a lamp and clean the house. She will look carefully for the coin until she finds it. And when she finds it, she will call her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Be happy with me because I have found the coin that I lost!’ In the same way, there is joy before the angels of God when 1 sinner changes his heart.”

3.     A LOST SON

Luke 15:11-32

Then Jesus said, “A man had two sons. The younger son said to his father, ‘Give me my share of the property.’ So the father divided the property between his two sons. Then the younger son gathered up all that was his and left. He traveled far away to another country. There he wasted his money in foolish living. He spent everything that he had. Soon after that, the land became very dry, and there was no rain. There was not enough food to eat anywhere in the country. The son was hungry and needed money. So he got a job with one of the citizens there. The man sent the son into the fields to feed pigs. The son was so hungry that he was willing to eat the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything. The son realized that he had been very foolish. He thought, ‘All of my father’s servants have plenty of food. But I am here, almost dying with hunger. I will leave and return to my father. I’ll say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am not good enough to be called your son. But let me be like one of your servants.’ So the son left and went to his father. “While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. He felt sorry for his son. So the father ran to him, and hugged and kissed him. The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am not good enough to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get our fat calf and kill it. Then we can have a feast and celebrate! My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to celebrate. “The older son was in the field. As he came closer to the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. So he called to one of the servants and asked, ‘What does all this mean?’ The servant said, ‘Your brother has come back. Your father killed the fat calf to eat because your brother came home safely!’ The older son was angry and would not go in to the feast. So his father went out and begged him to come in. The son said to his father, ‘I have served you like a slave for many years! I have always obeyed your commands. But you never even killed a young goat for me to have a feast with my friends. But your other son has wasted all your money on prostitutes. Then he comes home, and you kill the fat calf for him!’ The father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me. All that I have is yours. We had to celebrate and be happy because your brother was dead, but now he is alive. He was lost, but now he is found.’”

The Door (Series: The Certainty)

Welcome to Verde Valley Christian Church

March 14, 2021   / / /   "The Door"
==========

Title: "The Door"
Series: The Certainty

Speaker: Jim Hammond
Luke 1:4
so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.
I.     The door is OPEN
1 Timothy 2:3-4
This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II.     The door Is NARROW
Luke 13:22-24
He went through one town and village after another, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. “Lord,” someone asked him, “are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able
HEARING  → BELIEVING → LIVING → KNOWING
Luke 13:2-3
And he responded to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all the other Galileans because they suffered these things? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well.
Luke 13:5
No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well.”
III.     The door will be SHUT
Luke 13:25-30

“once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door. Then you will stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up for us! ’ He will answer you, ‘I don’t know you or where you’re from.’ Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you’re from. Get away from me, all you evildoers!’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown out. They will come from east and west, from north and south, to share the banquet in the kingdom of God. Note this: Some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”