The Victory Podcast

Kevin McAllister got left behind by his family. It was fun for a little while, but eventually it was scary and dangerous for him. But through it all, he had people caring for him and looking out for him. From the scary old neighbor who ended up saving him from robbers to his mother who tirelessly worked to get home to her son, Kevin realized that he was never truly alone.

We all have times when we feel lost and alone. This feeling can be magnified at Christmas, when it might seem like you’ve been forgotten by your family, friends, and God. But, like we learn in the story of the Prodigal Son, we are never alone, and God never forgets us. Jesus is right there with us, celebrating with Our Father when we return.

Sermon Text: Luke 15:11-32

Especially among Christians, the Christmas countdown often includes putting ourselves in the place of Old Testament believers. They habitually thought about those Old Testament promises that pointed them to the coming of the Messiah, the promised Savior of all sinners worldwide. They were part of the original Christmas countdown, awaiting the Savior’s birth.

As we focus on a special promise that God purposely repeated when he shared information through his prophet Jeremiah, we join this countdown.

Sermon Text: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Some people have become wary of the Christian Church because they feel that they just ask for money. At times, we all get frustrated that we don’t have as much as someone else. But we find in God’s Word that Jesus is unendingly generous. All that we have – wealth, abilities, status – is from God. And the most important gift he gives to us is grace. Because of Jesus’ generosity, Christians can be inspired to serve others and give generously to others.

Scriptures: Matthew 25:13-40

Some have left the Christian Church because they heard that Christianity hinders scientific progress. But Scripture shows that Jesus loved the natural world and taught us to investigate it so that we might know the Creator even better. When we look at Jesus’ words, we will actually be encouraged to study science, discovering out the world works. And we will find that Christianity is good for scientific progress.

Scriptures: Matthew 6:25-34

Some have left the Christian church because the Bible speaks about eternal judgment in Hell for some. But when we look at the teachings of Jesus, we can see that eternal judgment was not originally intended for humans, but for the devil and his angels. And yet, Jesus wisely judges those who continue to harm those around them and refuse his love and forgiveness. When we study Jesus’ words on eternal judgment, we find that this message is good for society as it keeps us from being the judges and inflicting vengeance on our enemies.

Scriptures: Matthew 25:31-46

Some have left the Christian Church because they have witnessed Christians treating men and women differently. While the Bible makes it clear that men and women are different, the elevation of one gender over another is not Scriptural.  Jesus challenged the gender inequality of his day and ours as he met with the Samaritan woman at the well.  If we follow Jesus’ words and example, the Christian Church will be good for both men and women.

Scriptures: John 4:1-26

Some people have left the Christian Church because they have witnessed abuse and neglect of the most vulnerable among Christians. Many of these people have been victims of the Church and have come to associate Christianity with pain. Yet, Jesus spoke strongly against any form of abuse or maltreatment to anyone who is vulnerable, especially children.  When we faithfully follow Jesus’ words, the Christian church becomes a group that supports children, the poor, and the oppressed.

Scriptures: Matthew 20:20-28

Some people have left the Christian Church because they heard that Christianity supports racism. But when we look to the life and teaching of Jesus, we see Jesus confronting the systemic racism of his day, not encouraging or continuing racist practices. When we follow Jesus’ teachings, the Christian Church can begin to break down the racial barriers we see in our culture to share Jesus’ love with all people.

Scriptures: Luke 10:25-37

Even after all the work is done on the temple, there is still lingering corruption and challenges. Nehemiah stays vigilant and calls God’s people to remain faithful to the work of building and maintaining God’s house.

As we accomplish God-sized visions, there will be ongoing work to do. At Victory, we learn from each opportunity we take, and we continue to go back to our mission and values to stay focused on the work. If you have fallen away from worship, serving, or groups, now is a great time to refocus and reconnect at Victory as we all work to help people find their victory in Christ.

Scriptures: Nehemiah 13

The walls were up, and it was time to gather at the temple as God’s people. Nehemiah and Ezra read God’s Word to the crowds. The people are moved by God’s Word. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the people repent, and a revival begins.

Our Ministry Center is an important building where God’s people gather. But it’s not the building itself that is important. The move of God comes through the Word of God. That’s why it’s essential that Victory pursues opportunities to reach people in our community and across the world through digital tools and outreach opportunities. And each person at Victory can be a part of this spreading of the Gospel.