Sermon Recaps

Wednesday, November 15th , 2023

"Faith Risks."

Brett Vance

24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

James 2:24-26

Taking risks in order to achieve something desired or important is a common aspect of human nature. While there are negative examples such as stealing, lying, or cheating, there are also positive examples like facing fear to experience a thrilling roller coaster ride or pushing our physical limits in sports. In the Bible, we find an account of Rahab, a prostitute in the city of Jericho, who took a significant risk to protect two Israelite spies. Rahab's actions were motivated by her faith and fear of the Israelite God. She believed in the power of God and the accounts of His mighty acts, leading her to hide the spies from the king's soldiers. Rahab risked her own life by going against the authorities and protecting the spies. Her faith and risky actions were driven by her fear of the Lord.Rahab's inclusion in the Bible, as well as her place in the lineage of Jesus, emphasizes that God's grace extends to everyone, regardless of their past or societal judgment. It is a reminder that God looks at the heart, and Rahab's faith and fear of God made her deserving of His favor.The story of Rahab encourages us to have true faith in God and to fear Him above all else. It challenges us to be willing to take risks and go against societal norms for the sake of obedience to God. True faith in God can inspire us to step out of our comfort zones and to trust Him even when the circumstances seem risky or uncertain.Rahab's actions and her recognition as a hero of faith highlight the importance of living out our beliefs and taking risks for God's glory. When our faith is genuine, it will drive us to action, prompting us to trust God even in challenging situations. It is through our actions and obedience that our faith is demonstrated and proven.It is crucial to evaluate the authenticity of our faith and consider whether it leads us to take risks for God. Mere religious rituals or outward declarations of faith are not enough. True faith compels us to step out in obedience and take risks for the sake of God's kingdom. Ultimately, our faith and the fruits of our actions will be the evidence of our salvation on the day of judgment.Therefore, let us examine our lives and ask ourselves if our faith is driving us to action, risk, and trust in God. Are we willing to go against the cultural norms and desires of the world for the glory of God? True faith will transform our perspective, shifting our focus from the temporary desires of the world to the eternal purposes of God. May we embrace true faith and be willing to take risks for His sake, knowing that it will lead to a life that never ends.

Wednesday, November 8th , 2023

"Faith Sacrifices."

Brett Vance

20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

James 2:20-24

It is indeed a universally acknowledged truth that people are driven by their motivations and beliefs. Our actions are guided by what we perceive will happen because of those actions. Even in instances where individuals behave in ways that might seem harmful or counterproductive, they do so because they believe it will lead to a desired outcome. This principle is applicable across all age groups, from young children to adults. For instance, a very young child will cry when they genuinely believe that their parent has left and won't return. A toddler will exhibit good behavior if they believe it will result in a reward such as ice cream or help them avoid punishment. A middle schooler will do their homework if they believe that their teacher will test them. A high school student will slow down when they believe that a police officer might pull them over. A college student will put in the effort to earn a degree if they believe it will open doors to their desired career. And an adult will dedicate long hours to work if they believe they will receive the financial reward they expect. In all these examples, if we were to eliminate the expected outcome of the action, the behavior would change accordingly. If a small child understood that their parent would return shortly, they would not cry. If a toddler learned that there would be no reward or punishment , they would act without any restraint. If a middle schooler knew their work would never be checked, there would be no incentive to study. If police officers didn't enforce speeding regulations, high schoolers would have no reason to slow down. If a college student realized that their degree held no value, they would likely drop out. And if an adult believed they wouldn't be paid, they would cease working. This fundamental truth is easy to comprehend and acknowledge. We all acknowledge that our actions are based on what we expect will happen because of those actions. Consequently, when James discusses faith in God, he essentially argues that the same principle applies. If there are no tangible actions that demonstrate our faith in Jesus, then it can be argued that we don't truly have faith. Just as explained earlier, if we genuinely had faith, our actions would align accordingly. Consider this hypothetical scenario: How should an individual who claims to believe in the creator of the entire universe, who came as a man, lived a perfect life, was crucified, resurrected, and gave us His word that placing our faith in Him would lead to salvation, act? The answer is that they would act differently. The extent may vary from person to person, but the actions would undoubtedly be distinct. Therefore, in our verses context,  we evaluate an example of faith in action through the story of Abraham. The key concept we'll focus on is sacrifice. What are we willing to surrender for our beliefs? Is it our comfort, our sins, or something else entirely? Whatever it may be, the faith we profess in the God we claim to believe in should eventually empower us to act. 

Wednesday, November 1st , 2023

"Faith Acts."

Brett Vance

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can such faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe — and they shudder. Senseless person! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?" 

James 2:14-20

The main idea of this passage is that faith in our hearts is evident in the fruit of our lives. James emphasizes the importance of genuine faith that is accompanied by actions and deeds. Jesus himself uses the analogy of a tree and its fruit to illustrate that good trees produce good fruit, and likewise, true faith manifests itself in good works.James also highlights the significance of helping others in need as evidence of genuine faith. He argues that those who claim to have faith but do not help others are not truly saved. Acts of mercy are not a means to earn salvation but rather a demonstration of authentic faith. Jesus himself affirmed the importance of acts of mercy, equating them with ministering to him personally. Additionally, James emphasizes that faith cannot be separated from works. He rejects the idea that faith is merely knowledge or an emotional response. Rather, faith involves willing obedience and actions that align with one's beliefs. Faith without works is deemed useless and ineffective, providing no salvation and offering no evidence of genuine faith. In conclusion, James asserts that real faith is characterized by both belief and action. It goes beyond mere knowledge and emotions and is exemplified by acts of mercy and obedience to God's commands. The presence of fruit in our lives is an indicator of genuine faith in our hearts.

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

"Keeping ourselves from the sin of favoritism through Christ."

Brett Vance

"2 My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. 2 For if someone comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor person dressed in filthy clothes also comes in, 3 if you look with favor on the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor person, “Stand over there,” or “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” 4 haven’t you made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6 Yet you have dishonored the poor. Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Don’t they blaspheme the good name that was invoked over you?

8 Indeed, if you fulfill the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. 9 If, however, you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the entire law, and yet stumbles at one point, is guilty of breaking it all. 11 For he who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. So if you do not commit adultery, but you murder, you are a lawbreaker.

12 Speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has not shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

James 2:1-13

Mercy is a multifaceted concept that carries significant meaning. When we show mercy to others, we not only express gratitude for the mercy we have received but also recognize the positive aspects of competition. In a competitive world where skepticism and toughness prevail, mercy holds its own unique power.In many cases, being merciless is seen as advantageous, as it allows one to seize opportunities and exploit others' mistakes. However, it is crucial to understand that while mercy cannot be earned, it has the capacity to overflow from us when we have experienced it ourselves.The key factor lies in whether we have received mercy from God and how we treat others in light of this. If we can answer "yes" to both questions, then we are already on the right path. However, if either answer is "no," it is essential for us to introspect and evaluate our actions.If we have not received the gift of mercy, it may be time for us to pause, reflect, and place our faith in Jesus Christ, embracing the mercy that is available to us. Alternatively, if we have not been treating others with mercy, we must proceed cautiously. Our actions need to align with the mercy we have received, demonstrating compassion and forgiveness towards others. As we accept God's mercy, we are called to extend it to others. It is not about striving to earn mercy but rather about embracing it and allowing it to shape our interactions with those around us.

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

"The marks of true and acceptable religion."

Brett Vance

"26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:26-27

Indeed, Christianity is not about rigid religious practices or adhering to a set of doctrines. It is about having a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in practical ways, rather than just going through religious motions. James 1:27 provides a framework for understanding what God considers true religion - caring for those in need and living a life free from the corrupting influences of the world. This means embodying God's love, compassion, and justice in our relationships with others and living in a way that reflects our commitment to following Christ's example. James also emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech. He highlights that our words have the power to reveal the condition of our hearts. Genuine religion should result in transformed speech, where our words align with our commitment to God and reflect a heart that has been changed by His grace. Our speech should be uplifting, encouraging, and edifying, rather than hurtful or slanderous. Furthermore, James encourages believers to exercise restraint and discipline over their tongues, even in a culture that encourages unrestrained expression. Our words should demonstrate our commitment to living in accordance with our faith. This includes avoiding speaking ill of others and prioritizing personal purity by remaining untainted by worldly influences. By controlling our speech and caring for those in need, we manifest our faith through our words and actions. Our devotion to God is evident not only in our religious practices but in our transformed lives and the way we treat others. It is through this genuine expression of our faith that we reflect the love of Christ to the world. In conclusion, true religion in Christianity is not defined by rigid rituals or adherence to doctrines. It is about having a personal relationship with God and living out our faith in practical ways. This involves caring for those in need, controlling our speech, and remaining untainted by the influences of the world. By embodying the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, we can authentically reflect our commitment to God and impact the world around us.

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

"Absorb and Obey the Word."

Brett Vance

22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face[a] in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

As Christians, we are called to be more than just hearers of the word of God. In the book of James, it is emphasized that we must be doers of the word as well. Merely listening to or reading the word without actually putting it into practice is deceiving ourselves. James compares this to someone looking at their own face in a mirror but immediately forgetting what they saw.To truly understand and remember the word, we need to take the time to study it and absorb it deeply. We should approach it with a level of penetrating absorption, like a sponge soaking up water. In our busy lives, it is important to slow down and make the word a priority.Furthermore, obedience to the word should be wholehearted. James emphasizes that it is not enough to just listen to the word; we must also put it into action. Jesus taught the same principle in Matthew 7:21-27, where he stated that not everyone who merely calls him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who actually do the will of the Father.James warns against self-deception, as many people listen to the word without actually implementing it in their lives. They may claim to be willing to obey, but without action, it is meaningless. True obedience means not just being willing to obey, but actively living out the commands of the word.Obedience to the word is not about legalism, but rather about a genuine love and commitment to Christ. It is about keeping his commands and abiding in him. When we obey the word, we will be blessed in what we do.In conclusion, as Christians, we are called to be both hearers and doers of the word. We need to receive the word humbly and let it drive us to obedience. We should not just listen, but actively put the word into practice in our daily lives. Let us strive to be like the wise man who built his house on the rock, standing firm in our obedience to the word of God.

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

"Receive the Word Humbly."

Brett Vance

19 My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:19-21)

In the book of James, the author encourages believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. He emphasizes the importance of approaching God's word with humility and a willingness to receive it. Oftentimes, people have a tendency to resist and argue when confronted with God's word. Instead of truly listening and considering its message, they immediately search for ways to defend their own desires and ideas. This attitude not only hampers personal growth but also hinders communion with God.James urges believers to rid themselves of the moral filth and prevalent evil in the world. Just as one would take off dirty clothes before putting on clean ones, we are to remove the sinful ideas and worldly wisdom that contradict God's word. It is essential to approach the Bible with a mindset focused on obeying and following its teachings, rather than trying to find ways to circumvent them.The author refers to the "implanted word," indicating that God has written his law on the hearts of believers. This is in line with the prophecies in Jeremiah and Ezekiel, where God promises to make a new covenant with his people, writing his laws on their hearts and giving them a new spirit. It is through receiving and accepting God's word that we experience true transformation and obedience.In order to receive the word effectively, our hearts need to be cultivated and prepared. We must confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, meditate on God's word, and invite him to break up any hardness in our hearts. This process of tending to our hearts allows us to receive the word with a receptive and fertile soil, enabling growth and transformation in our lives.In conclusion, the book of James encourages believers to approach God's word with humility, readiness to listen, and a willingness to receive it. By removing the influences of the world and cultivating our hearts, we can fully embrace the word and allow it to bring about lasting change in our lives.

Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

"Though we are responsible for sin, God is faithful for our Salvation."

Brett Vance

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:17-18)

In the midst of temptations and our tendency to sin, we must remember that God is faithful for our salvation. James reminds his audience that despite their sinful nature, their lives are not useless or hopeless. He emphasizes that anything good comes from God and that we should place our faith in His power to produce goodness in us.One aspect of God's goodness is that it is unchanging. He is often referred to as the "father of lights," meaning that He created the sun, moon, and stars. Unlike these celestial bodies that cast shadows and constantly change, God remains the same. He is always good and never gets in a bad mood. We should remember the unchanging nature of the Lord in the midst of our circumstances.Another aspect is that God's goodness is undeserved. He chooses to give us the word of His truth, even though we are sinful to the core. This is the gospel, the message of Christianity - that anything good in us is because of God's undeserved goodness, not something we can earn. It is freely given to us.Lastly, God's goodness is unending. We are referred to as the "firstfruits of His creatures." In the ancient context, firstfruits were the first fruit picked at harvest time, given to God as a symbol of faith that He would provide the rest of the harvest. Similarly, God uses Christians as an example of what He will one day do. It is a glimpse of what is to come, a new heaven and new earth with no trials and temptations. This future hope drives us in the present as Christians.We can take heart knowing that if God has saved us from our sin, He will see us through our sorrows. Through the work of Jesus Christ, God has conquered sin and suffering, allowing us to consider trials pure joy and face temptations with steadfast confidence. However, for those who reject God's goodness, sin leads to death. We have a choice to make - to embrace and not reject God's goodness in our lives.

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023

"Stop Pointing Fingers!"

Brett Vance

James 1:13–16 is a powerful passage that teaches us about taking responsibility for our own sins. We are reminded not to blame God for our temptations and sins, as He cannot be tempted with evil and does not tempt anyone. Each person is tempted when they are lured and enticed by their own desires. These desires, when acted upon, give birth to sin, and sin, when fully grown, brings forth death. James warns us not to be deceived and to take accountability for our actions.

The first point is that we should not blame God for our temptations and sins. God is not the source of our temptations, as He is incapable of sin. He allows us the freedom to choose between the way of escape and giving in to our desires. It may sometimes feel like the temptation is too strong to resist, but we need to remember that we always have a choice. If we have been blaming God for our sins, it is important to seek forgiveness and realize that it is impossible for Him to tempt us.

The second point is that we should not blame others for our sins. We are often lured and enticed by our own desires, and it is our responsibility alone to resist those temptations. We cannot shift the blame onto others for our own actions. We must take ownership of our sins and confess them to God, seeking His forgiveness and relying on Him for strength.

The third point emphasizes that sin only leads to death. Sin is not a spontaneous act; it is a process that starts with the enticement of our desires and leads to sin and ultimately death. This is why Jesus taught us to guard our hearts and minds, not just our actions. We should be aware of the sins we are prone to and seek God's help in resisting them.

In conclusion, taking responsibility for our own sins is essential for our spiritual growth. We need to stop blaming God and others and acknowledge our own role in our temptations and sins. Through reading the Word, prayer, and confession, we can find forgiveness, strength, and true growth. Our choices have consequences, and sin leads to death. For those who have not yet placed their faith in Christ, the remedy for spiritual and eternal death is placing their faith in His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

"Do you love God?'"

Brett Vance

James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." 

In this verse, James emphasizes that our love for God is the reason we endure trials.James's audience was facing many trials, and they were likely getting worn down. James wanted them to remember that believers who successfully endure trials are truly blessed or happy. This idea of conditional blessedness or happiness is found throughout scripture(James 5:11, Matthew 10:22). Enduring something that is hard for a long time can be challenging. As a coach and player, I've witnessed this in sports. Job, for example, endured great hardships, but his love for God sustained him. How we endure trials matters. Do we approach them with bitterness and questioning, or with complete hope in the Lord? Trials can either push us closer to God or drive us further away. It's our choice.The "crown of life" mentioned in the verse represents the eternal life with God that believers will receive as a reward for their endurance. This is not to say that we must work for our salvation, but rather that a truly saved person will endure trials for the sake of this crown. James's audience would have been familiar with the Olympic games of that era, where the victor received a wreath made from an olive branch, similar to a crown. James wanted his audience to strive for the "crown of life" like athletes do. Paul also speaks about this concept in his writings(1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Timothy 4:8). James reminds his audience that their motivation for endurance should be love. Love for God should compel us to endure even painful experiences. Just as we endure waiting in line at our favorite fast-food joint because we love the food or push through a hard practice because we love the sport, we should endure trials because we love God and want to glorify Him.Our love for God grows as we know Him more. The more we understand God's love for us, the more we'll love Him and look forward to being with Him. This shifts our motive for endurance from survival to love (1 Corinthians 2:9). Do you know how much God loves you? John 3:16 reminds us of God's immense love for us. If you have already believed in Jesus and accepted Him into your life, remind yourself of this love every day. It will cultivate a deeper love for God within you.

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

"Trials in 'Lacking' and 'having'"

Brett Vance

9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. (James 1:9-11)

In the words of Thomas Brooks, "A crown of gold cannot cure the headache, nor can a velvet slipper ease the gout; no more can honor or riches quiet or still the conscience." These words highlight the futility of material possessions and worldly success in bringing true contentment and peace. It is a reminder that our worth and satisfaction are found in Christ, not in the accumulation of wealth or the pursuit of worldly pleasures. When discussing the two most common groups to commit suicide, it is suggested that discontentment plays a significant role. Both the poor and the rich may experience discontentment, albeit for different reasons. The poor may worry about not having enough money, while the rich may worry about preserving and managing their wealth. Regardless of one's financial status, worrying excessively about money is considered to be wrong.In the context of the Christian faith, James addresses the internal trials that arise in relation to money. He cautions against placing too much importance on wealth or poverty, reminding believers that their true worth lies in their relationship with Christ. While pursuing higher-paying jobs may not always align with Christian convictions, it is essential to understand that being lowly or rich in material wealth does not define one's value in the eyes of God.James's emphasis is on the challenges faced by those who have plenty. The abundance of resources can lead to an increased sense of self-reliance and a decreased dependence on God. Jesus himself acknowledged the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, as their reliance on their earthly possessions often hinders them from fully submitting to God's authority.Moreover, James underscores the impermanence of worldly riches. Using the metaphor of withering grass and fading flowers, he illustrates the transitory nature of material wealth. In contrast, God's word stands forever. Therefore, James encourages believers to prioritize their riches in Christ rather than being solely concerned with worldly possessions.Furthermore, James highlights the significance of one's pursuits. Regardless of wealth or poverty, the focus should be on pursuing godliness, selflessness, and the advancement of God's kingdom. Pursuits solely driven by self-gain and worldly desires will ultimately lead to destruction.In conclusion, having wealth or being in a state of poverty does not determine one's righteousness or lack thereof. True contentment and worth are found in a relationship with Christ, not in material possessions or worldly success. Both the poor and the rich face trials and temptations in relation to money, and it is essential to prioritize God and His kingdom above all else in our pursuits.

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

"Wavelike Faith: The reason some of our prayers aren't answered."

Brett Vance

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:5-8)

My favorite part about going to the beach is the waves in the ocean. I simply love everything about them. My thought on this is, “The bigger the better.” I can vividly remember a time when I was younger and the first day we arrived there was a double red flag warning on the beach. This is a sign that the undertow and current are so strong that human swimmers have an elevated risk of being pulled out to Sea and in the worst cases, drowning. So, like most normal people would do, me and my dad threw on our swimming trunks and headed toward the water. I must admit that I didn’t know it was technically illegal to be out there, my dad probably did, but either way, off we went. For the next few hours, I was beaten up and down, side to side, flipped over, sucked out to sea, etc. It was the most fun I have ever had at the beach. I still love the waves and will let them beat me up, most recently I did this in June 2023 as my 6-month-old daughter watched. I guess I will never truly grow out of this. But I will say, as I’m getting older, my favorite part about the waves is the sound they make. Late at night, or early in the morning I love to take my Bible and go out on the balcony. The sound is so soothing of the waves crashing against one another. I even play that sound on my phone when I’m studying or trying to go to sleep sometimes. In both cases, the attribute of the waves that I love the most is constant movement. They are never still, they never cease. I believe James is afraid here that some of the people he is writing to are very similar in how they live their life and treat trials. Never still, never cease, never trust. As I stand here, I’m afraid that in 2023, a lot of us are the same way as well. Never consistent, never solid, always up and down, side to side, tossed around, just like a wave. 

How do you know you’re this type of person? It all has to do with what James wrote, you don’t believe God. Can I tell you that for the majority of my life, the major problem is that I have not believed God. It’s not that I wasn’t saved or didn’t believe IN God, but I just simply didn’t believe his promises. I would be faithful one day and depressed the next. Excited one day, and sad the next. Constantly, back and forth, back and forth, just like the waves. Let me tell you those were some miserable times in my life. Why? Because James says here that if you ask God for something and doubt that he can do it, you shouldn't expect to get anything! Not only was I asking while doubting, but I was also asking wrongly. During trials, I asked for strength, endurance, for it to be over, etc. Now these things aren’t inherently bad, but they’re not what James told us  to ask for, that was wisdom. Why wisdom? Well because if we believe the verses we talked about last week, then we know that these trials are for our good and to grow our faith. He even commands us to be joyful in them. So where could wisdom come in here? Well, I don’t know about you, but all our trials don’t feel too joyful. That’s why we must ask God to give us the wisdom to see what we can get out of it to grow our Christian character and faith. You see, this wisdom is spiritual, not that of the world. It’s the ability to take scripture and practically apply it to our life. God, the one who has an unlimited supply of it to give out, and wants to! He doesn’t scold us for not seeing how a trial can benefit us. He doesn’t scoff at us for not understanding everything, he’s happy that we admitted that! And when, amid a trial, we go to him and ask him for wisdom and discernment, he’s happy to give it to us, if we truly believe he can. What does this belief look like in action? We stop trying to work out the problem ourselves. When we start to work something out ourselves God cannot work it out for us. 

As Christians, there is always joy waiting for us. The key to the lock that’s restraining it is in your hand! We’ve got too many “double red flag” Christians walking around. Those flags are waving furiously with the wind and warning everybody around you, “Be careful, you don’t know what this person is going to do!” Friends, that is not the attribute of a Christ follower. Instead, picture a nice calm lake on a spring day. Calm, predictable, consistent. What a miserable life to constantly go up and down in your faith in God. I know it is, I’ve been there. Submit to God’s word, Read it, Study it, Meditate on it, Talk to God, Listen to him in the spirit, sit at his feet, and cry out for wisdom when you don’t know what else to do. Through this humility, God will hear, he will answer, and you will be comforted, knowing exactly what God is doing in your life and why. 

There’s a dramatic scene in Exodus. Moses is finally leading the people out of Egypt and they come to the red sea. The people immediately start grumbling and complaining, they had just left captivity and now were facing death as the Egyptians pursued. You can imagine this scene, out by a SEA where the waves were beating and crashing just like we’ve talked about, and Moses says something profound to them in EXODUS 14:14:

14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Then God commanded him to stretch out his staff and to part the sea, he did, and they all walked across. As they were walking, on either side of them, the waves, beating, crashing, but not touching the dry, peaceful, consistent ground they walked on. Whew,  if we’d just trust God, this is how our life would look. Straight, consistent, peaceful even though the whole world is raging around us. Unbelievers live with that constant raging worry, but that should not be a characteristic of a Christ follower. Tap into the power you possess today through Christ. Pray, BELIEVING that God can give you wisdom in trials so you will be aware of what he’s doing and endure it. 

Saturday, August 5th, 2023

"The Fight for Joy During Trials"

Brett Vance

Wednesday we began our exposition of James 1:1-4.

We highlighted three main subpoints from the proposition that true faith WILL face trials and the Christian must fight for joy in those moments. They were:

• We must have the correct view of ourselves. (James 1:1)

  • James starts his letter by introducing himself as a servant, or it's literal translation, a slave. It is important to remember that he was the half brother of Jesus, head of the Jerusalem Church, and an apostle. However, he began with the humble introuduction of a servant to God and Jesus Christ, a person in which he did not belive was the son of God during his time on earth. For us, we must have the correct view of ourselves in light of the GOd we serve. This is the first step in fighting for joy. Though it sounds demeaning, being a slave to Christ is the most freedom we can experience. 

• We must stop fighting to avoid trials. (James 1:2)

  • When I taught grade school, I would always have a student each year that just seemd to miss test day. When they returned, they would also find a way to dodge the makeup test. However, the one thing that didn't change was the "0" in the gradebook. No test taken, no improved grade. In a similar way, we cannot avoid the trials in life that are meant to grow our faith. I know this is foreign language in the country where comfort and peace are the goal. By definition in its original language, a trial is anything that disrupts your peace. When this happens we know we are in a trial. For a Christian, that trial becomes a test, if failed or avoided, it then becomes a temptation to sin. Don't avoid trials. 

• We must let the trial run its course. (James 1:3-4)

  • In our world of modern medicine, the "get well quick" method is all we know. The body is designed to handle most minor ailments, but most of the time doesn't get the chance too before medicine is being consumed. As we face trials as Christians, we must not try and get out of them as quickly as possible. In fact, God knows the perfect amount of time which the trial must last to grow our faith. We so often forget to simply stop and pray and meditate on Gods word before we begin trying to fix the situation. Not all trials are from God but they are all used by God. We must allow them their time so that we would be made complete. 

I look forward to continuing in James next week, but for now ask yourself, "Am I viewing trials in my life based off what the Bible says, or how I feel?" Or the question, "are the trials I'm facing due to the fact that I'm a Christian, or because I'm lost?" The answer to that one carries great significance. Read and meditate on this scripture today. 

Friday, July 14th, 2023

"Rewarder over the Reward"

Brett Vance

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:13-16)

The writer of Hebrews whom we can’t identify has just talked about all types of faithfulness in the last nine verses. He was writing to a group of believers who had begun asking themselves, “is it worth it?” This time of persecution was rough for them and their thoughts were valid. Rome (Italy) was a tough place to be during the period of 60’s AD. The writer undoubtedly wanted to remind them that though it was tough, they didn’t have to worry about this world and the trouble it will bring because it’s not their home. They, (as Christians) were headed for a better home to dwell with God forever. This hope can sustain even the most discouraged of men. That's where we pick up in verse 13, where the writer starts describing the patriarchs. I know it reads as if it’s simply talking about the people mentioned before but after studying, it is talking about Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. There are a few bits of evidence for this. First, it mentions them dying without having seen their promises fulfilled. That would exclude someone like Enoch, because he didn’t die. Also, later on the passage it says that God isn’t ashamed to be called Their God (Verse 16) We see evidence that God is talking about the patriarchs in:

• Exodus 3:6

6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

and…

• Matthew 22:32

32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”

If you’re not familiar with these three, they are father, son, and grandson. They each were obedient to God in fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant. They all faced hardship but persevere because of their faith in God. The following verses after 16 speak directly about each of them and their acts of faith. Another bit of evidence the authour was speaking of these three.

"Having seen them and greeted them from afar" (Verse 13)

They did not necessarily see what they were going to get, but their faith was so strong they might as well have. It reminds of Hebrews 11:1-3 which describes this type of strong conviction.Motivation to do things in our life is almost always predicated on what we will receive when we’re finished. Whether it be a physical reward, recognition, or comfort. However, in the case of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the promise that God would make them a great nation and bless their offspring would not be one they would be able to witness with their own eyes. It was one they would have to trust. Now the reason this trust would be so difficult is that it required great hardship and sacrifice for them. It required doing things they would have never done if it hadn't been for God and his promises. They knew deep down that God (the rewarder) could be trusted to come through on his end of the deal and that ultimately they would live in eternal paradise. So in truth, they didn’t obey to have a 'big family,' but because they knew that what God said he would do, and that they ought to do it because of who God is. Their faith was in the rewarder, not the reward.

"Strangers and Exiles on the earth" (Verse 13)

We must keep in mind that they had no idea when they would inherit the promise. Their driving factor was not when they attained something here on earth.  They had faith that God would fulfill what he said and bless them beyond measure. It’s what kept them going through difficult times. Their faith in God, the rewarder, rather than the reward. Do we worship the reward more than the rewarder in our life? Are we more concerned with WHAT God can give us opposed to who God is? Does our hope of Heaven outweigh our longing for anything on this earth? We’ve seen in just one verse that the patriarchs didn't care for this earth at all. They literally considered themselves strangers. Unfortunately, we often feel ‘out of place’ in spiritual things and ‘right at home’ in the world. You must become more and more of a stranger to the world each day you live while getting ready for your citizenship in heaven. Longing for the rewarder of heaven, not the rewards. 

"They are seeking a homeland" (Verse 14)

The desire for the patriarchs was to find a homeland, which in the original language is translated to mean a place where one could form a nation and plant their roots. This would have been easy for all of them to do considering the simplicity of returning to mesopotamia. They all could have gone back to UR, but did not as mentioned in Verse 15. They desired a much better homeland, a home in heaven as mentioned in Verse 16. We are all seeking something. There is some end in mind for all of us. Our lives are structured to build up to something. Something that when we finally attain, then we will be complete.Keep in mind, if what you’re building up to has anything to do with something other than heaven your laboring is all in vain. You can work as hard as you want, and labor as long as you want and it won’t matter as long as you breathe your last. Jesus was speaking to a man who was worried about his inheritance here on earth. He wanted his brother to split it with him. He likely wanted a lot of land to establish himself and plant his roots. This was obviously bothering him because he shouted it out at Jesus. Here’s how Jesus responded:

16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

If we’re not already, we must begin making God and his promises our driving factor rather than things of this world. If this doesn’t happen we will be ‘poor towards God’ and ‘Rich on earth.’ Though this may sound good, you are missing out on the unbelievable amount of blessings God has for you. 

"God is not ashamed to be called their God" (Verse 16)

I already had the chance to explain to you in the first part of the sermon how this correlates to other parts of scripture where God calls himself the God of the patriarchs. But we haven’t unpacked what it means for God to be unashamed to do this. His consciousness of their faithfulness and obedience because of their trust in what he promised them pleased God and made him not ashamed to be associated with them. Have you ever been ashamed to be associated with someone? Most of the time it’s because of what that will say about you or how they can embarass you. Now God doesn't feel shame like embarrassment as we do. But let me ask you this, would God be unashamed to be associated with you? Does your faith portray itself in such a way that drives you to obedience and trust in God which shines a good light on Him? This should be our goal, because in this God gets glory, not us. 

"For he has prepared for them a city" (Verse 16)

What kind of city is this that these guys looked forward to?

• 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, (Hebrews 12:22)

Mount Zion is where God dwells and is representative of our heavenly home. It is the description that will be anywhere if we’re with God. The truth is, if you’re a Christian, you will be there one day too! The mountains, streets of Gold, and mansions will all be great. We often sing of those. But, that won’t be what you’re focused on. You see, anything is great if God is there. It’s the whole idea of focusing on the rewarder, not the reward. 

In order for us to long for something and make sacrifices in order to attain it, we must be persuaded that it will benefit us. An athlete suffers through pain, a student through study, and laborer through toil. The same is true for a Christian. Through Gods word, we must become convinced that God is worth more praise, attention, and sacrifice, than anything. Paul explains this well in his life in 2 Timothy 1:8-12:

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

The way we convince ourselves that God is faithful and thus the rest of his promises as well, is by giving him a chance to prove himself in that way in our lives. He does already without our permission, but let God take  control of your life either by salvation or repentance of worry, anxiety, control or fear. Learn to live for the rewarder rather than the reward. 

Friday, July 7th, 2023

"Faith in Action"

Brett Vance

Hebrews 11:11-12

11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

Faith in the impossible is rare. There have been so many sporting events over the years where it looked as if the game was over and there was no way for one team or person to win, then just in time, they come through somehow and reign victorious! Most had given up hope, but there’s the one player who says, “I had faith the whole time.” And they most likely did, as they continued to act on that faith and play hard even when the victory seemed out of reach. True faith is always tied to action, and always in something that should be impossible. The Christian faith is defined by endurance, perseverance, and a response to an action. One that we will see in today’s passage, and one that should be evident in your life. 

The heralded “Hall of Faith” is for the best of the best. The company that’s been included in the verses we’ve read so far has been quite the crowd. However, when we get to verse 11 in Chapter 11, we see the mention of Sarah and her great faith. I must admit that when I was studying, I quickly wondered how Sarah had made the cut? I said to myself, “No wait a minute, she laughed when God told her what was going to happen! She wasn’t faithful!” If you remember, back in Genesis, Sarah laughed when she heard the Lord telling Abraham of the promise. Abraham had laughed as well when he saw how God was going to do it. He thought he was speaking of Ishmael, the son he had already begotten with Haggar. But God meant that Sarah and Abraham were going to have a Child. Now the reason this was unsual was because they were old, and Sarah was physically barren! However, God had simply promsied them a child. He even caught Sarah laughing and she denied it. So, you can see how anyone would question her faith. But, ultimately, in between that time and when God fulfilled the promise in Genesis 21, she believed him. She had to because she and Abraham acted on it.

What God had promised them was physically impossible. That’s why it’s easy to see why Sarah and Abraham had initially doubted. But this is where the words of the Lord when he spoke to the disciples ring true, “With man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Can I tell you something, like this account, God has promised you something impossible. It’s IMPOSSIBLE for you to save yourself. Left to your own devices, you cannot be reconciled to God, you cannot have your sins forgiven, and you cannot inherit eternal life. The only way this is possible is by placing your faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. Truly believing he paid the price for your sin and believing he is the one, the true son of God, worthy of our life. Just like Sarah had to place faith in God to act on his promise. In the same way, you must exemplify your faith in Christ by acting. Sarah and Abraham didn’t just say, “I have faith.” They acted on it. It's not good enough to just say, “I’m a Christian.” Your faith must prove it.

Paul used this exact account in Romans 4:19-25 to try and explain this correlation:

“19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,21 being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised.22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

This is why the first step in Salvation is truly believing that is impossible that you can save yourself in any other way outside of belieibing in Gods promise of justification through Jesus Christ! If you do believe that, the Faith aspect is null and void. However, if you’ve already done that, how is faith in the Savior causing you to act? Are you doing things that demonstrate that faith or not? Things that might demonstrate it include:

• Praying instead of worrying

• Reading God's word to know him more instead of scrolling on social media for hours.

• Serving instead of complaining.

• etc.

If those things aren’t present, you either need to truly repent and place your faith in Christ or return to a pursuit of living inside God's will. James, the brother of Jesus was serious about this In James 2:14-19:

14 What good is it, my brothers, and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Sarah’s faith ended up manifesting itself to be genuine, that’s why it was mentioned here. Sure, she laughed, but her faith showed up in action. Notice there’s nowhere in scripture that Sarah came back and said, "sorry about that laughing thing, I have true faith now and believe God will do what he said." She didn’t have to say that, her actions proved it. 

How many times do we go back and forth on what we “say” about our faith with our actions never changing? Don't be that person. Pick up God's word, get on your knees, and fight for faith. If you have that drive at all you know that your salvation is secure. This doesn’t mean that you’ll always feel motivated, but it means that you’re willing to act because you truly believe God's word is true. The people in the Hall of Faith are no different than you and I. If you want to be like them, act on your faith. If you haven’t taken that first step yet, now is the time. 

Friday, June 23rd, 2023

"Foundations"

Brett Vance

Last night we met for a short time and quickly studied Hebrews 11:8-10 as we march through the “Hall of Faith.” The theme of the message was “Foundations.” We’ve all watched a house be built or maybe you’ve built one yourself. The beginning of the process seems mundane and as if it will never end. The ground must be excavated, a proper level pad must be molded, and the foundational blocks and concrete must be stacked and organized into one cohesive unit. Though this structure doesn’t look so great at first, without it, the rest of the house has no chance at making it! No matter how nice the material is or how well designed the rooms are, without the foundation they won’t be secure. The reason for this is that the foundation is strong and firmly planted to the earth. It will take quite the wind or disturbance to move this foundation from where it’s at.

Now this may seem like the cliché front end of an analogy about how our spiritual foundation should be strong, but I’d like for us to dwell on not so much the quality of our foundation, but where we are building ours at. The Bible is clear that we should not store up our treasures here on earth. It’s just not sufficient. The rust will overtake it, the fire will burn it up, it will be gone. However, in our short time here on earth, we can do a pretty good job of planting ourselves firmly here on this dying earth, and not so much caring about the heavenly foundation that is coming.

Abraham couldn’t have been more different. Read the short account of his life that the writer of Hebrews gifted us with in the “Hall of Faith,”:

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10)

Based off this passage I asked three questions:

1. Are you ready to “go?”

2. Are you ready to go “anywhere?”

3. Are you excited about God’s kingdom?

Abraham was so eager for the city that God was going to build that he didn’t even consider this world to have ANY foundations compared to the one ahead. When God said go, he went. How? His feet weren’t firmly planted on this earth, but rather looking forward to Heaven and eternity with God! Had his foundation been built up where he was at, it may have been hard to move it from its place, near impossible.

Are you willing to go? Even at that, are you willing to go anywhere? Or, like most of the world now, are your earthly foundations too strong to be moved? Have you deemed yourself immobile to God because of the earthly kingdom you’ve built? Are there conditions on your go? Will you be willing to go anywhere you want? Or will you trust God will guide you where he wants? Are you truly so excited about Heaven that this world doesn’t mean much? Or is it the opposite and you don’t much care for leaving this world to go to the paradise God has prepared?

These questions, though convicting, need to be confronted with honest evaluation. IF your answers, like some of mine to these, were that you weren’t willing to go when God said, or you have conditions, or you’re not that excited about eternity. We need to dive deeper into Gods word to soak ourselves in the truth of something much better than what this world could offer. Then and only then will be building the right foundation and looking forward to that better city. IF your foundations here on earth have been built up and you don’t know how to tear down, get out the bulldozer and make it happen so you will begin living a fulfilled life for Christ.

Friday, June 16th, 2023

"The motivation behind our faith."

Brett Vance

Wednesday Night we continued in Hebrews 11 and focused particularly on verse 7. This is the account concerning Noah and the ark. I mentioned to the students that growing up this was probably the most popular story told. I learned of all the animals, the nice boat, and the pretty rainbow. However, I never grasped the seriousness of this event. In that water were several dead bodies as a remnant of the wicked generation God had decided to wipe out. There is also a man who demonstrated real faith, the kind that acts.

I called Hebrews 11:7 the “domino faith” verse, because how each aspect of it reacted to the other. The first domino is the warning from God, that leads to fear of God, that leads to acting on what God revealed. This faith allowed Noah to do what no one thought was necessary for something unseen. I had five main points based on the scripture:

• Faith believes the Warning. 

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen,”

• Faith produces Fear of God. 

“in reverent fear” “constructed an ark for the saving of his household.”

• Faith produces Action.

“Constructed an ark for the saving of his household.”

• Faith is noticeable.

“By this he condemned the world”

• Faith results in salvation

“and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”

The similarity to our salvation is striking. We place our faith in something unseen, and to an unbelieving world, this Christian life seems pointless and unnecessary, just like Noah’s ark with no rain. But he wasn’t foolish when the first drop fell after 120 years of ridicule, it was too late for the naysayers. However, don’t miss that Noah not only believed God’s warning, but he acted on it. It’s one thing to believe that we must do something, and another thing altogether to do it.

Do you believe the warning that you are a sinner deserving of hell? If you don’t then you don’t really think you need saving. If this be the case, it sure won’t drive you to place your faith in the one who can save you.

It also said that he “condemned the world” by his faith. Basically, he proved that he was the only one willing to believe Gods warning and live out a righteous life, thus proving that it was possible for humans to do so and by default pronouncing judgement on the rest of the world.

Does your faith do that? Or does your faith tell the lost and dying world they’re okay because your life looks just like theirs. Our faith should be noticeable and extreme. It’s a faith that says we believe the warnings from God and have devoted every ounce of our life to him, not just a portion. It’s a faith that says while everyone laughs and ridicules, I’ll build the ark because my God said so.

Don’t forget…8 people made it out alive. 120 years of Noah doing it right and obeying God gained him ZERO friends or followers. His faith even saved his family. It doesn’t matter if the whole world tells you your faith is too extreme, in the end you’ll be saved, and in that you rejoice.

Thursday, June 8th, 2023

"The motivation behind our faith."

Brett Vance

Last night we continued in Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith as it’s commonly referred to. The account the writer of Hebrews referenced was that of Enoch. Now, Enoch is most commonly known for not having faced earthly death. However, the writer goes deeper into the “why” of that circumstance. We first read of Enoch in Genesis 5:21-24

21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

During this time, things were reaching a corruption that would soon lead to God sending the flood. However, in this passage we read a very important segment in verse 24 that describes why Enoch didn’t face earthly death, he “walked faithfully with God.” In a time where it would have been extremely easy to conform to corruption, Enoch was faithful to God. Hebrews 11 speaks of his faith in more detail in verses 5 and 6:

5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Enoch’s great faith had two characteristics that the Author obviously wants us to grasp:

1. He believed God existed..

2. Because of this, he also believed God’s promises…the reward.

Now, we obviously know Heaven and eternity with God is a reward relative to the eternity in Hell that we deserve, but this reward here also manifests itself during our time on earth, so what is the reward? Despite popular messages that promote the reward as being your prosperity in relation to worldly possessions, the reward for walking closely with God is God himself! The joy we receive from being close with the Lord results in our maximum happiness, the thing we’re really all searching for anyways. This in turn also pleases God. If there was ever a win-win, this is it. We’re happy, God is pleased, and because of the fruit this produces, God is greatly glorified!.

So, the last question we asked is how do we walk faithfully with God? As simple as it may sound, it seems to be the most difficult thing for professing Christians to do, spend time with him. How? In his word and through prayer, believing that you will gain more than anything the world can offer through it. That’s our motivation, not requirements or checklists. I read a quote in a book that explains this nicely:

"One of the ways we can fight against the inclinations that lure us from the Word of God to computers or television or any other substitute pleasure is to remind ourselves often of the immeasurable and superior benefits of the Word of God in our lives." 

To understand it’s benefits, you first must begin. Plan your time with God and be faithful to it and watch him begin to change you from the inside out. Strive for your life to be described as Enoch’s, one that walks faithfully with God despite the surrounding distractions.

Friday, May 26th, 2023

"Delighting in obedience." 

Brett Vance

Wednesday night we continued in Hebrews 11 and began with the first verse of what is commonly known as the “Hall of Faith.” It says this:

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.

This verse then prompted us to turn over to Genesis 4:1-15 and read the account of Cain and Abel to receive some answers that this verse in Hebrews presented.

First, why was Abel’s sacrifice more acceptable than Cain’s? Much speculation has been put into this, but simply put, Abel was obedient to what God had commanded and Cain was not. Even God’s response to Cain when he became angry about this was, “if you do well, will you not be accepted?” It’s quite possible that Cain fit the description of the scribes and pharisees that Jesus laid out in Matthew 23:25:

25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.

He had “done what he was supposed to,” but not with the correct motive.

Secondly, we see God commend Abel’s faith in Hebrews and regard it in Genesis. I’m not sure about you, but what could be better than that? Whatever type of faith this was, I want to exemplify it in my life as well.

Lastly, we see Cain kill his brother Abel in a rage, be convicted by God himself, and then ask for mercy. Isn’t it crazy the path our own sins send us on?

Based on the two passages, here were the main takeaways:

1. Obedience is directly tied to our faith. Notice, that Cain feared God after the punishment was given him, whereas if he’d feared him in the first place, he would have brought the sacrifice with the correct heart posture towards God, with reverential fear.

2. Our vertical relationship with God affects our horizontal relationship with others. Abel was simply obedient to God with faith and ended up dead. He had done nothing to Cain, but his anger was still kindled towards him. Don’t be surprised when your pursuit of Christ likeness angers others.

3. Faith doesn’t always lead to Joy here on earth. Our expectation for faithfulness should always be whatever God wills. If we say that obedience by faith equal prosperity then we would have to conclude that Abel did something wrong in this situation, thus making God wrong. I’m not sure about you but I won’t do that. True obedience often does lead to suffering here on this earth, but we rejoice in knowing that this temporary suffering is fading away quickly and will be replaced with our eternal home with our lord and savior.

Is your obedience today driven by your faith that God is who he says he is? Is his word enough or do we need to have our attention gotten by him. Will we get to a place where we cry out like Cain did to God in verse 13, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.” Or can we be satisfied in simple obedience to God, faithful to him no matter the repercussions.

Thursday, May 17th, 2023

"Why do I feel faithless?"

Brett Vance

Last night we went to Hebrews 11:1-3 that says this:

11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

I must be honest and admit that this was some of the most difficult sermon prep I have done in my short time in ministry. Though Christian faith at its root is so simple, these three verses and their description of faith are so theologically deep that it is a challenge to clearly communicate their meaning. One of the main reasons is that the very issue of faith we read about was gifted to us by God. We know the Bible tells us that “faith comes through hearing and hearing through the word of God”. However, we sometimes want to try and “muster up” our own faith or “try to have more” but the reality is, God provides us with the capacity of faithfulness, and it is very much up to us to employ it in a way that demonstrates a trust in Him!

These verses give us two very clear and similar statements regarding faith.

1. It is the assurance of things hoped for.

The word assurance can be taken several ways, but one of the definitions that this could mean is to be “fully convinced of something.” In this case to be fully convinced of “things hoped for.” We know that things you hope for are things you can’t see based off Romans 8:24b:

 Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

So, these are things that we can’t see that we hope for, such as God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The promise of things to come and the “not yet” of eternity.

2. It is the conviction of things not seen.

Conviction is to have a strong belief. In this case, a strong belief in things not seen. In essence, both descriptions of faith say the same thing. The awesome thing about this hope and faith is that it is not written here to be taken as a shot in the dark kind of hope, but rather one that is fully convinced it will happen. I personally like the way Warren Weirsbe puts it,

“True Bible faith is confident obedience to God’s Word in spite of circumstances and consequences.”

Because we trust God’s word and employ the faith he has given us to trust in him, what the world says doesn’t make sense, makes perfect sense to us. I look forward to going through the hall of fame of faith in the verses following this introduction in chapter 11. I encourage our youth to read through it and study it closely as well!

Thursday, May 11th,2023

"Why do I fear man more than God?"

Brett Vance

Last night the focus of the sermon was on this question: “Why do I fear man more than God?” At first glance, this may seem like an extreme statement. Even we may say this notion is crazy and that no one would dare fear a man more than God! However, the warning not to fear man is scattered all throughout scripture. Jesus spoke plainly about it in Matthew 10:28:

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

The fear of man and fear of God are also contrasted in Proverbs 29:25:

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

It’s a real thing with real impact in our life as a Christian. Whether it’s a fear of what man will say when we share the Gospel, fear of persecution for speaking the truth of God’s word, or simply a fear for our reputation for doing the right thing, this can have a stronghold which leads to disobedience. The stark contrast in Proverbs suggests that the two cannot coincide. We either fear God or man, but both cannot be paired.

We looked at the account of Abram (later Abraham) in Genesis 12:10-20. After being obedient to God and leaving his hometown, Abram quickly found himself amid a severe famine and with some choices to make. Rather than trust God he feared the famine and went down to Egypt. Upon arrival, his severe fear of man was evident as he gave up his wife after lying in fear of being killed. He didn’t trust God, and though he left with spoils from Pharoah, consequences followed because of his fear of man.

However, when we jump ahead to Genesis 22:1-13, we see God testing Abraham greatly by asking him to kill his only son whom he loved. Abraham responded promptly with full trust and confidence that God’s way was the best way and that he would surely provide. As Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, God stopped him and said something very important pertaining to what was achieved through this testing in Genesis 22:12:

 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”

All this because of fear in God. Not a paralyzing one, but a reverential one that acknowledged Gods way is always the best, even when it SEEMS crazy! Now, I’m sure we could have gathered the smartest minds around and deducted that this demand seemed too outrageous, and that Abraham was probably a mad man. But God commanded him to do it, even though man wouldn’t understand. This is what faith, and a true fear of God looks like, obedience even when it doesn’t look right to man. You see, the reason that fear of man can’t be present with fear of God is because man won’t always understand what God is doing. This is why we must trust his word no matter what.

Ultimately, Abraham feared God because he KNEW God. To truly know him is to fear him. Therefore, if this isn't a pursuit of ours, we will probably fail in truly having God in his rightful place. 

Do you live in fear of man or God? Are your decisions based off what Gods word says or what we might face from man? We must always serve God first, even when it’s confusing to others. IF we live by the approval of man we will also die by their disapproval. But God, the righteous judge and sovereign creator, will always lead us to do what glorifies him and is ultimately best for us!

Thursday, May 4th, 2023

"Why do I feel like I can't do anything during hard times?"

Brett Vance

Last night the question posed for our sermon was, “why do I feel like I can’t do anything during hard times?” If you think about it, it does seem like we become immobile during difficult seasons of life. Things can be going great, and one bit of a bump in the road crushes us. It’s during these times that no progress seems to be made in life, especially in our spiritual growth. So, why is that? Is there any remedy to this? Luckily, God has gifted us with his complete word to answer these questions. Paul lays it out very clearly in Romans 12:9-21. The passage title in my Bible reads, “Marks of a true Christian.” I’d say we’d all agree we want to be considered a true Christian, not a fake one. In verses 11-12, Paul speaks to this problem of being paralyzed during problems. The verses say this:

11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

I can only speak for myself, but I often feel “slothful” in my zeal when tribulations come. This inevitably leads to not serving the Lord. So, what’s the remedy? Verse 12 puts it plainly with three steps; rejoice, be patient, and pray. What hope? The hope we have in Jesus Christ our Lord. What patience? The kind that the hope produces. We all are more patient when we truly believe something good is in our future. Constantly pray? Absolutely. Treat your conversation with God like a phone call that never really hangs up. Our God doesn’t demand a certain setting or ritual, just that we go to him. Charles Spurgeon put it best.

'I rarely pray for more than 5 minutes, but I never go 5 minutes without praying.'

However, this can’t come into play if we don’t really have a strong hope in Christ. If you don’t really believe that what’s on the other side of a trial is good, you won’t rejoice, you won’t be patient, and you won’t communicate with the one who made those promises. How do you believe this more? After reading Gods word daily and making a targeted effort to pray more, the only real way to build this hope is to ACTUALLY cast your cares on the God of the universe. If you never do, you’ll never know, you’ll never taste and see, you’ll never rejoice in times of tribulation and you’ll never know the true endless joy that God offers.

Trust God’s Word. Unlike people, he’s faithful to all his promises!

Thursday, April 27th, 2023

"The importance of corporate prayer."

Last night was our monthly Church Wide congregational prayer service. We started this a few months ago. Each time it get's a little more comfortable to pray together and share our praises, requests, and laments. It's no secret corporate prayer is awkward, I mean let's face it, sometimes individual prayer can be awkward. Why? At the root of it, it is based on our faith. If we defined prayer, we may follow Websters definition and view it as "an earnest request or wish." This definition is held to by many people, even non christians when they're in a bind. Other religions also practice this type of prayer, some more faithfully than others, and some as part of the requirement for even practicing their faith. But we as Christians must define prayer for what it is, "communication with the one true God of the universe," simply put, we are "conversing with God." Do we really believe that? If not, then prayer is extremely awkward. It's then chalked up to bending down on your knees by some carpeted steps to talk to yourself. So, how can we push through the awkwardness of prayer and truly cherish our moments with God? We must spend time with the God whom we pray to and see for ourselves that he is good. Basically, we must taste and see. It's how Christians can both suffer and rejoice at the same time. Then, our thoughts on corporate prayer turn from awkward to amazed as we grasp that a group of people are dedicated to communicating with God for unified worship of him. How awesome is that? But don't forget, you must first ask to receive. Corporate prayer is a precious time in the life of the Church. I look forward to next month. 

Consecrate a fast;

    call a solemn assembly.

Gather the elders

    and all the inhabitants of the land

to the house of the Lord your God,

    and cry out to the Lord.

Joel 1:14