Victory Church Providence

Notion, Emotion, & Motion

Introduction and Greetings

• Greeting and praise to God.

• Encouragement to share the live stream.

• Acknowledgment of viewers from various regions.

Message Introduction

• Focus on Romans chapter 12; the message titled "Notion, Emotion, and Motion."

• Explanation of concept: Thoughts lead to feelings, and feelings lead to actions.

• Quotation: “Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.”

• Emphasis on the importance of thoughts.

Struggles and Chains

• Recognition of common struggles: Negative emotions, destructive thoughts, bad habits, sins, fear, doubt, defeat.

• Affirmation: These chains can be broken through the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

The Battlefield of the Mind

• The greatest struggle is within one’s own mind.

• The importance of winning the battle in one’s thoughts for victory in life.

• Challenge to rise above fear, doubt, and defeat.

• Change is possible, but begins in the mind.

Renewing the Mind

• Biblical reference: Romans 12:1–2, emphasizing transformation through mind renewal.

• Explanation: Daily and continual process, not “one and done.”

• The impact of patterns of thought, neuroplasticity, and intentional mindset change.

The Power of Choice

• Romans 12:2: Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by renewing your mind.

• Explanation of worldly vs. biblical mindsets.

• Influence of media, music, TV, and culture on thoughts and attitudes.

Biblical Mindsets and Meditation

• Comparison between worldly and biblical mindsets (Psalm 1).

• The importance of choosing friends and influences wisely.

• Biblical meditation vs. worry: thinking on scripture rather than problems.

Responsibility and Victim Mentality

• Challenge to take personal responsibility instead of blaming others.

• Story of struggling with a victim mentality and learning dependence on God.

Speaking Words of Life

• The significance of words and affirmation in shaping attitudes.

• Stories about speaking encouragement and its impact.

Facing Challenges and Persistence

• Nehemiah’s story: remaining focused and persistent despite criticism and obstacles.

• The call not to “come down” or quit—stay committed to “great work.”

Conclusion and Call to Action

• Transformation begins with renewing the mind through God’s Word and Spirit.

• Closing prayer for renewed minds and lasting change.

• Invitation to worship and prayer.

Israel - Think Biblically

Thanksgiving Outreach Introduction

• Announcement of special Thanksgiving outreach event.

• Details on guest minister Pat Schatzline, described as a powerful, anointed international preacher.

• Schedule: Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday morning, with a short salvation message for those receiving Thanksgiving baskets.

• Prayer for God’s powerful movement during the outreach.

Opening: Romans and Scriptural Inspiration

• Invitation to open Bibles to Romans chapter 9.

• Emphasis on the inspiration and life-changing nature of all Scripture (2 Timothy 3), and its use for teaching, correction, and righteous living.

• Encouragement for biblical thinking over political thinking.

Anti-Semitism and Media Influence

• Statements on the prevalence of anti-Semitism, especially on campuses, media, and social media.

• Explanation of social media algorithms that reinforce certain biases and perspectives.

• Warning against being misled by partial or false narratives.

A Biblical Perspective on Israel

• Paul’s discourse (Romans 9-11) on Israel’s past, present, and future as God's chosen people.

• Exhortation: evaluate world events through the lens of Scripture, not politics.

• Explanation of “love not the world” as rejection of anti-God, anti-Christ systems.

Historical and Current Conflicts Involving Israel

• Account of pastor’s experience in Israel during Hamas attacks.

• Information on the war in Gaza, nature of terrorist attacks, and the international context.

• Note on other global conflicts with little outcry (Christians killed in Nigeria, Russia-Ukraine war), contrasting global reactions.

Theological Defense of Israel

• Scriptural references to Israel’s unique status and prophetic destiny.

• Description of Hamas tactics and media manipulation.

• Encouragement to examine the spirit behind anti-Israel sentiment as anti-Christ.

• Reference to historical persecutions of Jews (Egypt, Esther/Haman, Nazi Germany, Book of Revelation).

Romans 9-11: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan

• Explanation of Paul’s sorrow for his Jewish people and his prayers for their salvation.

• Affirmation that salvation is only through Jesus, even for Jews.

• Israel’s ongoing place in God’s plan; the church has not replaced Israel (“replacement theology” refuted).

• Israel’s restoration is future, connected to end-times prophecy (“fullness of Gentiles”, tribulation, and eventual salvation for the remnant).

Practical Application and Prayer

• Encouragement for support and prayer for Israel and persecuted Christians worldwide.

• Testimony of blessing ministries in Israel, Arabs, and Palestinians.

• America and Israel are not perfect, but their biblical foundations are highlighted.

• Prayer for persecuted Christians, world peace, nations (Israel, Ukraine, Nigeria, Gaza), and churches.

• Commitment to biblical thinking, reading, and prayer for God’s people and for Israel.

Closing and Blessing

• Encouragement to process the message biblically, not politically.

• Prayer for enlightenment and wisdom from Romans 9, 10, and 11.

• Final blessing and dismissal.

 

The Roman Road

Introduction: Overview and Importance of Romans

• Introduction to the "Roman Road" concept and a year-long study of the book of Romans.​

• Arguments for the authority, unity, and doctrinal richness of Scripture, especially Romans.​

• Encouragement to meditate on God’s Word for spiritual success.​

Romans: A Test and a Tool

• The message as both a personal faith “test” and an evangelistic “tool”.​

• Self-examination according to biblical standards and the need for personal assurance of salvation.​

The Roman Road: Evangelistic Sequence

• Definition and significance of “The Roman Road” as a method of explaining the Gospel using Romans.​

• Highlighting the need for biblical absolutes and the dangers of moral relativism.​

1. The Problem

• All have sinned (Romans 3:10, 3:23): universal sinfulness of humanity, illustrated through Scripture and life examples.​

2. The Consequences

• The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23): both spiritual and physical death as the result of sin, spiritual alienation from God.​

3. The Provision

• God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 5:8): God sent Jesus to die for sinners, offering redemption as a gift.​

4. The Promise

• Salvation through confession and belief (Romans 10:9-10): faith leads to righteousness and transformation; true belief results in changed life and behavior.​

• Example of Zacchaeus as a model of life change upon meeting Jesus.​

5. The Result

• Justification and peace with God (Romans 5:1; 8:1): assurance of salvation, no condemnation, freedom from guilt, opportunity for continued spiritual growth and repentance.​

Application and Invitation

• Emphasis on personal evangelism; statistics on people coming to Christ through relationships.​

• The “Good Person Test” based on the Ten Commandments to emphasize universal need for grace.​

• Practical invitation to accept Christ’s free gift and assurance of salvation.​

Conclusion: Prayer and Commitment

• Leading the congregation in a prayer of repentance and faith.​

• Encouragement to live as new creations in Christ and to support and pray for new believers.

God Of Restoration

Introduction and Context

• Setting: Encouraging faith and preparing for prayer, referencing Joel 2 in the Old Testament.​

• Main promise from Joel 2:25—God will restore the years the locusts have eaten, emphasizing freedom and clarity that comes through God’s Spirit.​

Historical Background and Interpretation

• Israel experienced judgment through a locust invasion as punishment for rebellion and idolatry.​

• Explanation of how locusts devastated crops, affecting the economy, joy, peace, and spiritual life of the people.​

• Comparison to personal experience: Times when people rely on other things instead of God—jobs, relationships, finances, etc..​

Theology of Restoration and God’s Promise

• God disciplines His people out of love, calling them back to Him through hardship and judgment.​

• The locusts symbolize both literal devastation and spiritual consequences: lost time, relationships, opportunities, and blessings.​

Meaning of Restoration

• Restoration in the biblical sense means returning to original quality, wholeness, and abundance.​

• God’s restoration surpasses human restoration—He can bring greater abundance, even after years of loss.​

• Restoration examples: material (jobs, finances), spiritual (joy, peace), relational.​

Conditions for Restoration

• Restoration is not automatic; it’s predicated on sincere repentance and genuine return to God.​

• Joel 2 calls people to turn to God with all their heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning—not just outward religious displays but true inward change.​

• "Rend your heart, not your garments": focus on inward brokenness and surrender, not external performance.​

• People must acknowledge wrong choices, seek God’s mercy, and let Him transform their hearts.​

Application and Encouragement

• God’s promise goes beyond deserved judgment—He restores what was lost through sin, foolishness, or enemy attack.​

• Encouragement to believe and contend for restoration in one’s own life—God can turn losses into gains.​

• Restoration can come as new opportunities, relationships, or abundance, even if the original losses cannot be literally recovered.​

Warnings and Practical Illustrations

• Warning against relying on gimmicks or schemes for restoration—trust in God and live with character and integrity.​

• Illustration of "crab mentality": how some people may try to pull others down rather than support their success.

Call to Action

• Challenge to pursue restoration through genuine spiritual renewal and humility.​

• Corporate and personal prayer for faith to receive God’s promise, for hearts to be softened, and for restoration of what’s been lost or stolen.​

• Final encouragement: If hearts are turned to God, restoration is available to everyone who trusts and seeks Him.​

Come See a Man

Introduction

• Pastor Lisa introduces her sermon, connecting it to previous church messages on hunger and thirst for God.​

• Emphasizes that the Word of God is inexhaustible and always brings new revelation.​

Setting the Stage

• A story and a video illustrate the experience of feeling spiritually thirsty and encountering grace.​

• Compares physical thirst (travel experiences, water) to spiritual thirst that only God’s living water can satisfy.​

The Well, The Woman, and The Water

• Central passage: John 4, Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well.​

• The well represents a place for divine encounter, restoration, and change.​

1. The Well

• The importance of spiritual thirst and the role of the well as a place to meet God.​

• Jesus intentionally goes out of His way to meet the woman, underscoring divine appointments regardless of one’s past.​

2. The Woman

• Details the Samaritan woman’s background: ostracized, broken, carrying shame, seeking fulfillment through relationships.​

• Jesus knows her past and future, cares for her, and shows there are no barriers to God’s love.​

• Every believer is “the one” sought by the shepherd (reference to the parable of the lost sheep).​

3. The Water

• Jesus offers “living water,” which meets deeper needs and provides ongoing spiritual satisfaction.​

• Drawing from scientific facts about water in the human body to illustrate our need for living water spiritually.​

• The living water symbolizes healing, restoration, and renewal.​

Application to Everyday Life

• Everyone has unique brokenness, pain, and spiritual crutches, but personal encounters with Jesus facilitate healing and transformation.​

• Testimony: Pastor Lisa’s story of adoption, rejection, and eventual healing through Christ’s living water.​

Breaking Out of Religion into Relationship

• Warns against settling for a religious routine and urges true relationship with Christ.​

• God wants believers to go deeper and develop authentic faith that brings freedom and peace.​

Sin, Shame, and Grace

• Honest confrontation of sin and broken relationships as barriers to spiritual progress.​

• Emphasizes God’s ability and willingness to heal, restore, and provide grace, no matter one’s history.​

• True satisfaction and identity are found in Jesus alone, not in possessions or achievements.​

Invitation and Closing

• A call to come to the altar, symbolically “the well,” for prayer, healing, and receiving living water.​

• Believers invited to confront their pain and desperation by seeking Christ for breakthrough and transformation.​

• Concludes with a prayer for God’s living water to fill and renew all present, reminding that the altar is a place for such encounters.

Knowing God for Yourself

Introduction and Throwback Sunday

• Recaps “Throwback Sunday” and encourages bringing physical Bibles to church as a nod to tradition.​

• Expresses gratitude for recent church events and blessings, such as water baptism and picnic.​

• Calls for prayer and open hearts to receive from God, especially after a time of fasting.​

The Battle in Modern Life

• Recognizes the challenges of modern life: evil, temptation, spiritual warfare, and demonic activity, especially in the end times.​

• Emphasizes the need for spiritual strength and victory amidst adversity.​

Theme: Knowing God for Yourself

• Offers exhortation rather than a traditional sermon, aiming to stir faith and personal encounter with God.​

• Draws on the passage from Judges 2, focusing on generational changes in faith after Joshua’s time.​

• Warns of the danger when one generation knows God but the next only knows about God and not personally.​

The Difference Between Knowing About God and Knowing God

• Illustrates with personal stories (e.g., travel and experiences in Africa) the gap between theoretical and experiential knowledge.​

• Stresses the importance of firsthand experience, not just secondhand stories or head knowledge.​

Head Knowledge vs. Heart Knowledge

• Uses the metaphor of missing heaven by 18 inches (distance from head to heart).​

• Endorses experiential faith using biblical phrases like “taste and see that the Lord is good”.​

Biblical Examples and Discipleship

• References Jesus’ teaching in John 6 about the cost of discipleship and how it sifts followers.​

• Explains that true discipleship demands personal commitment and will cause offense or discomfort, but steadfastness comes from knowing God personally.​

Three Essentials to Knowing God

1. Desire:

   • Hunger and thirst for God are essential; desire moves mountains (example of Helen Keller’s determination).​

   • Illustrates how other desires can compete with spiritual pursuit (e.g., gym vs. church attendance).​

2. Learning:

   • Importance of learning from older generations and maintaining humility to be taught.​

   • Describes mutual mentoring – older generation sharing wisdom, younger generation teaching new things (e.g., technology).​

   • References biblical examples and personal mentors who inspired and taught about God’s miracles.​

3. Pressing In:

   • Encourages persistent pursuit of God; spiritual growth involves pressing in, waiting, and preparing for God’s timing.​

   • Story of receiving the Holy Spirit’s touch during times of seeking, both in personal and church settings.​

Generational Breakdown and Restoration

• Addresses the breakdown between generations in passing on spiritual experience and faith.​

• Calls for bridging generational gaps in church; both young and old must value each other's strengths and contributions.​

Call to Consecration and Closing

• Invites the congregation to prayer, worship, and pressing in for personal encounters with God.​

• Encourages leaders and young people to seek fresh encounters; asks everyone to create space for seeking God without distraction.​

• Concludes with a challenge for ongoing spiritual hunger, continual learning, and pursuing God’s presence in the model of biblical figures like Caleb and Joshua.

Throw Back Don't Go Back

Introduction

• Reflection on changes in technology and worship practices (from hymnals to digital Bibles).

• Concerns about the speed of societal change and the influence of artificial intelligence.

• Emphasis on being grounded in the Word of God to deal with modern challenges.

Throwback Sunday Concept

• Explains "Throwback" as revisiting past traditions and memories, analogous to "Throwback Thursday" on social media.

• Shares personal throwback memories (outreach in Chad Brown, wedding, and anniversary).

• Advocates for using physical Bibles and valuing spiritual discipline in a digital age.

Main Message: "Throwback, But Don’t Go Back"

• Uses Joshua 14 and the story of Caleb as key scripture.

• Recaps Caleb’s history: spying out Canaan, bringing a good report, remaining faithful over decades.

• Discusses the effects of negativity and lack of faith in leadership, referencing how ten negative spies led to years of wandering.

Lessons from Caleb’s Life

• Importance of Vision and Faith: Only Caleb and Joshua saw possibility where others saw difficulty.

• Leadership and Influence: The speech and attitude of leaders affected the entire nation.

• The Danger of Focusing on Negatives: Illustrated by a parable about a remarkable dog.

• Power of Perspective: Encourages attendees to see the good and act in faith.

How to Thrive Spiritually

• Remembering God's Word: Caleb retained God’s promise for 45 years.

• Mixing the Word with Faith: Using Hebrews 4:2 and a humorous brownie mix analogy; the Word must be combined with faith to be effective.

• The Role of the Holy Spirit: Reminds us of God’s teachings when we have invested in learning them.

• Being Intentional: Recommends joining life groups and reading the Bible regularly; repetition is key.

Following God Wholeheartedly

• Caleb’s Commitment: He "wholly followed" the Lord; true faith means consistent devotion, not selective obedience.

• God’s Enabling Grace: Even imperfect people can live in faith through God’s empowerment.

• Endurance and Patience: Sometimes promises take decades to fulfill, but faith requires waiting and perseverance.

Finishing Strong

• Caleb’s Strength in Old Age: Despite being elderly, he feels as strong and capable as ever, ready to claim new challenges ("Give me this mountain").

• Application for Today: Believers are encouraged to remain strong spiritually, regardless of age or circumstances.

Call to Consecration and Action

• Upcoming spiritual practices: Encouragement to engage in prayer and fasting.

• Closing Prayer: Asking God for renewal, faith, strength, and the spiritual inheritance promised.

International Service Sermon, 2025

A Sermon by Rev. Douglas Ahamefula and Elder Brenard Rowe, Elders at Victory Church in Providence, RI.

Opening Tribute and Introduction

• Reference to Biblical principle: "The seed we sow is the seed we reap."

• Honoring Bernard for 32 years of service to the church, emphasizing long-term commitment and various roles in ministry (especially choir/music).

• Mention of Bernard’s wife, Fanny, who has passed away.

• Note of Bernard’s journey to the church and his active, faithful involvement.

Bernard’s Acknowledgments

• Bernard expresses gratitude to Senior Pastor Richard and Pastor Lisa.

• Occasion: 36th church anniversary, international service.

• Bernard humbly accepts the opportunity to speak and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Theme: The Power and Nature of God’s Love

• Encouragement to reflect on the strongest force in the universe: love, specifically the love of God.

• God's love described as eternal, unchanging, and foundational.

• Focus on unconditional (agape) love, not romantic or materialistic love.

Illustrated Stories and Examples

• Story of a village fire: neighbors show overwhelming love and support to a woman who lost everything.

  • Love stronger than the devastation caused by the fire.

• International service: church as a community of 26 nations, demonstrating God’s love through unity and cultural celebration.

Biblical Foundations of Love

• Biblical description of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, paraphrased):

  • Love is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not proud.

  • Does not dishonor, is not self-seeking or easily angered.

  • Keeps no record of wrongs, rejoices in truth, always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, never fails.

• Call to consistently demonstrate these biblical attributes of love.

The Greatest Demonstration: Jesus Christ and the Cross

• Reference to John 3:16: God's gift of his only son as act of unconditional love.

• Example of Christ’s sacrifice—pleading for forgiveness, promise to the thief: “You will be with me in paradise.”

• Analogy: judge takes punishment upon himself—parallels Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity.

Command to Love One Another

• Quote of John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give you, love one another…”

• Must demonstrate love for others; cannot claim love for God while hating others.

Forgiveness and Restoration

• Parable of the prodigal son: father’s unconditional love and forgiveness; call to emulate this.

• Romans 5:8: God’s love demonstrated while we were still sinners.

Sacrificial Love in Practice

• Example: missionaries risking life for the gospel—sacrificial love.

• No one can outgive God; God’s gifts surpass all.

God’s Love in Creation and Deliverance

• Genesis 1:31: God declares his creation “very good” as a sign of his love.

• God's deliverance in biblical history: freeing Israel from Egypt, crossing the Red Sea.

• Love like a shepherd rescuing a lost sheep.

The Permanence of God’s Love

• Romans 8:38-39: nothing can separate us from God’s love.

• God’s love is likened to a lighthouse—guiding through storms.

Call to Action and Conclusion

• God’s love is the greatest gift, endures forever, accessible to all.

• Challenge to receive and share this love unconditionally: “Love is like a candle, it doesn’t lose light by lighting another.”

• Call for unity and acts of love among church community.

• Closing prayer of thanksgiving, blessing, and request to show sacrificial love.

Don't Stop Believing, Part 3

Don't Stop Believing, Part 3

A sermon by Pastor Richard Sfameni, Lead Pastor at Victory Church in Providence, RI

I. Introduction

• Welcome and purpose of the podcast: sharing powerful messages from services.

• Victory Church’s mission: reaching the lost, restoring the broken, reviving believers.

• Call to engagement: readiness to receive the Word of God.

• Message title: "Don't Stop Believing" (better phrased as "Keep Believing").

• Central theme: The necessity and critical importance of living by faith.

II. The Nature and Gift of Faith

• Biblical definition: Faith as the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

• Faith is confidence in God’s promises and His character.

• Every believer has a “seed/measure” of faith—faith given by God (Romans 12).

• Faith as a muscle: grows stronger through use, challenges, and spiritual exercise.

• Warning against comparing levels of faith among believers.

• Personal testimony: growth through spiritual trials and resistance, analogy to physical training.

III. The Importance of Faith (Scriptural Emphasis)

• Essential for pleasing God: “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).

• Two elements: belief that God exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.

• Faith is required in every circumstance; God knows individual limits and provides grace for endurance.

IV. Faith as the Primary Metric in the Church

• Examination of Paul’s concern for faith in the church (1 Thessalonians 3).

  • Paul’s repeated focus on the faith of the congregation rather than external measures.

• What Paul didn’t emphasize: not the size, budget, or facilities of the church.

• Critique of cultural (non-biblical) values in assessing church success.

• Dangers of equating “bigness” or material signs with spiritual greatness.

• Examples:

  • 85% of American churches have fewer than 200 people, illustrating that size is not the key measure.

  • Example from church history: Charles Spurgeon’s conversion in a small chapel, demonstrating greatness is about spiritual impact, not size.

V. Keeping Faith Central

• The importance of keeping “the main thing the main thing”—focus on the growth and exercise of faith.

• Individuals and churches must prioritize spiritual metrics over worldly metrics.

VI. Lessons from the Heroes of Faith

• Review of “the cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 11-12.

• Faith exemplars: those who faced challenges and saw God’s faithfulness.

• The value of biographies/autobiographies of Christians for practical insights into a life of faith.

  • Example: George Mueller’s dependence on faith for provision.

• Recognition of current church members as examples of faith and faithfulness.

VII. Hindrances to Faith

• Identifying and “laying aside every weight”:

  • Bitterness, unforgiveness, distractions, and past failures.

• Analogy of running a race: shed anything that slows spiritual progress.

• Biblical example: Paul “forgets what is behind and presses on.”

• The need for “divine forgetfulness” and remembrance of what matters (the cross, God’s promises).

VIII. Perseverance of Faith

• Faith requires perseverance, endurance—keep moving forward despite obstacles and struggles.

• Examples of perseverance from secular figures (Walt Disney, Einstein, Churchill, Lincoln) to illustrate endurance.

• Claim: with the Spirit of God, believers have even greater potential for perseverance.

• Encouragement for listeners to resolve to succeed and trust in God’s enabling power.

IX. The Focus of Faith: Fixing Eyes on Jesus

• The source and goal (“author and finisher”) of faith is Jesus.

• Spiritual direction comes from focusing on Christ—not on people or circumstances.

• Analogy: Just as a runner focuses on the finish line, Christians must fix their gaze on Jesus.

• Biblical example: Peter walking on water by looking at Jesus, sinking when distracted by the storm (Matthew 14).

• Isaiah 26:3—Perfect peace comes from “mind stayed on Thee.”

• Hymn: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” used to reinforce the point.

• The danger of spiritual distraction; importance of continual refocusing on Christ.

X. The Cross as Spiritual North Point

• Story: Beach analogy—currents can pull us off course unnoticed, requiring realignment.

• The cross of Christ as a central, guiding reference for believers.

• Regular course corrections are necessary due to “the currents” of worldly distractions and sin.

• Importance of always coming back to Christ and the cross.

XI. Application and Call to Action

• Self-examination: Is your faith growing? Are you focused on Jesus?

• Urge to lay aside distractions/weights and make the necessary spiritual adjustments.

• Invitaton for reflection, response, prayer, and renewed commitment as the service closes.

Don't Stop Believing. Part 2

Don't Stop Believing, Part 2

A sermon by Pastor Richard Sfameni, Lead Pastor at Victory Church, in Providence, RI.

Opening and Welcome

• Greeting and response (“Amen. You may be seated. Praise the Lord…”)
• Appreciation for worship and participation
  • Importance of authentic worship regardless of personal trial
  • Your worship may inspire others seeing you worship through struggles

Introduction to the Message

• Continuation of last week’s sermon: “Don’t Stop Believing”
  • Central theme: The importance of faith
• Church communications and resources
  • Plan to distribute more tools (study notes, questions, etc.)
  • Request for members’ contact information for improved communication
  • Emphasis: Church is not just about large attendance, but engagement and making disciples

The Church’s Mission

• A. Contrast: Mere attendance vs. engagement and discipleship
  • Mission to make disciples, not just fill seats
  • Desire for everyone to participate in the mission
• Illustration: “Church is not a show”
  • Story of the complaining church family and the child’s remark
  • Clarification: True purpose is the kingdom of God and being a church on mission

Textual Foundation: Hebrews 12:1–4

• Reading the passage: Call to run the race with endurance
  • Surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses”
  • Laying aside every weight and sin
  • Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of faith
  • Enduring hostility/persecution
• Context of Hebrews
  • Audience: New Jewish believers facing persecution and discouragement
  • Emphasis on Jesus’ supremacy (greater than Moses, angels, law, etc.)
  • Faith as a central theme—challenge to keep believing despite opposition

The Value and Battle for Faith

• The cost and value of faith
  • Faith is precious and under attack by the enemy
  • Analogy: No one protects garbage; faith is worth guarding
• Scriptural support: 1 Peter 1:6–7
  • Faith tested by trials is more precious than gold
  • Faith defined as taking God at His word, trusting His promises
• The devil’s strategy
  • Destroy faith to win the war for your soul
  • Example: Peter’s denial—Jesus prayed for his faith, not his flawless behavior
    • Faith enables recovery from failure; without faith, all is lost
  • Restoration possible in every area if faith remains

Encouragement Against Discouragement

• Relating to listeners facing severe trials
  • Message: Keep running, keep believing, keep trusting God
• Faith Lessons from Hebrews 12:1–4
  • Prompt: “I need to learn more about faith.”

Faith as Armor and Protection

• Theme connection: VBS and the armor of God
  • Shield of faith in spiritual warfare
  • Attack of the enemy represented as “fiery darts”
• Practical reminder: The armor and shield are necessary for those following Christ
  • Emphasis on being targeted by the enemy after choosing Christ

Review of Main Points on Faith (from Hebrews 11 and 12)

• Examples of Faith
  • Long-distance race imagery—a “cloud of witnesses”
  • Heroes of faith in Hebrews 11: Overcame challenges through faith
  • Romans 15:4—Scripture written for our learning and hope
• Hindrances of Faith
  • Laying aside “every weight and sin”
    • Illustration: Man with backpack in church = symbolic of carrying burdens
    • Every person has weights unique to them; these hinder the race
  • Philippians 3:12–14—Forgetting the past, pressing to the future
    • Weights may be past hurts, offenses, or nostalgia for “good old days”
    • God grants “divine forgetfulness;” past loses its sting through grace
    • Warning: Some people’s lives are diminished by holding onto the past
    • Everyone gets hurt—must let go of past to move forward
    • Analogy of car: Rear view mirror vs. windshield
    • Not just bad things—even good things can keep you from the best
  • Example from business literature: Jim Collins’ “stop doing list”
    • Need for focus and discipline; not every opportunity is for you

Living With Focus and Purpose

• Personal examples (Clergy Day, Black Hawk helicopter story)
  • • Temptation to take on too much, even good things, but must focus on God’s specific calling
    • Pastor’s personal callings—pastoring, discipling, international ministry
    • Not every door is yours to walk through

The Perseverance of Faith (Major Point)

• Key emphasis: Learning to persevere/endure
  • Life of faith is a marathon, not a sprint
  • Everyone must run their race for a lifetime
  • Many start but give up because of opposition/discouragement
  • Greek word “hupomonē”—active, determined perseverance despite hardship
  • Perseverance needed in all areas: marriage, raising kids, ministry, career
• Illustrations:
  • Father-son story—Elmer MacLurkin (a joke to show the importance of perseverance)
  • Famous perseverance quote: Winston Churchill—“Never, never, never give up”
  • Bible college anecdote: “Never, never, never quit”—words that rang true over time
• Practical encouragement
  • Heroes like Noah and Abraham persevered over decades for God’s promise
  • Breakthroughs often come after the hardest trials—don’t quit before your breakthrough
  • God’s grace picks you up after you fall; faith enables you to keep going

Closing Exhortation and Prayer

• The way to persevere: Prayer and the Word
  • Grace for endurance comes through prayer, worship, and Scripture
  • Not about willpower, but about God’s grace working in you
  • Ministry anecdote: “You can quit Sunday afternoon, just show up Monday morning.”
• Final appeals
  • Don’t quit: on God, on relationships, on dreams, on your walk
  • Don’t miss your breakthrough—greatest attacks precede the next season
  • Reiterate: “Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Never, never, never quit.”
• Closing prayer
  • Ask God to ignite and strengthen the people’s hearts with truth
  • Call for going forward, not quitting, renewed by God’s grace in word and prayer
  • Recap: The critical, non-negotiable importance of daily connection to God’s Word and prayer