“Discover the true joy of Christmas in this heartfelt message. Reflecting on the anticipation of Christ’s coming, the story of the Incarnation, and how Jesus brings lasting joy into our lives, this sermon encourages us to embrace and share the miracle of Christmas. Join us in celebrating the hope, peace, and joy of the season, and invite someone to experience the transformative power of Jesus this Christmas Eve!”
🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay inspired this season! 📖 Bible Reference: John 1:1-14, Luke 2

00:00 - 00:27  
Opening: Merry Christmas Message  
00:28 - 00:54  
The Meaning of Christmas Eve Services  
00:55 - 01:25  
Prayer for Heart Change and Life Transformation  
01:26 - 02:15  
Anticipation of Christmas: From Kids to Ozzy the Dog  
02:16 - 02:50  
Ozzy’s Barkbox and Christmas Joy  
02:51 - 03:43  
Barkbox Christmas Anticipation: A Lighthearted Comparison  
03:44 - 04:15  
Celebrating Christmas as Followers of Jesus  
04:16 - 05:00  
Introduction to the Word: The Incarnation of Jesus  
05:01 - 06:03  
John’s Version of Christmas: Jesus as God and Savior  
06:04 - 07:36  
The Eternal Jesus: The Incarnation Story  
07:37 - 08:17  
The Anticipation of Christmas Joy  
08:18 - 09:14  
Advent Candles: Joy and Anticipation of Christ’s Coming  
09:15 - 10:26  
Difference Between “Joy in the World” and “Joy to the World”  
10:27 - 11:37  
Reflecting on Joy and Right Relationships with Jesus  
11:38 - 12:43  
The True Joy of Emmanuel: God With Us  
12:44 - 13:50  
The Light of Jesus: Overcoming Darkness with Joy  
13:51 - 14:53  
The Good News of Great Joy  
14:54 - 15:39  
Christmas Traditions and Reflecting Joy  
15:40 - 16:44  
Participation in the Christmas Miracle Offering  
16:45 - 18:06  
The Call to Be Part of the Christmas Miracle  
18:07 - 19:54  
The Temporary Nature of Earthly Joy vs. Everlasting Joy  
19:55 - 21:57  
What Is True Joy to the World?  
21:58 - 23:50  
How Joy Comes to Us, Resides in Us, and Works Through Us  
23:51 - 25:44  
Christians and the Joy of Jesus: A Lifelong Testimony  
25:45 - 27:35  
The Overflowing Joy of Jesus in Every Situation  
27:36 - 28:42  
Church Traditions That Bring Joy to the Season  
28:43 - 30:12  
The Shepherds’ Joyful Response to the Birth of Jesus  
30:13 - 32:51  
The Shepherds’ Transformation and the Call to Share Joy  
32:52 - 34:24  
Invitation to Christmas Eve Services and Commitment to Christ  
34:25 - 36:58  
Salvation Prayer and Final Encouragement for Christmas Joy

0:00 Celebration
5:00 Winter Medley
8:58 Christmas Praise
14:01 Joy to the World
18:26 Hosting Slot
24:37 God Made a Way
27:26 It’s Christmas
32:10 A Baby Changes Everything
38:15 Let us Adore Him
42:50 Joy! He Shall Reign
48:10 Wonderful
58:00 Halls

Join us for an inspiring message exploring the story of Abraham’s faith journey in Genesis. Learn how God’s promises, tests, and provision shape our faith and trust in Him. Dive into the miracle offering, understanding Jehovah Jireh as our provider, and discovering how faith grows through challenges and obedience.

0:00 - Welcome and Introduction
0:36 - Remembering the Tests of Life
1:11 - Journey into Genesis: Abraham's Story Begins
2:15 - God's Promise and Abraham's Response
4:36 - Trusting God vs. Following Human Reasoning
6:32 - Reflection: Tests of Faith in Our Journey with Jesus
9:09 - The Doubts and Faith of Abraham and Sarah
12:28 - The Consequences of Our Own Plans
14:17 - God's Covenant and Reminder of His Promise
17:12 - Sarah and Abraham’s Laughter at God’s Plan
21:09 - The Test of Isaac: God’s Unbearable Request
27:06 - Faith in Action: Abraham's Obedience
29:33 - God’s Provision: Jehovah Jireh
36:11 - Jesus Foreshadowed in the Story of Isaac
38:00 - Miracle Offering: Trusting God in Generosity
41:24 - Prayer and Closing Remarks

Join us as we delve into Genesis 13–19, exploring the story of Abraham, Lot, and the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Pastor Christian Lembeck leads us through the contrasts between faithfulness and rebellion, humility and corruption, and God’s unfathomable grace amidst judgment. Discover the profound lessons from this biblical narrative and how they challenge us to bring light into our cities today.

Timestamps:
• 00:00 - 00:27 – Welcome & Introduction Pastor Christian Lembeck welcomes everyone to Venture Church and introduces today’s message: Genesis 13–19, focusing on Abraham, Lot, and Sodom and Gomorrah.
• 00:28 - 02:26 – The Story of Abraham: Imperfect Faithfulness Abraham’s journey of faith is contrasted with the sinful culture of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing God’s grace and Abraham’s role as an example.
• 02:27 - 03:37 – Two Paths of Life: Trust vs. Rebellion The choice between trusting God and following self-made paths is outlined using Abraham’s faith and Sodom’s corruption as examples.
• 03:38 - 05:59 – The Biblical View of Cities: Sodom and Gomorrah’s Warning Pastor Christian discusses the Bible’s critical perspective on cities during this time, often seen as places of power, corruption, and rebellion.
• 06:00 - 10:21 – Lot’s Journey: Drawn to the City Lot’s decision to settle near Sodom highlights the danger of being influenced by corrupt cultures rather than transforming them for God’s glory.
• 10:22 - 16:00 – Abraham’s Courage: Rescuing Lot Abraham demonstrates his faith and courage by rescuing Lot, showing his trust in God’s provision and guidance.
• 16:01 - 20:11 – God’s Graciousness: Abraham Intercedes for Sodom God’s mercy is displayed as Abraham intercedes for Sodom, negotiating with God to save the city for the sake of a few righteous people.
• 20:12 - 25:17 – The Warning of Sodom’s Corruption The infamous account of Sodom’s moral decay and violence serves as a stark warning about the consequences of rejecting God’s ways. • 25:18 - 30:19 – God’s Mercy for Lot and His Family Despite their flaws, Lot and his family are shown mercy as angels lead them out of Sodom before its destruction.
• 30:20 - 33:00 – The Redemption of the City: God’s Ultimate Plan Pastor Christian highlights God’s desire to redeem cities, culminating in the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation.
• 33:01 - 36:56 – Call to Action: Be a Light in the City The message concludes with a challenge to live out Abraham’s radical hospitality and engage cities with God’s love and light.

Join us as we dive back into the book of Genesis, exploring the story of Abraham in Genesis 12. Pastor Brandon unpacks the profound lessons from Abraham’s life—his faith, obedience, and even his failures. Discover how Abraham’s journey parallels our struggles and victories in trusting God’s promises. Don’t miss this powerful message that will inspire you to step out in faith and believe in God’s provision for your life.

00:00:00 - Opening Prayer
00:00:34 - Introduction: The Two Halves of Genesis
00:01:14 - Abraham: A Journey of Faith and Obedience
00:03:01 - Why Abraham is Central to Scripture
00:05:26 - God’s Call to Abraham: Go from Your Country
00:08:14 - Abraham’s Faith and the Test of Obedience
00:13:18 - Relating to Abraham’s Failures
00:15:19 - The Four Failures of Abraham
00:21:26 - Abraham’s Second Command: Be a Blessing
00:24:27 - How We’re Called to Be a Blessing Too
00:27:33 - The Tests that Follow Obedience
00:31:08 - Abraham’s Journey to Egypt and Its Consequences
00:36:10 - Lessons from Abraham’s Doubt and Humanity
00:39:15 - The Challenge of Outrageous Faith Today
00:40:28 - Closing Challenge and Prayer

In today’s message, Pastor Morgan dives into Genesis 11, exploring the story of the Tower of Babel and its relevance for us. He unpacks humanity’s tendency to build personal empires, often at the expense of our relationship with God, and contrasts this with God’s ultimate invitation to partner in His kingdom. We’re reminded that while ambition and achievement aren’t wrong, true fulfillment and purpose come from aligning our lives with God’s will. Join us as we reflect on what it means to heed God’s invitation to “come” and find purpose in building His kingdom.

00:00 - Pastor’s Introduction & Gratitude for Community
00:22 - Reflecting on Support and Joy in Ministry
00:48 - Introducing the Genesis Series & Humanity’s Story
02:28 - Setting the Scene: Post-Flood & God’s Promise
04:16 - Noah’s Descendants and the Call to Multiply
05:03 - Tower of Babel: Humanity’s Ambition and Unity
06:07 - The Meaning Behind Tall Structures & Humanity’s Flex
08:16 - Motivations of Fame, Security, and Independence
10:23 - Misplaced Ambition vs. God’s Call to Faith
11:23 - Genesis of Self-Sufficiency & Replacement of God
16:06 - Humanity’s Repeated Missteps and God’s Grace
20:10 - Humanity’s “Come” vs. God’s “Come”
26:04 - God’s Motivation: Unity in Relationship with Us
28:56 - Dispersing at Babel: God’s Grace and New Beginnings
29:32 - Building Our Kingdoms vs. Building God’s Kingdom
30:37 - God’s Call to “Come” for Transformation
35:06 - Invitation to Respond: Building with God’s Purpose
36:21 - Closing Prayer: Embracing God’s Invitation

In this powerful message, Pastor Brandon from Venture Church takes us through a deep dive into Genesis Chapter 5. In this teaching, Pastor Brandon puts on his “Doctor Brandon hat” and helps us see God’s patience and mercy through the genealogy of Adam, ultimately revealing a hidden prophecy of Jesus’ coming. You’ll hear about the incredible significance behind names like Methuselah, Enoch, and Noah, and how each of them plays a crucial role in God’s redemptive story. This message will challenge and inspire you to see the Bible in a new light and recognize how God’s plan for our salvation has been in motion since the beginning of time.
Don’t miss this eye-opening sermon that will leave you in awe of God’s depth of love and mercy for you. Grab your Bibles and get ready to dig deep into the Word!
 
Key Topics:
• The genealogy of Genesis 5 explained
• The prophetic meaning of Methuselah’s name
• The hidden message in the lineage of Adam to Noah
• God’s patience and mercy throughout history
• The prophecy of Jesus’ second coming foretold in Genesis

00:00 - Welcome and Introduction
00:24 - Series Overview: Studying Genesis
01:08 - Story of Cain and Abel: Sin and God’s Mercy
02:38 - Introduction to Seth and Enoch
05:07 - Apostasy Begins in the Time of Enosh
07:27 - Introduction to the Genealogy of Genesis 5
10:19 - The Importance of the Genealogy in Genesis 5
16:01 - Enoch’s Walk with God and His Prophecy
21:19 - Methuselah’s Prophetic Name and Significance
23:32 - The Flood and the Prophecy of Methuselah's Death
26:38 - The Prophetic Meaning of the Names in Genesis 5
30:15 - Jesus’ Redemption Plan in the Genealogy of Genesis 5
33:38 - Invitation to Salvation and Prayer