Victory Church Providence

Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready! Part 2

I. Opening and Introduction

• Acknowledgment of ministry volunteers serving behind the scenes.

• Call to thank God for those who serve.

• Emphasis: the church is about everyone being mobilized to serve.

II. High View of Scripture

• Affirmation: the Bible is held in supreme authority above all other sources.

• It is infallible, inerrant, and authoritative.

• The pastor’s aim: communicate God’s Word truthfully and sincerely.

• The Word of God is inexhaustible, pure, powerful—like a seed that bears fruit.

III. The Heart as Soil

• Analogy: the issue isn’t the seed (the Word of God), but the soil (the human heart).

• Types of soil issues: hardness, weeds, stones, debris.

• Call to prayer: for receptive hearts that produce lasting fruit.

• Encouragement: change is possible through God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.

IV. Transition to Scripture Text

• Introduction to Bible passage: Joshua 3.

• Sermon title: “Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready, Part 2.”

• Theme: God wants His people prepared to receive what He has planned.

V. Testimonies of Transformation

• Two congregational testimonies shared:

  • Restored faith and renewed hope through prayer and fasting.

  • Family transformation—faith renewal, prayer habits, and Bible reading.

• Reinforcement: God is working in people’s lives today.

VI. Focus Text: Joshua 3:5

“Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

• The message centers on two main parts:

  1. Our part – sanctify, prepare, consecrate ourselves.

  2. God’s part – He will do wonders among us.

VII. Balancing Our Role and God’s Role

• Warning against two extremes:

  • Some believe “it all depends on God”—do nothing.

  • Others act as though “it all depends on them”—trust in self.

• Biblical balance: we plant and water, but God gives the increase.

• Example: two farmers—one prepares by faith; the other does not. True faith acts.

VIII. God Does the Heavy Lifting

• Reminder: God initiates and sustains His work of grace.

• Analogy: a small child “helping” carry groceries—the parent carries the real weight.

• Same with God—He carries us while we participate in faith.

IX. Understanding God’s Wonders

• We need miracles because life presents impossible situations.

• God performs “exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think.”

• Miracles remind us: focus on the miracle worker, not the miracle.

X. The Crossing of the Jordan

• Context: Israel at the threshold of the Promised Land.

• The Jordan River in flood stage—an impossibility without divine help.

• Symbolism:

  • Crossing = moving from old life to new life.

  • Once crossed, there’s no going back.

  • Application: we must cross our own “Jordan” in faith.

XI. Call to Commitment and Discipleship

• Reference to John 6: Disciples offended by Jesus’ hard teachings.

• Peter’s declaration: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of life.”

• Application: commitment to Jesus despite challenges—there’s no other way.

XII. God’s Glory, Not Ours

• Warning: when miracles occur, glory must go to God alone.

• Miracles exist to reveal who God is, not to glorify people or churches.

• The Lord says, “I will share my glory with no one.”

XIII. Contemporary Application

• The same God who parted the Jordan still does wonders today.

• Encouragement to believe for miracles in 2026 as He did in 2025.

• Observation: Growing hunger for God, especially among younger generations.

• The church’s mission: glorify God through faith and obedience.

XIV. Personal Testimony of Ministry

• Example from missions work in Africa: obedience and prayer led to new opportunities.

• Lesson: God elevates His plans when we yield and seek His will sincerely.

XV. Faith in Everyday Life

• God’s anointing applies to every sphere—parenting, work, ministry.

• Don’t diminish “ordinary” callings; they matter to God.

• Pray that God’s glory shines through everything you do.

XVI. Stirring Faith

• Reference to David and Goliath: faith rooted in past victories fosters future courage.

• A believer’s testimony is unarguable proof of God’s reality.

XVII. Stepping Out in Faith

• The Jordan did not part until the priests stepped into the water.

• Faith requires action; the miraculous follows obedience.

• Encouragement: take new steps in faith this year—don’t stay stagnant.

XVIII. Closing Prayer and Declaration

• Belief statements for 2026:

  • God will heal, restore, and break generational curses.

  • God will revive faith and anoint His people for fruitfulness.

  • Young generations will rise up for His glory.

• Call to prayer: declare God’s promises back to Him (“God, you said”).

• Encouragement: contending in faith honors God and aligns with His Word.

XIX. Worship and Benediction

• Congregation invited to pray and worship.

• Song: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is Upon Me.”

• Declaration: this is the year of God’s favor and wonders.

Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!

“Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready” – Crossing the Jordan

I. Introduction

• Opening greeting and call to readiness for the Word of God.

• Reference to the recent week of prayer and fasting as preparation.

• Sermon title: “Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready.”

• Text reference: Joshua 3:1–5.

• Key verse: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

• Connection to the new year (2026) as a “new season” — a place we’ve not passed before.

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II. Two Extremes in the Life of Faith

1. Extreme #1: People who think everything depends on God alone.

   • Passive faith; no personal effort (e.g., expecting blessings without action).

2. Extreme #2: People who think everything depends on themselves.

   • Self-striving faith; no prayer or reliance on God.

3. Balanced truth (Joshua 3:5):

   • Human responsibility → “Sanctify yourselves.”

   • Divine power → “The Lord will do wonders.”

   • A biblical tension: God acts, but we prepare.

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III. Historical and Scriptural Context

1. Israel at the Jordan River.

   • On the threshold of the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering.

   • Consequence of earlier unbelief and disobedience.

2. The Ark of the Covenant.

   • Symbol of God's presence and holiness.

   • Instructions: follow it at a distance — reverence before a holy God.

3. The Crossing.

   • Jordan River in flood (½ mile wide); an impossible situation needing a miracle.

4. Spiritual parallel for 2026.

   • Represents transition into a new season filled with both blessings and unknowns.

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IV. Our Part: “Sanctify Yourselves”

1. Meaning of consecration.

   • To set apart, make holy, dedicate to God's purposes.

   • Synonyms: sanctify, purify, make acceptable to God.

2. Illustration: The church drums.

   • Ordinary objects made sacred through dedicated purpose.

   • Believers are called to the same — living for God’s glory.

3. Practical applications of consecration.

   • Self-examination and repentance of sin.

   • Renew commitment to God and His house.

   • Live holy lives — avoid spiritual compromise.

   • Commitment to consistent church involvement and ministry.

   • Stop gossip, negativity, and complaining; unity and obedience bring blessings.

   • Financial consecration: honor God with firstfruits.

   • Lifestyle consecration: avoid ungodly influences; guard media and relationships.

   • Relational accountability and transparency (illustrated through phone example).

   • Personal humility and ongoing sanctification — asking God to search the heart.

4. Examples of sacrifice and faith.

   • Pastor’s story about his wife leaving a high-paying law job to serve in ministry.

   • Lesson: Consecration often means sacrifice, but God multiplies what’s surrendered.

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V. God’s Part: “The Lord Will Do Wonders”

1. Nature of God's wonders.

   • Miracles, provisions, and supernatural acts demonstrating His glory.

   • Miracles reveal who God is, not just what He does.

2. Hope from Scripture (Romans 15:4).

   • Old Testament lessons written for our learning and to build hope.

   • The same God who parted the Jordan acts today.

3. Faith declaration for 2026.

   • God calls what is not as though it were — the promises are already in motion.

   • Prophetic declarations for the year:

     • Growth in intimacy with God.

     • Healing and restoration (“this sickness is not unto death”).

     • A rising young generation with holy passion.

     • God will rebuke the devourer.

     • Restoration of faith to believe again.

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VI. Conclusion and Call to Response

• Call for the congregation to stand, receive, and respond in faith.

• Affirmation that their fasting and prayer were part of consecration.

• Encouragement that God will release blessings long awaited.

• Exhortation to pray, worship, and believe for God’s wonders in 2026.

What is fasting?

Opening prayer and transition

• Prayer for healing of minds, emotions, and bodies in Jesus’ name.

• Blessing over the people and light-hearted comment about “sinners/singers” saved by grace.

• Transition to the morning teaching and reference to the notes on fasting and prayer.

Purpose of the teaching

• Many new people in the church do not fully understand prayer and fasting.

• Long-time members also need renewed direction, inspiration, and encouragement from Scripture for an effective and profitable fast.

• Pastor’s personal struggle with coughing and mic; testimony of praying over the upcoming fast and the church.

• Realization: the Lord, as the Good Shepherd, cares more about the people and their fasting than the pastor does.

• Emphasis that believers must hear the Shepherd’s voice; call to open hearts and spirits to the Word and notes.

What fasting is (definition and biblical basis)

• Fasting described as a spiritual discipline taught in the Bible, not an afterthought or optional for Christians.

• Reference to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) and the three practices: praying, giving, fasting (“when you pray… when you give… when you fast,” not “if”).

• Reading/summary of Matthew 6:16–18:

  • Do not fast to impress others; keep normal appearance; the Father sees in secret and rewards openly.

• Clarification: corporate fast cannot be fully secret, but the heart motive still must be God-centered, not people-centered.

• Cultural critique: problem of overeating and food addictions; fasting is needed, not optional.

Why fast? Main reasons

1. Health and personal reset

• Fasting brings health benefits; warning about “digging graves with forks and spoons.”

• Pastor’s personal testimony: fasting at the beginning of the year as a “reset” that affects months afterward and increases awareness of what is eaten.

2. Fasting gives more time for prayer

• Time normally used for preparing, eating, and cleaning up can be redirected to prayer.

• Acknowledgment of family responsibilities; encouragement to use available time for prayer.

• Biblical link between fasting and prayer: example from Acts 13 (worshiping, fasting, Holy Spirit speaks, Paul/Barnabas set apart).

• Explanation of the church’s prayer schedule for the fasting week (Monday–Friday, 6:30–8:30 with personal prayer, worship, exhortation, and corporate prayer each night, plus guest ministers and special focuses).

3. Fasting shows the depth of desire in prayer

• Fasting demonstrates how serious and desperate a person is about a prayer need.

• Challenge to those struggling with addictions, family issues, or sin to get desperate enough to say no to food.

• Story of a former pastor who listed God’s blessings and then asked, “What are you willing to do?”

• Scriptural support from Joel:

  • Call a holy fast, sacred assembly; return to God with all the heart, with fasting and weeping.

• Teaching that fasting “turbocharges” prayer and reaches the core of one’s being.

4. Fasting releases God’s supernatural power

• Observation of revival signs: increased Bible sales, campus awakenings, baptisms, and renewed spirituality.

• Note that whenever God moves, the devil attacks (division, discouragement, defeat, depression, doubt).

• Emphasis that united prayer and fasting delivers decisive blows to the enemy.

• Scriptural examples:

  • Ezra 8:23 (“we fasted and prayed… and he answered”).

  • Isaiah 58:6 (fasting that loosens chains of injustice, breaks yokes, sets oppressed free).

• Testimony of church growth attributed to prayer and fasting (services, groups, leaders, missions).

• Warning: forward movement invites spiritual resistance, requiring vigilance and continued fasting.

Importance of fasting in Scripture (examples)

• Often precedes major victories, miracles, and answered prayers.

• Examples listed:

  • Moses fasting before receiving the Ten Commandments.

  • Israelites fasting before miraculous victory.

  • Daniel fasting for guidance and understanding God’s plan (reading Jeremiah, receiving revelation).

  • Personal example: pastor fasting over whom to marry and other major decisions (work, place to live, business partnerships, missions trips).

  • Nehemiah fasting and praying before rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, completing a century-old problem in 52 days.

  • Jesus fasting 40 days before public ministry and during temptation in the wilderness.

  • First Christians fasting during key decision-making (Acts 13, etc.).

• Application: fast over important life decisions; don’t rely on human wisdom alone.

Precautions and heart posture in fasting

• Fasting is not:

  • Earning answers or manipulating God.

  • A hunger strike against God.

• Fasting is:

  • Aligning with God’s will and opening space for what God already desires to do.

• Health cautions:

  • Fast only as health allows; consider partial fasts if on medication, etc.

• Warning against “sneaky” or superficial consecrations (e.g., trivial fasting windows that cost nothing).

• Encouragement to make fasting truly sacrificial and appropriate to one’s work and physical capacity.

Practical guidance: types and structure of fasting

• Types of fasts mentioned:

  • Water fast (all food and juices abstained from; not recommended for everyone for five days).

  • Partial fast (eliminating certain foods or meals).

  • Juice fast (fruit or vegetable juices only).

• Counsel on nutrition and physical activity:

  • Ensure nutrients; limit strenuous exercise; do not let exercise become an excuse to skip prayer/fasting.

• Guidance on breaking the fast:

  • Avoid heavy foods immediately (e.g., burritos, large meals); ease back into eating with lighter foods like fruit.

Corporate fasting and commitment

• Corporate fast provides structure, accountability, and mutual encouragement.

• Testimony of previous years:

  • New believers and first-time fasters completing five days.

  • Past 21-day fast (juice/soup only) and challenges met by the congregation.

• Value of structure: same as work or school schedules; helps people follow through.

• Mention of attendance statistics from previous years and desire to see increased participation (with the reminder that numbers represent people, not pride).

Fasting as assumed biblical practice

• Jesus says “when you fast,” implying fasting is assumed for Christians.

• Note of a resurgence of fasting teaching in recent decades, including influence from African and global churches.

• Observation: when God prepares to move, he stirs people to prayer and fasting.

Biblical reasons people fasted (summary list)

• Facing a crisis.

• Seeking God’s protection and deliverance.

• Called to repentance and renewal.

• Asking God for guidance.

• Humbling themselves in worship.

Dangers in the discipline

• Risk of empty ritual or fasting without meaning.

• Encouragement to start fasting and seek right motives as you go.

• Repeated call to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice and recognize that God wants to speak, guide, and bless more than people often realize.

Fasting as feasting on Jesus

• John Wesley quote: fasting must be done unto the Lord, with the eye singly fixed on Him, to glorify the Father.​

• Story of an Indian orphanage that fasts every Friday and calls it “feasting on Jesus,” praying specifically for the American church.

Call to fast and leadership responsibility

• Fasting starts with spiritual leaders and elders; leaders must model what they preach.

• Fasting often arises from spiritual desperation and urgency: “turn to me now while there is time.”

• Warning about increasing end-time deception; need for discernment and closeness to God.

Fasting and inner focus

• Fasting is more about focus than food; more about saying yes to the Spirit than no to the body.

• It is an outward response to an inward cry, an expression of brokenness and need.

• Calls to return to God with the heart, not just external religious acts (rending hearts, not garments).

• Fasting as response of a broken heart; God is drawn to the weak, broken, needy.

Immense responsibility and mission

• Believers carry the immense responsibility to be salt and light, preaching the gospel to a lost world.

• Fasting is a humble response to this responsibility, seeking God’s help and power to fulfill the mission.

Closing exhortation and prayer

• Pastor expresses desire to communicate God’s heart and encourage participation in the fast.

• Emphasis that God wants to speak and move, and fasting clears space in the heart.

• Call to fresh consecration and commitment for individuals and families.

• Prayer that God will bless and strengthen everyone who takes part, and closing invitation to join nightly prayer during the fasting week.

In the Hands of God

Summary of Dr. David Wins’ Message: In the Hands of God

Central Theme:
The safest and most fruitful place for a believer is in the hands of God. Throughout Scripture, God’s hand symbolizes blessing, guidance, protection, and divine purpose. We are “cupped and covered” in His hands.

Key Scriptures

• Psalm 139:5 – “You have hedged me behind and before and laid your hand upon me.”

• Psalm 31:15 – “My times are in your hands.”

• John 10:27–29 – Jesus declares that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand or the Father’s hand.

• Acts 11:21 – “The hand of the Lord was with them.”

Four “House Visits” (Illustrations)

1. Jacob’s House (Genesis 48)
   God crosses His hands, placing the greater blessing on the younger son Ephraim instead of Manasseh — a picture of grace and divine reversal. God often chooses the least likely.

2. Jesse’s House (1 Samuel 16)
   David, minimized and forgotten, is unexpectedly chosen and anointed as king. God crosses His hands again, preferring the humble over the mighty.

3. Jesus’ Household (The Disciples)
   Jesus chose ordinary, flawed people — fishermen, doubters, and even a tax collector — to show that divine purpose comes through grace, not human merit.

4. Jabez’s House (1 Chronicles 4:9–10)
   Jabez, born in pain, prayed that God’s hand would be with him — and God granted his request. No one is a mistake; we are miracles in God’s plan.

The Call to Action

• Commit everything into God’s hands: Your spirit, family, and future.

• Adopt the word “Nevertheless” for 2026: Despite trials and uncertainty, the foundation of the Lord stands sure.

• Raise holy hands: A sign of surrender and participation in God’s ongoing work.

The Brilliance of Christmas

Teen Challenge Service 2025

Overall Structure

• Opening welcome and worship songs (Victory Church podcast intro, congregational worship lyrics about salvation, freedom, and baptism imagery like “I left it in the river” and “death was arrested.”)

• Testimonies from Teen Challenge residents describing addiction, loss, encounters with God, and transformation through Christ and the Teen Challenge program.

• Teaching moments woven into testimonies, including Scripture quotations (for example 2 Timothy 1:7–9, Isaiah 42:16, John 1:5) and brief reflections on fear, calling, darkness, and light.

Main Testimony Segments

• Tommy (age 29 from Beverly, MA): shares about a good upbringing, losing both parents, a long struggle with alcoholism, a serious car crash, hospitalization, and being led to Adult & Teen Challenge; emphasizes submitting to Jesus as Lord and cites 2 Timothy 1:7–9 as a life verse.

• Second speaker (young man tied to Connecticut and Pawtucket): raised in church with pastor parents, runs from God, experiences deep drug addiction and trauma (including an abortion story), hears God calling his name, and comes to repentance through family prayer; uses this to introduce and emphasize the power of prayer cards.

• Third major testimony (Philip): raised in church and missions, drifts into heavy drinking, crime, and selling drugs and guns; ends up incarcerated with serious firearm charges; repeatedly hears about Teen Challenge, finally surrenders to God in jail, enters the program, and sees multiple charges dropped while experiencing deep brotherhood, conviction, and restored purpose.

Prayer Cards and Invitation

• Explanation of prayer cards placed on chairs and an invitation for the congregation to fill them out with prayer requests, including examples of answered prayers linked to these cards (like a cousin in jail receiving confirmation not to leave the program.)

• Emphasis that “much prayer, much power” and that the cards help new residents learn to pray for others as well as themselves.

Sponsorship Appeal and Teen Challenge Info

• A Teen Challenge leader explains his own long-term addiction, multiple rehabs, and eventual surrender to Christ and Teen Challenge, contrasting high state-funded treatment costs with Teen Challenge receiving no state addiction funding.paste.txt​

• Presents “resident sponsorship” as a way to help: one dollar a day ($30/month) to offset the cost for men in the program, using coffee purchases as a practical comparison.

• Mentions the carpentry shop and cutting boards/butcher blocks made and prayed over by residents, and gifting special boards to the pastors as a blessing over their home.

Pastoral Closing and Prayer

• Pastor affirms the service as a powerful display of life change rather than a typical sermon and briefly states the core of Christmas: Jesus came to save sinners and destroy the works of the devil, citing 1 Timothy 1:15 and 1 John 3:8.

• Invitation for people with addicted family members, broken relationships, or needs for healing to come forward; corporate prayer and worship close the service, stressing that God still does miracles and that Christmas is about Christ’s saving and delivering work.

Walking in Hope

I. Introduction: Setting the Theme

• Review of November’s theme: Share the Harvest.

• Introduction of December’s theme: Share the Hope.

• Reflection: the church focuses on spreading hope to the community—but hope must also be shared within the church.

• Observation: the world around us is filled with discouragement; people crave hope, especially during December.

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II. The Need for Hope

• Many are discouraged by finances, the future, broken dreams, and depression.

• Even during the holidays, sadness often deepens for people without Christ.

• Key idea: We must understand the hope of Jesus ourselves before we can share it.

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III. What Hope Means for Believers

• Hope satisfies human longing for something better.

• Jesus Christ is the only one who can fill the inner void.

• Scriptural foundation:

  • Proverbs 13:12 — “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.”

  • Proverbs 23:18 — “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”

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IV. Three Aspects of Hope in God

1. The Hope of His Arms

• Deuteronomy 33:27 — God’s “everlasting arms” are our refuge.

• Illustration: a child running into his father’s arms—mirrors how believers should run to God.

• God’s arms are extended in comfort, guidance, and embrace.

• Isaiah and Deuteronomy emphasize God’s outstretched arm leading His people.

• Applications:

  • Run into God’s arms for help.

  • Don’t fold your arms at others returning to faith—welcome them with love and compassion.

2. The Hope of His Eyes

• Story of the Prodigal Son: The father (representing God) sees his son coming from afar.

• Psalm 34:15 — “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous.”

• Examples of Jesus’ watchful eyes:

  • The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:32).

  • Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree (Luke 19:5).

  • The widow’s offering (Luke 21:1–4).

• Message: God sees, notices, and acknowledges even unseen acts of faithfulness.

3. The Hope of His Heart

• Matthew 11:29 — Jesus is “gentle and humble in heart.”

• The heart of God is full of compassion.

• Scripture examples:

  • Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32 — Christ’s compassion for the crowds.

• Ministry analogy: working with people requires “shifting gears” like a manual car; compassion guides those shifts.

• Having the heart of God helps believers love and relate well to others.

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V. Living Out Hope

• Run into the arms of God.

• See people through God’s eyes.

• Reflect His compassionate heart in word and deed.

• Encourage one another within the church as well as outside it.

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VI. Communion and the Source of Hope

• The foundation of hope is Christ’s death and resurrection.

• Romans 8:31–39 — Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

• Communion as an act of remembrance for Jesus’ sacrifice and love.

• Gratitude expressed to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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VII. Closing Exhortation

• Illustration: A woman (“Janet”) changed her environment with joyful faith—“Jesus brings joy.”

• Believers are called to represent Jesus well in their words, behavior, and daily interactions.

• Christmas focus: keep Jesus—the greatest gift—at the center.

• Invitation to prayer and dedication at the altar.

Wake Up

I. Introduction: The Word and the theme “Wake Up”

• Exaltation of the Bible as the believer’s foundation over feelings or worship experiences.​

• Personal stories about people falling asleep in church and a college roommate’s alarm to introduce the “wake up” motif.​

• Transition from physical sleep to the real concern: spiritual sleep.​

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II. Main Text: Romans 13:11–14

• Reading and emphasizing Paul’s call to “awake out of sleep” because salvation is nearer than when believers first believed.​

• Call to cast off works of darkness, put on the armor of light, walk properly, and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” making no provision for the flesh.​

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III. Paul’s Three Challenges

A. Be aware of the times

• Explanation of “high time” as a critical, urgent moment requiring spiritual discernment.​

• Biblical examples: Jerusalem missing its “time of visitation” in Luke 19; churches of Ephesus (lost first love) and Laodicea (lukewarm).​

• Need for discernment of seasons (sowing vs. reaping), people, political and social issues, illustrated by the tribe of Issachar (understanding of the times).​

• Description of last days from 2 Timothy 3 (lovers of self, money, pleasure, form of godliness without power), applied to modern culture and social media.​

B. Awake out of spiritual sleep

• Warning that Christians can be physically awake but spiritually asleep, citing Ephesians 5:14.​

• Signs of spiritual slumber: indifference to Bible, preaching, giving, serving, holiness; callousness and hardness of heart.​

• Testimony of a church member who realized he had been spiritually asleep, plus repeated calls: “Wake up the mighty men/women” (Joel 3:9).​

• Example of Samson: great anointing lost after being lulled to sleep by Delilah, leading to loss of sight, power, and discernment; warning from 1 Peter 5:8 to be sober and vigilant.​

C. Be arrayed in the armor of light

• Explanation of “arrayed” as putting on, dressing, and clothing oneself with Christ and His righteousness.​

• Pastoral explanation of preaching strongly against sin out of love and responsibility to proclaim the whole counsel of God.​

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IV. Six Sins to “Put Off” (from Romans 13)

1. Revelry and drunkenness

   • Defined as wild parties, nightclubs, casinos; warning that alcohol and exposed flesh create moral danger.​

   • Strong appeal against social drinking and minimizing drunkenness, noting family damage caused by alcohol.​

2. Licentiousness and lewdness

   • Defined as sexual immorality and debauchery; teaching that sex is for the marriage covenant only.​

   • Condemnation of fornication, adultery, pornography, and cohabitation outside marriage, with logical and biblical arguments.​

3. Strife and envy

   • Mentioned with the other sins as attitudes and behaviors that must be cast off to walk properly.​

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V. Biblical Foundation for Repentance and Transformation

• Reading of 1 Corinthians 6:9–11: list of sins (fornication, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, drunkenness, etc.) that exclude from God’s kingdom, followed by hope in being washed, sanctified, and justified.​

• Emphasis that no sin is beyond God’s power to forgive and transform, but believers must repent and turn from it.​

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VI. “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and Make No Provision for the Flesh

• Definition of “make provision” as providing, accommodating, or facilitating opportunities for the flesh.​

• Practical applications: avoid drinkers if prone to alcohol, remove pay‑per‑view if struggling with lust, avoid gossipers if prone to gossip, do not attach to those who tear down leadership.​

• Specific rebukes: dating couples sharing hotel rooms or apartments, “playing house” for financial or convenience reasons; teaching that this is tempting the flesh and violates holiness.​

• Illustration: not climbing through “dumpsters of sin” while wearing Christ’s clean garments.​

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VII. Call to Response and Revival

• Allegorical story of Satan’s convention: demons decide the best strategy is to tell people there is time, lulling them into delay and spiritual sleep.​

• Final threefold call:

  • Be aware of the time.

  • Awake out of sleep.

  • Be arrayed in the armor of Christ.​

• Appeal for repentance, surrender, and practical steps (e.g., separating, seeking counseling, getting properly married) as evidence of true obedience and not “cheap grace.”​

• Invitation to the altar for all, noting both obvious and hidden sins, and insistence that the gospel is about change, new life, and ongoing dependence on the Holy Spirit.

The Unsettling: When Heaven Invades Earth

Introduction & Honoring the Hosts

• Expresses gratitude for hospitality and friendship.

• Affirms the importance of honoring leaders and how honor unlocks blessing.​

Preparation for Divine Interruptions

• Personal testimony of receiving a message from God: “Prepare for divine interruptions.”

• Recent events (travel, ministry, tragedy) as context for this word.​

Title: The Unsettling

• Announces theme: “The Unsettling” – a holy disruption or spiritual stirring.

• Revival breaks out when God’s truth is misrepresented and people become desperate for Him.​

Scriptural Foundation

• References to Hebrews 12 (“a kingdom that cannot be shaken”) and Acts (especially chapter 16).​

• Distinguishes between revival and tradition, emphasizing authenticity over religion.​

Keys in the Atmosphere

• Story of Reinhardt Bonnke; the prophetic vision that “there is a key hanging over your head.”

• Obedience as the hinge for unlocking God’s doors.​

Book of Acts as Ongoing Story

• Importance of the Book of Acts as an unfinished work of the Spirit.

• Context for Acts 16: struggles, perseverance, spiritual warfare.​

Midnight Christians & Praise in Prison

• Teaching: “Anyone can be a Sunday morning Christian – God’s looking for midnight Christians.”

• Central story: Paul and Silas in prison, praising God at midnight, leading to miraculous deliverance.​

The Ventriloquist/Python Spirit

• Warns about the opposition Christians face, especially mocking and suffocating spirits.

• Explains the “Python spirit” referencing Greek mythology and tying it to spiritual deception and restraint.​

Stories of Spiritual Conflict

• Personal stories of encountering evil in ministry and everyday life.

• Encourages the congregation to confront and defeat spiritual oppression with faith and worship.​

Our Culture & Boldness in Truth

• Lament about shifting societal values and calls for the church to reclaim holy boldness.

• Urges people to take a stand for truth, regardless of persecution or mockery.​

Restoring the God Channel

• Emphasizes reviving personal and corporate prayer life.

• Personal testimony of hearing “symphonic music” as a sign of God’s nearness.​

The Role of Repentance

• Repentance is necessary to “open the heavens” and bring breakthrough.

• Biblical references (2 Chronicles 7:14, personal family stories).​

The Holy Spirit as Invader

• Contrasts gentle images of the Holy Spirit with the idea of Him as an invader who disrupts and transforms lives.

• Sharing of stories where the Holy Spirit’s visitation resulted in dramatic change.​

Praise as Spiritual Breakthrough

• New territory in life and faith requires a higher level of praise.

• Praising God breaks spiritual chains, brings deliverance, and can change atmospheres and families.​

Corporate Prayer and Response

• The congregation is called to the altar for unified, bold worship and intercession.

• Deliverance prayers and declarations for freedom from spiritual bondage.​

Call to Salvation & Declaration

• Invitation for people to receive Christ or recommit.

• Group prayer for freedom, healing, and restored praise.​

Closing Exhortation

• Encouragement to bring worship and faith into daily life beyond church meetings.

• Declaration of God’s faithfulness over finances, health, business, and family.​

Give to Caesar...Give to God

Opening and Welcome

• "Amen. Praise the Lord. Welcome to Sunday morning Victory Church."

• Welcome to new visitors on behalf of Pastor Richard and Lisa.

• Prayer for God to speak to the congregation.

Romans Overview and Chapter Focus

• Review of Romans chapters 1–11: Paul presented biblical/theological foundations for salvation.

• Chapter 12: Practical application—responsibility to God and society.

• Chapter 13 (today’s focus): Responsibility to authority and neighbors.

The Issue of Authority

• Authority is a challenging topic in modern times.

• Emphasizes a biblical rather than natural or emotional perspective on authority.

Jesus’ Teaching: Give to Caesar, Give to God

• Story from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke): Religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar.

• Jesus’ response: Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.

• The intent was to expose their motives and teach about priorities.

Romans 13:1–10—Responsibility to Authority

God’s Established Order (Verses 1–4)

• God has instituted human governments for societal order and protection from wrongdoing.

• Government is meant to be a servant for people’s good and well-being.

Calling vs. Command: Respect and Cooperation

• Christians are called to respect and cooperate with government, not to unconditional obedience.

• The Greek word for "submit" implies voluntary cooperation.

• When state laws conflict with God’s commands, believers must obey God’s word (Acts 4–5).

• Importance of interpreting scripture in context.

The Nature of Authority (Verses 5–7)

• All authority comes from God, whether we understand or like it.

• God places people in authority to fulfill larger purposes (examples: Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Herod).

• Followers are called to submit for the Lord’s sake and pray for those in authority (1 Peter 2:13, 1 Timothy 2:1–2).

Accountability for Leaders and Followers

• Leaders are expected to rule justly and will be held accountable by God.

• Followers must live righteously; everyone is responsible for their own choices.

Example: Roman Centurion’s Understanding of Authority

• Roman centurion understood both earthly and divine authority.

• Authority flows from a higher source: God.

• Jesus commended the centurion’s great faith.

Love as the Divine Motivator (Verses 8–10)

• Love is the solution to authority issues.

• Ongoing debt of love ("let your only outstanding debt be your debt of love").

• John 3:16 cited as the ultimate example of divine love.

• Greatest commandments: Love God and love your neighbor.

• Love fulfills the law and breaks the chains of authority issues.

Conclusion and Application

• Culture distorts concepts like authority and love; scripture renews perspective.

• God’s authority is ultimate; believers are called to please and live for Him.

• Prayer that misunderstandings and misconceptions would be resolved through relationship with God.

• Encouragement to let Christ's image be formed in us, to be diligent, light in darkness, and to be salt in the world.

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