The Word from Mountain View

Pastor Mike closes the Hebrews series with a benediction that calls believers to trust the God of peace, depend on His power to equip them, and allow Jesus the great shepherd to work within their hearts.

He urges practical response: receive challenging truth, stay connected to the church family, surrender to God’s transforming grace, and take one concrete step this week by identifying where you need God’s grace.

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A Better Benediction

Hebrews 13:20–25

Introduction: More Than a Pep Talk

Main idea:  The God who raised Jesus works in us so that we can live out his will.

1. Trust What God Has Done (v. 20)
2. He is the God of peace.
3. He brought Jesus from the dead.
4. Jesus is our great Shepherd.
5. Depend on What God Is Doing (v. 21)
6. God equips us for his will, not merely for our plans.
7. God works within us, not merely around us.
8. Grace calls for surrender, not passivity.
9. Respond to What God Is Saying (v. 22-25)
10. Receive the word even when it challenges you.
11. Stay connected to God’s people.
12. Take the next step in grace.

Conclusion: Leave with more than good intentions.

• Action Point:
  • “God, this week I need your grace to _______________________________________ .”
  • Surrender that to God to make it happen in your life.

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With Pastor Mike Curry.

It is my privilege to invite you to today's sermon podcast. This episode explores how God’s grace—shown through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross—produces genuine gratitude that transforms our words, actions, and generosity.

Using the story of Jean Valjean and Hebrews 13:10–19, the sermon calls listeners to offer the sacrifice of praise, to do good, and to share deeply with others as a response to grace, all within a faithful, prayerful church community.

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Video referenced in the sermon: https://youtu.be/wF3FX43F-7Y?si=JTzS4EGaDOsg4Ip-

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Our Better Sacrifice

Hebrews 13:10–19

 Introduction – Misérables to Incredibles

Main Idea: Jesus paid the price, so we live the sacrifice.

1. Our foundation is the altar. (vv. 10–14)

• Our altar is the cross of Jesus Christ.

III. Our "Better Sacrifice" that pleases God. (vv. 15–16)

• The sacrifice of our lips: Spoken Praise (v. 15)
• The sacrifice of our hands: Doing Good (v. 16a)
• The sacrifice of our lives: Generous Sharing (v. 16b)

1. Our Community sustains us. (vv. 17-19)

• A community marked by submission, joyful accountability, and prayer.

1. Conclusion: Live a life that pleases God

• Call to Action: Which one of these three sacrifices is God calling you to practice intentionally this week?
• Words: Thank God aloud or share what Jesus means to you.
• Actions: Meet a practical need for someone else.
• Resources: Share something that can bless another person.

 

Live your life as one known for your praise, goodness, and generosity.

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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

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With Pastor Mike Curry.

This sermon reflects on Hebrews 13 and explores what better leadership looks like: leaders who remember and model faith, anchor us in the unchanging Christ, protect us from novel or unstable teachings, and produce mature followers of Jesus rather than fans or clones. The preacher shares a personal story of a leadership mistake and urges listeners to evaluate leaders by whether they point to Jesus.

Listeners are invited to remember faithful guides, pass on stories of faith to the next generation, and center their trust on Jesus. The message concludes with an invitation to communion and to follow Christ daily, not merely follow leaders.

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A Better Leadership

Hebrews 13:7–9

Main Idea: Better leaders help you see Jesus.

INTRODUCTION – Who are you following?

1. Better leadership begins with remembering faithful guides (v.7)

• Who are the leaders whose lives helped you trust Jesus more deeply?

2. Better leadership anchors you in the unchanging Christ (v.8)

• Your faith depends on the stability of Christ, not your leaders.

3.Better leadership protects you from “strange” teaching (v.9)

• Ask these questions of every teaching, every book, every podcast, every spiritual trend: Does this make Jesus bigger or smaller? Does this strengthen my heart by grace or by performance?

4. Better leadership produces people who look like Jesus.

• Creates disciples not clones.
• Creates maturity not dependency.
• Creates followers not fans.

CONCLUSION

• Action Point: This week spend time with your friends or family sharing stories about leaders in your lives who pointed you to Jesus, then pray for ways to be that kind of influence for others.

Pass on the stories of faithful people who led you to Jesus,

because a remembered faith can steady a future generation in Christ Jesus.

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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

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With Pastor Mike Curry

It's my privilege to invite you to today's sermon podcast, drawing on Hebrews 13 and Ephesians 6:19. The speaker argues that true worship goes beyond Sunday songs and is lived out every day in love for others, faithful relationships (especially honoring marriage), and contentment rooted in God's promise never to leave us.

The message highlights practical expressions—hospitality to strangers, compassion for those who suffer, guarding marital fidelity, and freedom from the love of money—and calls listeners to trust God's provision and find courage in His presence.

As a simple challenge, listeners are asked to set an alarm for 4:19 and reach out to three people this week to share Christ-like love, demonstrating worship that continues into Monday and beyond.

A Better Worship

Hebrews 13:1–6

Main Idea: Worship isn't just what we sing; it's how we live.

1. INTRODUCTION: Worship That Walks Out the Door
2. What does better worship look like in everyday life?
3. BETTER WORSHIP BEGINS WITH LOVE (vv. 1–3)

• Love for the Family of God.
• Love for the Stranger.
• Love for those Suffering.

1. BETTER WORSHIP HONORS FIDELITY (v. 4)

• Marriage is precious to God.
• The whole Church protects
• Sexual integrity is worship.

1. BETTER WORSHIP PRODUCES CONTENTMENT (vv. 5–6)

• Freedom from the love of money.
• Contentment rooted in God’s presence.
• Courage that comes from worship.

III. CONCLUSION: Worship that walks into Monday

• Action Point: Reach out to three people in your community this week and express genuine love or support—whether through a call, a text, or a visit.

The world doesn’t need a church that only worships better on Sunday;

It needs a church that worships better on Monday.

 

Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live

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With Pastor Mike Curry.

 

This sermon examines Exodus 32–33 as Moses confronts the prospect of moving forward without God’s presence, highlighting the fear and loss that come when we separate ourselves from Him.

Drawing on practical spiritual disciplines—like Frank Laubach’s "practice the presence"—the message offers clear steps to cultivate awareness of God in daily life, encouraging listeners to rely on Christ for identity, strength, and guidance.

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Exodus 33

 

In chapter 32 of Exodus the Israelites create the golden calf

Quote

 “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people.  Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” 

 

Exodus 32:9-10

Quote

 So Moses went back to the Lord and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold.  But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”

 

Exodus 32:31-32

Quote

Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. 

 

Exodus 32:33

Quote

I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.  Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”

 

Exodus 33:2-3

Moses is confronted with the possibility of moving forward without the Presence of God

Quote

 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

And God said, “I will be with you.

 

Exodus 3:11-12

God has been the source of Moses’ strength

God has shaped the identity of moses and His people

Quote

 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.

 

Exodus 33:14-15

Moses is totally dependent on the ‘Presence of God’

“Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus”.  Romans 8:39

The new Testament Promises

While God will be faithful we can separate ourselves from the Presence of God

We separate ourselves from God’s Presence through Sin
and inattentiveness

What steps can you take this week to cultivate the Presence of God in your life? 

With Reverend Scott Shaw

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Pastor explores Hebrews 12 urging believers to move beyond casual faith and embrace a holy fear that leads to reverent worship. He explains how God shakes away what is temporary to reveal and purify what is eternal, and offers practical steps to listen deeply, hold earthly things lightly, welcome God’s refining fire, and stand firm in the unshakable kingdom.

Listeners are invited to reflect on three things they trust too much and to live more purposefully in gratitude, worship, and obedience as they receive God’s kingdom.

                                             A Better Kingdom

                                            Hebrews 12:25–29

Main Idea: God shakes what needs to go, so His kingdom can grow.

Introduction — The Problem of Casual Faith

What do we do when everything around us is shaking?

1. Listen to the Voice That Cannot be Shaken (v. 25)

• God’s grace doesn’t make obedience optional; it makes obedience possible.

2. Recognize what God is shaking away (vv. 26–27)

• Shaking is grace when it exposes what we should never have trusted in the first place.

3. Receive the Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken (v. 28)

• Holy fear is the deep awareness that we belong to something eternal.

4. Worship the Consuming God with Reverence and Awe (vv. 28–29)

• God’s fire consumes sin, not His children.

Five Practices of an Unshakable Faith

1. Listen deeply rather than selectively.
2. Hold earthly kingdoms lightly.
3. Welcome God’s refining
4. Worship with intentionality.
5. Stand firm when the world shakes.

Conclusion — Live in The Better Kingdom

• Action Point: Write down three things you trust too much that could be shaken (e.g., a job, a

friendship, a hobby) and pray for God to help you hold them lightly this week.

 

Live into the holy fear that invites us deeper into God’s unshakable kingdom.

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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

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With Pastor Mike Curry.

 

Pastor Mike contrasts Mount Sinai and Mount Zion (Hebrews 12:14–24) to show how the law exposes sin and creates distance from God, while Jesus’ sacrifice and the new covenant welcome sinners into God’s presence.

He urges believers to live as people of Zion by pursuing peace and holiness, uprooting bitterness, guarding their inheritance, and invites those who have not trusted Christ to receive forgiveness and come near.

A Better Mountain

Hebrews 12:14–24

The Big idea: In Christ, we stop living like fearful outsiders and start living as confident people who belong to God.

Introduction: “We’re on the wrong trail”

1. Mount Sinai shows us the problem. (vs.18–21)

• God is holy, and sin is serious.
• Sinful people cannot casually walk into the presence of a holy God.
• Mount Sinai is not where Jesus leaves His people.

2. Mount Zion announces the gift. (vs.22–23)

• Through Jesus, we have come near.
• We belong here!

3. Jesus speaks the better word (v. 24)

• Abel’s blood shed by Cain demanded justice and condemnation.
• Jesus’ blood shed fulfills justice and brings forgiveness.

4. Live like you belong at Zion (vs. 14–17)

• Pursue peace (v.14)
• Pursue holiness (v.14)
• Pull up bitterness roots early (v. 15)
• Guard your inheritance (vs. 16–17)

Conclusion: Live on the better mountain.

Action Steps:

• Ask yourself: Am I relating to God as if I’m still at Sinai—trying to earn, hide, or prove myself? What would it look like, right now, to live from Zion—to receive Jesus’ ‘better word’ of forgiveness and welcome?
• Write down one area of life where you’ve been living in fear or condemnation, and next to it write one truth from Hebrews 12:22–24.
• Pray a simple prayer: “Lord, I’m not at Sinai anymore. Through Jesus, I have come to Zion. I receive Your forgiveness and welcome today.”

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.

Join this sermon exploring Hebrews 12:4–13 as it reframes hardship as God’s loving discipline and training rather than punishment. You’ll be encouraged not to give up, reminded that God is molding your character, and urged to find strength together in community.

Practical guidance is given: pause in hard moments, view trials as God building your strength, and take one small step forward in faith while leaning on others for support.

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A Better Discipline

Hebrews 12:4–13

Main Idea: God’s discipline doesn’t break you—it molds and makes you into who you were meant to be.

Introduction – The Coach who wouldn’t let him quit.

1. When life gets hard, we assume God is displeased (vs. 4–5)
2. Discipline is God’s investment in you not His anger toward you (vs. 6–8)
3. Training aims at transformation, not punishment (vs. 9–11)
4. Strengthen what suffering has weakened (vs. 12–13)

Conclusion – The tree that grew stronger in the storm.

• Action Point: When you feel overwhelmed this week, pause and remind yourself, “This is God building my strength,” then take one small step forward instead of giving up.

Stay rooted and grow strong.

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.

 

It is my privilege to invite you to today's sermon podcast where we reflect on Hebrews 12:1–3 and the call to "throw off everything that hinders" so we can run the race God has set before us.

The message explores how modern distractions weigh us down, urges us to fix our eyes on Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, offers a practical 10‑minute plan to identify and limit one distraction this week, and concludes with the Lord's Supper as a moment to refocus on Christ.

A Better Focus

Hebrews 12:1–3

Big Idea: A better focus fuels your faith journey.

Introduction – The Struggle is Real

1. We are surrounded by distractions (v. 1a)

• Not every weight is a sin.
• We live in an attention

• What has your attention may eventually shape your direction.

1. Following Jesus requires purposeful focus (v. 1b)

• The Christian life is a race that requires endurance.

• Endurance is knowing where you are headed and refusing to quit.
• You have to faithfully run the race marked out for you.

III. Jesus re-centers our attention (v. 2)

• Fix our eyes on Jesus.
• Jesus is the pioneer of our faith.
• Jesus is also the perfecter of our faith.

1. A Jesus-focused life becomes a lighter life (v. 2-3)

• Jesus’ joy becomes our strength.
• Jesus’ endurance becomes our hope.
• Jesus’  faithfulness keeps us from giving up.

Conclusion

• Action Step: Spend 10 minutes this week identifying at least one distraction in your life and write down a specific plan to limit or eliminate it.

 

When you fix your eyes on Jesus, you find the strength to finish your race.

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.

 

Join today’s sermon podcast as the pastor reflects on family photos and Hebrews 11 to explore how the faith of past generations shapes our lives today. The message highlights three truths: our faith receives a legacy, we must choose faith over comfort, and our lives fit into God’s larger redemptive story centered on Jesus.

Practical takeaway: write a short note to someone who influenced your spiritual journey, honor their investment, and commit to passing faith forward to the next generation.

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A Better Plan

Hebrews 11:17–40

The Big Idea: Our individual stories weave into a single tapestry of faith.

Introduction: More Than a Photo

Our Faith Receives a Legacy (Hebrews 11:17–22)

• We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

• Honor the faith passed down to you by practicing it.
• Who helped make your faith possible?

Our Faith Chooses What Matters Most (Hebrews 11:23–38)

• Every generation must choose faith over comfort for the sake of the next.
• Will we choose comfort, or will we choose faithfulness?
• The faith choices you make today may become the freedom someone else walks in tomorrow.

Our Faith Belongs to a Bigger Story (Hebrews 11:39–40)

• God’s better plan is that all His people are completed together in Christ.
• God’s redemptive plan has always included one united family of faith
• Your life is one chapter in a story God has been writing for generations and Christ is the One who brings the whole story together.

Conclusion: Leave Something Behind

Action Point: This week write a note or send a message this week to someone who has influenced your faith, expressing your gratitude for their impact on your spiritual journey.

Together in Christ, we become part of a faith story that outlives us all.

 

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.