Victory Church Providence

Not Just Information but Transformation

Introduction: The Priority of Prayer and the Word

• Highlights the necessity of both prayer and engagement with Scripture for believers.

• Emphasizes that doctrine and theology are essential, but must lead to transformation, not remain theoretical.​

The Book of Romans: From Foundational Theology to Practical Living

• Overview of Romans:

  • Chapters 1-3: Human depravity.

  • Chapters 4-5: Justification by faith.

  • Chapters 6-8: Grace, righteousness, and the work of Christ.

  • Chapters 9-11: Continuing theological foundations.

• Romans 12: A shift from theology (“information”) to practical Christian living (“transformation”).​

The Challenge of the Information Society

• Illustrates how technology and mobile devices shape attention, habits, and even identity.

• Warns against being "discipled" by digital culture rather than by Christ, noting its impact on mental health and spiritual focus.​

• Calls for intentional discipleship—making conscious decisions to prioritize spiritual growth.​

The Nature of Transformative Faith

• Positional righteousness (what God has done for us)—must result in practical righteousness (how we live daily).

• Reference to Philippians 2: “Work out your salvation”—live out what God has worked within.​

• Transformation begins when believers allow the truths of Christ to reshape their attitudes and behaviors, not just gain knowledge.​

Practical Commands in Romans 12:9-21

• Paul transitions from doctrine to rapid-fire practical exhortations:

  • Sincere, non-hypocritical love.

  • Abhorring evil, clinging to the good.

  • Honoring others, showing kindness.

  • Serving God with zeal and perseverance.

  • Being joyful, patient, constant in prayer.

  • Generosity and hospitality to those in need.

  • Blessing persecutors, living peacefully.

  • Humility, unity, overcoming evil with good (not retaliation or vengeance; let God be the judge).​

• Each aspect is meant to be lived out in the believer’s daily walk, reflecting true heart transformation.

The Issue of Hypocrisy

• Addresses common criticism of “hypocrites” in the church; urges heart-change and consistency between belief and action.

• Cites biblical examples (David, Ezekiel) of prayers for a clean and renewed heart.​

Living Out the Gospel

• True transformation is evidenced as believers “work out” righteousness, practicing love, honor, kindness, prayer, generosity, and forgiveness.

• Congregation challenged to examine their own hearts, let go of mere religiosity, and embrace authentic spiritual growth.

Communion and Concluding Application

• Communion performed as a practical and spiritual reminder of Christ's transformative work.

• Final encouragement to worship, gratitude, and living out transformation in everyday life.

Stay in Your Lane, Bro!

Introduction: Context and Theme

• Message title: "Stay in your lane, bro"

• Introduction with illustrative stories about expertise and focus

• Relation to Romans 12:3-8, emphasizing individual roles within the community of faith.​

The Body Metaphor and Believer’s Responsibility

• Paul’s discussion of the church as the “body of Christ”

• Each believer is given a measure of faith

• Every member has a unique function and gifts to contribute

• “One another” commands—responsibility to use gifts for the benefit of all.​

Essentials for Spiritual Ministry & Growth

• The central metaphor: staying in your lane means focusing on your God-given gifts and not interfering with others

• Three main points for Christian living:

1. Stay Grounded

• Remain sensible, calm, and balanced

• Avoid pride and maintain sound judgment

• Think from a renewed mind rather than a worldly perspective

• Understand and accept your God-given measure of faith.​

2. Stay Connected

• Importance of unity and diversity in the body of Christ

• Each part/member is valuable, even those not seen

• Analogy of the physical body for church function—every part is necessary

• Importance of belonging to a local congregation and working through relational challenges

• The diversity and mutual support commanded in the New Testament.​

3. Stay Involved

• Everyone has spiritual gifts; all are called to use them actively

• Gifts listed: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and mercy

• Each role has its application and encouragement to use it effectively for the church’s betterment

• Emphasis on surrender: offering your abilities to God for his use.​

Conclusion: Surrender and Application

• The call to be the best original version of oneself, not a copy of others

• Surrender gifts and talents to God for them to be blessed and multiplied

• Prayer and encouragement to “surrender to Jesus” and fulfill one’s purpose within the community.

Pastor Appreciation Day 2025

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.

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.