Anchored in the Mission

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 8 – 15, 2024

Sermon Series: Anchored in Unchanging Truth
Sermon Title:"Anchored in the Mission"
Presenter: Jim Hammond

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

1. Prioritize the mission over PERSONAL PREFERENCES

Acts 15:19
"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

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.

2. Prioritize REACHING out

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

John 20:21
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (Sent with Love!)

3. Embrace the URGENCY

2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

4. Value OTHERS above YOURSELF

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

5. RESPECT everyone

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

(People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.)

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Anchored in Unity

Verde Valley Christian Church
Dec 1 – 8, 2024

Sermon Series: Anchored in Unchanging Truth
Sermon Title:"Anchored in Unity"
Presenter: Jim Hammond

Ephesians 4:1-3
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

1. Unity is God's FOUNDATION for the church

Ephesians 4:4-6
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

2. DIVERSITY is God's DESIGN of church unity

Ephesians 4:7
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

Ephesians 4:11-12
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

3. GROWTH is God's GOAL of church unity

Ephesians 4:16
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4:13-16
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

4. SUCCESS of the MISSION is the result of church unity

Ephesians 4:12
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Part 5: Anchored in Love

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 24 – Dec 1, 2024

Sermon Series: Anchored in Unchanging Truth
Sermon Title:"Anchored in Love"
Presenter: Jim Hammond

1. Without Love, I'm a USELESS NOBODY

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Romans 5:5
And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

2. What this kind of love LOOKS like

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

3. This kind of love never ENDS

1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 John 4:16
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

Part 4: Anchored in Hope

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 17 – 24, 2024

Sermon Series: Anchored in Unchanging Truth
Sermon Title:"Anchored in Hope"
Presenter: Jim Hammond

1. Our Hope is CERTAIN

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:4
and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,

2. Our Hope STRENGTHENS Us

1 Peter 1:5-6
who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

1 Peter 1:7
These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

3. Our Hope FILLS Us

1 Peter 1:8-9
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

4. Our Hope COMPELS Us

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:14-16
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

1 Peter 1:14-16
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Part 3: Anchored in Faith

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 10 – 17, 2024

Sermon Series: Anchored in Unchanging Truth
Sermon Title:"Anchored in Faith"
Presenter: Jim Hammond

1. Biblical Faith Has a SOLID FOUNDATION

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

2. Faith is Anchored in God's PROMISES

Romans 4:20-21
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

Romans 4:22
This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."

3. Faith is Anchored in God's Unchanging CHARACTER

Malachi 3:6
"I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

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.

B I B L E

Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

Part 2: Anchored in the Gospel

Verde Valley Christian Church
Nov 3 – 10, 2024

Sermon Series: Anchored in Unchanging Truth
Sermon Title:"Anchored in the Gospel"
Presenter: Jim Hammond

1. The Gospel is POWERFUL

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Luke 24:45-49
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

2. We are called to be witnesses, not EXPERTS

1 John 1:1-3
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3
You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

3. Methods vary but the MESSAGE doesn't. 

REJOICE - Part 1: Find Joy in Adversity

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jul 28 – Aug 4, 2024

Sermon Series: Rejoice!
Sermon Title: "Find Joy in Adversity
Presenter: Jim Hammond

Philippians 1:12
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

1. What has HAPPENED?

2. Don't get stuck on the NEGATIVE "WHAT"

Philippians 1:12
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

Philippians 1:13-14
As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

3. Look for God's PURPOSE In the CHAOS

Philippians 1:13
As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

4. Believe in ADVANCE what will only make sense in RETROSPECT

Philippians 1:19-26
for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

SHINE - Part 1: Why Do We Hide Our Light?

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jul 7 – 14, 2024

Sermon Series: SHINE!
Sermon Title: "Why Do We Hide Our Light?"
Presenter: Jim Hammond

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

1. Don't shine with SELF-CONFIDENCE

2. Shine by RELYING on God

John 5:19
Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

John 5:30
By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

3. Jesus' METHOD is to be our METHOD

John 14:12
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Meet Jesus - Meet Jesus the Lord

Verde Valley Christian Church

Jun 30 – Jul 7, 2024

Sermon Series: Meet Jesus
Sermon Title: "Meet Jesus the Lord"
Presenter: Jim Hammond

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

1. Real LIFE is from the Lord Jesus

John 1:4-5
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Acts 2:36
"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah."

Acts 3:15
You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.

1 Corinthians 8:6
yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

2. Without Jesus you are SPIRITUALLY DEAD

John 3:2-4
He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him." Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." "How can someone be born when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!"

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.

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.

John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 11:21-26
"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, "We I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 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?"

3. Give Jesus the DRIVER'S SEAT

Meet Jesus the Servant

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jun 16 – 23, 2024

Sermon Series: Meet Jesus

Sermon Title: "Meet Jesus the Servant"
Presenter: Jim Hammond

John 13:1
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

1. Jesus SHOWED his LOVE completely

John 13:2
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.

John 13:3
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;

John 13:4
so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

John 10:17-18
The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 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."

2. The DEEPER MEANING of Jesus' surprising lesson

John 13:5
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

John 13:6
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

John 13:7
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

John 13:8
"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

3. Love and serve the UNWORTHY

John 13:9-11
"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

John 13:12-17
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Doubt Less about a Theistic Universe

Verde Valley Christian Church

Apr 7, 2024

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Welcome to Verde Valley Christian Church
April 7, 2024 - Doubt Less - Part 2: Doubt Less about a Theistic Universe
==========

Sermon Series: Doubt Less
Sermon Title: "Doubt Less About a Theistic Universe"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. True SCIENCE is not in conflict with true FAITH

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

II. NATURALISM is like the shoe that doesn't fit

Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. 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.

III. The evidence of a FINELY TUNED Universe

Psalms 19:1-4
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

Psalms 8:3-4
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

Stories That Stick - (Part 1) "The Deal of a Lifetime"

Verde Valley Christian Church
Mar 10, 2024

Sermon Title: "The Deal of a Lifetime"
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Matthew 13:44-46
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

I. What is the DEAL? KINGDOM OF HEAVEN 

II. What is the PRICE? ALL

III. What is the VALUE? PRICELESS 

The kingdom of heaven is infinitely and eternally worth more than everything you had apart from his kingdom.

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/gospel-kingdom/

Let the Children Come - Part 4: What This Looks Like for Me

Verde Valley Christian Church
Mar 3, 2024

Sermon Title: Let the Children Come - Part 4: What This Looks Like for Me
Speaker: Andrew Webb

1. Be Characterized by Jesus' QUALITIES (vss. 12-14)

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

2. Let Jesus' PEACE Call the Shots (vs. 15)

Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

3. Let Jesus' WORD Overflow into Everything (vs. 16-17)

Let the Children Come - (Part 3) What This Looks Like for VVCC

Verde Valley Christian Church
Feb 25, 2024

Sermon Title: Let the Children Come - Part 3: What This Looks Like for VVCC
Speaker: Jim Hammond

I. What this DID look like for VVCC

There are two things that everybody hates.

Change and the way things are.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Luke 18:16
But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)

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.

Don’t be a sponge that sours in the sink!

Paul did not change his MORALS or his

MESSAGE, but he radically changed his

METHODS to reach people who were far from God.

Do we have a readiness like Paul's to change methods without compromising the unchanging gospel message?

II. What this DOES look like NOW

We have to continue to work diligently to help people understand and perceive the same unchanging gospel message as relevant and desirable today, and everyday.

III. What we pray it WILL look like SOON

How can we more effectively reach children and their families? What are the types of changes required for a church to be more effective in reaching the "next generation"?

2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Let the Children Come - (Part 2) What This Looks Like for Parents

Verde Valley Christian Church
Feb 18, 2024

Sermon Title: Let the Children Come - Part 2: What This Looks Like for Parents
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Psalms 78:1-7
My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

I. WE WILL pass the baton of faith

Psalms 78:4
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalms 78:6-7
so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

II. TELL them God's STORIES

Psalms 78:4
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

John 17:3
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

We all need a knowledge base that answers the most important questions, questions like: What is real? What is the good life? Who is a good person? How do I become one?

III. TEACH them God's TRUTH

Let the Chilren Come - (Part 1) Turn Your Heart to Children

Verde Valley Christian Church
Feb 11 – 17, 2024

Sermon Title: Let the Children Come - Part 1: Turn Your Heart to Children
Speaker: Andrew Webb

Malachi 4:4-6
"Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. "See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction."

Luke 1:17
And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Mark 10:13
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.

Mark 10:14
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Mark 10:15
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Mark 10:16
And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

1. POINT the Kids in Your Life to Jesus

2. RECEIVE the Kingdom of God Like a Child

Choose What is Better

Verde Valley Christian Church
Feb 4 – 10, 2024

Sermon Title: You In 5 Years - Part 5: Choose WHAT is Better
Speaker: Jim Hammond

Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

1. What is a good 5-year objective?

Choose a better WHAT!

2. What if we don't achieve our objective as planned?

Choose a better OBJECTIVE!

3. What if our plans fail because life happens differently than expected?

Choose DIFFERENTLY!

Through the Eyes of a Lion - Levi Lusko

4. What value determines what objective is better than another?

Choose JESUS!

5. What kind of effort is never a wasted effort?

Choose the best effort. 

Matthew 26:12-13
She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be remembered and discussed."

Choose the best thing, the significant thing, the eternally significant thing; focus on what can't be taken away so that no matter what else is taken away, your relationship with Jesus remains strong.

From Evening to Morning

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jan 28 – Feb 3, 2024

Sermon Title: You In 5 Years - Part 4: From Evening to Morning
Speaker: Jim Hammond

1 When are we going to find time to make life changing disciplined habits possible?

2 To insert a new habit you need to establish a "habit cycle" that includes three things: a cue, a routine, and a reward.

3 Successful people do consistently what others do occasionally. 

4 Keystone Habits effect your success in all other habits. 

Genesis 1:2-5
Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

When are we going to find time to make changes? During our discretionary time "from evening to morning"!

I. Make the most of your DISCRETIONARY time

II. Get SLEEP

"Studies have conclusively linked sleeplessness to irritability, anger, depression, and mental exhaustion."

-Sara Mednick, professor of psychology

2 Cor 11:27

⚡️Electricity ⚡️ affects our lives poorly!

III. Then go DEEP

If you don’t get SLEEP, you won’t go DEEP!

Proverbs 2:1-5
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Question 7 

MAKING PROGRESS (THIS WEEK)

7. How does understanding the Habit Cycle help (Cue, Routine, Reward)? What will be the cue for your new routine? How can you make your new routine more obvious and easy?

After I ______________[cue], I will_____________

[routine]

Too Small to Fail (You in 5 Years - Part 3)

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jan 21 – 27, 2024

Sermon Title: You In 5 Years - Part 3: Too Small to Fail
Speaker: Jim Hammond

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Deuteronomy 7:17-18
You may say to yourselves, "These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?" But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt.

I. Don't look to your LIMITATIONS look to the LORD

Deuteronomy 7:21
Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God.

II. Victory will come INCREMENTALLY

Deuteronomy 7:22
The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.

III. Make your HABITS too SMALL to fail

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

You in 5 Years - (Part 2) Delight

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jan 14 – 20, 2024

Sermon Title: You In 5 Years - Part 2: Delight
Speaker: Andrew Webb

Psalms 1:1
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

Psalms 1:2
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Psalms 1:3
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

Psalms 1:4
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

Psalms 1:5
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

Psalms 1:6
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

1. Choose Your Friends Wisely

Psalms 1:1
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2. Delight in God's Word

Psalms 1:2
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Psalms 1:3
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

Psalms 1:4
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

Psalms 1:5
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

Psalms 1:6
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

You in 5 Years - (Part 1) Small Steps, Big Results

Verde Valley Christian Church
Jan 7 – 13, 2024

Sermon Title: You In 5 Years - Part 1: Small Steps, Big Results
Speaker: Jim Hammond

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1. What could your life look like by the first Sunday in January 2029? What would it take to get there?

2. How many of you have in the past experienced a failed New Year's Resolution?

3. How many of you have given up on making New Year's resolutions?

4. What are small steps that could have big results if you were consistent for 5 years?

5. What if you do nothing different? Where is the path of your current small steps leading you?

6. Since five years is a long enough time to get really healthy or really unhealthy, what will it be for you?

I. The ways you LET IN become the ways you are SET IN

Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

II. SELF-HELP does not go far enough

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.

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

III. SMALL seed habits make a HUGE difference over TIME

Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.