Merry Christmas: Be A Kid Again

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 25 – 31, 2022

Title: "Merry Christmas: Be A Kid Again"
Speaker: Doug Bridge

1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

Matthew 18:1-5
About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.

Be A Kid Again!
Turn from sin . . .
Be HUMBLE

Philippians 2:15
so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. 

Christmas Celebrated

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 18 – 24, 2022

Series: The Story Of Reality - Christmas
Title: "Christmas Celebrated"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. God gave you a PERSONALIZED and WRAPPED gift

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

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.

Hebrews 10:5-7
Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.' "

Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

II. HIDDEN by his HUMANITY and HUMILITY

Luke 2:7
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

III. Many people can't see past the WRAPPER

Luke 2:8-12
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Christmas Anticipated

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 11 – 17, 2022

Series: The Story Of Reality - Christmas
Title: "Christmas Anticipated"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Psalms 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

I. While you are WAITING, God is WORKING

Matthew 1:20-23
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").

When God is silent, it doesn’t mean he is absent. 

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

II. God's DELAYS are not necessarily God's DENIALS

Isaiah 64:4
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

Psalms 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalms 27:8
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Next step 

Lift your eyes from your problems and look to the Lord and say this: “Lord, I will seek your face, anyway.”

Christmas Predicted

Verde Valley Christian Church

Series: The Story Of Reality - Christmas
Title: "Christmas Predicted"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? What are all of the prophecies fulfilled by Jesus?

Isaiah 46:10
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

I. You don't have to ABANDON your BRAIN to believe!

II. We must use our MINDS to understand the SIGNS

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Micah 5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

Galatians 4:4
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

III. BELIEVE the prophecies and RECEIVE the SON

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Verde Valley Christian Church

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2022

Series: The Story Of Reality
Title: "Reality Is a History of Prototypes"
Speaker: Andrew Webb

Genesis 22:1-19
Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you." Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba. 

I. Christ took OUR PLACE

Both Isaac and Jesus are long-awaited “beloved sons” who are born in miraculous circumstances (Gen. 22:1; Matt. 3:17). Both sons carry the wood that is to be the instrument of their deaths on their backs (Gen. 22:6; John 19:17). In both stories, the father leads the son up a mountain, and the son follows obediently toward his own death (Gen. 22:3; Matt. 26:39). And in both scenarios, God provides the sacrificial substitute, which Abraham says will be a ram (a male lamb) and the New Testament authors identify as Jesus, “the lamb of God” (Gen. 22:8; John 1:29) 

-Andy Patton, The Bible Project

II. Christ wants to GROW US

James 1

III. We Get to SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!

God is Testing us. 

Reality is a History of Promises

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 20 – 26, 2022

Series: The Story Of Reality
Title: "Reality Is A history Of Promises"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Genesis 3:6-15
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 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. But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." So the Lord God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

I. A promised BATTLE predicts the serpent's defeat

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

II. A promised BIRTH identifies the "seed"

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Revelation 12:9
The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

III. A promised PRICE is paid by SACRIFICE

Genesis 3:21
The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

IV. A promised VICTORY is coming

Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Watch this Week's Message Live
Tap on link below to watch this week's show message, then come back here to take and save notes.
https://live.vvcc.online/

Verde Valley Christian Church

Verde Valley Christian Church
Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2022

Series: The Story Of Reality
Title: "Reality is Puzzling"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. The BEGINNING of they story

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Who? God

Hebrews 11:3
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Pagan religions believed matter was eternal and the gods shaped it. 

Darwin believed matter was eternal and that evolution shaped it. 

Big Bang Theory 

II. What do you believe is REALLY REAL?

The story of reality is the worldview that makes the most sense of everything.

Jigsaw puzzle of a World 🗺️ Map. One side is God’s view and the other side is a different view. Picture on the box helps you put the world together and the other side has no picture to show you how to put it together. 

III. Is reality a CLOSED BOX or an OPEN BOX?

Causal agent? Sciencetism 

Who Am I Serving?

Verde Valley Christian Churchill KO n
October 23, 2022 / "Who Am I Serving?"

Series: I Am a Servant
Title: "Who Am I Serving?"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Joshua 24:14-15
"Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

I. Serving God is WORSHIP

II. FEAR of the Lord is foundational

Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬ ‭NET‬‬

III. Only God is WORTHY of our WORSHIP

Joshua 24:15
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

“Come! Let’s bow down and worship! Let’s kneel before the Lord, our creator! For he is our God; we are the people of his pasture, the sheep he owns. Today, if only you would obey him!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭95‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NET‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/107/psa.95.6-7.NET

Gotta Serve Somebody

Verde Valley Christian Church
Oct 16 – 22, 2022

Series: I Am a Servantl
Title: "Gotta Serve Somebody"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. There are two MASTERS in this WORLD

Ephesians 2:1-3
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

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

2 Corinthians 5:15
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

II. ONLY ONE is worth SERVING

Romans 6:16-18
Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

III. Servants OBEY

My Lord Jesus Christ, I humble myself and bow my knee before you. I worship and serve you as my Lord and Savior. I am your servant. I offer myself to you. I will serve, honor, and obey you. "Here am I, send me." Amen!

Is It My Nature to Serve?

Verde Valley Christian Church
Oct 2, 2022

Series: I Am a Servant
Title: Is It My Nature to Serve?
Speaker: Jim Hammond

1. True serving is SELF-GIVING love

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

2. Counterfeit serving is "SELFIE" service

Matthew 6:2-4
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

3. SERVANT is our VERY NATURE

Jesus not only taught us to serve, he saved us so that we are able to serve God and people according to our "very nature" as human beings. We were created to serve, and saved to serve as Jesus himself served.

Matthew 10:39
If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Philippians 2:3-11
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

My Lord Jesus Christ,

Thank you for restoring my "very nature" as a servant through your saving life, death, and resurrection. I bow my knee before you and acknowledge "that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"andI worship and serve you as my Lord and Savior.

I confess I still have trouble "valuing others above" myself. I still frequently look to my own interests, rather than the interests of others.

Thank you for your forgiveness and washing me clean.

Fill me with your love, and your life by the resurrection power of your Spirit placed within me.

I am your servant. I offer myself to you. I will serve, honor, and obey you. "Here am I, send me."

I pray this in the name that is exalted above every other name, the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

Set Free - Free To Choose

Verde Valley Christian Church
Sep 18 – 24, 2022

Series: Set Free
Title: Free To Change
Speaker: Doug Freeman

Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

1. Our FREEDOM Is a Spiritual Reality

"True and absolute freedom is only found in the presence of God."
~A.W. Tozer

Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

2. Our FREEDOM Is God's Will

"God never commands us to do something that He doesn't also equip and empower us to do."

Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

3. Our FREEDOM Can Be Forfeited

Galatians 5:7
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

The Christian gospel is a message of freedom through grace and we must stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. But what shall we do with our freedom? The Apostle Paul grieved that some of the believers of his day took advantage of their freedom and indulged the flesh in the name of Christian liberty. They threw off discipline, scorned obedience and made gods of their own bellies.
~A.W. Tozer

Galatians 5:17
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

"Christian freedom does not mean being free to do as we like; it means being free to do as we ought."
~William Barclay

4. Choose FREEDOM As Christ's Bondservant

Romans 6:17-18
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Philippians 2:5-8
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let's rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let's run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

"Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved. Now choose what you want."
~Martin Luther

Set Free - Free From Anxiety

Verde Valley Christian Church
Sep 11 – 17, 2022

Series: Set Free
Title: Free From Anxiety
Speaker: Doug Bridge

Week 1: Free From Enslaving Lies
Week 2: Free to Change
Week 3: Free From Plan B
TODAY: Free From Anxiety

Delight yourselves in God, yes, find your joy in him at all times. Have a reputation for gentleness, and never forget the nearness of your Lord.
Don't worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus. Here is a last piece of advice. If you believe in goodness and if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good...
(Phil 4:4-8) (J.B. Philips New Testament)

Philippians 4:4-8
Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord. I will say it again. Be joyful! Let everyone know how gentle you are. The Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything. No matter what happens, tell God about everything. Ask and pray, and give thanks to him. Then God's peace will watch over your hearts and your minds. He will do this because you belong to Christ Jesus. God's peace can never be completely understood. Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things.

Philippians 4:4-8
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.

I. REJOICE in the Lord

II. BE GRACIOUS to everyone

III. DON'T WORRY, ask thankfully

IV. PEACE GUARDS heart and mind

V. FIX AND FILL your mind (dwell on)

Philippians 4:8
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray continually,

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never stop praying.

Free From Plan B

Verde Valley Christian Church
Sep 4 – 10, 2022

Series: Set Free - Week 3
Title: Free From Plan B
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. "Plan A" is living God's WILL God's WAY

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

II. "Plan B" is living my WILL my WAY

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

III. "Plan B" brings big PROBLEMS

Genesis 16:1-2
Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, "The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her." Abram agreed to what Sarai said.

Mark 10:6-9
"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

Genesis 16:5-6
Then Sarai said to Abram, "You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me." "Your slave is in your hands," Abram said. "Do with her whatever you think best." Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

Genesis 16:6-13
"Your slave is in your hands," Abram said. "Do with her whatever you think best." Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her. The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, "Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?" "I'm running away from my mistress Sarai," she answered. Then the angel of the Lord told her, "Go back to your mistress and submit to her." The angel added, "I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count." The angel of the Lord also said to her: "You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."

Free to Change

Verde Valley Christian Church
Aug 28, 2022

Series: Set Free
Title: Free to Change
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. A full VIEW of God's mercy will CHANGE you

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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. You will HOLD nothing BACK from God

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

III. You will be set free from CONFORMITY

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.

Free From Enslaving Lies

Verde Valley Christian Church
Aug 21, 2022

Series: Set Free
Title: Free From Enslaving Lies
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. Jesus led the ultimate EXODUS

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."

John 8:33
They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"

II. Everyone who SINS is a SLAVE

John 8:34
Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go.
Sin will keep you longer than you wanted to stay.
Sin will cost you more than you wanted to pay.

John 8:37-41
I know that you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father." "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father." "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."

John 8:42-43
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.

John 8:44-48
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?"

John 8:49-53
"I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death." At this they exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"

III. BUT the TRUTH will set you free

John 7:17
Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

IV. Jesus claimed MORE than anyone EXPECTED

John 8:53
Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"

John 8:58-59
"Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

ReGen - You Can't Do It Alone

Verde Valley Christian Church
August 14, 2022

Series:   ReGen - Regeneration Makes Change Possible
Title:    "You Can't Do It Alone"
Speaker:  Doug Freeman

Proverbs 27:5-6 AMP
Better is an open reprimand [of loving correction] Than love that is hidden. Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].
https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.27.5-6.AMP

I.   We Are Created for Relationships

Romans 8:29-30 MSG
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
https://bible.com/bible/97/rom.8.29-30.MSG

II.   God-Honoring Relationships
...A.  Are a Spiritual Necessity

Proverbs 12:1 AMP
Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof and correction is stupid.
https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.12.1.AMP

Proverbs 12:15 AMP
The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God's wisdom] is right in his own eyes, But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.
https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.12.15.AMP

II.  God-Honoring Relationships
...B.  Are Costly

II.  God-Honoring Relationships
...C.  Require Intentionality

II.  God-Honoring Relationships
...D. Are Eternally Priceless

James 5:19-20 ESV
My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.5.19-20.ESV

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NASB2020
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up!
https://bible.com/bible/2692/ecc.4.9-10.NASB2020

HOW You Can Be Filled With Overflowing Joy

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jul 17, 2022

Series: HOW - Simple Instructions, Practical Steps
Title: "HOW You Can Be Filled With Overflowing Joy"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

John 15:4-11
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

I. REMAIN vitally CONNECTED to Jesus as your source and supply

John 15:4-5
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

II. Remain vitally FILLED with Jesus' WORDS

John 15:7
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

III. OBEY and REMAIN in Jesus' love

John 15:10
When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love.

IV. Then, Your JOY will OVERFLOW

John 15:11
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

How You Can Pray With Confidence

Welcome to Verde Valley Christian Church
July 3, 2022 / / / How You Can Pray With Confidence

Series: HOW - Simple Instructions, Practical Steps
Title: "How You Can Pray With Confidence"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. WHY you can pray with confidence

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Isaiah 1:15
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood!

Isaiah 59:1-2
Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

Ephesians 2:13
But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

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.

II. Prayer is COMMUNICATION

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Jeremiah 33:3
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

III. Top requirement for EFFECTIVE praying

John 15:7
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

John 14:14
You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Jesus Is Greater Than Expected

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jun 26 – Jul 2, 2022

Series: Center Stage
Title: "Jesus Is Greater Than Expected"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Week 1:Jesus Is Greater Than Moses (Today we discover Peter believed it!)

Week 2:Jesus Is Greater Than David (Today we discover Peter believed it!)

Week 3:Jesus Is Greater Than Expected (Today we discover that Peter had a lot more to learn!)

I.Their greater EXPECTATIONS were too small

Matthew 16:13
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

Matthew 16:14-16
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Matthew 16:17
Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

II. Nobody expected his CRUCIFIXION

Matthew 16:21
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Matthew 16:22
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"

Matthew 16:23
Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."

III. Nobody expected the ongoing strategy to be CRUCIFIXION

Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Jesus Is Greater Than David

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jun 12 – 18, 2022

Series: Center Stage
Title: "Jesus Is Greater Than David"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I. One son of David would reign FOREVER

2 Samuel 7:12-13
When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

II. Jesus was the THAT son of David

Matthew 1:1
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Luke 1:32
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,

Micah 5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

III. Why was Jesus so QUIET about his identity?

Mark 8:28-30
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah." Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Philippians 2:8-11
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Be Courageous

Verde Valley Christian Church

May 22, 2022

Series: Fan Into Flame
Title: "Be Courageous"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

BE COURAGEOUS:

1. There will be TERRIBLE TIMES ahead

2 Timothy 3:1-5
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

2 Timothy 3:13
while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:6-9
They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

BE COURAGEOUS:

2. Faithful followers will be PERSECUTED

2 Timothy 3:10-13
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

BE COURAGEOUS:

3. Become thoroughly EQUIPPED

2 Timothy 3:14-17
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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.

Previous Messages from VVCC
To view past messages online, please visit our website.
https://vvcc.online/sermons/

Subscribe to Our Podcast
Make sure you never miss a message again by subscribing to our Sunday message audio podcast.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vvcc-audio-messages/id597959605?mt=2

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(for further study and conversation)

SMALL TALK

1. In what ways does the world and culture in which we live deceive people and encourage evil desires?

VIEWPOINT

2. READ 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Given the list of vices, what "form of godliness" (v. 5) could these people possibly exhibit?

3. READ 2 Timothy 3:6-17. What were some other characteristics Paul told Timothy to watch out for? What helps us recognize "evildoers and imposters" (v. 13) in our midst?

4. Should a truly godly person expect persecution (v. 12)? Why or why not?

GETTING PERSONAL

5. When are you most tempted to put on an external show of religion that hides the true condition of your heart?

6. Does v. 5 (with the rest of this passage) urge you to think about disassociating yourself from any particular person?

7. What specific sinful attitude or behavior do you need to ask God to help you overcome this week?

MAKING PROGRESS (THIS WEEK)

8. Paul's list describes "lovers of themselves" (v. 2) "rather than lovers of God" (v. 5) and the kind of problems caused by this basic sin problem. What can you do this week to get a firm grip on VVCC's 5 core statements listed below, especially the first core statement which makes all of them work.

1. Love God Wholeheartedly
2. Do First Things First
3. Don't Do Life Alone
4. Saved People Serve People
5. Followers Say, Follow Me!

Be On Guard

Verde Valley Christian Church
May 1, 2022

Series: Fan Into Flame
Title: "Be On Guard"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV) … he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Timothy 1:12 (ESV) … he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

I. What's the CONTEXT?

2 Timothy 1:8-14
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

II. Guard the good DEPOSIT

2 Timothy 1:15
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

III. God guards THE GOSPEL

2 Timothy 1:12
which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

Guard it faithfully. Spread it actively. Suffer for it bravely. This is our commitment! Be on guard! No fear; no shame, no compromise! Let's honor Jesus who said, "...I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Take Your Baton and Be Faithful

Verde Valley Christian Church
April 24, 2022

Series:   Fan Into Flame
Title:    "Take Your Baton and Be Faithful"
Speaker:    Doug Freeman

"I know of  nothing which I would choose to have as the subject of my ambition for life than to be kept faithful to my God till death."

~C.H. Spurgeon

"Intentionality is the measuring stick of faithfulness."

Philippians 3:12-16 ESV
<small><font color="#999999">12</font></small> Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. <small><font color="#999999">13</font></small> Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, <small><font color="#999999">14</font></small> I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. <small><font color="#999999">15</font></small> Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. <small><font color="#999999">16</font></small> Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
https://bible.com/bible/59/php.3.12-16.ESV

"Nobody finishes well by accident."

~John Maxwell

Luke 6:46 ESV
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?

"Nothing in life can take the place of faithfulness."

~Warren Wiersbe

I.     REKINDLE your gift

2 Timothy 1:6 ESV
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

II.     REMEMBER your resources

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

III.     RECOMMIT to the cost

2 Timothy 1:8-10 (ESV)
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,…

"It is impossible to be faithful to Jesus Christ and not incur the opposition of the world."

~William Still

IV.     REMEMBER your calling

2 Timothy 1:8-10 (ESV)
…by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

"Faithfulness to God is our first obligation in all that we are called to do in the service of the gospel."

~Iain H. Murray

 

Verde Valley Christian Church

Verde Valley Christian Church
Apr 3, 2022

Series: I'm That Fool
Title: "I Vent My Anger"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

1. I'm Wise In My Own Eyes
2. I Don't Like Discipline
3. I'm Defensive When Corrected
4. I Trust Myself
5. I Vent My Anger

Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise person holds it in check.

I. I SPOUT like a TEA KETTLE

Ephesians 4:26
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

James 3:5-6
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

II. My uncontrolled words are a WRECKING BALL

Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

III. My quickdraw GAVEL is still a smoking gun

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.

IV. The remedy is DIVINE POWER

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

I Trust Myself

Verde Valley Christian Church
Mar 27, 2022

Series: I'm That Fool
Title: "I Trust Myself"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. I AM THE FOOL THAT…
A. TRUSTS In Myself

Proverbs 28:26
The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

B. Trusts My HEART

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable — who can understand it?

Mark 7:21-23
For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, self-indulgence, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a person.”

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

C. Leans on MY UNDERSTANDING

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Matthew 22:37
He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

D. IGNORES God

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

II. I AM THAT FOOL, BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS…
A. God STILL wants ME

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

B. God provides HIMSELF as my solution

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.