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Sunday Sermons from Mountain View Church of the Nazarene
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Join us in this powerful sermon that invites you to embrace the transformative power of God's grace in your life. Inspired by Apostle Paul's prayer in Ephesians, this episode explores the deep essence of grace, which is God's unearned gift of love and forgiveness. As we delve into the recurring theme of grace throughout the sermon, discover how it empowers believers to share the message of Jesus with boldness, even in the face of adversity. Through a deep dive into Acts chapter 4, we witness the bold faith of Peter and John amidst persecution and learn the significance of staying rooted in prayer and community. This sermon calls us to form and cherish 'grace groups' for spiritual support and accountability. Allow this message to come alive in you, helping you understand God's divine plan while inviting you to partake in His ongoing work through the Holy Spirit. Experience God's grace as a constant companion on this journey of faith.
LOVING GRACE IN ACTION
Acts 4:23-31
Main Idea: The loving accountability (grace) of a covenant discipleship group provides the best grace-filled environment for being and making disciples.
Witness the loving grace in action within the early Church
Introduction: Believers are People of Grace!
- Consider their grace (Acts 4:23)
- “Peter and John went back to their own people” - fellow believers.
- Here they found:
- Emotional and spiritual support.
- An inviting group that encouraged vulnerability.
- Partners in ministry.
- Consider their action plan (Acts 4:24-28).
- Prayer
- Confidence in God’s Sovereignty
- Praise (v. 24)
- Scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit
- Testimony
- Consider the prayer requests (4:29-30).
- They simply prayed for:
- Renewed strength to preach the gospel message of Jesus with “great boldness” (v. 29).
- God to work in miraculous ways to magnify “the name of your holy servant Jesus” (v. 30).
- They simply prayed for:
Conclusion: The Result of their Loving Grace in Action (Acts 4;31)
- The place where they were meeting was shaken.
- They received a new infilling with the Holy Spirit.
- They spoke the word of God boldly.
Action Step: Commit (or re-commit) yourself to a grace group – a Sunday School class, LifeGroup, midweek Bible Study group, men’s, women’s, youth, children’s group, etc.
Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect
With Pastor Mike Curry.
Sunday Jul 06, 2025
Sunday Jul 06, 2025
Join us for today's sermon podcast, where we delve into the powerful message drawn from Apostle Paul's prayer in Ephesians, urging believers to share the gospel fearlessly and with clarity. This episode explores the intersection of faith and patriotism, challenging the notion that Christians cannot be patriotic. Emphasizing the true meaning behind the phrase "God Bless America," we reflect on what spiritual blessings are essential for our nation and how we, as Christians, can be good stewards of our nation and faith.
Through the lens of biblical teachings, we address the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom and His righteousness in our lives and communities. We draw inspiration from historical figures like George Washington and explore how reverence for God's Word, house, and will can lead to national repentance and renewal. This sermon encourages us all to live out our faith actively, becoming salt and light in our communities and leading our nation back to its spiritual roots.
“America – God Shed His Grace on Thee”
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” - Psalm 33:12
Main Idea: The true blessing of a nation comes not from power or prosperity, but from honoring God through repentance, righteousness, and the faithful witness of His people.
- Introduction: What Do We Mean by “God Bless America”? - Matthew 6:33
- “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” — George Washington, Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789
- “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?” — Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, 1785
- <<Pastor Reads Psalm 33:12-22>>
- “God Bless America” with Spiritual Blessings - Proverbs 14:34
- a. Recover Lost Values
- Micah 6:8
- “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” - George Washington
- b. Recover the “Faith of Our Fathers”
- The Mayflower Compact (1620) began with a covenant “for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith.”
- “To the distinguished character of a Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of a Christian.” — George Washington
- c. Rebirth of Reverence
- For God’s Day (Sabbath), God’s Book (Scripture), God’s House (worship), and God’s Will (obedience).
- Hebrews 10:25
- “The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease.”— Calvin Coolidge, 1924
III. “God Bless America” Should Also Mean “God Save America!” 2 Chronicles 7:14
- a. From Moral Decay
- Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. - 1 Peter 2:11 (NLT)
- “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven... but we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace... and we have vainly imagined... that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.” — Abraham Lincoln
- b. From False Ideologies and Religions
- Colossians 2:8
- “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” — John Quincy Adams
- “God Bless America” Through the Church - Matthew 5:13–16
- a. The Church Must Lead in Repentance and Renewal
- “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” — John Adams, 1798
- “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.” — Benjamin Franklin, 1787
- b. Faith Must Be Active
- James 2:17
- “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men.” — Benjamin Franklin, June 28, 1787, Philadelphia Constitutional Convention
- Conclusion: A Call to Hope and Holiness - Psalm 33:20–22
- America’s hope is not in her wealth or might, but in her Maker.
- “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” Ronald Reagan, 1984
- Call to Action:
- Pray for national repentance.
- Live as a holy people.
- Be salt and light in a darkening world.
Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect
Sunday Jun 29, 2025
Sunday Jun 29, 2025
Welcome to today's sermon podcast, where we delve into the profound message of God's grace and how we can activate it in our lives. Drawing inspiration from Apostle Paul's prayer in Ephesians 6:19, we explore the boundless and undeserved favor God offers us, transforming lives through forgiveness and friendship.
Using creative illustrations like marbles and pool noodles, we learn how God's grace surrounds us constantly and our responsibility to share that grace with others. Discover the instituted and prudential means through which God's grace flows and how practicing these can grow us into Christ-likeness.
Join us in applying the lessons from Philippians 2:12-13, understanding that God's grace is not only for personal salvation but also to be shared and activated for His mission. Reflect on the ways to clear the path for God's grace in your life, ensuring it flows abundantly to you and through you for the benefit of others.
Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Welcome to today's sermon podcast, where we dive deep into understanding the challenges discipleship faces in our modern world. Drawing from Acts 2:44-47, we explore how secularization, privatization, and pluralism act as metaphorical riptides challenging the grace of God and our mission as His disciples. We reflect on the importance of maintaining our focus on God's kingdom, regardless of the cultural pressures to conform.
We journey through scriptural insights and personal anecdotes, examining how cultural trends threaten to obscure the truth and grace we are called to live and share. Join us as we discover how to live counter-culturally, prioritize our heavenly citizenship, and ensure that our lives are a testament to God's abundant life and everlasting grace.
with Pastor Mike Curry
WHY IS DISCIPLESHIP SO DIFFICULT?
Challenges to Grace
Acts 2:44-47
Main Idea: Discipleship may not be easy, but it is essential to God’s mission on earth, and God has promised to help us.
Introduction: Three Cultural Rip Currents
Secularization – Church losing influence as shaper of life and thought in the wider social order.
Privatization – Spiritual things are being confined to the private arena of life.
Pluralization – An unending buffet of ideologies and faith options competing for attention.
Three vital principles for living as a disciple in today’s age.
- I. Principle #1: Maintain the priority between your primary and secondary cultures.
- Primary culture = Christian community of faith
- Secondary culture = The world in which we live.
- Matthew 6:33 – “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God”
- Principle #2: Remind yourselves that our true citizenship is in heaven.
- We have dual citizenship (Phil. 3:20).
- We may use the things of the world, but we should not become “engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away” (1 Cor. 7:31).
III. Principle #3: Live as a counter-culture.
- Jesus said we must be in the world but not of it (John 17:16-18).
- Jesus calls us to be salt, light, and yeast (Matt. 5:13-16; 13:33), and that requires us to challenge the incorrect beliefs and corrupt practices of our age.
Conclusion
- We must pass our faith to the next generation through discipleship. We are citizens of heaven living and working for Him on this earth, busy making Christlike disciples in his name.
Action Step:
- Examine Acts 2:44-47 this week. What daily practices shown there do you exhibit in your daily life? What disciplines listed in the passage seem difficult for you to practice daily? Pick one and work on incorporating it into your life this week. Enlist the help of others in your family or church to do so.
Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect
Sunday Jun 08, 2025
Sunday Jun 08, 2025
Join us in today's sermon podcast as we explore the powerful message of God's grace. This episode emphasizes the importance of grace in overcoming life's hurdles, drawing insights from Titus 2:11-15. Discover how grace offers salvation to all and equips us to live godly lives, teaching us to say no to worldly passions while awaiting the blessed hope of Christ's return.
Through engaging anecdotes and biblical references, learn how hurdles in life can build character and provide opportunities for God to move, revealing the optimism embedded in His grace. Let this message inspire you to embrace God's grace as a path to living a life that blesses others and aligns with His divine purpose.
With Pastor Mike Curry
The Optimism of Grace
Titus 2:11-15
Main Idea: The grace of God gives us an optimism in living life now with eternity in mind.
Introduction:
Grace is God’s no-strings-attached gift of forgiveness,
relationship, and kindness offered to us.
The Grace of God…
…Brings salvation to all people (v. 11)
…Teaches us how to live (v. 12)
…Teaches us how to look for the return of our great God and Savior (v. 13)
…Is demonstrated in the death of Christ (v.14)
…Is a message to be proclaimed (v. 15)
Conclusion: How are you living?
Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect
Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Join us in today's sermon as we explore the transformative power of grace and discipleship. Drawing inspiration from Apostle Paul's prayer in Ephesians 6:19, the sermon invites you to fearlessly embrace the mystery of the gospel and the personal call to follow Jesus.
The message delves into the story of Jesus calling the first disciples by the Sea of Galilee and how His invitation to Peter, Andrew, James, and John signifies a personal call to each of us. It emphasizes the importance of responding immediately to Jesus' call to 'follow me' and becoming 'fishers of people.'
Whether you're new to the faith or looking to deepen your commitment, this sermon encourages you to embark on a journey of grace, growing in Christlikeness and participating in God's mission with a willing heart.
Discover the practical steps of discipleship and the significance of pursuing Jesus' mission in your daily life. May this message inspire you to take those crucial steps in your spiritual journey and recognize the impact of your prayers and God's grace at work in your life.
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With Pastor Mike Curry
The People of Grace: What Is a Disciple?
Matthew 4:18-22
Introduction
Two Crucial Definitions
- Disciple: A person who responds to God’s prevenient grace by accepting the offer of saving grace, growing in Christlikeness through sanctifying and sustaining grace, and then joins God's mission by helping others on their journey of grace.
- Discipleship: The process of growing in our relationship with God and inviting others to join us on the journey of grace.
Three Critical Questions
- Who does Jesus invite into discipleship with Him?
- Everyone, including you!
- No professional religious training is needed.
- Learn from Him through on-the-job training.
- What is the call?
- A personal call to discipleship directly from Christ.
- The call has two levels of commitment: "Follow me" and "Fish for people" (v. 19)
- The call requires laser-focused attention on sharing God's mission, forsaking distractions, and living exclusively for the kingdom of God.
III. How should we respond?
- "At once" and "immediately," without hesitation. (v. 20, 22)
- Leave everything, follow Jesus unconditionally, every day for as long as Jesus needs you.
- What Jesus required of His first disciples, He requires of us today.
Conclusion
Jesus may not ask you to quit your job or forsake family responsibilities, but He will ask you to realign your priorities to seek God’s kingdom first and maintain primary citizenship in heaven while living and working for Him on earth. (Matthew 6:33)
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Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect
Sunday May 25, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
Join us in today's sermon podcast as we delve into the profound teachings of the Apostle Paul and explore the parable of the wedding banquet from the Gospel of Matthew 22. Through this message, discover how God's invitation extends beyond the initial invitees, reaching out to those in the highways and byways, calling them to a divine celebration.
We journey through biblical history, from the call of Abraham and Sarah to the prophetic insights of Isaiah and Jeremiah, culminating in the mission of Jesus. This episode highlights God's unwavering mission to restore humanity's relationship with Him and invites us to participate in His divine plan.
As we embrace the righteousness of Christ, we are called to share this grace with others, ensuring that all have the opportunity to join in the great wedding banquet. Let's reflect on how we can partake in God's mission and share His love with the world.
With Pastor Mike Curry.
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GOD’S MISSION AND MY PURPOSE
Matthew 22:1-14
Introduction: The Bible tells a very simple story of a loving heavenly Father working tirelessly to restore relationship with his lost children.
- God invited Abraham and Sarah to join in his mission. (Gen. 12:1-3; Heb. 11:8-10)
- God chose Abraham to be a man of great faith who became the father not only of an earthly nation (Israelites) but also of a spiritual nation (the church)
- God invited the prophets to join in his mission.
- All the prophets gave puzzle pieces to God’s people of faith to give them hope for the coming Messiah.
- Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Joel
III. God sent his Son, Jesus, to plainly declare his mission. (John 4:27-38)
- “My food,” Jesus said, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” (John 4:34).
- God invites you to join in his mission. (Matthew 22:1-14)
- Our purpose in God’s mission is to invite friends, family members, and everyone in our realm of influence to come to God.
Conclusion: From the day God created humanity until today, he has been on a mission to live in vital, personal relationship with every person. God invites us to participate with him in that mission. Will you join him?
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Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect
Sunday May 18, 2025
Sunday May 18, 2025
Join us in today's sermon podcast as we explore the profound teachings of the Apostle Paul on grace, inspired by Ephesians 2:1-10. Discover how God's grace, rich in mercy and incomparable in kindness, reaches out to us, transforming lives and offering salvation through faith as a gift. Reflect on the captivating story of John Newton, the former slave ship captain turned pastor, whose life was radically changed by God's amazing grace, leading to the creation of the beloved hymn, 'Amazing Grace.'
In this episode, we delve into the four facets of God's grace: seeking, saving, sanctifying, and sustaining. Learn how God's grace precedes our acceptance, guides us into the fullness of salvation, transforms our inner nature, and maintains our spiritual journey. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, be encouraged to embrace the abundant life offered by God's grace and allow it to shape your path forward. Join us in reflecting on the generous and enduring love of our Savior, who seeks us endlessly and offers the gift of grace to every soul.
With Pastor Mike Curry
PEOPLE OF GRACE
The Reach of Grace
Ephesians 2:8-10
Introduction: Amazing Grace
- Seeking Grace (Luke 19:10)
- God’s prevenient grace, goes before us, reaches out to us in numerous ways, and draws us to the heart of God.
- God reaching out to bring his children back to himself (Luke 15:1-31).
- The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son.
- Saving Grace (Rom. 6:23)
- We cannot save ourselves; only God can save us by his grace (Romans 2:8-10).
- Salvation is being “born again” (John 3).
- Christ made our salvation possible (Rom. 1:17-18).
III. Sanctifying Grace (1 Thess. 5:23-24)
- God’s sanctifying grace deals with the inward nature that compels us to demand our own way, which often leads to sin.
- God’s sanctifying grace works at a moment in time as he renews our hearts by faith and across a lifetime of growth in grace as he transforms us into the image of his Son, Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29-30).
- Sustaining Grace (Jude vv. 24-25)
- We cannot sanctify ourselves through our own efforts, we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives (Acts 1:8).
- God transforms believers into the image of his Son as we grow in his grace (Gal. 4:19).
- Sustaining grace is the power of God that keeps us from falling and causes us to stand blameless before him on the final day. We can fall from grace, but the sustaining grace of God makes it possible not to have to.
Conclusion: Have you experienced the Amazing Grace of God?
Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
Join us in exploring the enduring legacy of the Apostle Paul as we delve into his transformative journey from Saul, a zealous persecutor, to Paul, a devoted missionary of Christ. In this episode, we discuss how Paul's life and ministry serve as a powerful example of living a life of grace and commitment to God's mission. Discover how we, as modern disciples, can embrace this grace and follow in Paul's footsteps to make a lasting impact in our communities.
This sermon series invites you to reflect on what it means to be a 'people of grace' today, through the lens of scripture and Paul's profound teachings. Whether you are new to the faith or a seasoned believer, this series aims to deepen your understanding of God's plan for you and inspire you to live boldly in your calling.
With Pastor Mike Curry.
PEOPLE OF GRACE: BIGGER THAN LIFE
Romans 16:1-16
Main Idea: Following the example of Christ and Paul, every believer is called to actively participate in making disciples by investing in others and fostering a welcoming church community where all contribute to God's kingdom.
Introduction: Paul the Apostle – Bigger than Life!
- Paul followed Christ’s example. (1 Cor. 11:1)
- Paul encouraged believers to “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
- Christ’s Example: Personal Investment in his disciples.
- Paul was not a Lone Ranger.
- Paul invested in fellow believers at every level of ministry. (Romans 16:1-15)
- (Extra)ordinary disciples assisted Paul, supported his ministry, and got involved in building God’s kingdom through discipleship in local churches.
- Paul’s ministry flourished in local communities of faith. Why?
- Paul trained and left lay leaders in charge.
III. Paul welcomed everyone who showed an interest in God’s kingdom.
- Every community of faith must provide a welcoming and nurturing environment to everyone who visits.
- The Holy Spirit draws those who need Christ through prevenient grace.
- Christ’s disciples must accept responsibility.
Conclusion (Matthew 28:19-20)
- The Great Commission wasn’t ONLY for those called to fulltime Christian service.
- The Great Commission is to EVERY
- Jesus helps us today.
Action Points:
- Identify and Utilize Your Gifts.
- Invest in Others.
- Cultivate a Welcoming Community.
- Embrace the Great Commission Together.
Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect
Sunday May 04, 2025
Sunday May 04, 2025
Welcome to today's empowering sermon podcast where we delve into the profound journey of faith amidst adversity. The sermon introduces Jubilee, a devoted minister, who shares the extraordinary work being done in Myanmar, despite ongoing turmoil and civil unrest.
Jubilee presents eye-opening updates on 'Hi Kids Myanmar', a mission expanding to 24 countries, dedicated to nurturing children and youth even in the toughest times. Remarkably, last year saw 22,000 young souls finding connection with God. Jubilee also highlights the 'School of Hope', an initiative providing education in war-torn regions where conventional schools no longer exist. With an astonishingly low cost of $25 per child annually, these programs symbolize hope and change.
The podcast further explores how Myanmar churches thrive amidst suffering, transforming lives through divine intervention. Despite severe challenges, the Church of the Nazarene in Myanmar has tripled in size, reflecting the unwavering spirit and commitment of its believers. Jubilee’s vision for a Christian nation and a mission-driven future is anchored in faith and collective prayer.
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With Jubilee Thanga from Myanmar.
Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live
Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter
Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect