Remembering

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 31, 2023 – Jan 6, 2024

Sermon Title: "Remembering"
Speaker: Doug Bridge

1. When remembering is NOT a GOOD PLAN at all.

2. When remembering is a GREAT PLAN!

MEMORY VERSES - Pick One:

"Lord, I will remember what you did. Yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
Psalm 77:11 (NIRV)

OR

"Remember Lot's wife."
Luke 17:32 (ESV,KJV,NASB,NCV, NIV,NIRV)

3. A GREAT PLAN for 2024 and beyond . . .

Christmas Gift Giving Guide - "Gifts of Sacrifice"

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 17, 2023

Sermon Series: Christmas Gift Giving Guide
Sermon Title: "Gifts of Sacrifice"
Speaker: Andrew Webb

Giving Sacrificially. 

1. Know God's MERCY and Respond

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.

2. Know what God GAVE UP and Respond

Philippians 2:5-11
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.

Christmas Gift Giving Guide - "Gifts of Inconvenience"

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 10, 2023

Sermon Series: Christmas Gift Giving Guide
Sermon Title: "Gifts of Inconvenience"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

WAYS TO GO OUT OF YOUR WAY

1. Pay the PRICE of SACRIFICE

2 Samuel 24:24
But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.

WAYS TO GO OUT OF YOUR WAY

2. The inconvenient gift of SERVING

Luke 1:38
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her.

WAYS TO GO OUT OF YOUR WAY

3. The inconvenient gift of RESPONSIBILITY

WAYS TO GO OUT OF YOUR WAY

4. The inconvenient gift of FORGIVENESS

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.

Luke 23:33-34
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

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.

Unbroken - Louis Zaporini on life raft for 47 days. Then became a POW. Freed and then addicted. Went to a Billy Grahm event and became a Christian. He returned to POW camp to discover that his captor had committed suicide. He now felt compassion and forgiveness to that captor. 

Matthew 25:40
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

The Power of Thanksgiving-"Be the One"

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 3 – 9, 2023

Sermon Series: The Power of Thanksgiving

Sermon Title: "Be the One"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

_____________

"There  is a danger for all of us who are often thinking forward, and that's the danger of forgetting to be thanking backward."

Luke 17:11-14
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.

BE THE ONE …

1. That RISKS the first step

BE THE ONE …

2. That RUSHES to respond

Luke 17:15
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.

BE THE ONE …

3. That RECIPROCATES with thanks

Luke 17:15-16
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

Luke 17:17-18
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?"

BE THE ONE …

4. That RECEIVES more

Luke 17:19
Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

“His believing response connected his faith with Jesus personally! He did not achieve salvation by his faith response; he received it as a gift from Jesus.“

Thankful to the Giver of Gifts

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2023

Sermon Series: The Power of Thanksgiving
Sermon Title: "Thankful to the Giver of Gifts"
Speaker: Andrew Webb

Luke 7:36-50
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. "Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little." Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

1. REMEMBER the BAD NEWS without Jesus

2. RELISH the GOOD NEWS with Jesus

3. RESPOND in WORSHIP to Jesus

Missing PEACE - What Do I Do With My Trauma?

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 5 – 11, 2023

Sermon Series: Missing PEACE
Sermon Title: "What Do I Do With My Trauma?"
Speaker: Andrew Webb

1. Go to Jesus with my hurts (Matthew11:28-30)

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

2. Embrace His Grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

3. Comfort Others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Missing Peace: Breaking the Grip of Worry

Verde Valley Christian Church
Oct 22 – 28, 2023

Sermon Series: Missing PEACE
Sermon Title: "Breaking the Grip of Worry"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. What WORRY Does
A. It CHOKES You

Mark 4:19
but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

I. What WORRY Does
...B. It BLINDS Your Ability to FOCUS

Matthew 6:23-25
But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I. What WORRY Does
...C. It FIXATES on FUTURE Problems Without FIXING Anything

II. What To Do To Break Its Grip

Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Missing Peace: Hope for Depression

Sermon Series: Missing PEACE
Sermon Title: "Hope for Depression"
Speaker: Doug Freeman

1. The Reality of Depression

Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

Lamentations 3:17-20
I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord." I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

2. Finding Hope in Your Faith

Lamentations 3:21-23
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:24-26
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

I Run to the Father (song by Dinah Wright) Link

Missing Peace: Heal My Anxious Mind

Verde Valley Christian Church
Oct 8 – 14, 2023

Sermon Series: Missing PEACE
Sermon Title: "Heal My Anxious Mind"
Speaker: Andrew Webb

Matthew 14:22
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.

Matthew 14:23
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,

Matthew 14:24
and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Matthew 14:25
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

Matthew 14:26
When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

Matthew 14:27
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Matthew 14:28
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

Matthew 14:29
"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Matthew 14:30
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Matthew 14:31
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

Matthew 14:32
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Matthew 14:33
Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

1. Keep My Eyes on Jesus

2. Take My Eyes Off the Things Not of Jesus

Supernatural Provision

Verde Valley Christian Church
Sep 24, 2023

Sermon Series: "Supernatural"
Sermon Title: "Supernatural Provision"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Deuteronomy 29:5
Yet the Lord says, "During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

I. When God GUIDES, He always PROVIDES

Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

II. God MULTIPLIES what you GIVE

2 Corinthians 9:10
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.'

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

III. Your GENEROSITY impacts God's provision to you and OTHERS

2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
.

Supernatural Protection

Verde Valley Christian Church
Sep 17 – 23, 2023

Sermon Series: "Supernatural"
Sermon Title: "Supernatural Protection"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. Long before you face a PROBLEM, God already has a PLAN

Psalms 18:2
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

II. God does not ALWAYS PROTECT us fhe way we EXPECT

Acts 16:16
Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.

Acts 16:17
She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved."

Acts 16:18
She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.

Mark 1:23-26
Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

Acts 16:18
She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.

Acts 16:19
When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities.

Acts 16:20-21
They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."

Acts 16:22-24
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose.

Acts 16:27-30
The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

III. Sometimes God's eternal PURPOSES don't align with our temporary PLANS

Supernatural Healing

Verde Valley Christian Church
Sep 10 – 16, 2023

Sermon Series: "Supernatural"
Sermon Title: "Supernatural Healing"
Speaker: Andrew Webb

---

Luke 8:40-56
Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you." But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me." Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher anymore." Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep." They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

1. In His Timing

2. For His Glory

3. Through the Cross

Supernatural Deliverance

Verde Valley Christian Church
Sep 3, 2023

Sermon Series: "Supernatural"
Sermon Title: "Supernatural Deliverance"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Q: Why is the world so messed up? Why is life so hard?

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

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.

John 12:31
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.

John 14:30
I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me,

John 16:11
and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

1 John 3:8
The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.

Mark 3:27
In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man's house.

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Q: Why doesn't God just destroy the devil and his demons?

Revelation 20:10
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Q: What is the devil's main strategy?

Q: Why do strong believers still have spiritual battles?

Luke 4:13
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Ephesians 4:26-27
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Q: Are you struggling?

James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

"I AM" - Jesus - "I Am the Resurrection and the Life"

Verde Valley Christian Church
Aug 6 – 12, 2023

Series: "I AM" - Jesus
Sermon Title: "I am the Resurrection and the Life"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. God's perspective is often PUZZLING

John 11:1-4
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."

John 11:5-6
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days,

John 11:11-15
After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

John 11:21-24
"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

II. God's perspective is always TRUSTWORTHY

John 11:39
"Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."

John 11:40-44
Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

"I AM" - Jesus - "The Good Shepherd"

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jul 30 – Aug 5, 2023

Series: "I AM" - Jesus
Sermon Title: "The Good Shepherd"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

John 10:30
I and the Father are one."

Ezekiel 34:23
I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.

John 10:10-11
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 9:39-41
Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?" Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

John 10:1-2
"Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.

I. His Sheep TRUST and FOLLOW Him

John 10:3
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

John 10:7-10
Therefore Jesus said again, "Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

II. He is the GATE

John 10:9
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

John 10:16
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

III. He gives LIFE to the FULL

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

IV. How? He LAYS DOWN his LIFE

John 10:11
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Isaiah 53:5-6
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

John 10:18
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

"I AM" - Jesus - "I AM He"

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jul 9 – 15, 2023

Series: "I AM" - Jesus
Sermon Title: "I AM He"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

John 4:6-9
Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

John 4:10
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

I. Jesus invites us to ASK for the GIFT of GOD

II. If we KNEW..., we would ASK

John 4:10
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

John 4:11-14
"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?" Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

John 4:15
The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

John 4:16
He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."

John 4:17-18
"I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."

John 4:19
"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet.

John 4:20
Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."

John 4:25
The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

John 4:26
Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you—I am he."

III. If we asked, Jesus would GIVE

Resolved - I Am Faithful

Verde Valley Christian Church
May 21 – 27, 2023

Series: Resolved: Better Choices, Better Life
Sermon Title: I Am Faithful
Speaker: Jim Hammond

1. Faithful to STUDY God's WORD

Daniel 9:2
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.

Jeremiah 29:1
This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Jeremiah 29:3-10
He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said: This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the Lord. This is what the Lord says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.

2. Faithful to PRAYER

Daniel 9:3
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

3. Faithful to LOVE and WORSHIP God

Daniel 9:4
I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: "Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,

4. Faithful to CONFESS his SIN

Daniel 9:5
we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws.

Daniel 9:20
While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—

5. Faithful to his covenant COMMUNITY

Daniel 9:6-14
We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land. "Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. "Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing on us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.

6. Faithful to live for God's HONOR

Daniel 9:17-19
"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."

Resolved - I Am Kind

Verde Valley Christian Church
May 14, 2023
Series: Resolved: Better Choices, Better Life

Sermon Title: I Am Kind
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. Don't confuse SYMPTOMS for ROOT causes

When your values are clear, your decisions are easier. 

II. The root cause of unkindness is PRIDE

Daniel 4:4
I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.

Daniel 4:5-12
I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me. So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.) I said, "Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me. These are the visions I saw while lying in bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous. The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.

Daniel 4:13-19
"In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven. He called in a loud voice: 'Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches. But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. " 'Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him. " 'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.' "This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you." Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you." Belteshazzar answered, "My Lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!

Daniel 4:20-27
The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds— Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. "Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.' "This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my Lord the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounced your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue."

III. Turning from pride requires HUMILITY

Daniel 4:29-34
Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes." Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

Daniel 4:36-37
At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Resolved: Better Choices, Better Life: I Am Devoted

Verde Valley Christian Church
May 7, 2023

Series: Resolved: Better Choices, Better Life
Sermon Title: I Am Devoted
Speaker: Jim Hammond

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

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

HOW TO BE DEVOTED
1. Strengthen your EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT

Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Matthew 6:24
"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

HOW TO BE DEVOTED
1. Strengthen your EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT
2. ...With an established RELATIONSHIP routine
3. Pre-decide a TIME, PLACE, and PLAN

Resolved - I Am Consistent

Verde Valley Christian Church

Series: Resolved: Better Choices, Better Life
Sermon Title: I Am Consistent
Speaker: Doug Freeman

1. Admit the challenge

"An excuse is a way of promising ourselves that we will have the same issue over and over again."
Henry Cloud

2. Commit to your "why"

"If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse."
Anonymous

Daniel 1:8
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally.

GOD EXPECTS CONSISTENCY
BECAUSE HE IS CONSISTENT

3. Embrace the path

"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

Daniel 6:10
But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.

"The beautiful thing about this adventure called faith is that we can count on him never to lead us astray."
Charles Swindoll

Daniel 6:4
Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.

4. Represent the one true and living God.

"Inconsistency on the part of pastors and the faithful between what they are say and what they do, between word and manner of life, is undermining the Church's credibility."
Pope Francis

I Am Ready

Verde Valley Christian Church
Apr 23 – 29, 2023

Series: Resolved: Better Choices, Better Life
Sermon Title: I Am Ready
Speaker: Jim Hammond

How to Get Ready - Round 1 - PRE-DECIDE to be Faithful then PRE-SOLVE your pressure-points. 

Daniel 2:12-13
This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.

Round 2 - ASK others to PRAY.

Daniel 2:17-18
Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

and EXPERIENCE God for yourself.

Daniel 2:19
During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven

Round 3 - MAGNIFY the scenarios.

Daniel 3:15-18
Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

and DRAW the line.

Hosanna

Verde Valley Christian Church

April 2, 2023

Series:   Easter

Sermon Title:  Hosanna!

Speaker:  Andrew Webb

1. Jesus is in Control

Luke 19:28-34

After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it.' " Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They replied, "The Lord needs it."

2. Jesus Deserves all the Praise

Luke 19:35-40

They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

3. Jesus Calls Everyone to Surrender to Him

Luke 19:41-44

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

Faith That Works: Works at Prayer

Verde Valley Christian Church
Mar 26, 2023

Series: Faith That Works
Sermon Title: Works At Prayer
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. Whatever is GOING ON, keep prayer ONGOING

James 5:13-16
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Luke 22:42
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Matthew 26:42
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

Matthew 26:44
So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

James 5:16-18
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

II. A Prescription for POWERFUL Praying. 

Power from God for God.

Self-Righteous Power

Faith That Works: Lives It Out

Verde Valley Christian Church
Mar 5 – 11, 2023

Series: Faith That Works...
Sermon Title: Lives It Out
Speaker: Jim Hammond

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

At VVCC we believe in the life changing power of the gospel (good news) of Jesus. We are more about transformation than about information transfer. We need to ask ourselves this question: Am I living more like Jesus or not? And if not, why not?

FAITH THAT WORKS...

I. Works because it RECEIVED God's GIFT

James 1:14-15
but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

James 1:17-18
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

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.

FAITH THAT WORKS...

II. Is QUICK to LISTEN

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.

James 1:21-22
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. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

-Have you received the gift of "birth through the word of truth"? (James 1:18)
-Have you been "quick to listen" to the word of truth? (James 1:19)
-Have you "humbly accepted the word planted in you that can save you"? (James 1:21)
-Have you been listening and living it out? (James 1:22)

FAITH THAT WORKS...

III. LOOKS intently

James 1:23-25
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. 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.

The Old Testament predicted the coming of a new and better covenant when God's law would be "put in the minds" and "written in the hearts" (see Jeremiah 31:31-33). Jesus gave us this "New Covenant" (see Luke 22:20).

The "perfect law that gives freedom" gives freedom from the power of sin and freedom to serve God and live life beautifully. This freedom functions more like a compass than an electric fence. How? Through Christ in you!

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.

Faith That Works...When Life Is Hard

 

Verde Valley Christian Church

Feb 26 – Mar 4, 2023

Series: Faith That Works
Sermon Title: ...When Life Is Hard
Speaker: Andrew Webb

"He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me. The more intense the pain, the closer His embrace. The greatest good suffering can do for me is to increase my capacity for God. Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God's motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well." (Joni Eareckson Tada)

God wants to use the hard stuff in your life!

Text James to (928) 228-4301

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

1. See the Big Picture

James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

James 1:3-4
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

2. Talk with God

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:6-8
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

"James is not, then, here claiming that prayers will never be answered where any degree of doubt exists - for some degree of doubt on at least some occasions is probably inevitable in our present state of weakness. Rather, he wants us to understand that God responds to us only when our lives reflect a basic consistency of purpose and intent: a spiritual integrity." (Douglas Moo)



3. Keep going with the finish line in mind

James 1:9-12
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

1. See the Big Picture
2. Talk with God
3. Keep Going with the Finish Line in Mind

The Story of Reality - Finale - The Second Coming

Verde Valley Christian Church
Feb 19 – 25, 2023

Series: The Story of Reality - Finale
Sermon Title: The Second Coming
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Matthew 24:1-2
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

Matthew 24:3
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

Daniel 7:13-14
"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

I. Signs of the BEGINNING of the END

Matthew 24:4-8
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

II. BRACE yourself and STAND FIRM

Matthew 24:9-13
"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

III. Stay on MISSION

Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:36
"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

IV. Be READY EVERY DAY

Matthew 24:42-44
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Story of Reality - Finale: The Church

Verde Valley Christian Church
Feb 12 – 18, 2023

Series: The Story of Reality - Finale
Sermon Title: The Church
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

I believe the church is God's finale not His fizzled failure.

I. How we become MEMBERS of God's HOUSEHOLD

Ephesians 2:18-19
For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household,

II. Jesus called us "my CHURCH"

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Ephesians 3:10-11
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

III. We are MEMBERS of his BODY

Romans 12:5
so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

John 20:21-22
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

IV. We are DEEPLY and DEVOTEDLY LOVED!!

Ephesians 5:25-27
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer