The Word from Mountain View

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.

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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.

1. 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”

1. 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

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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

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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

1. 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.
2. Discipleship: The process of growing in our relationship with God and inviting others to join us on the journey of grace.

Three Critical Questions

1. 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.

1. 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

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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.

1. 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)

1. 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).

1. 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

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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

1. Seeking Grace (Luke 19:10)
2. God’s prevenient grace, goes before us, reaches out to us in numerous ways, and draws us to the heart of God.
3. God reaching out to bring his children back to himself (Luke 15:1-31).
4. The lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son.
5. Saving Grace (Rom. 6:23)
6. We cannot save ourselves; only God can save us by his grace (Romans 2:8-10).
7. Salvation is being “born again” (John 3).
8. Christ made our salvation possible (Rom. 1:17-18).

III. Sanctifying Grace (1 Thess. 5:23-24)

1. God’s sanctifying grace deals with the inward nature that compels us to demand our own way, which often leads to sin.
2. 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).
3. Sustaining Grace (Jude vv. 24-25)
4. 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).
5. God transforms believers into the image of his Son as we grow in his grace (Gal. 4:19).
6. 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

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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!

1. Paul followed Christ’s example. (1 Cor. 11:1)
2. Paul encouraged believers to “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
3. Christ’s Example: Personal Investment in his disciples.
4. Paul was not a Lone Ranger.
5. Paul invested in fellow believers at every level of ministry. (Romans 16:1-15)
6. (Extra)ordinary disciples assisted Paul, supported his ministry, and got involved in building God’s kingdom through discipleship in local churches.
7. Paul’s ministry flourished in local communities of faith. Why?
   1. Paul trained and left lay leaders in charge.

III. Paul welcomed everyone who showed an interest in God’s kingdom.

1. Every community of faith must provide a welcoming and nurturing environment to everyone who visits.
2. The Holy Spirit draws those who need Christ through prevenient grace.
3. Christ’s disciples must accept responsibility.

Conclusion (Matthew 28:19-20)

1. The Great Commission wasn’t ONLY for those called to fulltime Christian service.
2. The Great Commission is to EVERY
3. 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

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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

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Welcome to today's sermon podcast, where we delve into the profound themes of faith, transformation, and spiritual security. We explore the human tendencies to seek comfort in worldly "pacifiers" amidst life's challenges. Through powerful biblical examples, from the Israelites' journey to the disciples' post-resurrection experiences, we learn the importance of moving beyond our comforting routines to embrace a fearless, bold faith in Jesus Christ.

With compelling stories and a focus on the true source of security and transformation, discover how you can live boldly for God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This sermon invites you to unlock the doors of spiritual confinement, to let Christ into every aspect of your life, and to boldly stand as a witness to His miracles and love.

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With Pastor Mike Curry.

When the Miracle Fades

John 20:19-31

Main Idea: True transformation comes not from merely witnessing miracles, but from a personal "death and resurrection" experience with Christ that leads to a fearless and bold faith.

1. Introduction – How many pacifiers do we need?
2. Our Tendency to Forget

1. Old Testament Examples

• Deuteronomy 8:11-14

• Psalm 106:7, 13

1. A New Testament Example

• John 20:19

• Miracles alone don't change us

1. Inner transformation is necessary

• 2 Corinthians 5:17

1. Illustration of True Transformation: Ibaragi Kun

• Revelation 12:10-11

1. Jesus’ Disciples were transformed through encountering the Risen Savior

• What happens between John 20 and Acts 2?
• Acts 4:13

1. Action Points
   • What are your pacifiers – which doors in your life have you locked?
   • Unlock your hearts and receive Christ's transforming presence
     • Ephesians 3:16-19
     • Romans 12:2

 

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

Join us in today's sermon podcast as we delve into the profound significance of the resurrection of Christ, reflecting on the parallels between the greatest escape stories and the ultimate escape of Jesus from the tomb. We explore how such a monumental event can transform our faith and understanding of God's plan for our lives.

Through personal anecdotes, scriptural insights from John 20 and 1 Corinthians 15, and an analysis of the resurrection event as a historical and spiritual cornerstone of Christianity, this sermon seeks to invigorate your faith. It invites you to embrace the newness of life through Christ's resurrection power, securing victory over sin and death.

Experience how the resurrection declares victory, confirms Christ's identity, and secures hope for believers, urging each of us to live with purpose and authenticity. As we commemorate Resurrection Day, let this message inspire you to step out in faith and respond to God's invitation to transform your life.

With Pastor Mike Curry

“The Greatest Escape!”

John 20:1-18

Main Idea: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith, proving His victory over sin and death, and offering believers new life, hope, and reconciliation with God.

Introduction: Great Escape Movies!

The Great(est) Escape: An Empty Tomb and a Risen Lord

The Great Discovery v. 1-2:

"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!" (Matthew 28:6)

Great Reactions v. 3-10

Peter & John

Eyewitness Encounter v. 11-18

The resurrection wasn't just a spiritual idea; it was a physical, historical event witnessed by many. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

III. The Great Significance: Why the Resurrection Changes Everything

Victory Declared:

Over Sin (Romans 4:25)

Over Death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

Identity Confirmed:

The resurrection validated Jesus' claims to be the Son of God. (Romans 1:4)

Hope Secured:

Eternal Life (John 11:25-26)

New Life Now (Romans 6:4, Ephesians 1:18-20)

Faith Founded:

The resurrection is non-negotiable (1 Corinthians 15:12-22)

Our Great Escape: How to Live in the Light of the Resurrection

Live with Hope (1 Peter 1:3)

Live without Fear (1 John 4:19)

Live in Freedom (Romans 8:1-2)

Live with Purpose (Matthew 6:33)

Live Transformed (Romans 12:1-2)

He is Risen! This isn't just an ancient story;

 it's a present reality with power for today and hope for eternity.

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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